All About Me (In One Not-So-Short Essay)
I'm a sci-fi/fantasy loving female living in the Great Lakes Region. How'd I come up with the name? Looking at my wallpaper border while trying to figure out a good on-line moniker. Since my tastes run to the gothic and medieval, the border with the crowns and helms inspired me to choose Crownhelm.

What do I look like? Well, here's a picture from The Leather Years, circa 1990 to satisfy you folks who are curious. Is it what I look like now? Not even close! But it's one of my favorite pictures of myself (and how I view my inner self), so that's what you get to see. Besides, I'm not immune to vanity.

So, what's in this section of the site? A bit about me and then down below are the sections about my hobbies and interests. Current events are listed lastly.

In general I like medieval things and anything beautifully made or deliciously detailed. (Can you tell I'm a Virgo?) I've been doing calligraphy since 1985 and like to do pieces in medieval styles.

I dig fairy tales, British and off-beat humor, sci-fi/fantasy and mostly obscure non-reality movies with a few exceptions. Musically, I like most everything from classical/baroque to Ozzy Osbourne. I especially like "Guitar Gods" like Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani (whom I once met), Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Vinnie Moore, Steve Stevens, George Lynch, Gary Hoey, etc.

I also love to read. My favorite authors include the late Douglas Adams (may he rest in peace at Milliways), Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. One of my new faves is Kim Harrison. Also, any authors who make me think deeply, laugh out loud or make me sad that I've finished the story as it was too good to end. Those are the great ones!

Current Events
Music I'm fixated on at the moment:
Gary Hoey - Bug Alley
Queensryche - Hear In The Now Frontier

Last movies at the theatre/rented/bought:
Ghost Rider, Blade Trinity, Eddie Izzard "Definite Article"

Last books I'm reading, have read, borrowed or stolen:
Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, The Bible According To Mark Twain, You The Owners Manual, plus two books on Creative Suite 2, A Fistful of Charms & For A Few Demons More by Kim Harrison.

Real Life
Yeah, they call it a real life. Nobody ever told me how positively *boring* it can be to be a grown-up. However, there are a number of fun bits mixed in now and again. And I do like my work -- I've been in automotive marketing for over twelve years now and enjoy the variety of things I get to do. I do a tiny bit of voice-over work now and again. I've also worked as a telemarketer (which sucked, but I learned colorful phrases from people who answered the phone), camp horseback riding instructor, paste-up artist (pre-computer days) and production assistant for a local magazine.

I volunteer or have helped with some community resources for a few reasons. One place is Gilda's Club -- a fantastic community resource and place where people who are affected by cancer, their friends and families can gather. Gilda's Clubs offer emotional, social, spiritual and community support. Please visit the Gilda's Club website and find a Club near you. You never know when someone you come in contact with may need that information.

Another organization is the Brain Injury Association -- I had no idea prior to working with the local BIA how common brain injuries are. I have a friend who has recovered from brain injuries after a very serious auto accident and am grateful for the BIA and other local organizations. Look for your local chapter -- they can always use volunteers!

The newest organization is the Ronald McDonald House -- we've helped them out at work for events for a number of years now. It's a great charity that allows a family to stay together when a child has treatments and tests in a town that is too far from their home. Many families couldn't afford to stay in a hotel and the houses provide a family style setting for them. And they can also use volunteers - everything from making cookies to helping staff the house.