WLM Member Monday – Terry Bryan
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Victoria Twead: Today’s Monday Member is Terry Bryan, one of our great team of WLM mods! What an interesting lady! She’s in the US so probably still fast asleep, but she’ll be along later to answer all our nosy questions.
Victoria Twead: Morning Terry! Thanks for agreeing to be in the hotseat! I have no idea what a hyperbaric chamber is… Can you enlighten me, please?
Judi Bedford-Keogh: How exactly does the synesthesia manifest itself? Googled it but it wasn’t specific
Cherry Gregory: Hi Terry. Great to see you on the Member Monday hotspot. I’ll be back later to ask you some questions.
Joy Hughes: Greetings Terry. Hyperbaric chamber . . . was that related to being so high in the Andes or deep sea diving off the coast? How long was your treatment?
Jennifer Ziton Bendriss: Did you do a “best out of 3” when using the dart on a map? What if you ended up hitting LA or NYC, would you have gone there?
Bambi Flanner: Is Andy your dog, or a husband? I lived in Alaska for 16 years, but I’ve never driven there. Did you love the trip?
Laurie A. Grundner: How was Newfoundland? My grandmother came from there over 100 years ago. It just seems so remote. I’ve never heard of someone from the US driving there.
Janet Hughes: Hi there Terry, I wonder, how does the synesthesia impact on your painting?
Micki Stokoe: Hello, Terry! I won’t ask any questions yet!
Dodie Shea: Good morning Terry. Have fun today. When did you begin writing?
Terry Bryan: Good morning all…yes this is a tad early for my taste, but it’s okay…I can go back later and see what I said…
Karen Knight: Good morning Terry. Which book are you reading at the moment ? Xx
Terry Bryan: Okay…a hyperbaric chamber is what deep sea divers go in if they come up too fast…and yes, it was altitude sickness. We flew from Lima to Cuzco and I happily walked off the plane looking out the windows…and suddenly could not move. I was traveling with Peggy (only roommate now) and Claudette (lived here for years) and they came back to see what was wrong…I didn’t know…the wonderful guide did…anyway they got a wheelchair, got me on a bus, and off we went touring. I do remember seeing a painting in a church of The Last Supper…guinea pig! When we got to the hotel the guide got oxygen for me and called a doctor…I didn’t want to go their hospital…he said, “Look at your fingers.” I did, and I was a smurf, so I went…I did get to see Machu Picchu, but had to go back to Lima and missed Lake Titicaca. That’s a long answer to say the chamber is to repair oxygen levels.
Janet Hughes: Crumbs Terry, that sounds ScArY
Terry Bryan: Judi, I always thought people saw colors when they heard music or noises. The earliest I can remember was when my mom would take me to concerts I’d see the colors and make up stories to go with the music. My last boss and I were discussing something, there was a terrible noise outside, and I remarked about the ugly colors…he questioned me and told me what it was called…I didn’t even know that. I hope that answers your question.
Janet Hughes: That is amazing Terry, so can you paint music?
Terry Bryan: Oh, Joy Hughes…I stayed overnight in the hospital. The people there were so kind…There was a communication gap, but we managed.
Alison Teeshirts: now i understand why you asked me the question and i’ve been more aware of it since then! i don’t think i see colours as intensely as you though!
Terry Bryan: Jennifer, no best out of 3…Claudette and I were teaching in Florida at the time…I either had to get a teaching certificate or move…my idea was to teach one year in each state, but school systems frown on that…Claudette was tired of Florida ( we went through a hurricane that year ) and she knew the farther north we went the more money we’d make…the dart landed in Hampton Roads, so we applied in all four cities, both of us were accepted in Hampton, so we came.
–Bambi, Andy is my dog…no husband here.
Janet Hughes: Dogs are always better than Husbands.
Terry Bryan: Yes! I loved driving to Alaska!!! We’d done the cruise thing, but wanted to see more…we spent a little over 3 months…beautiful time. We had a Roadtrek at the time…wonderful van camper.
