When I first viewed Native American baskets in a museum, I wanted to possess them and know everything about how they were made, but I did not have the financial means nor the belief that it was my right to own them. This desire remained latent until I retired from full time work. I just happened to discover the Columbia Basin Basketry Guild exactly when I had the time to pursue this old dream.

It has proved to be the perfect retirement activity. I love gathering materials in nature, I enjoy perfecting my craftsmanship, I have made new friends with similar interests and I have had the opportunity to learn about Native culture and all I could desire about basketry technique.

Basketry has also provided me with the adventure of becoming an artist. There is so much satisfaction in being able to produce baskets similar to those of the Native people of the Pacific Northwest where I live.