Opening Doors

Opening Doors

Since I’m in a university “frame of mind,” I’ll share my father’s rationale for success that I passed on to my students. This wisdom stood me in good stead as I rushed along the streets of NY in the 60’s and 70’s. It allowed me to undertake, with confidence, risky theatrical endeavors (i.e. developing an English speaking theatre in Tokyo) . It gave me the audacity to begin or walk-away from relationships, and often I race toward situations others might be too cautious or thoughtful to undertake.  The advice? “Follow your instincts.”

People are always interested in how one makes choices. The pivotal moments in my life were as a result of following my instincts. I’ll make it brief.

In the summer of 1968, with an MFA in hand, I was contemplating two job offers: one paid $8,000 as a tenure-track teacher at the University of New Hampshire, the other paid $13,000 as a director of USO shows in Korea. The $13,000 USO directorship came with room, board, PX privileges and all the men required for South Pacific. It was a no brainer. I shook hands with the USO director in San Francisco, “I’ll let you know early tomorrow.” I opened the door and began to move from the room, exuberance in my step. I turned to close the door and hesitated

“I have one final question.” He seemed surprised.

“Are uniforms required?”

“Absolutely, otherwise you might be mistaken for a bar girl.”

            I didn’t react, he blushed.

I imagined myself in blue or white, like a Nellie Forbush entertaining the troops. “Blue?”

             

He shook his head. “Khaki.” 

My eyes widened “K-H-AAAKI!!!!?? 

My career decision was based on a piece of fabric.

I followed my instincts and took the job at UNH.  My world then, as now, is immersed in musical comedies, happy endings and ever changing kaleidoscopes of color.

This blog will consist of short stories geared to providing insight about:

            Childhood memories from the decades of the 40’s and 50’s;

            Life and travels with my mother in the 60’s;

            Marriage and teaching in the 70’s;

            Balancing life with a newborn at age 40 and aging parents in the 80’s and 90’s.

There will also be advice on starting your own business, writing a recommend, auditioning, choosing a college, achieving academic success as a female in a male dominated world, and the varied experiences that retirement offers. The posts may not fall in order because of my ADHD brain that rapidly races from one thought to another. Still, the beauty of a blog is that the reader can put them in any order and read or delete. It’s empowering, so enjoy the journey and feel free to ask questions. I’ll try to provide answers that aren’t too harsh, but my reputation is of one who is brutally honest. So, if you want the answers, as I see them, please ask.