Pauline Jones is our chick expert (and rabbits, horses, etc.) at the Atwoods store where we both work.  The thing she loves most about her job – it’s obvious that she loves her job – is the change. Not just the change in product, because the animals are not just a product, but the change in the customers as well. She is passionate in educating children about the animals. But she mostly adores talking to the old timers who come in the store and tell her about how they did it when they were young.  They are full of knowledge and experience. Pauline’s exuberance is contagious, and if you stick around long enough you’re sure to learn something.

The thing you might not know about Pauline is she is an amazing artist.  She recently traded an original pencil drawing for my book The Apocalypse Sucks.  I am sure I got the good end of that stick.  Her portrait of Cricket Hatcher will soon be hanging in my “writing room” over the recliner to serve as my muse.  Here is the story of Cricket as she gave it to me:

“Everyone in the small Tennessee town knew Cricket Hatcher and he kept his friends entertained daily at the local feed store.  He always wore ‘Pointer’ brand overalls and shared a bag of ‘Moore’s’ chips with Granny the resident cat.  Pointer and Moore’s were local companies from the small town and everyone was tied together by those facts.  I asked Cricket if I could do his portrait and he graciously agreed.  He passed away before he had a chance to see the finished product and Granny died within a month after Cricket from no apparent illness.  The feed store was a total loss in an electrical fire and their copy of this portrait was one of the few items that were salvaged.  I thoroughly enjoy this type of art and my greatest joy is sharing it.”

Pauline is a treasure to everyone she meets, not just in her art but as a genuine person who cares about her fellow human beings (and animals). It is my honor to work with such a person.  She helps to balance out my life.

Who is a good balance in your everyday living?