What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two

Subject: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 10:44 AM

Part One

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Jimmy C
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 11:00 AM

Quit school at age 15 and have had many varied jobs since. e.g Cobbler- cabinet maker- trusk driver's assistant- gas station attendant - winter tire stud installer - soup mix mixer - business forms designer - records officer - archivist - musician. Was fortunate to be able to retire at age 55. Now I am a psrt-time musician - part-time genealogist and full-time husban,father and grandfather. Don't get any better than this. Thanks for asking.

Cheers.

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Fortunato
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 11:12 AM

Well, Jerry,

I assume from the lack of response that I've told the elephant story one too many times...

So I'll tell you one less fantastic.

The 1st summer I'd been in college I took a job selling the Kirby Vacuum Cleaner door to door. If you're not familiar with the Kirby it cost $259.00 back in 1965 which was then a helluva lot of money. Anyhow I only lasted on the job for one week. They sent me into the absolute poorest section of Alexandria, Va., and I was demonstrating that the Kirby could suck dirt from the ground under the foundation up through the floor and rug, I mean it had some suction. But my clients to be were on welfare and couldn't buy the bags for the Kirby.

But the best part of the job was the sales meeting every morning. The Kirby company had their own song book. I'm serious. They were a very old company and they had a published song book of parodies of the old famliar tunes. For example, to the tune of "Pack up your troubles in your old Kit bag", we sang: "Pack up your Kirby and your extra bags and SELL, BOYS, SELL!" Or: "Make my bed and light, I'll be home late tonight, I'm selling the Kirby!"

Well, of course I excelled at singing the songs, but failed miserably at rooking poor people into a 'dollar down and a dollar week' deal. I didn't sell any vacuums. regards, Chance

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 11:14 AM

Thanks, Kat!

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Naemanson
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:18 PM

Good thread! Is it my imagination or do the people who are posting her seem generally satisified with their lives?

I know I could find a better job (i.e., one that I enjoy more) but with only 5 years to go till I retire and a move to Italy in my cards I'd be an idiot to give it up now. This job fed and housed my family until they were all gone. Now it's my turn and Italy seems like the way to go. The nest is empty. So I sold it and I'm leaving myself.

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: An Pluiméir Ceolmhar
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:20 PM

Thanks for the explanation, Jerry. I won't even attempt to think up a Titanic joke, as I'm sure you've heard them all.

The French-sounding phrase is actually Irish, and means "the musical plumber", referring to the uilleann pipes which I can't always quite manage to steer.

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 02:13 PM

Hey Fortunato:

We bought one of those Kirbys and the damn thing lasted over thirty years. It was still working fine when we replaced it but our house has a lot of steps and we simply couldn't drag it up and down anymore. It's probably being used as an anchor now.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Fortunato
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 02:42 PM

Hey Bev and Jerry, thanks for showing Jerry Rasmussen I wasn't making it up. I think the elephant story may have hurt my credibility a mite. Yeah those Kirbys weighed a ton. They made them out of real metal. Can you imagine? But they could suck the label off a Louisville Slugger. Cheers, Fortunato.

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Mudlark
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 03:03 PM

Tho I claim to read only the music threads, I must admit I've read thru the entire part 1 of this thread and enjoyed every post!

For the first 10 yrs of my working life I was in publishing, in one way or another...started out with what turned out to be an interesting but unpaid position writing TV scripts, back in the late 50's, then moved into tech. work, starting out as a tech typist, then editor then tech. writer. And then went on to head up a computer software graphics dept.

Life then took a sharp left turn. My husband and I left the computer industry, bought a 160 a. farm in Ark., and became homesteaders and potters. 20 yrs ago we moved us and our studio pottery back to Calif. I've recently retired from the pot business, am now I'm making a partial living from writing and photography, grow a big garden, and have lots more time to make music...

I feel fortunate to have been able to make a living at things I enjoyed, particularly pottery, altho the art show scene got very old after the first 20 years. But music has been a constant friend and companion, cheerer upper and soul satisfy-er for as long as I can remember. I guess I'd rather pick and sing than do anything.

BTW, Bev and Jerry...I'm in SLO Co. too...where are you?

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 03:22 PM

You mean there's real life out there??

I've had a variety of jobs including office cleaner, baby sitter, waitress, mediaeval wench, library assistant, classroom assistant, painter and decorator, secretary, swimming instructor, worked in mechanical demolition, gardener, researcher, catering assistant, seamstress/tailoress, conservitor, embroideress, museum assistant and now work for the Inland Revenue in the same building that Bullfrog Jones probably worked in when he was at Capital Radio.

