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Before asking to be my friend, I STRONGLY encourage you to read
ALL of this profile AND MY BLOGS;-)
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I live in central Arizona, about 90 miles North of Phoenix, in the Verde Valley, Cottonwood to be exact. It's a beautiful high desert valley about 3,000 to 4,000 feet above sea level. It's surrounded by 7,000 to 12,000 foot mountains on all sides, and...
"A River Runs Through It."
Verde River
I've lived here since 1984 and I call it home now.
First I should say that this website is always "a work in progress" and as I remember details I consider important, I will add them to my profiles and my blogs.
So, now a little background.
Although I went to grade school in Texas for a few years, I'm originally from Southern California, Lennox, Inglewood, West L.A., Santa Monica, Venice Beach, etc. I moved to North Hollywood in 1970 then to 29 Palms in the Mojave Desert after the big earthquake;-) I lived in 29 Palms for over 7 years, leaving only because of a bitter divorce. The Mojave Desert will always have a special place in my heart...
I Traveled around a bit after that, Shreveport, Louisiana, Clearwater, Florida, and then to Tucson, Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, and now here in Cottonwood. I've vacationed in Maui, Hawaii, (where I had dinner at "Cheeseburger In Paradise";-) I've visited Portland Maine and Portland Oregon, had lunch in the Space Needle in Seattle Washington, and breakfast in Key West, Florida. I've been to Mexico, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. I love to travel and have visited most of the "lower 48" states. I have a great love and respect for all animals, wild and domesticated, and currently have a Border Terrier, Daisy Mae, and I feed the wild birds. (see my pics)
I've been married three times, now divorced, but good friends with my last wife, we are buddies;-)
I'm semi-retired now, I do a little whenever I can find something, but nothing too seriously. My health no longer allows it. I've suffered from a serious back injury since 1991 that has been slo-o-wly improving, but still restricts my ability to do things. I had a mild stroke a few years ago, and then a year or so after that developed a heart condition (CHF) that I am currently taking medication for. So all in all... I'm just glad to be alive:-)
I only listed one school (The Art Center College of Design in Pasadena) because I just went to too many, and most weren't even available to list. Anyhow, I went to seven grade schools, one Jr High, three High Schools, (one of which no longer exists), three community colleges, two trade schools, The Institute of Healing Arts in San Diego, and several lengthy seminars on alternative healing. I have a High School Diploma, I studied Respiratory Therapy, I have a certificate in Massage Therapy, and am a Second Degree Reiki Practitioner. And over the years I've taken three correspondence courses, Basic Art, Basic Electronics, and Photography.
In my past I've done a few interesting things. In 2002 I was the lead role in a college video "Spoof-u-mentary" for the local college, I played Ken Lay, former Enron CEO. In the mid-eighties I sang back-up chorus for New Age Music sensation Ani Williams, on her album "Violets in Spring" (recorded at the "Mudshark Studios" in Flagstaff, AZ (My picture is inside the album jacket:).
I was a student pilot in the early 1960's, and flew Cessna 150's and 172's. As a guest of the U.S. Navy aboard a 1954 Gruman COD that was piloted by two women officers, I landed on the deck of an aircraft carrier at sea in 1983. The U.S.S. Saratoga.
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U.S.S. Saratoga "Supercarrier"
( right click to open a new page for the full size pic )
My work history includes working on the B-70 supersonic bomber project for North American Aviation in 1961-62; it was the forerunner of all the SST's since. And I worked at Mattel Toys in the research and development department, (the model shop:-). I helped make the first Hot Wheels cars, still very popular;-)
But mostly I worked as a model maker, machinist, builder, mechanic, and building maintenance man. Although after my father's death, I went to a professional drivers school and drove semi trucks cross country for awhile, 'twas fun:-) I even worked for the State of Arizona as a corrections officer for about a year.
I did own and part own a couple of businesses throughout the years, I was a partner in a convenience store and in a motel. I owned a one man repair and maintenance business too. I've been in charge of several properties, schools, nursing homes and commercial real estate to name a few, but never really stuck with one thing too long. I get bored to easily I guess. Probably why I was always doing some kind of repair work, it's never the same thing, always something new to solve. I like that.
I've been called a "Romantic" most of my life. I'm sure it was true at the time, and it's probably still true today, but with a little more wisdom and practical realism. I still believe in love, and in finding a soul-mate, but maybe not in this lifetime:-)
I'm a "Spiritual Person", but NOT religious. When I first wrote this profile I never thought this would be an issue, but, I am Neither Christian, or Jew, nor Hindu or Buddhist... I respect all beliefs and I can find some good in all faiths. I have friends from many faiths, and some VERY good friends who are Wiccan and American Indian, as well as some who are atheists. I believe in a spiritual life aside from this material world, and, A Life That Continues After Death Regardless Of Your Faith... Or Lack Of Faith. I am an ordained minister in the Universal Life Church, and I have no quarrel with organized religion except when it advocates violence or tries to impose it's beliefs on others. My attitude is,
"Live and Let Live, Preach through Example."
Your Birthdate: October 27
You are a spiritual soul - a person who tries to find meaning in everything.
You spend a good amount of time meditating, trying to figure out life.
Helping others is also important to you. You enjoy social activities with that goal.
You are very generous and giving. Yet you expect very little in return.
Your strength: Getting along with anyone and everyone
Your weakness: Needing a good amount of downtime to recharge
Your power color: Cobalt blue
Your power symbol: Dove
Your power month: September
What Does Your Birth Date Mean?
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