I have been pondering my “skills” as of late. I have been pondering my “value” also. I have grown up around people with many skills and talents who have gladly shared their knowledge with me.

In my “single digit” years, I learned to crochet, cook, sew, and a few “crafty” things. My grannie, mother, and aunt taught me how to crochet. My grannie, mother, a very animated Italian grandmother, and my “unofficially adopted” Grandma Leddie taught me all sorts of things about food and cooking. We usually had a garden, so I learned gardening skills. Various family members have numerous “crafty” skills … including woodworking.

Many family members have, for all my life, have always had Labradors and fish tanks. Yep, I learned a great deal about having fish. And, naturally, I have a STRONG love for Labs. OH, and cats, yeah, we have always had cats. I LOVE cats. Recently, I had as many as 7 cats .. yes, at one time. I love animals.

Pictures. I LOVE taking pictures. Ansel Adams is my “photographic” idol. (Yeah, that was cheesy.) I have watched numerous videos. I have followed many actual photographers (not on Facebook, actually followed them in person.) I have a couple very nice cameras. For a number of years, I was Superintendent of the Photography Department of the West Tennessee State Fair. (This was NOT a small task.) I chatted with a internationally known photographer about what I could learn from him … he looked at me and laughed … He said, “William, you could teach my classes for me.”

Yesterday, someone yanked a cellphone out of my hand while making a snide comment, ”Here, let someone who knows how to take a picture do it.” (No, I did not hit him.) THIS is where my deep pondering started. An internationally known photographer, in his way, pointed out my photography skills. I have, over the years, had quite the exchange with various photographers. I even started a photo blog many years ago. Granted, that blog stalled … I need to recharge it.

Moving on

I started in college working with computers as a Lab Tech. I have worked many years in Information Technology. I have taught basic computer skills and MS Office usage in the corporate setting.

I am a trained cake decorator. I was, more than once, asked to teach the Wilton classes. (I declined each time. I just did not have an interest in teaching those classes.) I have catered numerous events. I have made a few wedding cakes. I do love baking and creating.

As for catering, there is that. In addition to cakes and food, I love decorating and arranging. Arranging .. I have been professionally trained in making floral arrangements. Prior to my “training” I did it as a hobby. I made all the arrangements for my wedding (yes, including the bridal bouquet). I have made the arrangements for multiple weddings (not just the cakes).

I was a Pampered Chef Consultant. I thoroughly enjoyed taking about food and cooking with people. I was a Creative Memories Consultant. Scrapbooking and card making are also joys of mine. Yes, I love “creating” things. There is even painting … but I won’t go into that right now.

I was a Youth Minister. I have taught children of various ages … Birth to college age. I have also been “The A/V Guy” in a few churches. (Oh, yeah, I have a strange love for creating video presentations.)

I have taught ASL (American Sign Language) to a few different adult groups over the years.

I was a P.A.T.H (Parents As Tender Healers) trainer for a few years also. This was the required class for all prospective resource (adoptive/foster) parents in the State of Tennessee. This was very much no small task.

I have been a server at various establishments in my lifetime. A pizza parlor started it for me in college. There was Raferty’s and Olive Garden as well.

SOOO. I love to cook, create, talk, make, talk, teach, help, share ….

Much to ponder ……..

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