I see posts on LinkedIn from folks who are bemoaning the fact that they can't find a field in their specific degree field after they graduate with degrees. One lady went to far as say that she wouldn't accept a job that was offered to her because they didn't have the specific equipment she trained on.
And, here you are, a PhD, who made creative use of your degree ... to the benefit of countless children. So much for the idea of the stuffy, arrogant PhD!
I think young people today need to be ready to be flexible in their ideas about where they fit into the world of work. Both of our sons, now in their 50s, have recently plunged into completely new jobs that challenge their flexibility and inspire their creativity and problem solving abilities. For our family, and many people I know, the worst nightmare is to be bored!
Your sons have benefitted so much from being there for your adventures ... and storybooks! And, you haven't let time and changes stop you!
My Grandfather had a stroke at 80+ years ... he was on his way out to pour concrete in his barn. At the age of 60+, he had had to give up his successful farms in Ohio because of my Grandmother's health. So, he restored buildings damaged in a hurricane and started a new career. When they had to move away from pollution again at 80, he started another venture in central Florida.
Thanks for your comment, Jenny. I think that because of "the system," which still has elements of favoring men for jobs, that finding a way to carve out your own career after getting as much education as possible is vital. I have a geneticist friend, married to an invertebrate zoologist, who got herself a 10% faculty appointment so she could apply for research grants and have a lab. Then over the years, as their children grew up, she increased that percent bit by bit until she was full faculty. Now that's creative job planning!
Thank you, Dorothy! I enjoyed reading your brief history. Your insights are helpful as I write and illustrate my first children's book about Soo Soo, the Siamese Adventure Cat. Soo Soo lives in Missoula. Her favorite spots include some areas in the Rattlesnake where I used to paint with you and Deborah (then Milton-Bond) back in the 90s. I hope to read more from you here at Substack soon. I appreciate that you live in Hawaii now, as I put off shoveling the new snow outside this morning.
Thanks for the memories, Marnie! I've loved those times, and Deborah and I also got together back then to teach writing and art workshops at the retreat center she established. We loved helping people unleash their creativity! She's now on Whidbey Island doing painting and teaching. I'm working on creating an online course for people to find their writing voices. I believe everyone's voice matters!
You are both inspiring! Especially because you are still teaching, sharing your passions, and helping others find their voices. I miss those times as well. I met Deborah when she taught a dollmaking class at a fabric store in town. I took watercolor lessons while she was on Sunflower and participated in more workshops in Evaro. She also introduced me to the Naraya dance community. I keep tabs on her current work through social media, but I haven't seen her in many years. I'm happy to be following you here!
Thanks for this history story, Dorothy. I have, as you know, used your books for story hours at the library I managed in Hoopa, California. And it was my delight to meet you in person and share a meal with you here in Missoula. Happy that you are enjoying your life in Hawaii.
Thanks, Kristin, I always loved the gathering of children's authors in northern CA; fun to share info with other authors and meet devoted librarians like you, as well as inspire children in person!
I’m so glad you shared this story and I can’t believe I have never heard the details of this becoming your first book! You have been such an inspiration to me in how to use my degree and those bricks we stack with experience, to find new adventures and possibilities. You have had such an extraordinary career! Thank you for inspiring me and other women!
I hope other women take inspiration from your note, Colette--we need to believe in our ability to adapt to different situations in order to succeed. When I wrote my earliest books, I chose topics close to home, as my boys were young. But when they got older, I began to write books that required some short travel. And by the time I got to the grizzly bears, I felt it was okay to be gone for a couple of weeks, since they were in high school by then.
Thanks for your comment, Wendy--I've never been one to be in a "box" that defines who i am! And I do believe my books have inspired lots of young people, which is very rewarding to me.
Thank you so much for your comment on my post How I Became an Author, Colette.
We women have a lot to offer the world beyond parenting the next generation well! I'm sure your own career stories can inspire other women as well. Would you have time to write your own newsletter?
I see posts on LinkedIn from folks who are bemoaning the fact that they can't find a field in their specific degree field after they graduate with degrees. One lady went to far as say that she wouldn't accept a job that was offered to her because they didn't have the specific equipment she trained on.
And, here you are, a PhD, who made creative use of your degree ... to the benefit of countless children. So much for the idea of the stuffy, arrogant PhD!
