Profile

I was born in Plainville, KS. I moved to Gorham KS when I was a small child. My biological father died when I was four years old, a very shocking & tragic death. His love and memory can never be filled by anyone else. Francis John Befort, the daddy I dearly love, is buried in Gorham, KS.

I attended Catholic School in Gorham, KS until my mother re-married. We moved to Wilson, KS. I grew up on a small farm there that my parents (mom) Darlene & (step-father) Ernie Mattas own. I attended Wilson Grade & High School. My step-dad worked the fields, planting mostly good ol' Kansas Wheat. Mother did lots of baking, sewing, milked several cows, and also taught religion class to children. I learned so much from my mother. I followed in mom's footsteps teaching religion class to the younger age children, read stories, and explained parts of the bible. Those were years that I deeply treasured; for my heart was in teaching others about God's great love for us. I am the oldest of three girls.

My sisters, Margaret & Bernadette, both have children of their own, now. Through these years, we have slowly drifted apart and went our separate ways. I will always love them for they have a part of my heart.

In my early childhood I became fascinated with writing short stories, & poetry. My English Teacher entered the class in several National contests. (Somehow, I managed to be in the top 10.) The simple pleasure of knowing others enjoyed my work was very touching & rewarding. It gave me the boost of encouragement that I needed to become a young writer. The teacher told me that she saw something good coming from my writing skills and hoped someday I would follow through using them to do something good that would benefit other people. She told me that I wore my heart on my sleeve, but I could let my feelings show on paper.

My mother always encouraged me to write. She said, "GOD GAVE YOU TALENT, USE IT WELL. IT IS A VERY SPECIAL GIFT TO WRITE AS YOU DO, MY DAUGHTER!" To this day, she is very supportive of all my work, both written and artwork.

Although being the oldest child was rough at times, I would forget I was a child with all the responsibilities placed upon me at such an early age. I didn't always see eye to eye with the older generation simply because I was "just a kid," so I'd write my thoughts down on paper in a small journal everyday. I would think of a very magical dream, a far away place where nothing could hurt me, and I would "fit in". There I would dream of being a "famous author" someday! I would be "somebody special", and I would feel loved in a way that words could not describe. In my dream, I was a shining star; shining bright for all to see.

After graduating from Wilson High school, I moved to Salina, Kansas. Big time reality set in as I graduated from Brown Mackie College with an Executive Secretarial Diploma. Then, I married extremely young. I had one child. Kevin was born on his father's birthday. As a housewife & mother, I started a fishing shop and a gift store as a home based business called "Westside Bait & Tackle" in 1984 so I could raise my son as a stay-at-home, working mom. This inspired me to write my first short story book, from all the fishing tales I heard from years of selling live bait to fishermen, and going fishing myself a young girl, too.

After living with the man that I thought I'd be with forever, we ended our relationship as only friends in 1996. I learned, "sometimes when you love something, it's best to let it go". I began to make remarkable positive changes in my life after my divorce. I thought I had lost a family forever, but I realized in my heart that I am loved for "just being myself"...not the person I marry. I began to focus on writing books to help others see some good in the world. Positive influence was a goal that I felt I needed to achieve. My ex-husband and I are great friends because we both had the chance to blossom like a rose. We understand each other now, and he is very proud of my writing skills. We both will always love one another because of the great bond we have with Kevin.

In 1995, I met my very best friend although I had not realized it, yet. At the time, I never dreamed the man I met would mean so much to me, and my son, because I had no clue where my life was headed or what God had planned for me. I finally started living towards building up my own self-esteem again. Somehow I had deeply lost that feeling of worth throughout the years. I couldn't explain how I felt, but I didn't think I could be capable of being loved by anyone. Then I was strongly encouraged others to do the same; to reach out, and stay focused on positive living. I knew that I was somebody special. God became my hope & my light. I talked to him for answers. I learned to thank him for the day at hand, and to have allot of patience.

"Shocked," when my best friend, Andre' Zane Shiever proposed to me, once again, in 1999. I swore that I'd never re-marry anyone; but like a fairytale dream, off to Las Vegas we flew where I became a "Millennium Bride"!

