Oregon Mom Profile

Folklore Media is a production company that specializes in creating original, non-fiction programs on subjects related to education, travel, lifestyle and health. We also partner with companies and individuals to help them "tell their stories" through video and print. I oversee the day-to-day management of the business, serve as co-executive producer for all our video productions and also run our graphic design division.

The natural beauty that surrounds us every day. The widest skies I've ever seen. Portland's progressive nature and the value that is placed on community and making a difference in the world. The pace of life. The parks. The people. The importance that families put on their work/life balance in seeking that elusive "quality of life" that we all constantly strive for.

Our family loves berry picking in the summer. There are so many wonderful u-pick farms nearby. Among them, we love to go to Kruger's Farm on Sauvie Island -- especially when their summer concerts are happening. We can wander the fields and pick almost every kind of berry you can imagine then order delicious food from their BBQ and sit out in their field and listen to the band while my girls dance around on the grass. It makes for a perfect afternoon. (see photo!)

Since my husband and I own our business together, we really work as a team in juggling the business, household and family duties. I do a lot of my work -- especially design projects and day-to-day management of the company -- at night after my kids are asleep. I was a stage manager for a theater company for many years so I'm used to working at night and used to having to be very detail-oriented and organized in all aspects of my work. Those experiences have come in very handy in figuring out how to balance work and family life. It's quite a challenge. Owning a business is all-consuming. I never feel like I "leave work" even when I'm home with my family so striking the balance is tricky. There is no magic formula for making it work. The only tips I can offer are to be flexible, adaptable, good-humored and forgiving -- of others and of yourself.

Our company recently produced a DVD called "Portland at Play", a visual guide to the fun, family-friendly activities and attractions that are available in and around our wonderful city. It's something we were looking for when we moved to Portland and couldn't find. It didn't exist though in terms of a printed resource, we LOVE Oregonmom.com :-) The DVD, loaded with ideas for fun things to do any day of the year, rain or shine, gives you the opportunity to "preview" the activities and is designed to be a practical resource for visitors and Portland families alike. Developed with extensive input from area families, it not only organizes the types of activities available, covers all the seasons and gives ideas and tips for different age groups, but it also conveys the beauty of the area and the quality of life here in a unique way. I hope that the DVD will help other Oregon moms answer their kids' daily question, "What are we going to do today?" as well as help families new to the area as they get out and explore all the fun their new town has to offer.

Featured in "The Oregonian" and many Portland area magazines!
You can purchase this talked about DVD at Powells.com (free shipping!) Makes a unique baby shower gift for any Oregon mom - including yourself!