This post will probably contain a bit of entertaining nonsense about my past that I haven’t told you about in detail But never fear, it is rated PG. It may not have many pictures, or maybe none at all, but I haven’t gotten that far yet. We will just see where it leads.
What brought this on, is that my friend Ross McSwain, author of several books about the history of west Texas, made a remark to me that rather surprised. I have know Ross for forty something years, and after reviewing my book for me, he said “Bob, I have known you for years, played golf with you, listened to you on the saxophone, but I never knew you to be a photographer”.
It made me think about what little my friends actually knew about me. To set the record straight, although I opted to take a course through the New York Institute of Photography, I had no intentions of pursuing a profession by the use of a camera. I just wanted to be good at it. So my photographic work came in streaks. Mainly when we vacationing, when I wanted pictures of places we visited.
So when we came to San Angelo in 1961, I was with the US Air Force. My main focus at the time, was my musical career. Ever since leaving high school that had been my main thing in life. I rarely had a weekend off from playing the sax. I was in demand and could name my own price. But then, at a dance at the Cactus Hotel Ballroom in June of 1962 my life changed.
After coming back from intermission, where I had a cigarette (my final one as it turned out), I sat down to play the next set. Halfway through the first song, my left lung collapsed. I said to myself “Oh s**t!, not again!” I knew immediately what had happened, having had it happen to my right lung in October of the previous year. I went into denial, and decided to try to complete the set. I got through three more songs, then I decided to let them cart me off to the emergency room at the air base. You can see more details about the cause in my Marfan Syndrome Page
In the years following that, I still played in several bands off and on, but was always careful and watchful of my health. Because of my problems, after spending the summer of 1962 at the Wilford Hall hospital at Lackland AFB in Texas, the government decided to let me go, and I was awarded my 2nd honorable discharge that following September. (I was on my second tour of duty.)
My intended Air Force career was no more, so I had to adjust and find civilian work. I tried several things, selling encyclopedias, selling Watkins products, working in a service station. In 1964 I finally got a job as head bookkeeper for the Lake View School District here in San Angelo. My Air Force job had been in accounting so the fit was perfect. But since I wasn’t CPA, the pay wasn’t very good so after a few years I moved on.
In 1968, Ann, who had been working for the local Coca-cola Bottling Company, was transferred to the Las Cruces, New Mexico plant. I decided to try a new career, selling cars. Now here is where the fun starts.
At that time I was a terrible introvert. I was afraid to talk to people. Not a good asset, if you want to sell cars. I was working for some very nice people that owned the dealership. Needless to say, I fell on my face when trying to sell, so they asked me if I wanted work in the bookkeeping department. I moved to the office and did very well there.
You’re probably still wondering about my photography. Well, I was still taking photographs on weekends. The Organ Mountains and White Sands National Monument were near, and it wasn’t a long drive to get to other great sites in the Gila National Forest. But, photography was still just a passing hobby.
I was asked to join a local chapter of the Optimist Club. At first, my greatest fear was that they were going to ask me to give the blessings before breakfast. I kept avoiding that as shy as I was. But, believe it or not, after several months of hanging with those guys, I lost my shyness, and really started to open up. My wife said that nobody could shut me up after that.
Meanwhile, back at the Chevrolet Dealership. I started to get excited about wanting to sell cars. But based on my previous “sales record”, they didn’t want to take a chance. So, I decided to bid them farewell.
The next day I went to work at the Ford Dealership. Within the first hour there I sold my very first car. A 1972 Maverick to a soldier from White Sands Missle Range.
In June of that year Ann was transferred back to San Angelo. I got into car sales immediately, and stayed doing that for another six years. After cars got so high priced, it made me uncomfortable, so I went to work selling tires. Montgomery Wards until they closed, then Goodyear. I could sell tires to an Eskimo for his sled. 🙂
In 1982 I got tired of working for other people, so I went into business for myself. I started Bob’s Mow’n’Trim Lawn and Landscape Service. It was very, very successful, but it was a strain on my health, so on the doctor’s recommendation I sold the business in about 1987. I took a few months off, then decided to work as a contractor delivering newspapers. I was the best in town for twelve years, and when I retired in 1999, they gave me a nice brief case.
So then, I finally had the time to do serious photography. A fellow artist, a scuptor, suggested I take my work to art shows. It was a rough start, as I didn’t have much inventory, but after selling a few prints, I really got excited. I bought a little trailer, backdrops, and display materials. During the week I would be out in the field taking photographs, then traveling on weekends to shows around west Texas. We would do about two shows per month.
So even though it took me a few years, the work I did learning the craft of photography finally paid off. We retired from doing shows about four years ago. I now sell my work, word of mouth, on-line, and contacts with various magazines, etc. But we had great memories. So now you know a little more about me.
Ya wanna buy a car?? I’ll tell ya what I’m gonna do……………. 🙂
Check out my book by clicking on the links on the right side of this page.
Ugh. I don’t know HOW I missed this post! Lovely to meet you, Bob. This post is a smile-maker for sure. 🙂
Shannon, I am very delighted to meet you, too. I am glad that my nonsensical story of my life made you smile. 🙂
This was a wonderful read, Bob. Thanks for sharing and writing it in a fun way. Loved reading and knowing more about you. Really! 😀
Thank you very much, Nandini. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Wow, what an interesting life you have, Bob! Thanks for sharing!
Traci, I do admit that I have done a lot of different stuff in my life, and it has been very interesting. Thanks for the comment..