This is just the paid employment. Unpaid I've worked as a driver, bus driver, entertainer, parish clerk, child minder, designer, house sitter, dog walker, personal shopper, proof reader, genealogical researcher and mother.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: DeanC
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 03:52 PM

I'm one of those odd people who have only had one job for nearly 35 years. I'm a computer scientist at the Naval Research Lab. I provide computer support for oceanographers, geophysicists and acousticians.

Actually although I have worked at the Lab for 35 years I've worked in several different groups along the way. I started out in the group that found the Scorpion. It was a nuclear submarine that was lost in 1968. We spent about 6 months wandering around the ocean in its vicinity before we finally took some pictures of it. Later while working with the same group we located and recovered the research submersible Alvin.

I spent a lot of time on research ships for several years. We got to go to a lot of interesting places while trying to collect and process data that the Navy thought was of value. Along the way I learned a lot about the ocean and even more about how to make computers do what I wanted them to do.

Most recently I've been working with a bunch of geophysicists developing a method of measuring the gravity field from aircraft. Yes, gravity varies over the surface of the earth depending on the local amount of mass beneath you. It only varies a few parts in a million, so measuring it from a moving platform is a challenge.

Dean Clamons

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Caz
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 05:29 PM

Well if everyone else is joining the bandwagon I might as well. I have been a bar maid, shop assistant, clerk, cleaner, factory worker, supervisor, industrial engineer, personnel officer and now work teaching maths and computers and love, just about, every minute. But the best part or my working life is getting paid to sing in front of people. What more can a dedicated show-off ask for?!

Carole - OUTSIDER

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 07:48 PM

Melanie:

If you're still reading this thread, send us a PM. We sent you one and got no response. We need to talk to you about the maritime library.
<

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Kelticgrasshopper
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 08:30 PM

Aside from being a member of the fabulous Celtic band "Gan Ainm".. where I sing and play percussion instruments..My day job is that of "museum attendant" I work for Historic Deerfield.. a historic village in Western Mass. I greet people from around the world. Its a "cushie" job, I walk to work.. see my husband all the time because he works for the same museum. I spend my off time enjoying my son's band..and spoiling my grand daughter Molly.

cheers.. Keep the music going!!

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 09:11 PM

Historic Deerfield is a great place to visit, by the way. It's been many years since I've been there, but as it is a historic site, it can only get better as it gets older. Just like us Mudcatters. :-)

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Kelticgrasshopper
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 10:01 PM

Well Jerry.. should you come and visit.. come on over to "Hall tavern Information Center" Most likely I'll be there. Unfortunately.. it's not a real tavern so I can't buy you a "pint".. But I'd love to meet some "catters".

Meg ( KGH )

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: GUEST,DancingMom
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 10:48 PM

Mom to 3 teenage daughters and a 9-year-old son.

Registered Nurse (as of February) in a hospital cardiovascular unit.

Herb gardener.

Guitar student and history buff. Sharon

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 12:24 AM

KelticGrassHopper! Nice to see you, again!! Went a little north, have you? Old Deerfield is one of my very favourite places in New England, in fact I was "homesick" for it this July 4th! Congratulations and I hope we hear you in Paltalk sometime.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: MAG
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 01:35 AM

Yah, I wasn't sure I could wade through any more bio stuff, but this is fun.

In high school summers I worked as a full time nanny and did lots of babysitting. I loved it; a clue I would be working with kids. (never had any, tho'( 8( ). Sang in choir. Sang in friend's bedrooms all through the folk scare.Worked my way through college slinging HoJo food on the NJ Turnpike, slinging platters in the college cafeteria, and, when I came of age, slinging pitchers of on-tap at the local redneck joint. volunteered at the college library to see if I liked it enough to pursue it as a career. I did. Ran away to Chicago to go to library school. hated library school. Dropped out and did all kinds of odd jobs, including driving a taxi and Kelly Girl (temp. work). Most interesting assignment there was doing ad mailings for a topless manicure parlor. (Yes, the boss offered me a job. This was a LONG time ago.) Poured myself into one cause after another, and then, having trained as a printer and been laid off, done factory work and been laid off in the '74 recession, went into library work. LOVED public library work. hated my employer. finished library school. moonlighted in a children's bookstore. loved it. quit library job and did full-time free-lance storytelling. loved it. was offered a job as a full-time library storyteller in Miami that I thought I couldn't refuse. Loved the job, hated Miami, hated my alcoholic dysfunctional bully of a boss. Worst three years of my life. Took another library job on the continent as far away from Miami as I could get one. Love the Pacific Northwest. Love my work, when the job gets to me I remember I have had worse. much worse. I tell stories and sing songs on the job a lot. I play in a contra dance band. I work on losing weight and making my knees work. I grow roses. Life is good. -- MA

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 02:25 AM

I am a delivery driver.

