I love wind chimes and really wish I had a place on my deck to put one :) While searching Etsy for some wind chimes I came across Laurel Arts. She has some of the most amazing pottery and glass items I've seen. So when Laurel agreed to a feature/give away I was thrilled! Wait till you see the prize :) Laurel also has free shipping to Canada & USA on quite a few of her items right now!
Please, tell us about yourself?
I grew up in Charlotte, NC, with all kinds of animals, cats, dogs, birds, chickens, cows, horses and rabbits, they were all my favorites. I went to High School and College there, and lived in that area until 1991 when my husband and I built a small log cabin in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is where I pursued my interest in pottery and glass work. I have two daughters, both of them live in the Myrtle Beach area of SC. I have one granddaughter who is 10 years old and is showing an interest in pottery as well.
Being Ceramics and Pottery your specialty, please tell us about your beginnings, how did it all start?
Pottery is actually a third artistic career for me. I have been creative my whole life, dabbling in oil painting as well as watercolors and until 1990 I operated a small but prosperous woodworking business, specializing in wood carvings of Old World Santas, rabbits and other animals, humorous plaques, bird houses and feeders. I was forced to give that up because of recurring aches and numbness in my hands. I was diagnosed with MS, the remitting, recurring type, and found that working with the wood and the saws and knives were not only painful, but dangerous as well. That diagnosis led me to pottery because working with clay is so therapeutic for my hands. I actually started creating things in clay that I had been creating in wood. I like to create whimsical objects that make someone look twice. And I love to create personalized pieces that are custom designed for that special person. As far as my MS goes, it turned out to be a blessing, leading me into an area of art that maybe I wouldn't have entered into otherwise. I have been in full remission for over nine years now.
Where and/or how do you find inspiration?
I am inspired by nature, the trees, the leaves, animals , other artists, but my customers are probably my greatest source of inspiration. They will share an idea with me, and that starts the creative juices flowing. We collaborate until we come up with the perfect piece for them.
When you are not creating, what do you do?
I spend time with my husband, who is now retired. We play golf, we work and play with our pets, as well as spending time with our family.
Anything else you would like to say?
Family is important to me and this past year I created The Family Tree Wind Chime. It is made out of clay and is in shapes of various sized leaves, imprinted with family names, dates, power words, etc. I think it is the perfect gift for anyone, parents, grandparents, newlyweds, etc. I was especially thrilled this past Christmas when I designed one for a family and they asked me to add to the order a separate leaf imprinted with a young lady's name on it. I put that separate leaf in a small box and tied it with a pretty bow. I was told that on Christmas morning the completed wind chime was presented to this young man's family and of course they were thrilled. He then handed the box with the separate leaf to his visiting girl friend and proposed to her. She has since added her leaf to their Family Tree Wind Chime. I felt a part of that celebration. I love hearing from customers and the stories they share. I take a lot of pride in my art, my creations. I try to create not only whimsical pieces, but functional as well.
NOW FOR THE GIVE AWAY!
(Click on Photo to See Listing)
Someone will win this beautiful personalized wind chime. The winner can have 16 leaves personalized with their names, words, dates, pet's names, etc. as well as choose the color!!
THIS GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED!!
Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 3 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded.
Thank-you for entering!!
I like the Multicolor Glass Wind Chime.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY EASTER EVERYONE.
ReplyDeleteI love the Let it BEE Dish and Candle.
dorcontest at gmail dot com
Shared here:
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dorcontest at gmail dot com
I entered the Sun Glasses giveaway.
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I entered the Soap & Body Butter giveaway.
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I entered your Juice Beauty
ReplyDeleteGreen Apple Peel giveaway.
dorcontest at gmail dot com
I entered your 2 Bags from b.happybags giveaway.
ReplyDeletedorcontest at gmail dot com
I subscribe by email.
ReplyDeletedorcontest at gmail dot com
I love the Heart of The Family Windchimes http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42628530
ReplyDeleteI subscribe by email (iheartsweeping@aol.com)
ReplyDeleteI follow on Twitter (@eyzofblu63) and tweeted http://twitter.com/eyzofblu63/status/11592288011
ReplyDeletei like the multi color glass wind chime
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37658652
lmurley2000@yahoo.com
email subscriber
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tweeted
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lmurley2000@yahoo.com
my heart melted when I saw the Home Plaque and it is FREE SHIPPING! YAY! I love it!