— Laurie, Newfoundland is beautiful and so many friendly people…we took the ferry over as early as possible (which I highly suggest) and just followed their main highways taking side roads at each possible turn. It is an uncrowded vacation spot.
–Janet, If and when I paint anymore I like a touch of realism, so hearing colors doesn’t impact the art…I don’t think…
Janet Hughes: I just wondered what Beethoven’s 5th would look like, I can hear it, be emotionally moved by it, but see it? Sadly not
Terry Bryan: Oh, Dodie, I’m no writer…I just like to read and I like people…that’s why I’m here. I keep travel journals, that’s all.
–Karen, I am almost finished with The Goldfinch. Oprah would love it…lots of pretty words.
Janet Hughes: A delicate question – how has being adopted impacted on your life, have you ever been curious about your birth mother?
Terry Bryan: Aww. I’m beyond not discussing adoption…first, no, I never cared to look for my “real” mother, as I had two wonderful parents whose only fault may have been loving me too much. Parents do need to let go, and they did not want to do that. I remember being around 11 or so and seeing a TV show about the real parents coming and getting the adopted kid…I cried for quite some time before spitting out the fear. My dad took me to the bank to see the adoption papers and assured me nobody could take me away. He was a good dad.
Janet Hughes: They sound wonderful. I guess that you were just precious for them to let go easily.
Terry Bryan: I went home one time and went with my mom to a little theatre rehearsal…she introduced me to a friend of hers and the lady laughed…she had thought I was a kid, not a teacher…
Janet Hughes: Children never really grow up in eyes of their mother.
Terry Bryan: Jennifer, I forgot to say yes, I would have gone to New York, but I would have painted there, not taught. And I did aim for the east coast since my parents were living then.
— Ooooo I just read on the TV screen the only road into Valdez, Alaska is closed…avalanche…
–Our weather people are loving the idea that it’s warmer in Alaska than in Atlanta, GA.
— I will elaborate on my adoption…I was born in Charleston, SC during WW II…I suspect dear ole dad was a Navy boy off to war, and mom was a dingbat who fell for the line, it may be our only chance…so that’s why I never tried to find her. I did learn a few years ago I am of Mediterranean descent….the doctors can tell by the blood cells. Who knew?
Susan Joyce: Good morning Terry! Just joining you. Happy to know you’re on MM today. I’ll read over the questions and answers and then ask you a few more.
Terry Bryan: And I’ll try to answer, Susan.
Janet Hughes: It was very hard back in the day to be a single mother, society was so judgmental. Even in the 1990s single pregnant women used to wear a wedding band and call themselves Ms to avoid being judged badly. I used to be a nurse and listened to many a sad story of how they had ended up in the situation.
Terry Bryan: Yes, Janet, and I’m ever so thankful she gave me up…it gave me a great life, for sure.
Susan Joyce: Terry, We adopted our son Jesse (25) when he was 11. His mother died of lung cancer and no one in the family wanted to take him in. It’s been interesting to watch him adapt to his new environment with us. He’s expressed feeling guilty for having a good life after having a very difficult one with his birth mother. Sounds like you are at peace and feel grateful for your parents. Nice! Are you driving into an avalanche?
–Terry, I’d love to see a few of your paintings.
Janet Hughes: Me too
Terry Bryan: Oh, no Susan…I’m in Virginia…I just can’t help thinking about the nice people in places we’ve visited…driving into Valdez is beautiful, green with waterfalls…the people there have seaplanes, and boats can get in.
— I’ll have to go take a picture.
Susan Joyce: Glad to know you’re not in an avalanche. I love knowing you threw a dart to pick where to live next. My husband and I did that before moving from Oregon to NC.
Terry Bryan: Good for you. I think I could live anywhere, but most of my best friends are here.
Susan Joyce: Virginia is a beautiful state. Where in VA?
–Do you have a site where one can view your work?
Terry Bryan: I’m in Newport News. What part of NC, Susan?
— Oh, no…I retired and put those paintbrushes up…I only piddle now…too much else to do.
