I grew up in the small town of Eldon MO. As most musicians usually do, I knew at an early age what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I could play the piano by ear which brought on my mom's decision to start me with piano lessons. My first recital was at age 4. I continued on until I lost my piano teacher after 4 years. She was the wonderful age of 99. I taught myself where she left off. I can still remember her as though it were yesterday. I can also remember my moms' dedication listening and correcting me if I missed one note. The hours of practicing she would have me do were extremely hard on a young child, but now I am so great full she made me do it. There was a talent show that was held in Vianna, MO. There were to be 10 contestants, only 5 showed up. They were asking for volunteers, of course I wanted to go up. My mom said to me, "I dare you". I can still remember feeling my knees shake, I was 6 years old then. No music just vocals, I sang Delta Dawn and won the talent show. I loved the feeling of being in front of a crowd, loved the fear and the joy. I never considered music to be a "Hobby", not then, and not now.