I started sewing and crafting when my youngest daughter turned one. My two girls were only one year and ten days apart. I would sew late at night sometimes until one or two in the morning. I met a wonderful friend, Carol who helped me become not only a better crafter, but a better person. We began doing the craft show circuit. I would travel to garage sales, estate sales and thrift stores to find unique items for my creations. I would also find some beautiful vintage items along the way. The craft business started to slow, due to the influx of imports, etc. and then Carol moved away to join the love of her life in Las Vegas.

I gave up sewing and took up antiquing. I took a small space in a local co-op and really enjoyed it. My aunt opened up a co-op and I also took a small space with her. The small space grew and grew. I started mixing old and new. I named the business “A Wing and a Bear” after my love of bears and angels. I travel all over to find unique gifts, especially ones that have a vintage flair. I took over a baby business in 2003. This became “A Wing and a Baby Bear”. I have clothes and accessories from newborn through size 4T. I love what I do! The only thing that I miss is sewing. I recently started cleaning out and reorganizing my old craft/sewing room so that I can begin making handmade creations again. I hope to share these with you in the future!

Shortly after I started my baby business, I was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. I was admitted to the hospital with what I thought was a stomach virus. Unfortunately the MRIs and scans showed several spots on my pancreas and surrounding ducts. I had to tell my family, including my two girls that I was going to die. This was the hardest thing I had to do! I feel very fortunate that I had so many people praying for me! I had people of all faiths doing prayer chains. Through the grace of God the spots disappeared or were justified in some other way. I had a blocked, infected bile duct which almost killed me, but I made it through. I still suffer with GI problems, but I did not die from cancer! This experience has changed my life. I believe in the power of prayer and have a new appreciation for everything around me. I am so happy that I am here to watch my daughter’s grow into young adults. I am happy running my businesses. I am also happy to share my finds with you. God Bless!