Growing up in North Dakota was a gift because even though we were stranded out in the middle of a sweeping prairie we learned to appreciate the value of simple, yet very grand things; clouds that spread from horizon to horizon, oceans of waving wheat, blowing snow that drifts forever, skies full of northern lights, ditches brimming with milkweed ready to burst, and prairie roses lining miles of rail road track.

Beauty seemed scarce with the severe landscape and harsh lifestyle for anyone who dared to eke out a living there. But the simple life taught me three things:

Everything is important
There is beauty in everything
I can share my vision of important, beautiful things.