Life
is about finding out what your talents are, then learning what you
should do with them. At certain points in your life, these can change
- you never know just what the next year might bring!
I have had many loves in my life that have always been there: Kids,
Grandkids, Animals (especially dogs), Drawing, Sewing, Crochet,
Painting, and Cooking for family and friends.
In
the past, I have raised kids, babysat kids, babysat pets, and served
as vacation bible school director. I have worked as a cook, a taxidermist,
an airbrush artist and a painter.
In
2000, I knew that my job as an airbrush artist for a medical plastics
company would be coming to an end when they sold out to a company
from another country. I thought it was time to learn something new,
so I went to Texas State Technical College at the age of 40. I majored
in Digital Media Design with additional studies of Webmaster and
Commercial Art & Design. I continued to work fulltime through
the next three years, driving 50 miles to go to school as a fulltime
student. I graduated with honors and an Associate's Degree in 2003.
Continuing
to work as a contract airbrush artist, I began working as a graphic
artist/artist/website designer on the side. Finally in 2005, my
job was sent to Mexico and I was on my own. I have worked as a personal
assistant, helping out whoever needed me. I have designed many websites
throughout the years, along with graphics for some who do their
own websites. I have even won contests with my logo designs. Computer
design has won my heart. Someday I hope to be able to do it full
time, but for now, it is my part-time job. I am available for freelance
work if you need a website or graphics done.
Portfolio
I worked
in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for two years as a teacher
of Microsoft Office. It was a very fulfilling job, but I was part-time,
from 5-9 in the evenings. After being mistaken for an inmate by
a guard one night, I decided that this wasn't the place for me.
I was
lucky to have a friend who was starting a business in town and started
sewing welding caps for her. That got us by for a while. And then
my husband was forced to quit his job at Christmas-time, two years
ago.
Life
is hard, and jobs are hard to find. But he makes and sells handcrafted
pocket knives, and does whatever little jobs that come along - it
might be paint and body work, it might not!
And
now, I work at a veterinary clinic as receptionist. The adjustment
to this job has been very difficult - it can be extremely heartbreaking
and emotionally draining at times, especially for someone like me
who is very sensitive to emotions. But you get out of it what you
put into it, and I have been rewarded with some great friends and
good memories I will never forget. It makes me happy to think that
maybe I have helped someone take care of their beloved pets. With
7 dogs and 5 cats of my own, I know how important that can be.
