- I’ve been an artist for nearly as long as I’ve been a writer. I’ve had one of my pieces in a colligate art show by request, not because I did that sort of thing. I was far too self-conscious about my work to actually put it out there for the world to see.
- I often get asked where someone can buy the cover on my laptop. I tell them that it’s
one of my paintings and that I just uploaded it online and paid someone to print it for my mac. This is always a bit disappointing and surprising to the person asking. Here is my original painting and probably the photo I uploaded online to print from. - I once drove coast-to-coast and back again alone in my VW Beetle. I lived in my car for those three months, when I wasn’t visiting with family or friends. It was the best decision I’ve ever made and I highly recommend everyone, at some point in their lives, take a long road trip alone. You can’t run away from yourself when you’re alone. It is ample time to work out all that baggage and learn something new about yourself, test your strength and walk away a better person for it.
- At 15 years old I placed into college courses after going behind my school counselor’s objections to me attending college early. Despite this, I was one of four people in my graduating class to earn both a high school diploma and my AA from the community college. I had my IQ tested a couple of years later and learned that I was considered gifted. I can’t spell to save my life, but I suppose that doesn’t matter too much in the big scheme of things.
- I’m allergic to the world. Seriously, like 30+ food items as well as most soaps and cleaners. This is everything from cherries, wheat, apples, onions, corn and an array of other food type things to 99% of shampoos and body washes. It’s a pain in the ass but I’ve learned to cope with it over the years. At least I’m not allergic to chocolate!! That would really bring suckage to new levels.
- I once lived in a haunted apartment. I was so convinced that it was haunted by a cat as well as some other ghost that would turn my computer speakers on (while they were even unplugged might I add) and play talk radio. It was always about someone dead and a bit morbid for my tastes. I did some research and learned that my apartment building used to be a brothel back in the late 1800s to early 1900s. I finally got in contact with someone who told me that she had the Paranormal Society of Portland come out and do a reading on the building a few years before. Turns out they believed it’s haunted by 7 people and a cat. Here is a picture of the view from my window.
- I was a 911 dispatcher for a few years before deciding that it was far too grim of a job for me. I did, however, learn a lot about myself and the world in those two years. It was the only job that I’ve ever applied even an ounce of knowledge from my BA in Criminal Justice. I went on to get two Masters Degrees, neither of which I use either. I don’t regret getting the education, just the dollar amount.
- When I was in high school, dumb and foolish, I used to race cars with my friends. I drove a 1969 Lime Green VW Beetle. Needless to say, it was a rare day that I’d win. I was feeling super nostalgic when I bought my current Bug. I don’t race her though. Someday, I’d love to go on a proper track and learn to drive a race-car with the experts. If you couldn’t guess, this makes me a complete sucker for any and all fast car movies. Particularly the Fast and Furious franchise. I can’t help myself!
- I go to Emerald City Comic-Con every year. In fact, I look forward to it all year long. I enjoy watching people who are so unbelievably passionate about their craft, their hobbies, their love of geeky things. I’m a total sucker for passion in any form. I’m hoping to attend this year with a press pass to get a few interviews for this blog. Cross your fingers for me!
- . For those who don’t know, I also wrote a book. I am actively seeking representation for a science fiction novel I wrote. I was also a contributing author for the book Veteran’s Voices being published next year on April 26th, 2016 by National Geographic and Penguin Random House. I’m actively writing another when I’m not blogging about crazy things like this list.
mirandomreviews.com 