This dedication to swimming eventually led me to swim in the 1968 Olympic Games. I quickly found myself as an unexpected local heroine. Yet, when I finished my swimming career, I faced an identity crisis, like many star athletes. I felt completely lost and began to question my worth without the recognition that my fame had provided. For a time, I drifted, searching for self-acceptance and a way to feel whole again.

Struggling to find purpose, my transformation began when I became a swim coach, teaching young athletes how to excel not only with swimming, but also in life. From our tiny pool in the mountains of Colorado, some of my athletes became top champions in the United States and gained scholarships to the best colleges. We used Jean Houston's teachings about the Power of the Human Potential. Working together with these young athletes, I learned the importance of resilience, compassion, and believing in oneself. They taught me so much!

For more than 30 years, I’ve worked closely with the Lakota people on their sacred lands in South Dakota, learning about their ancient ways and participating with them in ceremonies. I spent 18 years doing vision quests with them. After that, I spent eight more years Sundancing together with them in ceremony.  I am so grateful to have received many sacred gifts from my friends, the Lakota people. I had profound and enlightening experiences with these beautiful people. Our relationship deepened my respect for indigenous wisdom and spirituality. I began to travel to other sacred places worldwide—Egypt, Bhutan, Peru, Ireland, and beyond. I founded and ran a travel company, Adventurous Spirit Travel, leading others on pilgrimages to connect with nature and ancient indigenous wisdom.

Community has always been essential to me. While raising my children, I became deeply involved in their Waldorf school, leading initiatives to create a strong sense of community and raise funds for scholarships. I initiated events like the Winter Faire, which brought families together for arts, music, and fun, and grew into a beloved tradition that also raised significant funds for the school.

Inspired by all my mystical experiences while traveling, I began writing Why the Sunflower Smiles (with another book on the way). Both books explore how connecting with the natural world, the cosmos, and unseen dimensions of nature spirits and light beings can positively impact and heal our lives.

These days, I live in beautiful Norway, one of the happiest places in the world for people to live. Together with my husband, we take our boat out, exploring the Islands in the fjords and the coastlines of Norway and Sweden. In the winter, we love the cabin life in the mountains where we ski, take wood-fired saunas, and watch the Aurora Borealis.

Now, in my mid-70s, I embrace my role as an Elder, ready to share what I’ve learned throughout my years, with others.

I believe we can all partner with Nature and gain more fulfillment and self-regenerating joy in life. If you are ready to reconnect with your inner wisdom and embrace your unique journey, I offer stories, meditations, videos, courses, and sacred pilgrimages to help guide you.

My offerings are especially suited for those who enjoy being outdoors, but would like to also become intentional about how to have a true Mystical Nature Journey. I can help you with this great fun.

For other people who are not used to being in nature very often, I offer an introduction to the activity of venturing out into the natural world in a way that will help a person to wake up to the wonders of our amazing universe. This is especially helpful for those who are feeling trapped in their virtual reality, or stuck in a concrete city, and are stressed, lonely, disconnected, or feeling numb.  I want you to know that it is possible to find a way to feel more alive, more joy, gratitude, love and to enjoy the wonder of our amazing universe. I would like to guide you along this path.

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