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Greycap
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 02:43 AM

Hmmm..let's see. In order from first job: dairy worker,student, bus conductor, builder's laborer,estate agent's clerk, accounts clerk, pro musician, security guard,accounts clerk, cleaner, civil servant. 54 months to go to being-pro musician agin!! ( on retirement )

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Kelticgrasshopper
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 06:57 AM

Hi to you KAT.. Yes the "ice cream social" was fun.. HOT MUGGY.. a great time on the 4th.. WE've been here in Deerfield for about a year now. It is lovely. We feel like we are living on a movie set..

KGH ( Meg )

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: greg stephens
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 07:03 AM

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 08:11 AM

Hmmmm.... Greg? According to my computer and your last entry, you don't do nothin'.... :-)

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: The Walrus at work
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 08:57 AM

Alright, if everyone else is chipping in;
At school I had a part time job in a plastics moulding factory which put me off the idea of anything like factory work ever again (too boring) and another making fences (I've never trusted "pretreated" timber since).
On leaving school, I trained as a metallurgist, spent 6 years working on tool materials, 20 years in marine corrosion and the last couple in the wear resistance of tool materials (back where I started), who knows where I'll go from here.

Walrus

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: john c
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 09:07 AM

On reaching the ripe old age of 40 about 7 years ago, I opted out of my job as a buyer for rather large supermarket chain and became a carer for mentally and physically handicapped adults. Never made a better move!! J.

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Naemanson
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 12:32 PM

Hey, Greycap, I am 60 months out from my retirement as a civil servant. Let's form a band of retired civil servants and go on the road!

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 02:02 PM

About the only job not yet done is pimping. I recently left state service to become a marketing director, so I guess I can't even claim exemption from the pimp title any more.

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: dermod in salisbury
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 02:06 PM

Greycap, Naemanson and me could make a trio. I retired as director of information in a small government department 18 months ago, and now spend most mornings fiddling through my collection of jigs, reels (Scots, Irish, American, I have billions of them). It is nice to know so many contributors are of a mature age. It explains all the generously shared wisdom on this site. But maybe, the hotter headed brethren are just taking a breather.

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Abuwood
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 02:37 PM

What do you mean real life, that is here and at festivals or anywhere singing or playing or dancing. The 9-5 rubbish just finances real life!

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 02:54 PM

Hi, Abuwood: The truth is, it's all real life... the music making, the earning-a-living rubbish (which for some people is a positive part of their life) sickness, divorce, marriage... the whole thing. I just didn't want to title the thread "What do you do for a living?" That sounded far too mundane, and I don't think there would have been the breadth and openness of the responses if I'd worded that way. Or, I could have worded it "Post Your Resume." That's not what I thought would be interesting. And as I mentioned in Part I of this thread, many friends of mine make a living out of playing music. I just think that it's fascinating to see the crazy mix of people us Catters are, and I feel like I've gotten to know people better.

By the way, what do you do to make a living, when you're not playing music? Just would like to know...:-)

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: dwditty
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 03:19 PM

Hi Jerry,

When I am not selling giant computers, I hum, sing, listen to, or play music. For example, right now I am lstening to the fabulous music you sent me...at my desk....with ears phones. I am truly impressed with both you and the Messengers, as well as very thankful for your kindness in sending them. One happy 'Catter here.

dw

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 04:06 PM

Diddy Wah: We just aim to please. :-)

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: beadie
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 04:23 PM

After high school :: Janitor's assistant for the summer.

Failed college student ('65).

Military medic .

Hospital orderly .

Mildly successful student ('70 - '72) technical degree in respiratory therapy.

Respiratory therapist and cardiovascular technologist.

Moderately successful student ('78) liberal arts.

More Respiratory Therapy as a department manager and wildly successful student ('85 - '89) {25 years out of high school and I ALREADY got a Bachelor's degree}

Somewhat less successful student ('90 - '93) law degree.