ReplyDeletelynnnjoe@hotmail.com
I facebooked the giveaway~
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&story_fbid=111949322164613&id=1314518354&ref=nf
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com
tweet!
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/LynnAnnMatthews/status/11593748911
lynnnjoe@hotmail.com
i entered the tassle giveaway
ReplyDeletelynnnjoe@hotmail.com
i entered the soap and body butter giveaway
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I entered the b happybags giveaway
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i subscribe
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My favorite is the Peace Dove Basket .
ReplyDeletetweeted here http://twitter.com/fcffollower/status/11594517229
ReplyDeleteI subscribe to emails
ReplyDeleteI would like the sunflower bowl
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I subscribe
ReplyDeleteiwtw(at)ymail(dot)com
I like the hugs and kisses wind chime a lot!
ReplyDeletedoot65ATcomcastDOTnet
Email subscriber!
ReplyDeletedoot65ATcomcastDOTnet
the sheep suncatcher is so cute !
ReplyDeletetimesurge(at)live.ca
tweet
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/timesurge/status/11596813607
email subscriber
ReplyDeleteI entered the sunglasses giveaway
ReplyDeletebepoia(at)hotmail(
My favorite is the wedding wind chime : )
ReplyDeleteemail subscriber
ReplyDeleteI love the Glass Mobile/Windchime Rock-a-bye Baby.
ReplyDeletelauren.m.gibson AT gmail DOT com
I entered the soap and body butter giveaway : )
ReplyDeleteI entered the juice beauty giveaway : )
ReplyDeleteWOW!! They sure have a lot to choose from. I searched and searched til I found the `Basket in Blue`
ReplyDeletemoma3homeschool(at)gmail(dot)com
I subscribe via e-mail.
ReplyDeletemoma3homeschool(at)gmail(dot)com
I have your button on both my blogs.
ReplyDeletemoma3homeschool(at)gmail(dot)com
I have the giveaway posted on both my blogs.
ReplyDeletehttp://newhorizonreviews.blogspot.com/2010/04/basket-in-blue.html
moma3homeschool(at)gmail(dot)com
what an excellent giveaway, gorgeous chimes!! i hope i win i hope i win 8D
ReplyDeletei absolutely love this one:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38987816
phranne[at]yahoo.com
entered Fridge It
ReplyDeletephranne[at]yahoo.com
entered b.happybags
ReplyDeletephranne[at]yahoo.com
entered Pink parchment Soaps
ReplyDeletephranne[at]yahoo.com
What a beautiful wind chime! My hubby has been saying that he would really like to have one this summer. We have a neighbor down the street whose chime sounds beautiful whenever we hear it on walks.
ReplyDeleteI also love the Showers of Blessing wind chime!
http://twitter.com/soluckyducky/status/11605788821
ReplyDeleteTweet!
email subscriber
ReplyDeletesoluckyducky at gmail.com
I like the Little Lamb dish.
ReplyDeleteI entered the Juice Beauty giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI like the family tree wind chimes and the red glass wind chime.
ReplyDeleteI entered the Fridge It giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI entered the Soap & Body Butter giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI entered the b.happybag giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI entered the Sunglasses giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI really like the Multi-Color Glass Wind Chime.
ReplyDeletejentam777 AT gmail DOT com
I subscribe by email. (using: jenniferlehman AT rogers DOT com)
ReplyDeletejentam777 AT gmail DOT com
i love the butterflies in lace windchine!
ReplyDeletethanks! Lauren - blooberry56@hotmail.com
I entered your Make It Ruby giveaway.
ReplyDeletejentam777 AT gmail DOT com
I love the multicoloured glass windchime.
ReplyDeleterally_thade17@hotmail.com
I subscribe to your email
ReplyDeleterally_thade17@hotmail.com
I like the Home Plaque.
ReplyDeletemommylovescooper@gmail.com
I subscribe via email
ReplyDeletemommylovescooper@gmail.com
I tweeted.
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/coopersmommy/status/11609396172
I would like to have the glass cutting board.
ReplyDeleteI like her sunflower dish with the bee candle. So very nice for summer presentation.
