Category Archives: Work and Career

The Wedding Photographer

Posted on November 12, 2016 by vanbytheriver

On the afternoon of my 30th birthday, I began my career as a wedding photographer. Six months later, it was over. Her name was Kelli. We worked together in the marketing department of an engineering company. She was beautiful, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Entertainment, Family, News, Photography, Technology, Work and Career | Tagged , , | 88 Comments

One of the Boys

Posted on July 22, 2016 by vanbytheriver

I was over 30 yr. old when I actively pursued friendship with women. For my entire life, I was surrounded by the other gender. There were sisters, but they were never really friends. The “hood” where I grew up, was almost … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Education, Family, Work and Career | Tagged , , , | 108 Comments

Perennials

Posted on June 9, 2016 by vanbytheriver

They are the flowers that come back year after year, the ones that always bloom. The rose might be the most faithful floral of all. We have been best friends for over 30 years. We met through work, followed our … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Gardening, Health Issues, Relationships, Work and Career | Tagged , , , , , | 72 Comments

Falling off the Roof

Posted on June 7, 2016 by vanbytheriver

A few months after our father died, my brother fell off the roof, both literally and figuratively. He was the treasured first born son, arriving after 3 attempts resulted in daughters. At the advice of physicians, my mother got pregnant … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Family, Relationships, Work and Career | Tagged , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Adventures with Lye

Posted on March 12, 2016 by vanbytheriver

It started with handmade soaps. I received amazing samples from my friend, Linda.  http://nutsrok.wordpress.com/ Just out of curiosity, I looked for information about how they are made. I found a video that showed the process that turns the very basic ingredients into … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Humor, Memories, Random Thoughts, Work and Career | Tagged , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Dignity

Posted on March 10, 2016 by vanbytheriver

Burger flipping. It has become a reference that we all understand. A low-paying job. A place you might end up if you ignore education. A last resort. A McJob. I learned a lesson early in life about the dignity of … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Education, Family, Work and Career | Tagged , , , , , | 59 Comments

The Accident

Posted on March 4, 2016 by vanbytheriver

Sometimes the Universe gives you a subtle nudge. And sometimes, it knocks you down to get your attention. In a very chance meeting at a flea market, I struck up a conversation with a young man selling his record collection. … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Health Issues, Work and Career | Tagged , , , , , , | 101 Comments

Work

Posted on February 20, 2016 by vanbytheriver

Retirement. I don’t miss the money. I miss the connections. I miss the need to get up at a certain time each morning. The wake-up shower, the first cup of coffee, the rush out the door. Of course, one could still … Continue reading →

Posted in Hotel Stories, Work and Career | Tagged , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Pie

Posted on February 19, 2016 by vanbytheriver

It is a foolproof pie crust. It came from a farmer’s wife, and maybe the saddest woman I’d ever met. Barbara was the manager of a small office where I took a temp job. It was customary to bring in … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Inspiration, Memories, Work and Career | Tagged , , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Pyramid

Posted on January 20, 2016 by vanbytheriver

After 20 years and 5 relocations, my husband was about to be laid off. I went into panic mode, reinstated my teacher certification, looked for work options that would allow me to be home for my children. And then it … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Family, Work and Career | Tagged , , , , | 40 Comments