Hobbies and Interests

Working On My “Bucket List”

In case you don’t know what “bucket list” is, there is a movie you can rent called “Bucket List” and it’s funny and sad. It’s a story about two men who were dying. They made a list of everything they wanted to do before they “kicked the bucket”. Then, they set out to do it. Pick it up and watch it if you haven’t seen it.

The older I get the more I want to play, experience, discover and accomplish. Hot air ballooning was the last thing I crossed off my list but I definitely want to go again!

The next place I want to travel is Hawaii, I’ve never been there. I want to take a helicopter ride over the islands and see the waterfalls, I want to backpack through the mountains, see the volcanos, visit the plantations, meet the people, experience the food, the culture and walk the beaches.

I don’t want to get to the end of my life and say, “If I had only . . . “

A Passion for Foster Children

After fostering for 15 years off and on, I saw first hand the broken hearts and dreams of these kids. They are precious. I loved having them. We had fun together as I was able to minister to their spirits and help them see how loved and valuable they were.

I’ll never forget Joey, who at 7 years old, went to the grocery store for the first time with me and he was overwhelmed with excitement when I pulled a cart out. He’d never used a cart because that meant a lot of food. He helped me pick our Thanksgiving turkey and again, he was just so excited about the size of that thing.

I’ll never forget a sibling group of girls who I allowed to discover my closet, makeup and jewelry box. Oh my,did they have fun. Need I say more? The weekend was filled with dress up and fashion shows.

I’ll never forget a 15 year old girl who didn’t know she was a princess. I drew her a bubble bath, layed out beautiful towels and soaps, lit a candle, put on some relaxing music and left her to soak. She was glowing when she came out. She understood what a wonderful thing it was to be a young lady and a princess.

I’ll never forget Michael, who at the age of 8, had never seen a picture of himself. I took him shopping for some new “duds” and I did a photo shoot of him. He grinned from ear to ear and couldn’t believe he “looked so handsome”.

The stories go on about tea parties for the girls, and Steve teaching the young boys about secret BBQ tips. Baking and making a mess in the kitchen, piling on the bed with bowls of popcorn for everyone while we watched a movie, birthday parties, slumber parties, and little league.

I made it a priority for every child coming into my home to have a scrapbook of our times together and a reminder of how special they are. Needless to say, these books are their prized possessions.

My Scrapbooking Hobby Opened Many Doors

From the age of 11, I kept my own scrapbooks. Today, my children all have their life stories, family memories and traditions tucked in albums. My hobby lead me to opportunities I’m grateful for.

Doors have opened that have allowed me to be a scrapbook designer for manufactures. My work has been published in idea books, in-store billboards, product packaging, and even the cover of QVC. I’ve been a guest on craft TV shows as well as attended nationwide scrapbooking conventions to demonstrate product and ideas for use. I enjoy teaching at conventions, retreats, stores, etc. I even have a small fan club. Very fun .

I authored a hands-on training and book for social workers and foster parents on how to make scrapbooks for children in care. That’s been a blessing

Other Things I Enjoy

Baking. I make a mean apple pie. I love baking, especially at Christmas. We have many Christmas traditional foods we anticipate all year long. These recipes go back from my girlhood.

Personal development books over a good cup of English Breakfast tea.

Watching on ocassions, The Food Network, Travel and Discover channels. Not a big TV and Movie fan.

Camping and Hiking are super fun for me. I will admit, I’ve gone from throwing a sleeping bag on the ground to using an air mattress, but I still enjoy tent camping or sleeping under the stars. There’s just nothing quite like it. My favorite place to camp is Zion National Park, and the Grand Canyon in Utah and Davidson River in NC.

Homemade soup, fireplaces and quilts in the winter.

Old fashioned picnics in the park and BBQ’s with friends in the summertime.

Spur of the moment things. I can up and go in a heartbeat. I love being spontaneous.

Click here to learn more about my business journey.

Click here to learn more about my family.

Click here for my mission statement.

Click here to “Meet Debbie”