ReplyDeleteberkana[at]fastmail[dot]fm
I added a picture and a link to the left sidebar of my blog.
ReplyDeletehttp://paintedladyfingers.blogspot.com/
berkana[at]fastmail[dot]fm
I subscribe via e-mail.
ReplyDeleteberkana[at]fastmail[dot]fm
Thanks so much!
I have entered the Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Giveaway.
ReplyDeleteberkana[at]fastmail[dot]fm
I have entered the Soap and Body Butter Giveaway
ReplyDeleteberkana[at]fastmail[dot]fm
I like the Sheep Suncatcher. dwelchert@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteEmail subscriber. dwelchert@yahoo.com
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28321689
ReplyDeleteemail subscriber
ReplyDeleteI love the Spirit Song Cremation Wind Chimes. Our beloved pugs Piddle and Daisy passed away ain October and these chimes would be a beautiful way to remember them.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32935966
I love the Family Tree Wind Chime, which looks like the one you're giving away. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love that cute sheep suncatcher!!
ReplyDeletemaryw1981 at yahoo dot com
I entered the sunglasses giveaway
ReplyDeletemaryw1981 at yahoo dot com
I love the dove wedding bird chime - it's so unique and really precious. Beautiful leaf chime, too.
ReplyDeleteerinlwolfe_15 at hotmail dot com
I tweeted!!
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/getinonthewins/status/11643101325
maryw1981 at yahoo dot com
I like the Stoneware Wind Chime Play in the Forest
ReplyDeletethrouthehaze at gmail dot com
tweet
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/throuthehaze/status/11643945361
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Hubby LOVES wind chimes, so know he'd love Heart of the Family Tree. I like the sign about your best friend knowing too much about you!
ReplyDeleteI like the Hugs and Kisses
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38781444
rugerpuppies at hotmail dot com
i like the blueberry porch bell
ReplyDeletenannypanpan@sbcglobal.net
e-mail subscriber
ReplyDeleteentered juice beauty
ReplyDeleteentered pink parchment
ReplyDeleteentered b happy bags
ReplyDeleteentered sunglasses
ReplyDeleteIt was so hard to choose, but I have to say the Blueberry Hill Wind Chime is my favorite :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the follow! I am returning the favor!
ReplyDeleteI like the LOVE Dish
ReplyDeleteI like the Blue Custom Memorial Wind Chimes.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38862462
I am subscribed to your email. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI like the blueberry porch bell.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance!!
mogrill@comcast.net
so many wonderful things to choose from but I think this one is my favorite
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37378712
I love the Family Tree Plate Custom
ReplyDeleteDonna
dwarrington1@gmail.com
I subscribe through e-mail.
ReplyDeleteDonna
dwarrington1@gmail.com
I've entered your $30 surprise box giveaway.
ReplyDeleteDonna
dwarrington1@gmail.com
I've entered your Make it Ruby giveaway.
ReplyDeleteDonna
dwarrington1@gmail.com
I've entered your Juice Beauty giveaway.
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dwarrington1@gmail.com
I've entered your 6 pack Fridge It giveaway.
ReplyDeleteDonna
dwarrington1@gmail.com
I've entered your Soap and butter giveaway.
ReplyDeleteDonna
dwarrington1@gmail.com
I've entered your b.happy bags giveaway.
ReplyDeleteDonna
dwarrington1@gmail.com
I like the Sheep Suncatcher the most. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI entered the Juicy Beauty Green Apple giveaway.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI entered the Soap and Body Butter giveaway.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI entered the Sunglass Warehouse giveaway.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love Sunflower and Bee
ReplyDeleteangelface041206 at yahoo
http://all-about-the-savings.blogspot.com
tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/all_about_savin/status/11672143976
angelface041206 at yahoo
http://all-about-the-savings.blogspot.com
really nice giveaway, I also like the Clay and Glass in Green and Blue Wind Chime
ReplyDeletesingermagic1(at)yahoo(dot)com
I really like the handmade glass incense burner.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34379099
sapheyerblu@gmail.com
I also live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in NC!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite item is the Family Tree plate!
I actually think the leaf wind chimes are my favourite, but the porcelain eggs are very sweet as well. Thanks!
ReplyDeletesugareaterATgmailDOTcom
I actually think the leaf chimes are my favourite, but the porcelain eggs are very sweet also. Thanks!
