9 Moons Ago » About Amy

About Amy

It was back in September of 1974 that York, Pennsylvania (home of Peppermint Patties, Air Conditioners, Barbells and the band Live) was blessed with my arrival.

I was always a goofy, music-loving kid.

I spent my summers running around, barefooted, in the neighborhood with friends; doing penny-drops off the top of the swing-set, making “friendship pins”, wearing jelly bracelets, roller-skating, riding bikes, looking up through the maple leaves in the hammock and rolling down the hill.

I also spent several of my days pouring over old family photos and mementos.

I have inherited the Bell family’s love of Vernor’s Ginger Soda, from our many trips to my Mother’s birthplace, Dayton Ohio. It’s NOT ginger ale. (But I wish they wouldn’t put corn syrup in it.)

Apparently, I lived in the clouds for a short time before my senior year of highschool. I don’t remember living there, so I must have been on some good stuff back then. Mmmmmm: Cloud-y!

In one of my various jobs, I worked for a day, training, at an unnamed chain restaurant. The boss was a jerk, and was talking about me rudely when she thought I was gone, so I decided not to go back. When they called and said that I wouldn’t get my paycheck till I returned the uniform, I decided that I would definitely be a “sandwich artist” for Halloween that year. I still have the uniform. Totally worth it.

I decided to draw and paint pictures (instead of creating submarine-sandwich masterpieces). At Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, I honed my craft and now I paint portraits, and design websites, among other things:

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995, after being clinically depressed, but unwillingly to seek treatment, for a year. I’ve been in the hospital a few times, both in the States and in Melbourne, AU. I manage my illness with therapy and with medication. I don’t mind talking about this openly to people, because that is what helps to break down the stigma of mental illness.
It’s more common than some people realize, and once you educate yourself, it really is less of a scary and strange situation to be in, whether you have a mental illness yourself, or know someone who does. It might still be hellish, but it helps to know that other people have gone though the same things.

There are always some pups somewhere in the picture…

I love gardening and flowers.

One of my favorite songs is “If You Leave Me Now ” by Chicago. No, really.

I will do artwork for money and worthy causes.

I listen, smile, laugh, hug, and do silly dances for free.

You really must get one of these:

The biggest loss I’ve ever known was the accidental death of my friend, Tammy Petro, at age 30, in 2005. The sticker in this picture is from her, and it says a lot about our bond. It still makes me laugh.

I love the beach.

I love lanterns and Christmas lights (aka “Fairy lights”).

I grew a marijuana plant at my apartment in college after finding some seeds after a party we had, just because my roommate said it couldn’t be done. Hrmm.. because I don’t smoke, I let her enjoy the whole plant all by herself. Loser.

I train blue tongue lizards to tap dance to “Puttin On the Ritz”. (They keep bugging me about getting little canes to complete the look, but I think they’re pushing it. I mean, the top hats and tails weren’t exactly cheap!) Here we are at rehearsals.

In some ways, I’m not much different than I was on my 8th birthday: I still want to be a dancer, have lots of ice cream with my cake, and think the best times in life are when family and friends are gathered around the dining room table.

My favorite number is nine and I have been a night-sky gazer, always. The moon is my friend.

I am a huge fan of being silly.

My nicknames include: Lady, Stooge, Zany, Amis, Ames, Amereeno, Peaches O’Tulip, Buttons McTavish, American Matilda, Boots McCoy, M’Amy, Amseyface, Amo, Raaja, Hoocha Coocha Ding Dong, Pidge, Boobalagoo, Tea, Poppy, Peach, Lola Bullet, and Burpsy McElbowsman.
Nice to meet you.