About Jo—circa 1998

Mother, artist, computer teacher, computer consultant, art teacher, sister, bi-lingual (French and English), builder, jogger, nutrition oriented, romantic, dreamer, nature lover, do-it-yourselfer Piscean.

A Maine resident, former member of the Art Guild of the Kennebunks, Kennebunkport, Maine. Later, as a New Hampshire resident, I joined the Wakefield Arts Council, Wakefield, New Hampshire; the Maine Art Education Association; the Governor Wentworth Arts Council, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, and the Wolfeboro Professional Arts Association, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.

Later we moved to Owls Head, Maine where I displayed in local galleries. Presently I have a home studio/gallery.

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I was born and raised in Maine. Attended St. Joseph's grammar school, k-8. I earned both French and English diplomas. Nine years of French education required at the instruction of nuns as teachers. Students spoke French for half a day. The second half was English. Both languages were intergrated with certain subjects.

I was proud of the achievement and my grade. I graduated 2nd from the eight grade class. Madeleine B. bested my efforts. I believe she was annoyed at my nipping at her heels. We were great rivals, yet, she deserved her status. Madeleine worked as hard as I. I never did get to say it then, but, congrats, Madelein B.

Having spent so much time studying French, and coming home to a French household, I inadverdently picked up a few annoying habits (annoying to me). I sometimes write or say things backwards because French Grammar is sometimes backwards when translated to English.

Other times, I may pronounce an English word with a terrifically "thick" French accent. My ears ring and the resultant sound makes me laugh. A little embarassing... Oh, well :-)

Whenever I stumble across French speaking individuals, or someone with a French accent, I introduce myself in French, asking if they are French. I enjoy communicating with French speaking persons, whatever origin.

One summer, while hiking New Hampshire's Mount Washington, two French speaking young men were ahead of me—speaking with French. I introduced myself.

I had fun, hinting I had hiked all the way from Canada. After an incredulous look, and similar comments from both men, I admitted I was kidding. They actually believed I trekked over from Canada!

They complimented my French. That was nice. I've frogotten lots of French since my school days. Still, I'm sure the nuns would be proud.

 

My greatest feats: