U - Useful and Umbrella

Useful – I think one of the best compliments I have ever gotten was when I was told, “You are handier than a shirt pocket.” I have been designed to be of use. I thrive on helping others reach their potential and in getting a job done. Does that mean I am never still? Does that mean that there are no unfinished tasks at my house? No, the fact is I would much rather do something for someone else than to do the everyday things around the house. I have had the opportunity to ‘do’ many things in my life time. I grew up with a handy man as a father and he and I did many things together. These skills came in very handy as a single woman. I have installed toilets, poured concrete slabs, repaired drywall, hung sheet rock, built a deck and installed many a light fixture and shingled roofs. It sure helps being useful.

Umbrella – as we approach Labor Day, I think about the 7 years that I worked Bumbershoot, the international music and arts festival held in Seattle. Each year I would work the event on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. I usually was either a stage manager or an assistant stage manager. As a stage manager I was responsible for getting the acts on and off the stage on time. Equipment had to be set and sound boards dialed in. I have had the opportunity to work with Ray Charles, UB40 and other noted group along with all the local talent that makes Bumbershoot original. It has been a few years now since I have worked at Bumbershoot, but I still have fond memories of working that event. By the way, a Bumbershoot is another term for Umbrella.