Vivian Stearns-Kohler has worn many hats in life...mother of 3, grandmother of 8 granddaughters, entrepreneur and, lately, writer, artist and budding pianist. She attributes her intrepid fearlessness of trying new things to her mother, who encouraged and supported her through her "I want to be a/an...archaeologist, rock collector, butterly collector, stamp collector, ballerina and artist" phases. With her mother's passing, her husband, Fred has taken up the mantle of "head cheerleader" and champions her many interests. The author lives with her husband and her miniature (but vociferous) Yorkshire terrier, Cloe, in the southwestern United States.