I cannot remember a time, in my whole life, when I wasn’t into living my dream. I would lay awake at night, when I was just five years old, dreaming of the possibilities. I learned very early on, from a very eccentric uncle, who owned Vit-A-Mix, watched Jack Lalanne (the Godfather of modern fitness), and ate raw peanut butter, that if you didn’t advocate for yourself… who would?  When I walked into my first health food store in 1977, I learned to advocate for my own health. I was 16 years old.

It was not always so cut and dried however, I made the conscious choice to indulge in a life that included drinking and experimental drug use. That life led to several out of body experiences that brought my focus back to the garden, as I love to say. I have learned to truly love my body, this life I had been blessed with, and the people that have influenced me along the way.

At 31 years sober, I am the woman I dreamed of being at five. My commitment is to inspire others who have had similar life experiences and to show them how easy it is to eat well, learn about self-care, take their health into their own hands, heal their mind, body, and soul and start living their dream.

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After 25 years owning and operating the  Fur Peace Ranch my husband and I shifted gears. The Fur Peace Ranch included a music school, a concert hall, with a live NPR radio show, a restaurant, specializing in authentic Pho made with local ingredients from local farms, a retreat center, and an art gallery, which celebrated the rich and unique story of a community of musical artists and activists whose work in the 1960s influenced the sounds, looks, tastes, and attitudes of a generation. We sold the Ranch to new owners with the same vision and it became the Lavender Ranch Wellness and Retreat Center.

Our vision continues with a beautiful beautiful and gallery in downtown Athens, Ohio called the River of Time Boutique & Gallery. Nestled in between Donkey Coffee and Salaam Mediterranean Restaurant, we welcome guests in to celebrate the art of gift giving in one of the most unique shops. Giving the right gift is an art that sparks joy and gratitude at just the right time and can make someone feel unique and loved. We carry creative home accents, delightful and eclectic accessories, have a special children’s corner, beautiful and artistic women’s clothing, and a host of whimsical items to make you smile.  Visit our gallery space and be visually transported to another place and time, and if you stay tuned… you can attend one of our monthly intimate music events.

If that were not enough and apparently my love runs deep for health and wellness…I am a Health Coach, an Aromatherapist, an ordained minister, and last, but certainly not least, the best job of all… I am a mother.