Hello!
I’m Becky, but my AE (Alter Ego) is “Whimsey.” Here’s a little bit about me.
My greatest loves
Jesus Christ. My kitties. Animals. Nature. Friends. Family. Family-friendly places, stories, and entertainment loaded with wholesome imagination and fun. Pizza. Books. Vintage toys. Crafts. Creativity. Antiques. Discovering something new every day. Dreaming big and envisioning greater possibilities. Imagination and what it’s capable of. A child’s imagination and voice. Quietness and stillness. Walt Disney’s original version of Disney World and entertainment.
I strive to….
Advocate for wholesome family and kids’ entertainment, education, and literature. Live curiously. Care for God’s creation. Speak up for neurodivergent kids (those with mental health, intellectual, and/or cognitive challenges). Live a childlike, curiosity-filled life. Excel in my whimsical, fun-loving imagination and creativity. Promote reading over screens and video games. Bring God back into schools. Promote quality education (i.e. Classical Christian, homeschooling, many private schools).
My Dream
1) Either restore vintage Walt Disney World or come up with a new “happiest place on earth” to carry on Walt Disney’s vision and tradition. A theme park designed with the nuclear family in mind. Where kids can learn while having fun and using their imaginations. Where the fantastical, magical, and enchanting come to life in spectacular and thrilling ways. Where wholesome morals are promoted and celebrated.
2) Write children’s stories (grades 3-7, or for kiddults like me) that resonates with, and engages the imagination. Stories that super-duper fun with a touch of learning attached.
3) Inspire neurodivergent kids to cope with life and find creative ways to thrive. My dream is for kids to feel safe in schools and in their environment. For all of us to understand the horrible outcomes of divisive rhetoric, bullying, being bullied, and abuse in its many forms. To provide healthy recommendations that enable children to escape from life’s harsh realities by exploring their redeemed, wholesome, active, wondrous imaginations.
What makes me smile
Morning and evening Bible study, meditation, and prayer. Exercising and playing sports (I can’t play sports anymore, but softball and other competitive sports used to be my happy zone). Letting my imagination roam & explore. People getting along and helping each other, regardless of differences. Laughing. Fall and Christmas seasons and all the decorations. Eating at Mellow Mushroom in Atlanta, Georgia with my family. Inspiring quotes with whimsical illustrations. Creating something decorative and quirky from things around the house. Being creative and resourceful. Animals, especially cats, bunnies, deer, and woodchucks. Playing games. The things kids say on a whim. Kids smiling and having fun. People overcoming the odds and thriving. God’s glorious creation. Reading wholesome KidLit and watching fun tv shows and movies. Mysteries. Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse and friends. The Smurfs. The Peanuts gang. Vintage toys that take me back to childhood.
My Heroes Who Have Inspired Me
Walt Disney (you know he had ADHD)! My “grandpy”—who actually looks a lot like Walt Disney.
Education & Awards.
Bachelor of Arts from Grand Valley State University in creative writing and English.
Master of Arts from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, with an emphasis on educational leadership.
Continuing Education: Children’s Literature (contemporary and Classic); Bible; K-12 Education.
Recipient of the William Clarence Haas award for excellence in intercultural studies.
Two-time Writer’s Digest Writing Competition honorable mention winner for short stories.
