My name is Monica Sword. I am Lena's mother. As a writer, poet, artist, and bookbinder, I show others how they may mindfully find their way to a more fulfilling existence. 

My life was not always this way.

Three family members’ deaths at an early age caused me great sadness, especially the death of my only child, Lena. I struggled to balance home life with a challenging career. Physical manifestations and discontent from this imbalance contributed to losing my way. I yearned to create a deeper connection with the beauty in nature, people, and the universe. 

I tried everything from happy pills to talk therapy. Important life relationships started and ended. My library was full of self-help books. I tried going back to school. I set up a basement studio hoping I would make time for creativity. While these activities kept me busy and much was learned, nothing seemed to make a difference. 

Then I discovered the problem wasn’t with my work ethic or what I thought people expected of me. The problem was how I was applying my conscientious, high-achieving style. 

Once I saw that honoring my passions, being mindful of my emotional reactions to life events and devoting time for self-care can restore a purposeful life, a creative mindset developed that helps me do my best work.  

My grief experience will not end and yet my life can be wonderful full with creativity and connection.  

Monica Sword is a multi-media artist, writer, bookmaker, and traveler. Her artistic exploration began with The Art Institutes’ Interior Design program while balancing an information technology career in educational administration. Later, through Dunedin Fine Art Center classes, she learned how to create a visual language with shapes, symbols, and textures influenced by her poetry, travels, and daily life.

Monica lives in the Tampa Bay region and is originally from the Fox Valley communities of east-central Wisconsin. She is a former board member of Studio 1212 Art Gallery, the Professional Association of Visual Artists and the Creative Artists Guild. Bookmaking is her current creative passion.