I do remember reading another post some time back about your past – maybe it was one about how you met Ann? What a varied and interesting life you’ve led, and continue to lead! You’ve lived all through the period of time I am currently reading about in 11/22/63 by Stephen King – maybe you would enjoy it too. Thanks for the new peek into your past!
Yes, I did touch on my past in a previous post. I have read 11/22/63, and it is another of King’s great books. It did bring back a few memories. Thanks for commenting.
What a wonderful, varied life you have led! I love that you, as a “terrible introvert” even applied for the car salesman’s job. 🙂
Yeah, it was an idiotic thing to do. I thought I could change. I don’t think I sold a thing without help from the sales manager, so they asked me if I wanted that bookkeeping job. But getting involved with that Optimist Club gang was the best thing that ever happened to me, up to that point.
So Bob, what would it take to get me into one of your books today? I wouldn’t mind a used one as long as it was previously owned by a little old lady who only looked at it on Sundays after church.
Jim Cunningham
Thanks for asking, Jim. Just mail me a check for 60.00 and give me your current mailing address and I will ship you one priority mail. Shipping charges are included. This is for a hard-back. If you prefer a soft-cover send 50.00.
I appreciate you wanting one. It is one that I am definitely proud of. About 110 photographs, of birds, animals, and Big Bend landscapes.
What a great read Bob…you are very inspiring. Do what you can do, and be the best!
Ya know…I’m likin’ that dark green Jeep Grand Cherokee over there…
Thank you, David. You know, you are one of my loyal readers and I certainly appreciate you and your comments.
I better grab my check book..great story..
Thanks, Syl. I appreciate your wanting to give me a down payment. 🙂
I enjoyed reading your post Bob. As others have said, it is interesting how one thing leads to another making for an interesting life. Good thing photography found you!
I appreciate that you enjoy my posts, Alison. As I said, if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. Thanks for your words and compliments. 🙂
Wow! That was a wonderful and inspiring story, Bob! Thank you for sharing a tidbit of your past with us 🙂
I’ve got a million of ’em. Maybe I can share some more at a later time. Thanks for your great comments, Gracie. 🙂
Bob!! I have missed reading your posts! This one was great and thank you for sharing it with us. I would definitely buy a car from you! Haha. It’s funny to read what you wrote because I too am shy and reserved in social settings… but, my friends would have no clue I was even shy because I never shut up either, unless i’m working. Ha. I have had to really push myself to get out there and try to become a professional photographer. I get braver and braver every time I do put myself out there, though. Anyways, I really really loved reading such an inspiring tale from your life. You have the best stories 🙂
Hi Polly, I am so glad you wrote. I think I was more than shy; I think I was scared out of my britches when it came to talking to people. In fact, I stuttered and stammered that when I was in high school, I flunked speech class. Of course, back then there were no special classes for that sort of thing. Thankfully, I overcame it in later years. Now I am the complete opposite, full of confidence in speaking, and yes, I talk too much now. 🙂
I am really glad you enjoy my posts. I will try to continue to make them entertaining. I hope you will write again. Bob 🙂
That’s a fascinating story, Bob! I’m pretty sure you could sell me a used car! It’s a testament to never giving up and enjoying what comes along. I love the drawing of you playing the sax. Who did that?
Thanks for reading the whole thing, Jo. 🙂 That caracature was done at a show way back in about 1960, by the same guy that drew the caracatures of Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, etc., way back in those days.
Wow! 🙂
Wow, now that is an interesting life! Funny how one thing leads to another the way it does, if we let it. Thanks for sharing.
If I had it all to do over again, I don’t think I would change a thing. 🙂
that is a life well-lived, Bob. Many more years of love and adventure to you.
You’ve led an interesting life and I enjoyed reading about it Bob. I don’t buy used cars from anyone but if I did I just might buy one from you…
It’s been fun so far, and I hope it continues to be. 🙂
My late husband was a clarinet/sax man. Played professionally and arranged as well. He too was a natural naturalist…. He was a walking encyclopedia when it came to wildlife. Makes for an interesting life. All the more power to you, Bob.
He was also a fine artist, and that’s where we met… We used to do the shows too… till physical limitations drew that phase of our lives to a close. But it was a wonderfully creative time.
Sounds like your husband and I had a great deal in common. Music was my life since I was a little child. I was a so-called prodigee, playing night clubs when I was about 14. I guess I just transferred my creative abilities from music to my photography. Thanks for the comments, Merrill.
I don’t need a new car, but the Hummer will be needing new tires just before winter…..LOL.
Thanks for sharing a small part of your life with us Mr. Bob
You’re welcome, Raven. Thanks for the comment.
I wouldn’t buy a car from this Ol’ Cotton Chopper, but I do highly recommend the book. 🙂
Thanks Toby, for your heart-felt endorsement. Of the book, not the car sale. 🙂
Bob, thanks! I really appreciate that everything you did, you put yourself into wholeheartedly. A great lesson in todays world. And it also shows that we don’t always have to start out doing what we end up doing! 🙂
You are so right, Ted. Everything I have tried to do in my life, I tried to be the best. If I couldn’t be, then I tried something else. Thanks for the comment.
Thanks for lettielee mg is get to know you. Maybe if I get to live a few lifetimes I’ll finally have an interesting one to talk about.
Thanks for the comment, Harley.
Sorry for all the misspelled words. Glad you could understand me. 😛