I grew up living a charmed life alternating many weekends between Milan and Paris. And I knew from an early age I was destined to be a great artist like my Granddaddy. Life was sweet. Little did I know my grandparents' homes in Milan, Tennessee, and their fishing cabin in Paris Landing were not in the world capitals of lovers, dreamers, and artists. But I did learn early the hard work and sacrifices required of a young artist. I remember with vivid clarity the afternoons spent drawing and painting numerous works of art with my markers, crayons, and watercolors at the dining room...more