Growing up in South Sudan, Africa, my family had none of the modern means of entertainment such as television, radio, or libraries. For evening entertainment, my father, E. Alan Webb, made up stories about adventures based on his own experiences—traveling the savannah, hiking the jungle, fishing in the Nile River, and interacting with the different tribes and animals he encountered, all of which we knew well. A rich tapestry of sight, sound—and odors.

In 1956, Dad was offered a teaching position at Khartoum University. Life in the city was very different—and very scary. However, I was able to access the British Library, reading and rereading books such as Swiss Family Robinson, Treasure Island, Robin Hood, and Enid Blyton’s children’s adventure series (similar to the Nancy Drew stories). My favorite adult author is Lady Mary Stewart, whose descriptive writing transports you into the world of her stories.

In 1963, due to civil war in Sudan, my parents immigrated to the United States. Even our experiences at boarding school had not prepared us for the new life and different ways of this country. Dad accepted a position with the Presbyterian Church Inner Missions and was assigned five small churches spread across southern Ohio and West Virginia.

In 1969, I married my college sweetheart, who was in the Air Force, and followed him to England. Our marriage lasted seven years and produced two wonderful children, of whom I am very proud.

I had given up my formal schooling when I married, so the years from 1977 to 1996 were a struggle as I worked to support my two children with little help from their father, but strong moral s upport from my own family.

There were many good—even great—moments during that time, especially exploring the countryside with my children, creating adventures and magical Christmases. I worked with Dr. Nell Arnold on designs for the 1982 Olympics in Los Angeles and later assisted her with gala events in California. One I remember fondly was held at Paul Newman’s racetrack in Southern California and hosted James Hong, the well-known actor and director with over 600 credits.

I went into business for myself as an interior decorator and creator of “software” for the home—that is, anything and everything made of fabric. My work was featured three years in a row in Sacramento, California, in the annual Street of Dreams exhibit of architects, interior designers, and horticulturalists.

In 1996, Pacific Bell hired me as a civil cartographer. I discovered a passion for computer science, began learning coding practices, and became one of only two CAD cartographers.

In 2005, I returned to the Midwest, to Anderson, Indiana, and opened a bed and breakfast. I also reunited with Dr. Arnold, who had moved to Australia. I operated her Stateside office, managed several websites, and assisted in planning additional events in Australia. The B&B closed in 2007, and Dr. Arnold passed in 2012. In 2016, I was forced to retire due to high blood pressure and heart issues.

I continue to create fine artwork, design book covers and exhibit pamphlets, while developing a musical, two movie scripts, a book series, and maintaining multiple websites.