In January 8, 2000, We made the wonderful change to my Unique little store when I added the store name: "Anne's Collectibles & Gifts", after I married the most generous, loving, and extremely supportive man. After months of extensive remodeling with an improved filtration system in the store; I am very proud of my little gift store which is also now my own special showroom.

My husband (Andre' Zane) & my wonderful son (Kevin Jr.) both greatly support my enthusiasm of expression thru "art". Now, I use my writing skills, to enhance the sales of my specialty gifts which I design, & create myself for the enjoyment of others.

(My slogan: "LOVING GIFTS FROM MY HEART, TO YOUR LOVED ONES!!!")

September 11th memories inspired me to reach out to the world. I felt driven to do something to help others. I began designing very unique & exquisite jewelry ("my wearable metal art") for all to wear for support & love of their country. In addition, I created other precious jewelry pieces, including hundreds of Unique "ANGEL DESIGNS", & creations for all occasions, hobbies, holidays, occupations, spirituality, weddings, patriotism, mother's, dad's, people all ages, and of course, some "just for fun"!

I also have my own "Gift Idea Catalogs" which are mailed to customers upon request, (with a small deposit of 20 U.S. dollars to cover printing costs for each catalog). Once you have these Unique catalogs, you can earn your own extra money by having a "book-party" of your own. Send in the orders, with payment, and earn cash back along with a free gift just for having the book party and taking the orders, The orders can be shipped directly to your customers, or back to you (at your request) for delivery.

Email me, write a letter, or call for details!

In 2001, I finished writing my FIRST Short-story when I wrote the poem-story book entitled: "Worse Fishin'Trip!" My book is illustrated, written, and self-published by me. The book was initially a big turning point in my writing career, as I became a "NEW featured KANSAS ARTIST!!!" This book is featured through Kansas Originals, (which began in my hometown of Wilson, KS), and has grown throughout the state with stores located in other areas of Kansas, and also on the internet at: www.kansasoriginals.com Kansas Originals website features the wonderful talent of the "KANSAS ARTISTS" as well as "KANSAS AUTHORS". (My humorous story makes an excellent gift card, too. There is a blank page for writing your own special note inside of the book).

You may email me if interested in any of my books, greeting cards, note cards, post cards, stationary, logo designs, letterheads, poetry art, jewelry designs, and other unique items!!! I always love to hear from new customers and my fans.

You may also write to me at: Anne Shiever (Artist/Author) 152 N. Broadway Salina, KS 67401

Call 785-825-8511 to place an order or fax an order to 785-826-2526. We accept payments on-line through PAY PAL services at www.paypal.com as well as Money Orders, Cashier's Checks or cash payment to Anne Shiever of Anne's Collectibles.

I am currently finishing the illustrations for my book "Happy Hunting Day", as well as the illustrations for the children's book, entitled "Five Artist Angels". My children's story "Five Artist Angels" was read to children with ADHD, Bi-polar, Autistic, & other severe attention deficit/learning disabilities from the ages of 5 to 9. It caught their attention, with their focal point on the story. It was a tremendous pleasure for me when these children enjoyed what they were hearing. My books will be sold at all the Kansas Originals locations, & my own magnificent little store here in Salina, Kansas as well as other stores throughout the North Central Kansas Region. Since the year 2000, I have currently published over 12 special books!!!

I also designed a very Special gift to send to a friend or family member called: my INTERNATIONAL "Friendship Angel and Poem". The poem was written to so others would spread love & friendship, not only to their family and friends, but to other people all over the world. It is my hope that through the gift of friendship, peace will spread throughout the world. My Friendship Poem & (Metal) Angel have been sent to people residing in many of the U.S. including Canada, Argentina, & Germany. Whenever the "Friendship Angel" is sold with my poem, donations are made by my family to organizations who help the families of the world that are struggling to survive, as we are through these stressful times. It is my SIGNATURE ITEM! My "Friendship Angel" is displayed in these locations, as well as samples of my other artwork: B&C Creations of Wichita, KS where "Metal Artists" are featured, all KS Originals locations, Nooks & Cranies of McPherson KS, Petro 2, Main Street Revival Inc. (TWO LOCATIONS) , Smoky Hill Museum, Big Cheese Pizza, Sentimental Journey Antique Mall, Forever and Ever Antiques of Salina KS, Ellsworth Antique Mall, and Ellsworth Art Gallery, and Robson's Gifts of Ellsworth, KS & my own store, Anne's Collectibles & Gifts located at 152 N. Broadway in Salina, KS.

