But wait - it seems I'm getting ahead of myself and rambling.  Perhaps I should begin by welcoming you to my blog.

"Welcome!"

Introducing myself, I suppose, wouldn't hurt, either.

My name is Janet. I have been known to wear many hats, so to speak, but first and foremost I am a mother.

I've got a grown-up son and a beautiful, bright, witty, charming, and altogether disarming fourteen-year-old daughter who is the absolute light of my life. Her name is Elyssa (pronounced with a long E, as she would no doubt be quick to remind you).

I am introducing her to you now because, if you follow my blog, you will surely run across references to her often.  She is not merely my daughter, but confidant, fashion consultant, adviser and critic as well (as it should be). Her dog, a Parson-Russell rescued from the Huntington Beach Animal Shelter over on Newland and PCH, has been dubbed "Wheatley" after the evil core of Portal 2 fame.

Besides mothering, I spend my days using Flash to create interactive curriculum for a network of private schools. During the evenings I attend classes at Goldenwest College in order to obtain a teaching credential in Graphic Arts. I hope to one day become a part of the excellent group of instructors that make up GWC's Digital Arts Department.

Portraits are another of my specialties, as are caricatures (at Knott's), murals, tattoos, and face painting. Here's an example: my family on our way to the "Zombie Walk" in Long Beach last year.