A timely post written in an old blog waaaay back in 2010.
When my entire life was on part-time everything, juggling at least three jobs to pay my overhead, and stalling with a very indecisive art career. This post is about that one individual who opened my eyes to a world of exponential possibilities. I don’t think we even have a photo together.
But this story is about her. This is Myra.
***
“So, wait. You’re not employed? How do you work, then?”
She beamed, “I’m freelance and set things up on my own.” (This was the year 2000, and I had no idea what ‘freelance’ even meant!)
“That’s hard. I don’t think I can afford an office!”
“Darling, all you need to survive is a computer, internet and a telefax”, Myra said lightly and gestured as if she were touching the items around her.
“I don’t know. I don’t think I can ever do what you do.”
Myra’s eyes widened at my pessimism then burst out in laughter, that shrill sound like a crescendo of chugging machinery and sweet song as she emphatically said, “Go for it, girl!”
Back in 2000, I was only 23 when I met this embodiment of cheer known as Myra Lopez at a modeling agency we worked for. When I left, that was when she asked me out to coffee. She was the first freelance professional I’ve encountered at a time when it wasn’t even an option for many, and I had no clue that such a thing existed. She was a writer (and back then I didn’t believe writing was a “real” job) and worked on various media projects. She was several years my senior and I respected her accordingly and was in awe of the energy she brought with her wherever she went.
I also didn’t want to starve.
Myra eventually left for San Francisco but we kept in touch through email as I sailed through one institution to the next, with her writing me to visit should I happen to be in the neighborhood. Over the years, I stuck it out at being employed but eventually found my niche in teaching ESL and public speaking. Still, through time, I kept tabs as I hit each milestone of my life as I responded to her brief one-liner emails “Do you already have a boyfriend?” signaling that she was busy.
Last year, I realized that I subconsciously heeded her advice all along as I carved a name in the industry one stroke at a time. When I officially left cubesville to follow a more creative life, I sent her photos of my artwork sometime in 2005 to which she responded with lots of exclamation points, “I’m so happy you’re finally following your dreams!!!”
After not hearing from her since the time I received a Christmas post card from her at around 2006, I decided to dig up her last email and write her again early last year, to thank her for being that one mover in my life. Also, I thought that in the era of Facebook, she should be somewhere there. But she was nowhere to be found online.
What turned up in my search, however, was the worst thing you’d want to read about someone dear to you: an obituary.
I now find myself juggling teaching schedules with media-related writing and editing PR content, as well as conceiving creative concepts for design and scripts. Looking back, all this began when I met a friend long ago whose media career unknowingly inspired mine.
May the winds carry this borderless message of deep-felt gratitude to the heavens above, to thank Myra for telling me to use my wings and fly. You are horribly missed.
Hi Cherie. I can relate to your story as I have been an independent public relations consultant starting in 2001. It’s quite a roller coaster ride. I wish to send my warmest wishes to you to continue enjoying crazy freelance life of ours. God bless.
That’s really nice of you and I’m glad you appreciate the sentiment. Thank you for your well-wishes! Indeed, the journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. 🙂
Hi Cherie,
I’m so sorry to hear about Myra. Life is so short. Yesterday our former president died at age 93, a ripe old age, and there were photos of him with the former prime minister and other people who are already gone. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was in high school, finding my path or actually heading through a meandering path in the woods, feeling (and being) lost. I’m 38 and today I let me teammates know that I’m leaving my full time job as a software developer, in order to pursue my art. It’s scary, and deep inside I was afraid to be laughed at. But people have been very kind. We are lucky to be able to pursue what we love. I hope you are well! Thank you for this post.
Best wishes,
Keren
Hi Karen! I’m glad to know I’m not alone. And you are not alone. Other people’s mortality offers us a bit of reality-check, doesn’t it? I’m sorry to hear of your president’s passing.
My decision to pursue a creative life was initially met with disappointment, then doubts (mine and others) and a lot of rejection many times over down the line. Myra, at an era when full-time employment was the only option, was the first person to show me by example that things can be done otherwise.
I wish you courage and perseverance in your new endeavours. In this creative journey, we’re all in this together. 🙂
Thank you! I will keep this note to cheer me up (I know I will need it!)! I posted the original comment using my old blog (about knitting and spinning), so I’m posting this one with my new website (about doodle art!) 🙂