My "Friendship Angel" makes a great Bookmark, as well as a small "Unique Token" of Friendship: This is "An International Artist Feature!" Get your FRIENDSHIP ANGEL TODAY!!!

My poem called "God Gave Me You" has been set to music, by Father Time in Joshua Tree CA. It has been played in CA during concerts, and on the air. I have other Lyrics that I want to do some positive work with, in hopes of helping others. You can also find some of my poetry lyrics in my revised edition of the book Heart, Mind, & Soul! If you are in the Music Business, you will love the lyrics. Since most music to soothe the soul comes from poetry from the heart, you will want to OWN a copy of HEART, MIND, & SOUL! People everywhere are sending remarkable feedback and astonishing positive reviews for my selections in this book.

My 1st edition (sneak preview) of the original book entitled "HEART, MIND, & SOUL" is now being sold in several stores throughout the north central Kansas region. This book is a compilation of some of the best work ever written from early childhood until now. Written in a unique variety, there is something in it to touch the heart of every one who reads it. From tales of parenthood, dreams, domestic violence, jail experiences, and other mishaps you will find peace through the pain of others. If you have ever been pushed 'round, beaten down, torn of self-esteem, this book will help you "feel better"! Learn about love in all of it's diverse forms.

Let me touch your heart and tickle your funny bone with HEART, MIND, & SOUL!

I was the guest "AUTHOR/Artist" for the featured KS artist of the day in July 2003 at KS originals, autographing the 1st release of the "sneak preview edition" of the book. It was an amazing success for me, and helped me to overcome the fear of being in a crowd. After two years of working directly with a beginning publisher, (Deborah Haley) published a new version of my book in September 2004 entitled " HEART, MIND AND SOUL" by ANNE SHIEVER ISBN: 1-59453-387-3 through the remarkable marketing and publishing specialists at Bookman Marketing. Thanks to Bookman Marketing, this book is now available through www.amazon.com www.barnesandnobles.com www.bookmanmarketing.com and many other on-line stores, too. (Prices vary) You can also see the book on Deborah Haley's website with the other books she published in 2004.

Autographed editions are now available directly through the author at Anne's Collectibles & Gifts for only $29.95. Free gift included when you order directly through Anne Shiever.

Remember, if you ever have a special request for a poem of your own for you or a family member, please do not hesitate to let me know! I will be happy to write one for you, or design a special ONE-OF-A-KIND Gift for you or your loved one.

I will keep writing to express my thoughts in hopes of creating wonderful enjoyment for readers, & to bring new items into my store to express a "poetic style of art". Remember, Nobody has the "right to judge you or your work, so don't let the negative people hurt you. When people leave you negative feedback...that is only their opinion! Don't let what someone else says ruin your chance to grow. Nobody has that right, ever!!! Stick up for yourself, and Believe in Yourself...then miracles will happen for you." Don't get discouraged from rejection because some of the most famous people today were rejected many times before they reached their day of stardom. Keep on believing in yourself, and let the Lord guide you through with his everlasting light and love.

If you drive through Salina KS (I-70/I-35 State street exit), please stop to say Hello at my store: Anne's Collectibles & Gifts. See my magnificent unique AnnesAngelsAndMore design line, and my newest items Storybook-Beadwear (IT'S THE UNIQUE DESIGN THAT TELLS IT'S OWN GREAT STORY) .... or visit Kansas Originals on the web, and other websites where I am featured, ( in England visit www.loadsofodes.co.uk) to learn more about the artwork of this Kansas Artist!.