I think young people today need to be ready to be flexible in their ideas about where they fit into the world of work. Both of our sons, now in their 50s, have recently plunged into completely new jobs that challenge their flexibility and inspire their creativity and problem solving abilities. For our family, and many people I know, the worst nightmare is to be bored!
Your sons have benefitted so much from being there for your adventures ... and storybooks! And, you haven't let time and changes stop you!
My Grandfather had a stroke at 80+ years ... he was on his way out to pour concrete in his barn. At the age of 60+, he had had to give up his successful farms in Ohio because of my Grandmother's health. So, he restored buildings damaged in a hurricane and started a new career. When they had to move away from pollution again at 80, he started another venture in central Florida.
Lovely story Dorothy. Hope other young women scientists will be inspired to have a go!
Thanks for your comment, Jenny. I think that because of "the system," which still has elements of favoring men for jobs, that finding a way to carve out your own career after getting as much education as possible is vital. I have a geneticist friend, married to an invertebrate zoologist, who got herself a 10% faculty appointment so she could apply for research grants and have a lab. Then over the years, as their children grew up, she increased that percent bit by bit until she was full faculty. Now that's creative job planning!
Thank you, Dorothy! I enjoyed reading your brief history. Your insights are helpful as I write and illustrate my first children's book about Soo Soo, the Siamese Adventure Cat. Soo Soo lives in Missoula. Her favorite spots include some areas in the Rattlesnake where I used to paint with you and Deborah (then Milton-Bond) back in the 90s. I hope to read more from you here at Substack soon. I appreciate that you live in Hawaii now, as I put off shoveling the new snow outside this morning.
Thanks for the memories, Marnie! I've loved those times, and Deborah and I also got together back then to teach writing and art workshops at the retreat center she established. We loved helping people unleash their creativity! She's now on Whidbey Island doing painting and teaching. I'm working on creating an online course for people to find their writing voices. I believe everyone's voice matters!
You are both inspiring! Especially because you are still teaching, sharing your passions, and helping others find their voices. I miss those times as well. I met Deborah when she taught a dollmaking class at a fabric store in town. I took watercolor lessons while she was on Sunflower and participated in more workshops in Evaro. She also introduced me to the Naraya dance community. I keep tabs on her current work through social media, but I haven't seen her in many years. I'm happy to be following you here!
What child doesn't love a story about a cat!
It's especially fun because I have a seven-month-old grandson obsessed with the real-life Soo Soo.
Thanks for this history story, Dorothy. I have, as you know, used your books for story hours at the library I managed in Hoopa, California. And it was my delight to meet you in person and share a meal with you here in Missoula. Happy that you are enjoying your life in Hawaii.
Thanks, Kristin, I always loved the gathering of children's authors in northern CA; fun to share info with other authors and meet devoted librarians like you, as well as inspire children in person!
I’m so glad you shared this story and I can’t believe I have never heard the details of this becoming your first book! You have been such an inspiration to me in how to use my degree and those bricks we stack with experience, to find new adventures and possibilities. You have had such an extraordinary career! Thank you for inspiring me and other women!
I hope other women take inspiration from your note, Colette--we need to believe in our ability to adapt to different situations in order to succeed. When I wrote my earliest books, I chose topics close to home, as my boys were young. But when they got older, I began to write books that required some short travel. And by the time I got to the grizzly bears, I felt it was okay to be gone for a couple of weeks, since they were in high school by then.
What a treat to read a story from an old friend in the newsletter, Dorothy! Danno was so proud of you and Greg, his dear and talented friends.
Much love and continued success and happjness in Hawaii.
Lovely story. ...hopefully inspiring to young, budding writers.
Fascinating, Dorothy. I love learning more about you.❤️
And vice-versa, Dianne! And there's more to come about my publishing path, so stay 'tuned'!
Dorothy, I love hearing about your journey and how you brought your knowledge to fruition in your stories. What a wonderful use of a PhD!
Thanks for your comment, Wendy--I've never been one to be in a "box" that defines who i am! And I do believe my books have inspired lots of young people, which is very rewarding to me.
Thank you so much for your comment on my post How I Became an Author, Colette.
We women have a lot to offer the world beyond parenting the next generation well! I'm sure your own career stories can inspire other women as well. Would you have time to write your own newsletter?