Story and place are the two major themes of my working life, whether it is rug hooking, writing, teaching or home decorating. Growing up in rural Nova Scotia, provided me with a strong sense of community and family. It is this foundation on which I have built a personal belief system.
When I was a girl I handcrafted many items. I had generous aunts and cousins who taught me about the immersive, healing world of stitching. I was encouraged through praise and interest in whatever I was doing, and so I fell in love with the world of textile, design, and domestics.
I began a degree in home economics but missed my home and my mother so began my second year of studies at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, which was much closer to family.
My world is made larger through reading, and British television. I consider myself to be an old soul who would much rather spend time alone, with loved ones, my adult child, and our fur babies. A high school English and Art teacher for the last 25 years, I have recently retired to pursue my dream of writing and teaching the world about the power of creating and its strong link to mental wellness and healing.
In 2019, my partner of 30 years passed away suddenly, leaving my daughter and me to begin a very long journey without him. Rug hooking saved my sanity during the really difficult times and provides powerful healing as our lives move forward without him.
I carry much hope in my heart that there are many more parts to my story, and I am very happy to share it with you through rug hooking, blogging, teaching, and learning.
Melissa
