I was born and raised here in central Wisconsin, and always loved art. My high School art Teacher thought I should pursue it as a career, I decided not to, and have regretted that decision ever since. I stumbled across this site a few years back and became enthralled with all of the amazing artwork on display, I was in Nirvana, able to shed the days stress by viewing what everyone was doing. It didn’t take long before I started saving artists to my favorites, and in doing so, started to add stress back into my life. The list had grown so large, that it soon became impossible to always comment even with just a few words, for the work they all had posted.  So,…if you’re reading this and wonder as to why I don’t always remark on something you’ve done, it’s not because your talent or post wasn’t worthy, but simply because I don’t have the time. For that, I apologize most sincerely.
I am divorced, with three incredible children, my youngest is now seventeen, going on 28. I don’t think I’m going to allow her to date until probably her forties. I’m currently in a relationship, and have been for more than just a few years ( too long to not have a ring yet,….at least in her eyes. ), with the most amazing woman. It’s nice to feel loved and cared for, but I don’t feel as if I deserve her sometimes.

Cheri is a new member here, posting under elfin14doaks. It took me well over a year to get her to check this site and you all out, but now that she has, I think she's found her niche. Thank you all so much for welcoming  and accepting her, I don't recall ever seeing her happier. I may have helped to create a monster though, used to be she rarely turned her computer on, now it's the first thing she does when she gets home. Her first endeavor, is to scan through all of her folders of photos, to try and find something worthy of you to post, then she'll spend hours going through the galleries, commenting on everything that catches her eye. You all have helped to create and instill a sense of purpose in her life,......for that I thank you!!
I’m hoping to finally be able to purchase that which I feel I need, in order to someday be able to start creating and posting art of my own. Until then, I really don’t feel as though I could ever be critical of anything someone posts here, it wouldn’t be fair, to not have exposed myself to the same. I love this community and the people in it, I don’t think it possible to find such a large and diverse group of caring and nurturing individuals anywhere else.
I came because of the art,……..but stayed because of you!!