I am a self-described outdoor enthusiast, world traveler (always glad to return home), people person and now novice BLOGGER!  My husband and I live on a family farm just off the Roanoke River.  My husband’s family has lived on and worked this farm for five generations (since 1881) and we feel blessed to carry on the family tradition.

After growing up in Eastern North Carolina, I attended, first, Pitt Community College and, then East Carolina University.  I graduated with my BS in School/Community Health and a concentration in Social Science.  I also earned my MA in Health Education from ECU.  Among other educational components, my curriculum included international studies, nutrition, personal and community health, marketing, research, cultural awareness and appreciation, networking, and community development.

Over the course of my career I have worked in: retail, fitness, volunteerism, recreation, education, public health, research, marketing, tourism, and community and economic development.  In recent years I have worked (both paid and as a volunteer) in a number of regional efforts to promote tourism and economic development in Eastern North Carolina.  Currently, I am the Executive Director for Roanoke River Partners, Inc., a grassroots non-profit that works with small towns, businesses and organizations to cultivate and promote eco-tourism and cultural heritage initiatives that expand our region’s rural economic opportunities.

In addition to being engaged in regional development at home, I have been involved in a number of international projects.  These include: a Habitat for Humanity International project to Guatemala; a women’s and children’s health project in Ukraine; a health-related research project at the University of Sydney in Australia; a tour of an American owned business in China; and Friendship Force International exchanges with Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Brazil.  To date, I have had the good fortune to travel to sixteen countries outside the United States ~ where many of which I was hosted by local families with whom I remain friends (by far my favorite way to travel).

As luck would have it, we have one wonderful daughter who is the devoted mother of three.  My husband and I are adoring grandparents to our three grandchildren and we enjoy having them as well as other family and friends visit us on the farm.   We are truly grateful for the simple joys and sense of satisfaction that come from living “close to the land.”