HI, MY NAME IS… Sami Lange
I’VE LIVED IN DESERT RIDGE FOR A LITTLE OVER TWO YEARS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… it is so convenient. We have wonderful neighbors, large parks, convenient shopping, and the most gorgeous scenery to walk in.
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… waking up early for a quiet cup of coffee, heading to Paradise Valley Community College where I work as a librarian, spending time on homework with my kids, and making paper quilts in my art studio.
MY FAMILY IS… everything. My husband and I celebrated 18 years of marriage this year, and our son and daughter keep us busy with interests in soccer, karate, and art-making.
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… daily meditation. It clears my head and rejuvenates me each morning.
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY… “Sing 2.” We have already watched it about 10 times. Something about the color in this movie catches my attention and I can’t get enough.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… a mathematician. I took extra math classes in high school for fun. I became an artist and librarian instead, so I think it all worked out.
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… anything by Adele.
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… my dad. He is constantly learning and growing and I couldn’t be more impressed with his commitment to leading a fulfilled life.
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… realizing my second grader won a game of Uno when I had 28 cards in my hand. I won’t pretend that doesn’t happen on the daily!
THE PERFECT DAY… would start like every day with a hot cup of coffee and oat milk. Then it would include studio time with my kids, and I would cut and dye several hundred pieces of paper for a new paper quilt. A park visit and long walk would be included. An afternoon nap and barbeque with by my husband would finish off the perfect weekend day.
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… Arizona Helping Hands. There are a lot of ways to support this charity that provides for children in foster care. I like going on to the wishlist and purchasing items that get shipped directly to the charity.
My favorite international charity is Room to Read. This organization provides books and builds libraries for children who wouldn’t otherwise have access. I previously partnered with Room to Read and created a charity drive to raise $5,000. I sold original artwork to fund the building of a library for fifth graders and 100% of the art sales went to the charity drive.
MY LIFE IS… full. I consider this a beautiful thing despite having had a different vision initially. Several years ago we moved to Arizona from northern California to get closer to family and leave the fires. It was one of the best decisions we have ever made.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… my family. I don’t know how I would move through this world without them. The kindness, guidance, and support I get from my entire family is irreplaceable.
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… going to New York. I haven’t been yet. I hope to take a week in the next few years to travel there and spend a lot of time eating and visiting art museums.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED is… change your thinking, change your life.