Susan Joyce: Tryon, NC. I lived for a short few months in Virginia Beach and loved the area.
Terry Bryan: Now THAT is one terrible area to drive in…well, truth be told, our whole area needs traffic help.
I like Tryon…interesting to walk around.
Susan Joyce: Yes, Tryon is horse country, gentle rolling hills, good restaurants, and a great thrift store.
–Virginia Beach in 1975 was a great place to be. We’re talking back in the day.
Terry Bryan: I should tell y’all, I took two years off to see if I could make a living painting. You know how you wonder sometimes…well, I talked with Peggy’s father (who was much like mine) and asked him what he thought. He said if I didn’t try, I’d regret it the rest of my life…admittedly, I was surprised at his answer, but happy. Soooo the first two weeks after quitting, I had a ball…and then realized I had two shows coming up and no art work to sell.
–I’m rather proud to say I could make a living, but I hated spending all that time alone, soooo I lucked into getting another art position in a high school and went on from there. I had taught elementary before…I liked high school better. Then, the school system got rid of all the elementary art teachers, made me a semi supervisor to help the classroom teachers, and I still taught 2 high school classes. Now that was fun….and what I retired from doing.
–And yes, we finally got the elementary program back…people don’t understand how important the arts are to kids. Got a problem kid? Chances are they need one of the art fields…sorry…soapbox…
Susan Joyce: Art, music, always sad when these programs get cut from schools.
Janet Hughes: Love your soapbox, because it’s so true. Problem children are children With problems and art etc. can help them to make sense of it and be good at something. Everyone should experience success in their lives.
Terry Bryan: If I ran the world a theatre would be in the center of every school, and all subjects would be taught with putting on performances as the centerpiece. Oh, the art, English, math, science, problem solving that could be done…
Janet Hughes: Exactly!
Terry Bryan: Okay, folks…gotta go water walking for a bit…the weather may be bad the rest of the week. If you have more questions, ask away and I’ll answer after lunch. Bye for now.
Susan Joyce: I had a wonderful teacher when I was in 4th grade. He taught all subjects through drama. He was so FAB. I loved him. He had me play Ben Franklin in history one day and convinced me I too could invent and be anything I felt curious enough about. Best teacher ever for me.
Cherry Gregory: I know exactly what you mean, Terry, Susan and Janet. When I did youth work, I was often working with “problem” children, sometimes highly disturbed. I was trying my hardest to get through to one 14 year old boy but whatever I did he reacted by either ignoring me, insulting me or getting aggressive. I tried everything I knew and was pulling my hair out in despair. It wasn’t theatre or art that got through to him eventually but going camping! Outside in the countryside he was a boy transformed. He helped me put up my tent, fetched me water, helped the others who didn’t know how to read maps etc. He couldn’t do enough for people! At last he was feeling positive about something and had a sense of achievement. The good thing was that it helped our relationship enormously and even when we got back into the classroom, we trusted each other more. He made a lot of progress after that.
Janet Hughes: When i was a nurse, we had a lady from Bangladesh admitted with depression, she would bang her head until it bled, wail and be generally distressed. One day I invited her into the kitchen to ‘help’ me make some rice and a veg curry. She completely took over, and showed me how to do things, after that she began talking more. Everyone is reachable, you just have to find the right door to knock on.
Sue Clamp: Terry, I couldn’t agree with you more about the best way to teach. A few years back I did a course on Mantle of the Expert, which puts drama at the centre of learning. The kids love it and the teachers love it! I wish we could teach like that all the time but there are too many pressures on us to do otherwise.
–Water walking? What’s that?
Susan Joyce: Good question Sue! If she can do that, I want lessons.
Micki Stokoe: Yes, I’m glad you asked that, Sue!
Terry Bryan: Sounds like walking ON water…heehee…I assure, not moi. I just recently found out I have lymphedema and the doc said it would be good for controlling that…also, not bad exercise, being as I love exercise soooo very much. We just do different steps walking across an Olympic sized pool…not really exciting at all.
Sue Clamp: So you’re walking through, rather than on, water!
