Cynthia and her wonderful son Nathan 

About Cynthia Ann McDonald

Cynthia has been an Artist all her life and was born in Dallas Texas and raised in Oak Cliff Texas, south of Dallas, spending allot of time with her grandparents and family in the Lancaster and Waxahachie area, also south of Dallas. A teenager in the 70's all she ever knew was that she wanted to grow up and become a Successful Artist.

In 1977 She studied at Parsons School of Design in New York City, taking a foundation Course where she toured the offices and studios of Artist and Designers in the New York City area. Life Drawing and 2-D design was also a part of the Summer program. In the early 80's she found the opportunity that allowed her to attend the University of Texas in Arlington, going to school full time including summers under the grant, loan and work study programs, studying Art. She loved it so much that she attended UTA for 6 years taking every Art class she could: beginners, intermediate, and advanced in her areas of interest until they finally told her, 'you must finish college... your allotment of monies is all gone'. The last year in college is when she began to study Silver Smiting, and also met Bryon Haney who introduced her to the Renaissance Festivals. They fell in Love, later had a wonderful child named Nathaniel and began building the business.

Cynthia continued to expand and work on the business while her husband went back to college. Within 7 years the relationship dissolved into a friendship and now they are friendly as they co-raise their son who is about to turn 18 in January, 2008. Nathaniel Vincent Haney is a senior in High School and is also taking English and Government classes at Hill County Community College in Cleburn Tx. His path in College will be Earth Science. His dad has a back ground in Computer Science, and Environmental Science. He will graduate in May of 2008, then take a year off to travel and play before returning to College.

Beyond Cynthia's son, and her successful business, which she has owned since 1988, her focus in life has been her spiritual path. Born a southern Baptist via her Grandparents, with a curiosity in all religions, the Eastern philosophies began to peak her interests the most at an early age. At 17 while attending Art School in New York City, she was introduced to, and began her Yoga studies of postures/ Assanas and Yogic Philosophies via Swami Satchidananda. It was here in NYC she became a vegetarian and began being more mindful of the body, mind, and breath in a health conscious way; that all things are linked to the omnipotent energies of God and that we are all one, conected, linked. And most of all that God is Love, and LOVE is the divine link to everything.

Following this path she began to Study Yoga, and became a certified teacher. Cynthia has taught Yoga to the community of Artist, Entertainers, and the workers at Ren Faires for 7 years now on an outdoor stage during the week when the festival is closed to the public. She has studied with Rev. Frank Jude Boccio, Erich Schiffmann, Shiva Rea, Seane Corn, with a teachers training with Doug Swensen, Ashtanga Teachers Training with Jonny Kest, Thai yoga therapy with Saul David Raye, and a week of Training with Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. Her future plans include a training course for the Special child with Sonia Sumar, and Teachers Training at the Integral Yoga Institute Ashram at Yogaville, VA. founded by His Holiness Sri Swami Satchidananda.

The future looks like Cynthia will be trying to stay home more now, at her home in the country south of DFW, and working more on conducting business on the internet with the World Wide Web. She will be Sharing her Renaissance Festival booths more with her apprentice Kathy Crawford who is in training for management of Starlit Skies, and will be assisting her with the web site orders. The goal is to stay closer to home and work, get back to her roots, and get more involved with nature, her Garden, animals, and the local Rodeo, and Western events.

A transition is coming...as an Artist she will always create. She is interested in Drawing and Painting more, completing some of her Art projects which include the Numerology deck, several Art books: how to wire wrap Jewelry, Happy Painted Faces, and Celtic Art work. Mostly allowing her art work and spirit to open and blossom.

At present time she works 15 hours a day on her jewelry creations, stopping long enough to teach Yoga, or pay attention to her own practice of Yoga and meditation, and when she is home: Yard work and tending to the Garden...ahhhhh, what bliss! She misses a Home life since she has been on the Road with the Renaissance Festival life style for 18 years, and looks forward to nesting now that she has a home of her own...which she purchased 4 years ago.

Her Attitude is one of Gratitude. She feels Joy and Beauty in everything, feeling the magic of daily paradise right here and right now. She takes the tough stuff as learning lessons and challenges. She is compassionate, a server, and a giver. One  who is there for others....so if you have any ideas on any of the things in her website feel free to contact her via e-mail or telephone... She is there for you with an open mind and an open heart.

Bright Blessings ...always.