Hi, I’m Crystal… sometimes known as Grace.

When I was a child, my Grandma Emma called me “Grace”. I always assumed it was because I was a clumsy kid, who usually laughed off tripping over my own feet. It wasn’t until much later in life that someone told me why she called me Grace. Grandma Emma’s favorite song was always Amazing Grace, which she would hum while she did nearly everything. I grew up next door to her, so we were close. She called me Grace because I had a rough start in life and she wanted to remind me of God’s Grace, which he had clearly shown to me on many occasions. It was also to remind me to show myself a little Grace.

I have always had a tight knit family. We take care of eachother. Because of that, even though I grew up and moved away, I have lived within a 20 mile radius my entire life. Keswick, VA is a beautiful area, why would anyone leave?

As a child, my parents said I couldn’t even paint by numbers! I loved to doodle, but never took it seriously. I decided to go out to one of those drink and paint places with a friend one day and it stuck! The next day I went out and bought painting supplies. Three weeks later I was showing off art that I was proud of to anyone who would listen. Since then I have used painting as a way to deal with the loss of my mother, the loss of a marriage, and many joys as well. A little piece of my heart goes into any painting that I create.

These days I am happily remarried to Will, who puts a smile on my face and a spring in my step. I am Bonus Mom to Liam, who lives with us full time and brings much joy to our lives. As a family, we have 4 cats, Shady, Happy, Merida, and Luna.

Although I work full time, the most rewarding and heartbreaking job in my life is caring for my father, Joe. Dad has Alzheimer’s, so there are many challenges in his life and mine. The good days are filled with laughter and funny stories. The bad days are filled with tears and a little grace.