Linda Kovic-Skow: What a great interview. I just love learning about our members! Terry Bryan, I’m so pleased to hear you grew up in such a loving childhood. Your comments brought a tear to my eye. Also, interesting to note that you’re an artist. We have quite a few here at WLM. I’d love to see some of your artwork. Is there a way to share some favorites on this thread?
Terry Bryan: Hopefully I can post one in a few minutes. BRB
Susan Joyce: Terry, do you still teach art?
Terry Bryan: This one is the only one hanging in my house and I do like it…don’t know if you can tell, but there is a birdhouse in the background…I’m an avid birder.
Terry Bryan: Susan Joyce, no, I’m very retired..turned 70 last year.
Susan Joyce: It’s beautiful! So serene! Thanks for sharing.
Terry Bryan: This is a pen&ink I did way back…a country garden. Sold lots of prints…happily.
Sue Clamp: That’s lovely!
Terry Bryan: And this last one my mom did…she would go to Woolworth, buy gaudy prints, bring them home and paint them in “the right” colors. I do like this one.
Terry Bryan: Enough show and tell…I just make miniature sculptures now if some burst of creativity hits me.
Susan Joyce: That’s a brilliant idea for a painting. Nice one.
Cherry Gregory: They are both beautiful paintings! Lovely that you could share your talent with your mother.
Linda Kovic-Skow: Thank you so much for sharing these paintings Terry Bryan. They are wonderful! How nice that you have a painting your mother created. FYI: We have common ground, I love birds too!
Terry Bryan: She really was (I realized after I grew up) a Renaissance woman…she did little theatre-singing, dancing, acting, she painted, wrote poetry, sang in the choir…raised me, took care of the house and Daddy. Makes me tired.
— Linda, that’s why I loved those birds you posted.
Linda Kovic-Skow: Ahhh, yes, I remember now:)
Cherry Gregory: Great that your mother passed on her interests to you.
Terry Bryan: Cherry, is Thomas taking care of Pancho like Andy would?
Cherry Gregory: Thomas doesn’t like other cats (he was bullied by a big black cat when he was younger) so I’m making sure Pancho only arrives when Thomas is out mousing. Then Pancho and my husband can discuss their inventions. The house is now full of plans and welding tools…goodness knows what they’re building.
Terry Bryan: This makes me laugh! I told Janet Andy would only chase Pancho. I have a feeling Thomas would make Andy stand down. Our former roommate had 5 cats, and one could make Andy skid to a halt quickly.
Cherry Gregory: I think you’re right about Thomas. I’ve only seen him with one dog (a little collie pup) and he chased him out of the garden!
Terry Bryan: I’ve looked at Karen’s painting of books, and read several folks saying I wish I could paint and such. The worst part is going out and buying the supplies. So get them and paint! There are a few tricks to learn as there are in any endeavor. I promise, you, too, CAN paint…just do it. (Thanks, Nike.)
Cherry Gregory: Are you still painting, Terry, or do you find you’re too busy following retirement?!
Janet Hughes: Your paintings are lovely Terry, thank you so much for sharing them. Maybe Pancho will come and visit you and Andy. You could get him tune into his feminine arty side.
Terry Bryan: Here I am telling others to paint and no, I don’t now. That’s not to say I won’t…one of my art teacher buddies gave me a bunch of miniature canvases for Christmas…
–And Andy has that feminine vibe sometimes…arty? Not so much..
Susan Joyce: I used to paint, but haven’t in years. I find if you’re creative, many things call to you. So many outlets to explore. BTW, our cats have always ruled in our house. They know how to take charge.
Cherry Gregory: Cats are just so superior!
–Terry, have you ever felt the need to write, either a memoir or fiction?
Terry Bryan: Humph…tell him to his face, Cherry.
Susan Joyce: Te-he! He looks like our Bandito. Quite the character.
Cherry Gregory: He’s lovely!
Terry Bryan: *quiety*…yes, Cherry…I guess it would be a travel thing to inspire other little old ladies…
— Proud mamma
Cherry Gregory: With your “travel thing”, you’ve certainly got a lot of material to work with.
