"Scientists investigate that which already is; Engineers create that which has never been.'' Albert Einstein

People often inquire how I ended up working in Engineering. It is definitely a male dominated field. I am not a whiz at math, which is generally a requirement. I am however, a creative soul.

Since I was a very young child I loved to doodle, draw, and create. Some of my first toys were Engineering based. Tinker Toys,  Lincoln logs, and models. I love to create.

I also know how to appreciate others work.

I cannot drive or walk down any street without observing and digesting all around me. Buildings, houses, paint choices, car contours, even people.

Sometimes I feel a little bit stalker when I drive by houses at night and sneak a peek inside the lit open rooms. I love to see how others decorate, arrange furniture, use color pallets and contrasts.

It started early with me. As soon as I could hold a pencil, I would create rooms and house designs on paper. I would often rearrange my bedroom furniture. A habit I still afford with some frequency.

Ever since I knew what an architect was, I wanted to be one. I love the shapes and colors that create a city skyline. That combine to form a sub-division, or those which create a welcoming old back country town with bridges and farmhouses. There are some structures locally which have been standing over 100 years.

Do you take the time to appreciate what is around?
Alas, I did not make it into the field of Architecture as there was not enough local job opportunity at the time. We were beginning our young family and moving was not an option.

I don't regret my choices. I am happy that my children grew up near my birthplace and near family. I still create. I still derive joy from others creations. And I am able to share that with my children and others through my photography and creations.

So take a look around you and notice something you have not before. The curve of a window, the slant of a roof, the colors and shapes, and the structural integrity some of those might require. What makes it work? what makes some buildings so appealing? It was someones creative mind who created such cohesiveness.

There is beauty all around if we stop to notice.