rmcrayne Interviews sunforged
There's more to this HubPages community celebrity than meets the eye!
1. Would it be safe to say that the most exciting thing that has happened to you recently, or ever, is becoming a new dad? What can you share with us about that? And how has your daughter changed your work habits?
Ayla is absolutely mesmerizing. I'm amazed daily at every new feature and smile and mannerism she is developing. My work habits are now absolutely shot! Many laugh at my naive viewpoint when I share what my expectations were compared to the reality. Since, I work from home, and have done so for years, naturally , I was to be the stay at home parent. I honestly thought this was going to be easily worked into my routine. Newborns sleep all day, right? Then as she gets older, I would just be able to just put her in various baby devices, swings, pack and plays, cradles, bouncers, etc. as I worked nearby and watched her. No problem, I thought!
I was certainly very wrong and still happily surprised by the new daily joys of having my attention demanded.
I was always a night owl, who could work rather inconsistently and still meet my output goals. Ayla has changed my schedule enough where my focus and planning is going to have to be very much improved upon in order to keep up the same level of productivity and still have time to interact with the rest of my family.
2. You’re not always behind your computer. Tell us about your art work.
I do identify as being an Artist. The act of artistic creation is very much a need for me. Its an expression and outlet that I absolutely require in order to maintain a balanced state of mind. The majority of my work is in large scale acrylics. I primarily paint as my methods are very aggressive and physical, I throw paint, dash water and coat everything around me in the stuff. More restrained methods of creation are far less enjoyable for me.
Unfinished paintings are dangerous, as I am compelled to stare and dissect and imagine for hours at a time.
I was actually brought into the online world during my search for ways to promote my own art and the artistic endeavors of others.
3. What was your favorite family vacation when you were growing up?
I was raised in the Boy Scout Program, my father was an Executive at the council level. Part of the job involved running camps most of the summer. So our family vacation was the two of us staying in cabins at various camps and parks throughout New York State's beautiful Hudson Valley region. As the Camp Director's son, I had free run of the places and Staff privileges with none of the restrictions on my time. I really can't imagine a better vacation or summer then the years my father and I spent at those camps. What boy wouldn't want to spend every day learning Wilderness Survival and Pioneering, Archery and Rifle shooting, Lifesaving, First Aid, Swimming, Rowing and Sailing whenever they wanted! Not to mention, building massive fires, camp skits, tribal dancing etc.
4. What are your favorite vegetarian meals?
It would come down to Pizza or Thai. Pizza, when I'm on the run and in a rush and Thai when I'm enjoying a night out with the family. Lately, I've been really enjoying a Thai Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Curry dish.
5. Cowboy or Indian? Dogs or Cats? Pepsi or Coke? Cake or Ice Cream?
Definitely, Indian. I have two dogs and a rabbit, but cats are cool too.
Pepsi or Coke? - neither, I'm more of the natural Birch beer or Microbrewery Root Beer type. Haven't been into the whole carbonated sugar water thing in nearly a decade.
Cake or Ice Cream? I absolutely refuse to make a decision between the two. Ben & Jerry's and Gourmet cheesecakes make my world go round.
6. What catches your attention, or favorably impresses you most about new hubbers?
I enjoy seeing new and creative uses of the modules for layout and custom pictures and videos. New users often bring a new design style to their hubs and these new approaches are often adopted by other Hubbers. It's fascinating to watch, for me.
7. What’s the most surprising misconception that you encounter from veteran hubbers (those who have been on HP for a year or two and have a sizable library of hubs)?
I'm not sure, what I would find surprising, but I find the correlations between income and writing talent that are often perpetuated to be distressing. They are certainly not interchangeable and synonymous factors.
8. How many emails or requests for advice do you average per day?
More than I can comfortably respond to anymore, I make an effort to always respond to comments requesting specific assistance but unfortunately the emails are often put off until downtime arrives... the downtime does not seem to be occurring much anymore (see question 1) and I get a bit distressed when I leave such requests hanging.
9. You help so many of us on HubPages. Who were your mentors or “go to” hubbers when you started at HubPages?
I have to just give a nod to the community as a whole. I asked lots of questions in the forums and received great advice and directions to where to pursue my answers. Also a nod has to go the Hubpage Designers and staff, I immediately felt the Hubpage process was easy to navigate and rather intuitive.
10. When you’re reading hubs, what topics are your guilty pleasures?
I'm not too guilty about it, but if I'm just browsing around Hubpages and not doing the specific research that I should be doing, I tend to appreciate authors who write very honest personal expression about their life experiences and satire or humor pieces.
I have been reading a lot of parenting hubs lately and learn much from the writers and parents here at HP.
11. What hub or hubs are you most proud of?
It's kind of an unfortunate character trait but I'm rarely proud of any past works. I can always find room for improvement when I look back at a hub or artwork or sketchbook. I have been able to stay proud of The 60 Day Challenge Curriculum series because of feedback via email and comments that has made me feel as if they have helped others in their own online goals.
12. What is your favorite HubPages upgrade?
I kind of enjoy the "I'm a PC" ad campaign that Windows 7 has been running. One of the HubPages Upgrades makes me feel like "Im a HP." Just a few months into joining HubPages I asked for a 'Copy Template" option in the Request section of the forum, within a week the option was available! Obviously, the feature must have been in development for awhile and my request was coincidental, but the feeling, when I was new to the site is unforgettable.
I don't have a good name for my other favorite upgrade, and I didn't even notice it for the longest time, but the "insert capsule here" option on the left hand side is a huge time saver for larger hubs.
13. What skill or interest do you have that might surprise people, coming from an artist and computer guy?
I imagine any of the skills I picked up from years of outdoors and survival training and experiences would be a surprise. I still occasionally hit the local skate park and half pipe on my rollerblades. Agressive Rollerblading seems to be rather rare activity these days and at one time I was paid per appearance as a demo skater. I have instructed hundreds of people in the art of Pizza Making. I worked as both a LSAT and SAT Prep Instructor. An office chair and and LCD screen are far from my first loves. Merely a means to an end.
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