About Cat 5 Creations

Cat 5 Creations was born from the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, which hit Northwest Florida as a Category 5 storm. Landfall was at Mexico Beach, Florida, in October, 2018. Our new home was destroyed along with nearly every building in town. I was 57 years old and totally unprepared for a catastrophe of this magnitude. Major life changes followed. I retired from my job of 30 years as a paralegal, and my husband retired after 42 years in law enforcement. We decided that we needed sanctuary from hurricanes and bought a house in the mountains of North Georgia.  Saltwater will always run in my veins, and we will always have a footprint in Mexico Beach. In 2020, my spirit was healed enough for a return to Florida.  My first walk on the beach was not only cathartic, but inspiring; in the shells and driftwood I'd always loved, I could see shapes and objects coming together. I picked up the pieces that I loved, began creating, and never stopped.  I renewed my interest in painting and discovered the beautiful mountains, creeks, old barns, autumn colors and winter snow of North Georgia were perfect new subjects. My beloved beaches are committed to heart and memory, and I will always enjoy painting water, waves and sand. After all this, what have I learned?  Change is good and don't be afraid to jump!

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"What if I fall?  Oh but my darling, what if you fly?"

                    Erin Hanson