Leslie loves "Painting With Words," and in her life today, she is hoping to touch hearts in a meaningful way through her poetry. She is a hairstylist by trade and a regular community volunteer; helping others through Bible education and humanitarian aid. When Leslie was a little girl, her dad gave her the best black ink pen she has ever owned, and that pen was put to good use! She has been writing as far back as she can remember, crediting her parents for raising her in a home where music was always playing and for reading to her when she was little. These are just two of the many reasons why she loves words so much. Leslie lives a quiet, simple life in Colorado Springs with her husband, Stephen, and their two sons, James and Zach. They love all of the wonderful animals that visit them, like the deer, the owls and the bunnies. If you can't find them at home, you will find them in the mountains, where the wild flowers grow. The beauty all around is what moves Leslie's heart to write, including the time she spends with the little creatures who live in her garden, like the ladybugs and grasshoppers. If you ever stop to observe them by yourself, then you will know what she means. Leslie also loves storytelling through poetry and is currently working on releasing her first children's storybook sometime during the early part of next year. She's having fun and hopes to continue writing for a long time!