Amy Becherer, From St. Louis, MO, 154 Fans, 65 Hubs, Joined 10 months ago
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BobbiRant Interviews Amy Becherer
An artist at heart finds community and new inspiration HubPages
1. How did you learn about HubPages and why did you decide to join?
About a year ago I got divorced, signed a lease, moved into my apartment and one-week later was laid off from my job of 13-years. I met a man from an apartment building nearby while I was out walking my Scottish Terrier, MacGregor. My neighbor, Jeff, told me about HubPages.
It took me a couple of months to seriously consider writing on HubPages, as I was depressed from the series of events I'd just experienced. Anything new seemed too overwhelming, intimidating and challenging to try. But, I'm so glad I decided to check it out. The experience had lead me to many revelations about myself, courtesy of the many, interesting, intelligent, diverse group of friends from all over the world, that I now consider my extended family. They are a constant source of camaraderie in their comments that support, encourage and sustain my confidence and well-being, I cannot imagine life without. HubPages has opened up and enlarged my world to the unlimited possibilities it holds for everyone willing to grab onto the gusto, hold onto their hat and enjoy the ride.
2. What do you like most about writing on HubPages?
I consider the acceptance fostered by this community of writers a lifeline. While in the public eye at my former position as a receptionist, no one saw me as a shy, introverted person. Outwardly, I struggled to appear more extroverted, but, inside, I am very reticent and introspective. Here, at HubPages, the outreach from this community has extended their hearts to me without reservation or hesitation. The level of understanding, encouragement, and love shared in the community is something I would never have believed, had I not participated. It is not just lofty verbiage, it is as real as you, Bobbi, and me and every friend I've made here. "Reach out and touch someone" says it like it is at HubPages for me.
3. I see you create oil paintings. How did you come to start painting and do you have a web site where you sell your paintings to the public?
I've loved art since my early school days. I have no formal training, but won a few awards in school with sketching and colored pencil drawings. A couple of years ago, my daughter surprised me with tubes of oil paints, brushes and canvases for Christmas. I had never painted before, but, after procrastinating for a couple of months, decided to stop debating and try my hand at painting. That first day I painted until 3:00 a.m, with my two dogs sleeping nearby. I painted, I'd step back to gain perspective, and was enthralled with the process of watching a blank canvas come to life. Nothing, no how, no way has ever put me in a place where time just disappears or I feel happier, than when I paint.
I do not have a website yet. I have sold a few paintings, quite by accident. The president and my workmates at my former place of employment enjoyed my paintings and a few hung in our lunch room. Some of the clients that came in expressed interest and several of those visitors bought some of my work. One day I had one of my first paintings near my front desk when a vendor came in that asked me about the piece. When I told him I had painted it, he told me he had studied art at Washington University, a prestigious college in St. Louis, where I live. I was very impressed and equally amazed when he told me he would never reach the level of mastery he recognized in my work. He will never know how dramatically his words propelled me onward to continue painting.
4. Do you take part in any HubPages contests or challenges? Why or why not?
No, I have no interest in the contests or challenges. Its not the way I want to live. All my life has been dictated by schedules and time constraints. My job entailed at least two-hours daily on the highways. I had to be out the door and on the road no later than 6:30 a.m. I got home around 6:15 p.m. with a menagerie of critters waiting for me, and the myriad of demands in life we all face. There was never enough time or enough me to accomplish everything I wanted to get done. Often, I was still working at 1:00 a.m. After my layoff, I cut way back on time in the car, but still find there are not enough hours in the day. More often than not, I am writing at 2:00 in the morning.
I'm writing content articles online now, a time-consuming endeavor that carries the responsibility of deadlines, and, like everyone else, I have some personal issues that require my attention. The HubPages challenges would be a source of tension that I don't want to take on at this time.
5. You write a lot of poetry Hubs, what inspires your writings?
I never wrote poetry until I joined HubPages. I found it difficult, obtuse, pretentious, just a necessary evil in school. An epic fellow Hubber, epigramman, inspired my inclinations to give it a try after reading some of his imaginative pieces at HubPages.
My poetry is inspired by "what's happening now" in my life. I have few secrets left. I wear my heart on my sleeve and seriously began to wonder if seeing my name pop up with a new offering might not inspire more "eye-rolling" than anything else! But, to my amazement, yet par for the course here at HubPages, feedback continues to let me know, I am not alone. I read so many meaningful, enlightening stories, inventive, creative poetry, interesting, informative articles and fiery, passionate rants like your's, Bobbi, that reinforces the fact I've found illustrated here everyday, that communication is vital in connecting one-by-one to the world. Sharing makes everything better.
6. Do you have a particular Hub that is special to you? If so, which one and why is it special to you?
Since most of my Hubs are creative poetry inspired by what's presently on my mind, the latest is usually what's first and foremost in my life. Recently, I wrote a piece regarding the love my mom and dad shared. My dad passed away suddenly about 7-years ago. My mom lost her verve in life with dad's passing. Recently, my mom was diagnosed with a serious heart problem. That piece is especially significant for me. Writing it took me back to growing up in a family where, had I been given the choice, it would have been the only one for me. Not everyone can say their childhood couldn't have been better. I am grateful and humbled to be part of them.
7. I notice you are a level 8 commenter. Do you try to make a point of commenting on Hubs often?Do you enjoy leaving comments? If so, what do you like most about commenting to Hubs you like?
Thank you, Bobbi, for making me aware that there is a measurement for commenting. I was unaware of that. See, I just learned something new! Commenting is such a personal trip. I adore being able to let the writer know they have been heard, their voice matters to me and what the impact means to me personally.
I always strive to contribute in some meaningful way. I never struggle to participate. I am inspired by words that I relate to on some level. I have found an awesome amount of talent and heart at the Hub that has the power to make me laugh, cry, fire me up and never cease to amaze me. What could be better than that?
8. Where would you say you find inspiration and ideas for your Hub topics?
Life. My own personal experiences, those I read about here, events in the world or a chance meeting on the street can all ignite a spark. Recently, I was watching Late Night with Dave Letterman. Something he said in his monologue inspired me to write a comedic poem about a much laughed about recent event. Before my involvement with HubPages, I would never have had the audacity to spontaneously write something unsolicited and hit the "send" button. An AARP contest elicited my response with a piece. I recently entered three poems in a poetry contest. HubPages has inspired me, not only here, but as an active participant everywhere I go in life.
9. Is there any advice you might give to other Hubbers? Is there any advice or tips you would like to share with new Hubbers?
To other Hubbers I would like to say, "nobody does it better" than you. Keep doing what you do. To new Hubbers I'd say, everyone starts out the same, at the beginning. Relax, have fun, don't worry, be happy! I started out hesitant and along came you, BobbiRant, my first follower. I'll never forget my excitement that a published author was following me! Your words and unflagging support began this journey that has changed my life. I wouldn't trade it for the world. To you, Bobbi, and to all of my friends I say, "Thank you, I couldn't do it without you". You give me courage.
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