ReplyDeletesugareaterATgmailDOTcom
My fav is the Leaf Wind Chime Tree of Wisdom, beautiful!
ReplyDeletekimhigueria(at)gmail(dot)com
In Cincinnati, where I used to live, they had this thing about flying pigs. I love the When Pigs Fly plaque! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40626259
ReplyDeletesquareby@gmail.com
I like the Showers of Blessings Wind Chime!! It's lovely! xoxo
ReplyDeletekimberly.long at gmail dot com
i like the Stoneware Wind Chime Play in the Forest
ReplyDeletei tweeted http://twitter.com/redfuzzycow/status/11676987028
ReplyDeletei subscribe via email (redfuzzycow@yahoo.com)
ReplyDeletei entered the juice beauty giveaway
ReplyDeleteWrote a blog post about this giveaway.
ReplyDeletehttp://christinesenter.com/win-a-wind-chime-with-whimsical-words/
sapheyerblu@gmail.com
i entered the soap & body butter giveaway
ReplyDeleteHave your button displayed prominently on my blog.
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sapheyerblu@gmail.com
I am a subscriber to your rss feed
ReplyDeletesapheyerblu@gmail.com
I was entered in the Fabric Jelly Roll contest
ReplyDeletehttp://christinesenter.com/fabric-jelly-roll-giveaway/
sapheyerblu@gmail.com
I was entered into the Simply Signs Giveaway
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sapheyerblu@gmail.com
Posted to Twitter
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sapheyerblu@gmail.com
I like the Wind Chimes Mountain Green best!
ReplyDeletebead.eclectic@gmail.com
Posted about the giveaway on Facebook
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sapheyerblu@gmail.com
The Glass Wind Chimes Hugs and Kisses is my favorite! I really like the Leaf Wind Chime Tree of Wisdom, but it would be so awesome if she could personalize that too and do grandchildren's names or something!!
ReplyDeletestephanie_dunbar07 at hotmail dot com
http://twitter.com/SteCold/status/11678637957
ReplyDeletestephanie_dunbar07 at hotmail dot com
I blogged about your giveaway!
ReplyDeletehttp://thetravelingcoldwells.blogspot.com/2010/04/long-day-at-work-big-glass-of-wine.html
stephanie_dunbar07 at hotmail dot com
i like the black and white and red all over wind chime.
ReplyDeletepolly
pkeintz@gmail.com
email subscriber
ReplyDeletepolly
pkeintz@gmail.com
I like the play in the forest windchimes
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26139803
Sandie
zaftig2k at yahoo dot com
http://zaftigdelights.blogspot.com
I have your blog button on my blog roll!
ReplyDeleteSandie
zaftig2k at yahoo dot com
http://zaftigdelights.blogspot.com
I love the Leaf Wind Chime Tree of Wisdom- the leaf shapes are cute and I like that deep red color.
ReplyDeletenupur.kittur AT gmail DOT com
I like the butterflies in lace windchimes
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24895892
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I have your button http://allaboutgiveaways.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteangelface041206 at yahoo
http://all-about-the-savings.blogspot.com
I like Puffed Hearts on a String.
ReplyDeletecarethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com
I like Showers of Blessings Wind Chime!
ReplyDeleteRachel
thefeatheredsnail at gmail dot com
I like leaf wind chime tree of wisdom with the red leaves
ReplyDeletebutton
ReplyDeletesnorg tees
ReplyDeletemake it ruby
ReplyDeletejuice beauty
ReplyDeletefridge it
ReplyDeletesoap & body butter
ReplyDeletesun glasses
ReplyDeleteI love the custom name chimes http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25986365
ReplyDeleteMy new last name would be wonderful to have - I am getting married in 10 months!!
Tweeted!
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/bridezillabecky
I entered your Snorg T-Shirt Give Away.
ReplyDeletedorcontest at gmail dot com
I adore the Family Imprinted Dish!
ReplyDeletemusesofmegret (at) gmail (dot) com
I love the "Stoneware Wind Chime Play in the Forest"
ReplyDeletejune_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
The Geranium Dish is beautiful
ReplyDeleteannie(dot)milner(at)gmail(dot)com
My favorite is the mountain green wind chime.
