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10 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | AUGUST 2024 By Annette Hillis, Resident After eight years of working in the high-stress environment of a women's correctional facility, Lisa Harrison has found solace and fulfillment in pursuing her many artistic and athletic passions. Among those that she excels in are woodworking, photography, and sports such as pickleball. She decided to plunge wholeheartedly into her hobbies after retiring from a very demanding, yet rewarding, job at the California Institution for Women in Chino. "I am proud to have chosen a career that not everyone can do. You must have a certain mindset. There are different dynamics in a prison, and you need to adjust to the different people in the hierarchy. I am proud that I did not allow it to change who I am." And who she is happens to be a genuine "people person," one who delights in being around others. In her photography, Harrison has a keen eye for seeing the beauty in everyone and in everything. Whether it be through landscapes, portraits, or event photography, she shines in telling stories through her lens. This particular pastime has made her stop and look, really look, at the splendor in the world that we all miss so much of in our busy day-to-day lives. Harrison claims that when she is behind the camera, the lens becomes her "mind's eye" and she can capture moments in time that might otherwise be lost. Many is the time Solera Diamond Valley residents have seen the fruits of her labor grace the pages of e View magazine. Harrison's woodworking skills have been honed on items such as fine picture frames and serving trays that have been inlaid with a few of her breathtaking photos. She has taken her works of art to sell at craft fairs both here at SDV and elsewhere. Her attention to detail and workmanship has earned her a reputation as one of our community's most valued artists. But perhaps most impressive of all is that Harrison has also become a dedicated athlete in her retirement years. Besides her involvement in pickleball, she is also an active participant in water volleyball and racquetball. She is very eager to share that her daughters are also stellar athletes, two of whom earned college scholarships because of their athleticism. "I'm a very competitive person. I ride my Peloton bike most mornings to get these old bones moving. I tend to live life to the fullest. I wake up every morning on a mission." Moving here in 2022, Harrison admits that SDV is where she wants to be. She loves the beauty of her surroundings and the accessibility to so many picturesque sights and events. To those who say there is much to be negative about, Harrison believes "you get out of it what you put into it. For me, there is a sense of community here. Everyone is welcoming and helpful." Harrison's transition from correctional officer to photographer, woodworker, and athlete serves as a testament to the power of following one's dreams and embracing new opportunities. Her journey is a reminder that it is never too late to explore new interests and discover hidden talents within oneself. A FOCUSED LIFE