Is this Introduction Forum new?? Anyways, here's something about me:

My name is Chava, I'm 26 and live in Canada. I'm a professional studio artist and illustrator. I've done illustrations for a few children's books, had quite a few showings of my paintings and recently opened my own studio. I especially enjoy acrylic and watercolour painting, and I also like to make cards and envelope art. Recently I've been doing a lot of book altering. I also really enjoy finding old wood furniture in thrift shops and refinishing it. I have a website of my art, but it's currently down! I will share it with everyone when it's back up again.

I had an interesting childhood in that both my biological parents had a severe mental illness... my mother, paranoid schizophrenia, and my father an unknown illness, but probably a kind of schizophrenia or delusional disorder too. My parents were unable to care for me and so I spent most of my childhood as a Crown ward (you would call it a ward of the state in the US I believe). Thus I was in several foster homes, a couple of group homes, and then luckily went to a very good Catholic boarding school for the upper grades. That basically "saved" my life in that the nuns took a special interest in me and my artistic and writing talents. They helped give me direction as far as university, and for the first time I felt I had a "home". The years since my highschool graduation have been "interesting" but I think basically I turned okay, considering everything! I am currently writing a book about my experiences as a child, and I also plan to write and illustrate a couple of children's books about foster care and mental illness. I also go around to schools a couple of times a week and speak to students about my childhood and parents.

I am recently engaged to be married to my partner Alex who is just completing his residency as a family doctor. We are expecting a baby in the summer (a recent and very big surprise!) and are scrambling to get married, buy a house and get everything settled for ourselves, the baby, and our dog and cat!! I am planning to be a stay at home mom after the baby is born, so I'm hoping to eventually have a studio in the new house.

I joined the Askme Helpdesk originally to be an expert in movies and sci fi, because I am a huge movie buff. But I've found that I really enjoy asking and answering questions in other forums too. I type extremely fast and thus can be VERY long-winded so I will quit for now. Thanks for letting me share!

bizygurl

Hi orange? I know you and I talked a little back and forth on other threads but I just read your introduction thread and thought Id respond to it. First of all I love your name. Chava is so pretty! What a life you had! That is truely inspiring to hear about your story. Not many kids in your situation would have grown up as well rounded as you are. Usually in a situation like that its the opposite. Your an artist? that's so neat. I love to draw also, Im not incredible at it , but I love to do it. Anyway just wanted to drop ya a line and tell you that I was inspired by your story. Hey I should put an intro. about me up in a thread!

orange

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed my story.... it never ceases to amaze me how many people are inspired by it, especially when I go to speak. It makes me feel embarrassed and humbled.

Yes I feel very lucky to have turned out basically well-adjusted. I have some serious trust issues and also have trouble "getting close" to people, but I have been in therapy and things are better. I think the Catholic nuns, although I am not Catholic myself, really helped me to "ground" myself and turned me in the right direction. I'll always be grateful to them for that and if I ever become rich and famous haha I'll donate money to their school!

Yes you should definitely write an introduction here, I think that's what this forum is for. I'd be interested to read it.