I was born on October 29, 1953
At birth, I was 6 lbs, 3 oz, with a head full of dark hair. I have one sister, four years older than I.
My maiden name is Lowe.
My heritage is mainly, I think, English and German. But, my great grandmother on my daddy’s side was full-blooded, I believe, Chiricahua Apache, as told to me by my aunt, Daddy’s little sister. I never knew my Granddaddy Lowe, but his Native American ancestry really showed in his portrait.
I think it’s cool to be part Native American.
I grew up in
Plant City, FL
Our town was old when I knew it. I’m glad to say it’s still much the same now, only downtown has a lot of specialty and antiques shops, instead of dime stores and drugstores, etc.
As I think about it, I never saw any litter anywhere: in town, in our neighborhood, on the roads or in the woods. Here, people respected each other and each other’s property. Or, maybe it was just the times.
My childhood summers were spent barefooted, of course, tromping in the “woods”—the undeveloped lots in my neighborhood, wooded with pines, palmettos, and “stickers” (blackberries).
We played in a flowing sand-bottomed creek, which, I guess, was a ditch, that ran through a cow pasture. Its clean, tannic water was populated with minnows, tadpoles and frogs, turtles, and crawfish.
We caught many of
these critters, hatched a couple of turtle eggs we found and kept them as pets for a while.
Daddy was a citrus grove inspector. He would bring home gopher tortoises for us, as pets, till we let them loose again.
We had traditional pets, too: parakeets, hamsters, and a beautiful, very sweet long-haired white kitty who came to us as a tiny kitten covered in dirty motor oil from hiding in a car engine. She was our joy for 18 years.
You may be able to tell, lol, that I really am fond of my hometown (and good memories of childhood), and even want to move back to the Plant City area…in the country, with room for my future horse! My hubby Jerry is agreeable. —All according to how the Lord works it out.
I’ve Lived in Florida all of my life
I consider myself a Southerner, though I was told Florida is not a Southern state! But, to me, it is! It’s certainly the southernmost state, location-wise.
When I was growing up, the western side of the state, where Plant City is located, was, indeed, Southern in its mindset: Everyone was “well met.” It was a quiet town full of friendliness. I was never aware of hatred or prejudice. In a child’s eyes, we all were polite and cordial to each other as human beings.
My hometown was named for Henry B. Plant, who opened up the western side of Florida with a railroad in the 1800s. Plant City was incorporated in 1885.
When I was 11, we moved to Winter Haven, then Orlando. As an adult, I lived in Mount Dora, and now, with Jerry my husband, in Apopka.
I’m a Writer and Photographer
My most enjoyable times working were as a freelance writer for newspapers and magazines, and as freelance photographer before and after. You can see my portfolio here.
My story and photos (left) were featured in Florida Living, a statewide magazine on Florida’s history, heritage, and fun things to do in the state.
I Restore Photos
I taught myself photo manipulation with an “antique” version of Photoshop Elements. I have become quite good with restoring damaged photos. Here’s my site.
This photo (right) was torn into pieces and taped together. What a challenge!!
I’m a Pet Sitter
I’m very fond of animals—and caring for them in their owners’ absence is a joy. Also, in preparation for someday having a horse of my own, I have done horse care for several years. This is my pet-sitting site.
I am a Nature and Animal Lover
In the midst of God’s creation is where I am closest to Him.
Being with animals, I feel the love of God; and, sitting quietly in a natural setting is where I find the most peace for my soul.
It physically grieves me to see trees cut down and destroyed to bring in more pavement and buildings. I mourn to see their dead bodies lying on the ground like dead soldiers on a battlefield. Then, they are heaped into a burn pile.
I have asked God for a small motor-home RV and the ability to travel, so that my hubby and I can trek the back roads and explore the small towns of our great country.
I love “the South” and the Great Smoky Mountains!
My idea of a vacation is the journey, rather than the destination.
I treasure the times I was able to explore rural and small-town South, and travel through the impressive, green Great Smoky Mountains. I thrill, driving in northwest Georgia, when I get the first glimpse of the foothills, because those lush mountains enchant me. My heart beats faster just to think about it! Lol. I just LOVE those mountains—and all the quaint sights hidden in them!
My heart aches to travel! I haven’t been away since 1997!
Jerry and I married October 13, 2004 and have never been able to go away together. God has been so good to sustain us, but we haven’t been able to travel. I’m still believing for that!!
Some of what I like to Photograph:
I made a photo book for myself of some of my favorite photos and some Bible verses I like. I created this a few years ago to encourage myself as I wait for better times.
I digitally restored and enhanced my old photos from negatives and prints of what I had shot in the 1970s when my parents and I would tour the southeast U.S.A.
I truly believe God will bring us into better times, giving us the gift of travel, because He knows that’s my heart’s desire.
His Word promises, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” —Psalm 37:4.
