This is Marlin our Cat, we have had him about 2 years. Marlin was the neighbors cat, but would not go home because they got a new dog and the dog didn't like cats. Marlin stayed by our back door all summer and fall, and when the weather turned to freezing we asked the neighbor about the cat, and since Marlin would not go home they said we could have their cat. I am not a cat person but this is one great cat. He sits on the couch with us to watch TV, doesn't bother my birds, sleeps alot, and keeps himself very clean. When we first allowed him in we thought it was funny that every night he would sleep on a different chair or couch in the house until he had been in every imaginable location. He was a happy camper, and as long as he wants to stay here, he has a home.
This is our pet Max, a senegal parrot. He is about 24 years old. We were given Max by a work-mate of my husband who couldn't keep all 17 of his birds because he was getting married, so we've had Max about 20 years. Max has issues but we still love him. He bites, and I can't break him of that. I have been able to gradually get him to let me pet his head and neck through the bars of the cage but have to be careful because at any given moment he can snap and be evil-bird. You do not want to be bitten by this little creature, he won't let go until you pry his muscular jaws open. I know unfortunately too well
This is Opie, he is a conure parrot, but i don't know what kind-there are many types. Opie is 28 years old, we have had him about 20 I think. Opie belonged to my husbands uncle, when Uncle Larry passed away, we adopted Opie. He has been a great little friend.
I grew up on Long island with a brother and sister. After High School I studied Advertising & Design at New York Institute of Technology in their Old Westbury campus, earning a BFA degree (Bachelor of Fine Arts).
Using my college degree, I worked as a graphic Design Artist for over 22 years in communications agencies, advertising agencies and sometimes I freelanced. Some of the typical projects I worked on included ads for newspapers and magazines, brochures, book covers, promotional mailing campaigns, trade show booth display, kinetic display, posters, product illustration, and product photography. As a graphic artist I would work on the projects from concept & design through printing and production, estimate job costs, and search out vendors to print or produce other elements of a project we designed. As an Art Director the last 11 years, tight deadlines and budgets necessitated wearing many “hats”; my job description could change suddenly to copywriter, costume designer or illustrator, and one had to be flexible, willing, and able to produce. Whether I had to interview and hire employees, or meet with clients to present my comprehensive designs, being a part of a team meant always representing our company in a positive light and putting our "best foot forward”.
This experience taught me that it is never too early in life to learn about work ethics and getting along with people, and gaining confidence in oneself. A positive view of oneself is the key to being a valuable asset to an employer or being your own boss working for yourself. A prospective client once asked me “can you paint pictures with an airbrush?” Never having done this but having confidence in my ability to pick up a skill quickly, I said “of course” and went right out, purchased an airbrush and paint, practiced and learned what I needed to, and that client gave me several years of side work designing and painting scenes like the New York City skyline on the back of denim jackets.
In the fall of ‘99, I decided to change careers and become an art teacher, and started a Masters in Education. I began teaching Art full time in the William Floyd School District in the Fall of 2000. As of the 2018/19 school year, I am in my 19th year in the William Floyd School District and have taught Art at every building and every age level in our District. In 2007 when our high school posted a job for a new Photography Teacher, I interviewed for the position and have been teaching Photography, Studio in Art, Crafts, and Sculpture, ever since!
At home; My husband and I have share our house with our cat and 2 birds. We have two nephews; one just started his career as a Music teacher in Brooklyn and the other just graduated 2 yrs ago from Stony Brook University with Computer Sciences degree, and works with Computers writing Code and creating Programs. In my free time, I like gardening-planting, antiques, boating, reading, movies, creating art, and photography, of course! My current Favorite TV shows are: Vikings, and Game of Thrones, Poldark, and the Curse of Oak Island
I look forward to the 2019/20 school year with some fresh ideas for our classes together. It is always rewarding to recognize a few of the faces I taught in elementary school again as accomplished High School students, and I am glad for meeting all my new students as we share the new year together learning from each other!