Currently an elders' advocate for the State of Wisconsin, helping folks in nursing homes avoid abuse, neglect and exploitation. (and still a sometime student)

Throughout this oddyssy, an avocational musician (the only bluegrass autoharpist I know of).

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: beadie
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 04:25 PM

PS.

Fortunato: You're right about those Kirby's; they can (to borrow one of Willie Nelson's more colorful movie lines) suck the chrome off a trailer hitch.

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: SlickerBill
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 06:20 PM

47 and father of three. Teaching high school history and geography since '82. Summers about three other teachers and I go up to a classic rock festival and work as stage hands. Great way to learn about what goes into these big shows (lighting, sound, business). the more we do it the more the old adage seems to ring true: rock and roll is like high school with money. It is a nice change up from teaching though. I've gotten more involved with music in my off time as the years have gone by, and I hope to keep that trend going indefinately. Great thread. sb

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Bill D
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 09:30 PM

Durn, Fortunato...you are a piker!..I lasted a couple months selling Kirbys...and actually sold 4!..(1963)..well, one was to my mother, and I still have it!....

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Jon Bartlett
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 09:53 PM

Last week we gave away our Kirby to the local charity. Couldn't suck anymore (don't know why) and we've got no more carpets, thank god. You must have put some arm weight on, wresting those buggers in and out of a car.

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Llanfair
Date: 11 Jul 02 - 10:50 AM

What a great thread!!!!

I trained as an Occupational Therapist, but didn't finish the course. Started working with Adults with learning disabillities in '71, resigned in disgust from my job of Social Worker nearly 3 years ago, having worked in all areas of service provision for the client group, mostly Social Services.

During that time married 3 times, brought up 2 sons, kept house (why did I never choose a husband who did housework?) Now I care for elderly parents, keep chickens and ducks and dogs and cats. Grow veg, do craftwork and market stalls, sing, play, produce pantomimes, watch telly, read and check in on Mudcat twice a day at least.

My life is very full, and I wish I'd stopped work long ago.

Oh, and my grandson is overseeing my training as a Granny!!!!

Oh yes, and I do Mudcat gatherings, too!!!!

Cheers, Bron.

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: BlueSage
Date: 11 Jul 02 - 11:12 AM

Interesting thread, interesting folks!

In "real life" my passions run toward being a dad and reading any book I feel worthwhile.

As far as "making a living" is concerned, I've spent the last twenty years trying to survive as a full time folk singer/musician. Not an easy task here in Utah but I can't imagine myself doing anything else I would love as much as I do this. The people you meet in this business are truly remarkable!

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 11 Jul 02 - 11:13 AM

One thing that I've noticed in this thread that I wanted to comment on. When I was a kid, the standard question was, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Which meant, what kind of a job do you want to do, not what kind of a person do you want to be. In High School, there was all of this pressure to decided what you wanted to be, FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! The Sputnik had just gone up, and the attitude over here was, "We ain't goin' to let no Commies get ahead of us! and just about everyone in my graduating class of 1953 went in to engineering. The thought was that you had to choose your major carefully, because it was a lifetime decision. Now, they're advising kids in High School who are going to college to get a broader education because they might have as many as two or three different kinds of jobs in their lives. Read these threads and see how many people have had twenty different kinds of jobs in their lives... I'm not sure that life has changed so much as that attitudes are slow to change. At one time, if you grew up on a farm, you became a farmer and was a farmer your whole life. Those days passed a long, long time ago.

I find this thread very encouraging as a father of two sons who ventured out into the work world a few years ago. If you're willing to work hard and learn new skills, there's no limit to what you can do. And if something doesn't work, or you lose your job, there's bound to be something else that you can do, and you may end up liking it better than the job you had. And, as someone pointed out, the general feel of this thread is that people have mostly enjoyed what they'd done in their 9-5 jobs. That's good. It's far too big a chunk of your life to be in a job that you hate. You carry the hate home with you, too. Perhaps there's some encouragement in this thread for people who are in a job they hate, right now. Maybe it's time to move....

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: An Pluiméir Ceolmhar
Date: 11 Jul 02 - 12:49 PM

Well said, Jerry. We're in the age of lifelong learning.

I don't even attempt to advise my daughters (aged 19, 23 and 25), because the job market is already so changed and will change even more during their lifetime. I just help them to talk and think things through.

