Occupation; Bet I'm the only one!

[Guest guest]

Hi Parrish,

I'll just bet mine will be the stangest answer...

While Dennis was out dodging snakes in the rice fields, I actually looked

for snakes! I am a Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist whose specialty is

Herpetology (reptiles & amphibians). While I am very limited now in my field

activities, I have turned my training, computer knowledge and love for the

under appreciated into all the work could ever want. I develop fact sheets,

brochures, posters and websites on bats, reptiles and amphibians. I also do

educational programs with my live snakes (i have 17 + 2 box turtles & 1

tiger salamander); and in case you are concerned about my sanity, when I

want to cuddle, it is with my cat! LOL

I do not keep any venomous species as I do not have the reflexes and

strength needed; nor the inclination to put myself at risk.

These days, I am also starting up a stock photography business, as I love to

take pictures of insects, spiders, reptiles, amphibians, fish, aquatic

invertebrates and plants. Since I can provide species information and

locality data for the beings I photograph, it makes my pix very desirable

for field guides and textbooks. I have several photos featured on posters

and quite a few featured in Nature Centers across the U.S.

I'm finishing up 5th term on the Tennessee Herpetological Society Board;

lead the Nature Focus Group of the Nashville Photography Club; and serve on

the Commissioner's Council on Greenways and Trails. Did I mention I do all

of this from a wheelchair and that I spent 1997-1999 bedridden and unable to

use my hands because of the RA?

My hope is that you will pursue your passion wholeheartedly! If you can't be

as active as you used to; find another way to pursue it. Life is too short

to not love what you do! I ALWAYS assume I CAN do anything I put my mind and

energy toward. Rather than viewing something as an obstacle, I view it as a

puzzle to be solved to my benefit while providing the opportunity to expand

my experiences and knowledge.

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