In my early childhood I, like many children affected by war, was evacuated to a farm in the rural West Country of England. It was extremely lonely and isolated and from a very early age I would spend my time drawing animals.
In England I was fortunate to work at the BBC in Bristol and for a time worked in the Natural History Unit. What an incredible and fortunate interlude in my life. I met so many caring people who had devoted their lives and careers to helping animals in a way that, growing up on a farm, I was not expose to.
Whilst at the BBC I went to work for the most kind and gentle producer Anthony Smith. We worked happily together on many memorable events and it was a treasured time of my life.
In 1970 I moved to the USA with my husband Robert, who grew up in California.
In 1977 I opened my own Fine Art, Auction and Appraisal Gallery in Bloomington, Illinois. I have been fortunate to have the privilege to view, handle, study, sell and appraise so many fine works of art.
In 1991 due entirely to my fondness for flowers and beautifully decorated floral porcelain, I founded the Pickard Collectors Club. Although no longer a collector, I am delighted to see that this organization is thriving.
It is here, in Florida, that I have found the time to truly devote my days to writing, painting, gardening, cooking healthy food and enjoying my beloved Tibetan Spaniel dogs, firstly Pippin and now Sparrow.
My illustrated children’s books, The Story of Pippin and Dear Pippin, endeavor to enable parents and grandparents to open dialogue with young children. Through the colorful illustrations, stories and questions, parents and grandparents can learn to listen and communicate with young children and create a dialogue to alleviate fears.
The Story of Pippin is aimed at making young children empathetic, sympathetic and less afraid of any sickness they may encounter or have to endure. The book has been well received by parents, veterinarians and doctors with young patients.
My second book in the Pippin series is Dear Pippin. Through letters and stories written by Pippin it can help children cope with some of the things they may encounter in this modern age. The book addresses such topics as parents moving away and a child starting a new school, leaving friends and finding new ones. It deals with divorce and the acceptance of new additions to the family by adoption and remarriage. Each story ends on a happy and positive note.
In both books, each story has questions and these have been particularly helpful to parents and grandparents to open a conversation with a child.
I have great empathy for anyone who is fighting for good health and particularly those battling childhood illnesses. I have survived a severe injury to my spine and consider myself to be a fortunate cancer survivor.