Someday, by your thoughtfulness, great words of encouragement, positive support, and spreading the word to everyone you know about my work, I have faith my art will be able to help support my family, allowing my little store the great potential for prosperous growth, with wonderful clientele. Just copy this link and email it to your friends on line: http://members.cox.net/rshiever/anne.htm

Future plans: Enter contests offered other websites, keep writing, and build a terrific future for my family through my writing, drawings, & metal art. I will publish a few anthologies of my own with poetry or stories from friends & family members in 2005 with the help of another publisher, through LULU press, Bookman Marketing Service, or Morris Publishing Serice.

Watch for the release of "INSIDE MY HEART, MIND & SOUL" The Poetic Works Of Anne Shiever, soon available through ANNE'S COLLECTIBLES & GIFTS FOR $19.95 PLUS SHIPPING. See this book at Anne Shiever's on-line store front: www.lulu.com/anneshiever This book has various personal photos of the author. It is a more "personal touch" to get to know Anne Shiever better. You will walk away knowing the existence of God, and understanding the depth of love in all of its diverse forms. (Under the publication of Lotus Books, Publisher) This is simply a "MUST HAVE" for your personal library.

Hobbies & other interests: I love collecting "vintage Barbie dolls". I dream of having a Barbie Museum here in Salina someday and owning a #1 Barbie doll. :) I also LOVE to collect miniature dachshund figurines; the older the better. If you have any of these fine collectibles, especially dachshunds please be sure to let me know. I am hoping to do a collectible reference book for the dachshund figurines and the dolls at a later date. I enjoy: devoting my time to my store creating new items, at least one new design each week, and of course, MY WRITING, especially during a late night road trip with my best friend, my spouse AZ, researching the web, and reading feedback from new fans & wonderful new friends and clientele. I love to write about a variety of things. I hope that you will find enjoyment, & loving entertainment with my work. "Any Positive feedback" is appreciated. I know that you will not always enjoy everything that you read, but I thank God for the friends he has brought to me through poetry, proses, and short stories. Remember that there are many poetry writing styles which may not rhyme at all.

My work comes from my Heart, Mind, and Soul with a very special meaning for the readers.

Thanks so much for reading my biography. I know l artists desire recognition, and sometimes they don't tell their readers thank you enough. :) THANK YOU, FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP, SUPPORT, & KINDNESS. IT IS PEOPLE LIKE YOU, WHO GIVE MY FAMILY THE ABILITY TO DONATE TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS. It's people helping and understanding people in a positive way that brings the world closer together.

May God Bless You, and Keep you safe on your journey, blessing you with Peace, Hope, Joy & LOVE.

Both my own Mother, Darlene A Mattas; and Mother-In-Law Jacqueline B Shiever have been quilter's for years. My mother taught me how to paint on material. She gave me instructions through Dorothy Novak (deceased) in 1984. I received many certificates for Beginning Brushstrokes, Painting on Materials, Creative Art Design, Cameo Techniques, Glass Etching, Outstanding Creativity with Illustrations, and Paints, and several others. I made a few doll and Baby quilts, but I never really worked with large pieces of fabric. The closest thing to a ribbon of my own was for my design of a hand-quilted folded star wall hanging. I took some sewing in high school, but most of the sewing techniques I learned through watching mother sew. My mother-in-law, who still designs quilts as a fabric artist will help me to make a poetry quilt for my sister's baby. Here is the poem about the "Quilt" and it's meaning:

The Quilt

Mother made a quilt with the finest cotton thread
And pieces of the past she saved for many years,
One by one she hand stitched them together
As many special memories brought very special tears
With flannel for the backing, and warm fabric inside
She handmade her first beautiful quilt for me.
You could feel her love, and see her endless pride!
As quilting became more advance,
She hand-painted each lovely little square
The she used a quilting stitch for a quilt
That you didn't have to handle with so much care!
Then Quilting became a trend, a wonderful hobby,
And a magnificent piece of fine art;
With each wonderful quilt that she made,
There was a unique handwork, created by her hands,
And inspired by her tender, and warm loving heart!
Mother made a doll quilt for my very special dolls,
She created a baby quilt for my wonderful son,
A beautiful new quilt for a lovely wedding gift,
And a new quilt 'simply just for fun!
The "Rose" quilt was so very special to me
And I finally received it on a wonderful Christmas day
I knew how very much she loves me,
in her own very special Motherly way!

