I grew up on the South Side of Chicago and have lived in California, Oregon and New Mexico before returning to the lovely confines of Illinois.  Am now down in Monticello, just outside of the beautiful Allerton Park.  Was a fiber artist for several years, among other assorted jobs, then returned to college to get a Bachelors Degree in Chemical Engineering, so there's been a mix of right and left side of the brain activity.  Have played music for most of my life, along with many members of my family, but just started writing songs around 10 years ago.  Due to health problems, I have been unable to work for several years, so I use music and art to inspire, escape, connect, share, cope and spread joy.

The styles of music I write seem to vary from folk, country, blues, jazz and pop.  I record at home using a keyboard, a Blue Lion mountain dulcimer, tenor recorder and Sonic Foundry's Acid.  The artists that inspire me are many, and include Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Jim Post, Koko Taylor, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Patti Griffin, Anita Baker, Etta James, Paul Simon, Van Morrison.

The quilt shown is called "Emma's Dream" and was created for my niece Emma.  It is hand drawn, painted, thread painted and machine quilted.

Note: You can also visit my Facebook page and see more quilts and songs.  The address is: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Margaret-OBrien-Music-and-Art/124911970911717?v=wall