Introducing Ourselves to our Becketwood Community + Brief Professional & Volunteer Bio

Brief Professional and Volunteer Bio: Deborah McWatters Padgett

Introduction to Becketwood

The couple’s interest in Becketwood was sparked by a desire for a stable and comfortable home and community in which to grow older and age in place to the extent possible until and if circumstances dictate assisted living or long term care.

Deborah and Michael are long time Twin Cities residents. Deborah moved to this part of the world in 1967, Michael in 1978 and the two of them met through mutual artist friends in 1990 and married in 1991. They have four children, four children in law, twenty three grandchildren and are expecting their eighth “great” in May.

Michael

Both Michael and Deborah are retired. Michael from a career as an art professor and university administrator with over thirty years tenure at UW-River Falls. Deborah held a number of jobs while raising daughters as a single mom and completing her degree in art, literature and communication at the University of Minnesota.  She spent fifteen years working as an executive recruiter and a career counselor.

Last year, the couple sold their home and studio in Saint Paul after more than thirty years, downsized from their two story art studio and began to make preparations toward the peace of mind inherent in a smaller life and a slower pace. Both Michael and Deborah continue as active makers of art and participants in the local and regional arts community.  They both spend time drawing and keeping journals. They love to wander, arm in arm, making discoveries wherever they travel, sometimes recording with the camera and other times with pen, pencil or through simply sitting quietly and breathing in their surroundings.

Their favorite activity is spending time together and they lead a rather quiet and private life for the most part. Still, they love to laugh and are greatly prone to silliness. Their favorite social activity is attending and participating in book-related events such as Talking Volumes, Pen Pals (through Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library), Writers Read at the University Club, book group participation and events at local book stores.

Their shared love for music includes Blues, R&B, folk, alternative pop, Motown and Classical with an emphasis on Chamber music.

Deborah and Michael maintain a website at https://padgettstudios.com/ and invite you to visit if you would like a closer view.  Their preferences for communication are text messaging, email, Marco Polo (a free app they use liberally with their many very busy children…). They enjoy staying in touch with friends and family around the world through Face Book.  Already they are feeling at home and have had the joy of getting to know many of you. They participate in yoga, floor meeting potlucks, attend art offerings, make use of the library and pantry and have enjoyed sharing meals and happy hour with many of you. They are feeling warmly received and most welcome.