I’ve been trying to think about what you might like to know about me. What’s salient? What would interest you?

So … … see if this works:

I grew up in a suburb of Philadelphia and was influenced by my decades, chiefly the 50’s and 60’s. So it was a divergent life. We belonged to a country club (that I loathed) and on the other hand, I inhaled the 60’s revolution with vigor and conviction, believing fully that the hippies and intellectuals could bring this world into a freer, safer, more loving place and space.

I graduated from a public high school and went on to acquire two Masters degrees … … … one in Speech Pathology and one in Interior Design. I had no idea where I belonged professionally … and didn’t until I was almost 40. At that point, GOD made it clear to me that I’m a writer.

So I zigged and zagged. I moved from Philly to Washington to New York, Philly again and then Virginia Beach for the past 20 years. I’ve had a lot of different jobs and occupations, my very favorite being that of an ice cream truck driver in my late 30’s where I made really decent money and had a blast with the kids.

But the most impactful experience of my life was a 20 year battle with severe clinical depression that decimated me for many months at a time, every couple of years. It was beyond dreadful. Really horrific. If you have suffered from crippling depression that is severe enough to be classified as mental illness, then only you know what I’m talking about.

But here’s the truly swell news. GOD healed me. Long story.

If you’re really interested, read my book AWAKENINGS.

It details the struggle, the anguish, the lengths of despair I sank into before I turned to GOD for help. Once I did, He healed me.

Not overnight, but slowly and surely and completely.

Now, through the gifts that GOD has given me … … … I paint and photograph and write and perform my work … … … I get to share my journey with others. It’s an exciting life and one which I never dared dream would ever be mine.

If you want to talk, please Email me. Tell me what’s happening in your world.

All best to you … … …

Toni Lisa