And whenever they asked me what I, as a child, had wanted to be when I grew up, my standard reply was "I still don't know, that's why I'm a civil servant" (not quite true, but it always gets a laugh).

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Ebbie
Date: 11 Jul 02 - 01:49 PM

Successful mother, unsuccessful wife, (not in that order), motel manager/trainer and supervisor, , waitress, maraschino cherry processing plant (enjoyed that one), janitor/janitor trainer and supervisor, (that job paid better than any others), office clerk, proof reader, researcher, writer (A promo of mine on the subject of 'Patsy Ann', a deaf American Pitbull that lived free in Juneau from 1929-1941 was read by Paul Harvey one fine day.), perennial student...

Nowadays I live in and run an historic house museum, 'educating' tourists in local history in the summer seasons and renting out the place for weddings and receptions and meetings and seminars off-season.

And in real life I participate in as much music as others will allow.

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Firecat
Date: 11 Jul 02 - 03:29 PM

OK, I'm a student and childminder who used to work at Asda (and hated it). I can also be found helping out on Dad's badge stall at Wenlock and Warwick Festivals! Oh, yeah, I also did work experience at an archaeological dig when I was 15.

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Dorrie
Date: 11 Jul 02 - 07:04 PM

i am an art student. i also babysit and am a voluntary playworker for KIDS playscheme for disabled children, i hope to get a proper playwork job soon

dorrie xx

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 11 Jul 02 - 08:35 PM

Llanfair-I know a few social werkers, they are all nuts, I don't just mean a bit strange, I mean really crazy (away with the fairies!).john

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Naemanson
Date: 12 Jul 02 - 08:12 AM

An Pluiméir Ceolmhar, I love that answer to the perenial question. I may have to steal it from you.

Having worked one job for as long as I have I cannot lay claim to a multitude of others and so many have in this thread. My other jobs in chronological order:

Farm Worker
Bellhop
Farm Worker
Machinist Mate (Navy)
Farm Worker
Handyman/Plumber's assistant
Construction Laborer
Immigration Inspector
Father
Contract Negotiator
Father
Contract Specialist (Still Going on this one)

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Les from Hull
Date: 12 Jul 02 - 02:15 PM

What do I do? Nowt. Ha ha ha!

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: Alice
Date: 25 Jul 02 - 12:56 PM

To get through University with a degree in Fine Art, I worked as a secretary/research assistant in the office of the governor of Montana, then as a secretary and DJ in the university FM radio station, meteorology data clerk, and horticulture ground crew worker... after graduation, a starving artist trying to make it as a painter with no money to promote my work. That meant I lived on almost no income and spent alot of time painting and drawing with no money to ship or photograph the work in order to show it to the public! I eventually did show my work, but illness, deaths, setbacks, threw me into a graphic design job at the university, which led to a pretty good commercial illustration and art director job with a company that is a major supplier of souvenir silkscreened shirts. National parks, ski resorts, destination tourist spots... my work was sold in all of them. I had to travel to trade shows, work long hours, and when I had my son, put him in a home day care from the time he was born. I learned alot and made alot of valuable professional contacts that helped me move on to freelancing in 1991.

Current #1 real job: I am my son's mom. Three more years and he will be out of high school. Raising him has been more rewarding than any paid job.

I decided to quit that secure art director job when my son was three, as I realized he was being raised more by a day care mom than by his own mom. We needed to be a family, and the only way to do that, the only way for me to really guide his development, was to be home with him. I set up a studio in my living room and I continued working in the souvenir sportswear industry as a freelancer. I also picked up a part time horticulture job that I continue to do, maintaining indoor plantscapes in the hospital, bank, offices, mansions.

Book cover illustration - my next move forward in art, started with my first assignment earlier this year. The cover illo was for a book for young readers titled Camp Of The Angel. It will be published later this year. The publisher is Philomel (does the Redwall books) a division of Penguin/Putnam.

Currently I am working on ski/winter embroidery art for a new client called Cheyenne River, 36 designs due on August 10 (yikes). I'm finishing up the final art on a front and back design for a forest fire commemorative shirt, Firefight 2002, for a company in California.

I sing trad Irish, Scottish, British folk songs for fun and money.

Not much time to mudcat anymore, although I've been on Mudcat since 1997.

Alice in Montana

Subject: RE: BS: What Do You Do In Real Life - Part Two
From: GUEST,Keyboard Player
Date: 25 Jul 02 - 01:28 PM

I know someone whose young son asked her, "Mommy what are you going to be when you grow up?"