Meet Jayme
I AM AN AUTHOR, ARTIST, SPEAKER, AND EDUCATOR—CHEERING YOU ON TO LIVE PASSIONATELY THROUGH STORY AND ART AS WE JOURNEY TOGETHER ON THIS WILD RIDE WE CALL LIFE.
True confession … I feel a bit incomplete without juggling all the balls. After a wondrous, twenty year run teaching school, followed by a very short-lived “retirement”, I realized once a teacher, always a teacher. Now, in addition to writing novels, creating my own paintings, and running my long-time art studio, and offering online art courses, I’m back in the classroom teaching elementary art education and upper ed online art classes for a university. Busy? Yes. But I hold the things that are dear to me and in turn, share them with you.
When my award-winning book, Chasing the Butterfly, took flight and more stories swirled in my head, I knew I was hooked—captured by the power of story and the gratitude I have for being able to share my characters, plots, and heartfelt themes. My second novel, RUSH, released in November 2017, won a bunch of cool awards. My next novel, Seasoned, released in October, 2020, and Portrait of Deceit released in early 2023. When I’m not writing, I teach art to children and adults at my art studio, fondly named Piggy Toes. Call me crazy, but all those colors splashing on to canvas and paper is the best visual fiesta a gal could want. The people I have come to know and love over the twenty plus years of the studio’s life are the fudge topping.
Although an extrovert, quiet moments are welcomed. Lost in my imagination and in deep discussion with characters, I saddle up to my writing desk and travel to faraway places. When my backside gets numb, there’s nothing better than mixing a palette, turning on music, and seeing what comes to life in the studio.
Grateful? Absolutely. I live at the base of the Rocky Mountains where my husband and I have raised, three hungry, hockey-playing boys. Even with empty nester status on the front porch and the winds of time constantly bringing change, I am bathed in blessings and welcome God’s plans for each of us. To keep the wild and wacky days in perspective, my very needy Golden Retrievers, Bella and Millie, steal paintbrushes, demand walks, and keep me smiling.
Thank you to the stream of book and art lovers who join me on the creative journey. You all make my heart go pitter-patter.