ReplyDeletetara at waterwaif dot com
I entered your snorg tees giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI tweeted about this giveaway.
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/thewaterwaif/status/11724196753
I just LOVE the leaf wind chime tree of wisdom with the red leaves!
ReplyDeletekottagekreations2009@yahoo.com
Your button is at http://kottagecreations.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI tweeted!
ReplyDeletehttp://tweetmeme.com/ajax/partial?body=tweet&external=true&url_id=849266225&source=audreyscrafts
http://twitter.com/kottagekreation
I posted on facebook!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Faudreysgiveaways.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fwindchime.html%3Fspref%3Dfb&t=Wind+Chime+Give+Away
http://facebook.com/kottagekreations
E-mail subscriber!!
ReplyDeletekottagekreations2009@yahoo.com
I totally dig the Sheep Suncatcher!!! So cute!! I would be honored to win this prize...
ReplyDeleteAngie
rennieangie at gmail dot com
Posted give-away on my blog:
ReplyDeletehttp://kottagecreations.blogspot.com
I like the Wind Chimes Mountain Green.
ReplyDeleteClay and Glass in Green and Blue Wind
ReplyDeleteChristina - xristya@rock.com - I love the Leaf Wind Chime Tree Of Wisdom!
ReplyDeleteChristina - I entered the Soap And Body Butter contest!
ReplyDeleteChristina - xristya@rock.com - Sorry about the entry just above, where I forgot to place my email! I entered the Soap and Body Butter giveaway!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42344027 the turquoise zebra light catcher was especially lovely. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.
ReplyDeletedianad8008 AT gmail DOT com
My favorite is the Heart of the Family Tree Windchime (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44241900). If I won it, I would put all of our names on it, and give it to my mother. She's so wonderful, and she really is the glue that binds us all together.
ReplyDeleteabigail.lee {at} gmail.com
I love the 'Puffed Hearts on a String FREE SHIPPING'. khaski78@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI like the Sunflower Bowl. Thanks
ReplyDeleteginnn7(at)yahoo(dot)com
What a wonderful giveaway! Besides having fallen in love with the giveaway wind chime, I quite like the Birds of a Feather dish too.
ReplyDeletemonkeychild92 at gmail dot com
I have your button here
ReplyDeletehttp://thecandidreviewer.blogspot.com/p/more-reviews-giveaways.html
monkeychild92 at gmail dot com
I LOVE the Sheep Sun catcher - HOW cute and funny!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me for a chance to win these adorable wind chimes :) Thanks! Amanda
amanda31gifts (at) gmail (dot) com
I subscribe to your emails, thanks! Amanda
ReplyDeleteamanda31gifts (at) gmail (dot) com
I entered the Juice Beauty giveaway, thanks! Amanda
ReplyDeleteamanda31gifts (at) gmail (dot) com
I entered the sunglasses giveaway, thanks! Amanda
ReplyDeleteamanda31gifts (at) gmail (dot) com
I entered the Tshirt Giveaway, thanks! Amanda :)
ReplyDeleteamanda31gifts (at) gmail (dot) com
I entered the invitation/personalized cards giveaway, thanks! Amanda :)
ReplyDeleteamanda31gifts (at) gmail (dot) com
I love the Wind Chimes in Mountain Green!
ReplyDeleteI tweeted: http://twitter.com/slowclublover/status/11794144355
ReplyDeleteLoving the Hearts and Doves Wind Chime!
ReplyDeletekkondek at gmail.com
Tweet http://twitter.com/ktkatherine/status/11797323717
ReplyDeletekkondek at gmail.com
the dogwood wall pocket is really neat
ReplyDeletemelanieinaz2003 at yahoo
FB here http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000399497701
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/kaiasmommy/status/11799555406
ReplyDeletethe pink light catcher is very pretty
ReplyDeleteearthdancedaph@yahoo.com
I subscribed via email
ReplyDeleteearthdancedaph@yahoo.com
My favorite item is the Family Tree Plate! lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteTweet! http://twitter.com/mjl6mom2/status/11824531163
ReplyDeletelockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com
I entered your b.happybags giveaway. lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI love the Tree of Wisdom chime!
ReplyDeleteI love the mountain wind chimes at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29922363
ReplyDeleteravish30 at aol dot com
email subscriber
ReplyDeleteravish30 at aol dot com