What do you do when your dreams are gone?

**Darlene** · 06-20-2007, 02:19 PM

High school have any adult ed classes? Churches? Painting doesn't work for you try ceramics, lol. Can't you just picture yourself like the scene in Ghost being all one with the potters wheel, lol? http://www.close-upfilm.com/pictures/Ghost1.jpg

Volunteer at a museum. Just try all kinds of stuff.

**peanut** · 06-20-2007, 02:28 PM

Kathryn,

Another book recommendation...[ame="http://www.amazon.com/LifeKeys-Discover-Who-You-Are/dp/0764200755/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-8798265-7257459?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182363771&sr=1-1"]"Discover who you are"[/ame] by Kise, Stark and someone else...

As for expensive art classes...it's too bad things have got so expensive for a basically pretty simple hobby. I suggest going to the library and looking for painting instruction books. Also, if there's a local art store, they might offer cheaper classes on the assumption you'll buy your supplies from them.

But there again, it can get expensive. I paint on untempered masonite. I coat it with 3 coats of gesso (available at the art store). Then I sketch and paint on it. You don't need a varnish, but you might want one. It protects the painting. I protect oils, but don't bother with acrylics. Don't know why, I just never bothered doing it. You can buy varnishes for acrylic though.

If you're thinking watercolours, I cannot recommend [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Making-Color-Sing-Jeanne-Dobie/dp/0823029921/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-8798265-7257459?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182364258&sr=1-1"]"Making Color Sing"[/ame] by Jean Dobie highly enough. This is just an excellent book on painting with watercolours.

Another option is to join a local guild. Guilds often have speakers, workshops and seminars on various topics for a more affordable price. Maybe ask around.

Edited to add...if you're fascinated with nature and want to draw, maybe try [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Nature-Drawing-Learning-Clare-Leslie/dp/078720580X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-8798265-7257459?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182364170&sr=1-1"]"Nature Drawing"[/ame] by Clare W. Leslie. Excellent book I keep going back to!

Hope that helps.

Jean

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 06-25-2007, 04:32 PM

I think I'd like to do Civil Air Patrol again...I think it'd be fun... It would cost me about $250 to pay the annual dues, get uniforms and patches, and all the other little things...like rank insignia. That would get me pretty well "set"...then just annual dues...about $85.

It's a 10 mile drive each way, so there'd be a bit of a gas expense...

What do you think?

Or should I just stick to going to the gym since I already pay for that? And finding other things to do...

Advice?

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 07-09-2007, 03:08 PM

I can NOT believe this...but the FAA has given me the chance to take an exam to get re-hired! I've waited 6 YEARS for this opportunity! I'm excited! And nervous!! It's an extremely difficult test with a low pass rate... I'll just do my best...and hope for the best! Prayers please...

**Amanda W** · 07-09-2007, 03:30 PM

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

**peanut** · 07-09-2007, 07:24 PM

Wow Kathryn! Let us know how it goes, okay? My prayers go with you that you do well on the exam.

Jean

**Darlene** · 07-09-2007, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by Darlene

Make new ones!
Maybe I live in a bubble world but never say never.

Quoting myself & so happy that you have heard from them. Wishing you my very best!!!

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 07-10-2007, 12:40 PM

Ok, I'm gonna scream! The guy I talked to BEFORE I even took my time to sign up for all of this SAID he would arrange for me to take the test up here in Alaska (there's a college that has the test proctored 2 times a year). He said he would take care of it...not a problem.

Ok, left messages for him to let him know I had been selected and needed to arrange for the testing up here next time it was going to be.

Got a call back from his assistant today. HE CAN'T ARRANGE IT!

It was going to be testing HERE, on a Saturday! Now I'm supposed to somehow come up with a plane ticket and travel expenses to fly to the lower 48 to test!! Not to mention getting time off work! The lady was like "we have people flying from Georgia to Massachusetts". I'm going..."I don't think you know geography...there's a bit of a difference in travel distance there, Missy!". GRRRR (For frame of reference it's a 3.5 hour flight from here to Seattle! And tickets are more spendy!! And no, I didn't say that to her.) We're talking at LEAST $1000 just to fly down to TRY...and even if I pass it's not a 100% guarantee of a job!!!

I'm sick of lying government!!!

**frooz** · 08-21-2007, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by Luv2BeFrugal

Ok, I'm gonna scream! The guy I talked to BEFORE I even took my time to sign up for all of this SAID he would arrange for me to take the test up here in Alaska (there's a college that has the test proctored 2 times a year). He said he would take care of it...not a problem.

Ok, left messages for him to let him know I had been selected and needed to arrange for the testing up here next time it was going to be.

Got a call back from his assistant today. HE CAN'T ARRANGE IT!

It was going to be testing HERE, on a Saturday! Now I'm supposed to somehow come up with a plane ticket and travel expenses to fly to the lower 48 to test!! Not to mention getting time off work! The lady was like "we have people flying from Georgia to Massachusetts". I'm going..."I don't think you know geography...there's a bit of a difference in travel distance there, Missy!". GRRRR (For frame of reference it's a 3.5 hour flight from here to Seattle! And tickets are more spendy!! And no, I didn't say that to her.) We're talking at LEAST $1000 just to fly down to TRY...and even if I pass it's not a 100% guarantee of a job!!!

I'm sick of lying government!!!

That doesn't seem fair, they should at least meet the cost