Comments:
I am certainly glad that the hairstyles have changed since then. I was always trying to "be in vogue". One thing for sure, my children have had many laughes (just looking at that picture).
My 3 children have been my major blessing (besides my "art") and now my 10 grandchildren (have added to my many blessings).
After the highschool segment in my life, I went to the University of Houston Art Dept. (Humanities) and began Color Composition 101 and simultaneously enrolled at the Texas Art Academy (owned and directed by Henry Procorny from the famous Chicago Art Institute). That academic career consisted of Monday thru Friday classes (8-3pm) and then the UofH Classes w/Labs after that. At that time, it was referred to as "Commercial Art". I would spend the days in "illustration, design, figure drawing, learning the chemistry of color, sketching, learning prospective and architectural rendering, etc." It was almost like, "what I thought heaven should be".
During that time, my closest friend (from about 12 yrs. of age, Frances Parker [Waltrip class of 64]), introduced me to her older brother (who was previously serving in the US Navy) and I guess it was "love at first sight" because that relationship brought about a wedding and eventually 3 wonderful children (my most wonderful blessing)(along with my 10 gorgeous, adorable and extremely intelligent grandchildren).
While my children's adolesent stage gave me many adventures, I also became single and having been a former CEO of a properous brick company, I knew that I could find a way to support myselt, so I went back to the UofH for couses in Real Estate, Business and Law. Although by that time, I was "what is known today as a "Certified Graphic Artist" my degree expressed the business major with a minor in marketing. (at the time, art as a living paid a very low salary but always provided many "volunteer" projects [mainly at St. Matthews, John Wesley and St. Lukes United Methodist Churches]).
Even after obtaining my Texas Real Estate License, my broker (Bruce Walker) (who was a builder in the beautiful Champion Forest Subdivision w/Ravenauex Country Club), only needed me part-time. Therefore my working schedule was not enough.
At the time, I was playing tennis with the "Houston Nortwest Tennis League" (a really fun time) and I lived in the "Greenwood Forest Subdivision" (where Teddy & Fran Jorden, Gary & Lynn Wren Burkhart live) (and also formerly Lloyd Pond & Ferrell Bedell Pond and Glen & Judy Pike Smith). Some of my tennis team members were attorneys and during our conversations, after games, I was encouraged to see about a career in law.
So back to the University of Houston I went, where the Bates Law School Professor, Dr. Covington (Contracts Law) had a newly opened "Southwestern Paralegal Institute" which was the starting point of my new career. Today, after 27yrs. in the Legal industry, I would suggest that anyone interested in law, should try for law school first (the big difference is the money).
An added, recent blessing, in my life is my fiancee, LG Clinton, Attorney (Lamar HS, Houston, Tx). I get to read all of his Amerian, Texas and Houston Bar Journals. If all goes as planned, we will have a late summer wedding. Update on 9/2/11-LG's son jumped in the ring and planned a wedding on the day that LG had selected. That day was August 27th and what a beautiful wedding he had (last weedend). Meanwhile, my son, Troy Parker, decided that he wanted to give LG and I a reception (as soon as their new house was built) so I still have an up-coming wedding. Stay tuned, this is becoming interesting.
Many wonderful blessings and life goes on. I hope my former class mates are enjoying the many events in their lives. Have a good day; hope to see some of you guys at some future class events...kindest regards to all...
