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Susanmarie Oddo

Age: I don't keep track. Was I supposed to?

Occupation: Art teacher at "Camp" Soda Creek

Place of birth: Queens, N.Y.

Q. When did you move to Routt County, and what brought you here?

A. In July 2003, my husband, Chris, and I settled in the 'Boat. Although we both grew up on the East Coast, we never felt quite at home. Our love for the outdoors pointed us to Colorado, and the opportunity to become SCE's art teacher made it possible.

Q. What's the biggest risk you've taken recently?

A. Recently I decided to create a collection of paintings inspired by kids. The collection is whimsical and silly, quite a contrast from my past works.

Q. Describe your morning routine.

A. Wake up at 6 a.m. (give or take), groom, drive to "Camp," grab a Today while saying hi to the girls in the office, then to my art room to enjoy my daily oatmeal while preparing art materials for my amazing SCE art students.

Q. Has a book ever changed your life? What was it and why?

A. As an adolescent, books like "Siddhartha" and "Black Like Me" exposed me to the compassion and cruelty of the world. They began to shape my understanding of how important it was to live with an open heart and mind. As an adult, books like "The Miracle of Mindfulness" and "The Power of Now" remind me to live each moment to its fullest potential, now.

Q. What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

A. My parents advised me regardless of my income to create a saving plan and stick to it.

Q. What three things would you want people to know about you?

A. My husband, Chris, and I have been vegetarians for about 20 years. I'm the art teacher at "Camp" SCE. I love to cook and plan to attend cooking school in Tuscany, Italy, this summer.

Q. What did you want to be when you grew up?

A. A photographer, which, I had the good fortune to experience professionally.

Q. Do you collect anything?

A: Antiques, art and shoes. I can count shoes, can't I?

Q. Who is your favorite superhero? Why?

A. Growing up, my parents were my superheros. They weren't able to leap tall buildings, but they gave exceptional advice and endless amounts of love.

Favorites

Book: "Beekeepers Apprentice" by Laurie R. King

Song: "Romeo & Juliet" by Indigo Girls

Color: An art teacher loves them all