For this was a message that I would soon blossom

Whenever God allows the petals to open wide

It was the sign that I would put my talent to use

And I would blossom with a sincere sense of pride
Now I tried my own hands at the art of quilting
But quilting 'that just wasn't in the threads for me.
I couldn't ever seem to get the hang of it,
Or have enough hours of patience, don't you see.
So I learned to make a 16 inch folded star instead,
From material pieces of little four inch squares
A unique plan, I just simply designed from my head,
But it won me several 1st prizes at all the fairs!
So I convinced my mother to enter her own quilts,
She finally did, & she just couldn't believe her eyes,
For the judges loved her wonderful work so well,
That she won her own special ribbon for 1st prize.

I still have the beautiful handmade "Rose Quilt"

The sensational gift for a special girl like me

And now I know what she meant by a blossom

Cause God has blessed me endlessly!

September 10, 1989
Rosemary ANNE (Befort) SHIEVER

The Quilt Continued
Each scrap of material has a special memory that created this special quilt, just as our great God has his own plan for you!
I pray you discover it (Jeremiah 1:5)
Made with love and human hands to give it a warm loving touch, you were made with divine hands by our God.
I pray you will know how special you are to God (Psalm 139:14)
As I carefully hand-stitched each piece so it will not unravel, to be held together in strength.
I pray you will look to God for his strength, and his plan for you; even when you make a mistake, God will redeem that as we trust in him (Proverbs 28:13)
I tried not to go back and forth to make corrections to my stitches to keep the blanket from becoming filled with small holes.
But if you go back to God to confess your sins, then your life will become holy as God forgives us. He died for us.
I pray you will have the courage to confess wrongdoing so you can live a holy life (1 John 1:9)
God has many thoughts and hopes for you, just as this blanket has many stitches. I have many hopes and dreams for you.
I pray you will think about God and know he thinks about you, too (Psalm 139:17)
As a family there are three major parts, the father, mother, and the children.

As you three children are my threads, I have tied them together for strength to hold it together.
I pray you will depend on God and your family (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
God placed a special border around your life to keep you safe from all harm. I have chosen a special border for your quilt.
I pray you will stay within the borders God sets for you (Job 1:10)
I made this special quilt for you so you will feel warmth and security; just as the love I feel for you whenever I hug you close to me.
I pray you will always put your hope in God (Jeremiah 29:11)
And when you use your quilt to snuggle tight, I hope you will remember that you are covered in a special blanket of love and prayers.
I pray that you will come to love Jesus at an early age (John 14:21)
Someday you will outgrow this quilt, and it will become worn with age. It will only be a memory of a love from Mother's page.
I pray you will never want to outgrow your need for God (1 John 4:1-17)

These special little prayers are woven from the threads of my heart for the special magic and blessings bestowed to you in this unique quilt!

With each thread that is woven together for an incredible bond;

May you always feel the unique bond of a Mother's magnificent heart; and then learn to cherish it, forever!

My husband Andre' Zane Shiever is a metal artist, jewelry designer, and an inventor, too. We currently have an Invention that is "Patent Pending". Our invention will benefit the hunting industry, pet industry, and also the sporting goods industry. Email us at: AZEnterprises@cox.net to find out more information about this amazing invention! You'll be extremely glad that you did.

My husband Andre' Zane Shiever and I welcome you to our store. Again, THANK YOU!!!! From the bottom of my heart! Zane worked in the Professional Driver Field for a few years. Now he is back to working with metals, welding, doing fabrication work, and adding a new customized look to our invention line. Stop in to learn more about two artists by visiting Anne's Collectibles & Gifts 152 N. Broadway Salina, KS 67401 Call 785-825-8511 and ask for Zane or Anne.

Lovingly

(Rosemary) "Anne" (Befort) Shiever
Author/Artist/Poet/Metal Art & Jewelry Designer
a featured "KANSAS AUTHOR/ARTIST"

Anne