As a young'un It was always assumed by my love of critters that I'd surely become a veterinarian. When I was 12, we moved to a rural area just across the main road from a Vet. (poor guy) Things were always getting injured on the road and people were always dumping litters of unwanted babies, so I made sure he had a constant supply of injured or momless turtles, snakes, birds, kitties and puppies. He'd patiently teach me a little something about everything I took. He began to show me when he had abuse cases. He'd patch them up and have to send them back to their tormentors. (animal rights laws were unheard of back then) That had a profound effect on me and I became aware that I'd surely end up with life in prison if I pursued that calling.

I've been doing commercial design and illustration since I was 18. Suffice it to say that is a LONG time. My work has been blessed with awards including Best Of Show ADDYs and Artist of the Year. I've had the pleasure of working with Disney, Amblin Entertainment, Universal Studios, and such memorable personalities as John Bon Jovi, the Rolling Stones, and Elvira. More recently I've done tamer graphic design for graphics-related software companies.

A graphics career is always demanding and deadline related. In January of 1999 I was presented with one of my most special accomplishments- the annual "Image of Excellence Award for Outstanding Achievement". It was special because it was an award nominated and voted in by my co-workers. A few months later I was introduced first hand to Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue and Immune Deficiency Syndrome. These are nearly always preceded by long term physical and mental stress.

Today my symptoms have progressed so that I'm unable to work outside the home. Driving has become a problem - not so much for me as for the other guys on the road! My productive hours have been greatly compromised, and with fatigue comes uncanny flu-like symptoms along with disorientation and dyslexia. My award is even more special now because it reminds me that I was once a contributor in real life. After a while one tends to forget those things!

I'm including these paragraphs as a warning to all of you type-As or those who continue to push the envelope or burn the candle from both ends. Stress - especially long term - is a dangerous poison. Take stock of your life. Consider what is important when money and health are gone. Then readjust your priorities accordingly.

-- Pamala Hutton
SmokeNmirrorZ Studio