Terry Bryan: The thought is there…
Susan Joyce: Terry, travel makes for wonderful writing adventures. I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you today and seeing your awesome art. Time to fix dinner. Keep living life to its fullest.
Terry Bryan: Thanks, Susan. Take care.
Cherry Gregory: Thank you so much for answering our questions and showing us your art and lovely Andy. You’ve been a fascinating Monday Member. Got to check on my husband now…he’s either gone to sleep by the fire or he’s still inventing things with Pancho.
Terry Bryan: You take care too, Cherry.
Linda Kovic-Skow: Thanks Terry Bryan for being in the spotlight today. It was such an interesting interview – very inspirational!
Terry Bryan: Thanks for stopping by, Linda.
Janet Hughes: Thanks for sharing your day with us.
Frank Kusy: Blimey, have I missed it all, is everybody gone? Sorry Terry, I meant to welcome you to Member Monday, got tied up in cat-related problems. I wanted to ask you how old is Andy, how long have you had him, and did someone really give him you cos she thought you were depressed? (I only ask cos my wife got me Sparky cat when I was VERY depressed)
Karen Knight: Thank you Terry for an interesting interview. Xx
Sandy Stewart I’m sorry I missed it but I loved reading all the comments.
Terry Bryan: I’m still around, in and out, if there are other questions.
–Frank Kusy, Andy is a 12 year old puppy ( like his mamma). Yes, Peggy thought I was depressed after I retired and a relative of hers had given her husband a dog like Andy. It seemed to help him. I did not want a dog because it is easier to take trips and to get last minute deal if you can go suddenly…she got another relative to get Andy…we had to go to Alabama to get him with me fussing the whole way. The problem-love at first sight.
–A year later I learned my depression was a thyroid problem…pills…voile, no depression.
— Oh, how’s the cat?
Mary Griffith Chalupsky: Sorry I have been off with other problems today and missed it all. Was wondering what breed of dog is Andy? He looks a lot like my Bichon Buttons…
Terry Bryan: Andy is a Maltese…kin to Buttons.
Frank Kusy: ‘Love at first sight’..aahhh! How’s the cat? Well, he had a bad day, had to go to vets, fled the house, took hours to track down. Okay now, but he’s giving me that “Traitor” look!
Micki Stokoe: Cats have that look down to at! Feel for you!
Frank Kusy: Meant to ask you Terry, you love reading, must have read thousand of books, which one has had the most impact on you, which one would you take to a desert island?
Terry Bryan: Quite a number of years ago…Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead…what they really taught me was not Rand’s philosophy, but the idea that I did not have to follow the crowd, so to speak. This was a point when most girls my age were getting married and having children. I knew I did not want children, but was scared to voice that. Those books helped me get over not voicing my opinions. I think I’d take Atlas Shrugged and read it again….see what my old self thinks.
Victoria Twead: Two very good points there, Terry. Not everyone is maternal, many people I know chose not to have children. And it’s always interesting to pick up a book in later life and read it with older eyes. Loved your story of how you got Andy, by the way.
Bambi Flanner: I struggled and struggled and never made it through Atlas Shrugged. It’s still around here somewhere, and I want to finish it one day….
Victoria Twead: I’ve never read it, but I should.
Terry Bryan: I wouldn’t get carried away…wait for the desert island…take it there.
Frank Kusy: Good call, I loved the Fountainhead too, made a big impression on me in my 20s What’s your favourite movie?
Terry Bryan: You will laugh…I do…it’s Pretty Woman…I can watch that one over and over. Of course Southern Gal has to add Gone With the Wind, but I watch that one in pieces…how ’bout you?
Frank Kusy: Ha ha Terry, no, PW is a real cool film, I normally hate Gere and Julia, but loved them both in that! I love old movies (NOT the Fountainhead, that was crap) and particularly spoof movies like This is Spinal Tap and Best in Show. The dawgies were way cute in that, have you seen it?
Valerie Robson: Love both those movies.. xxx
Terry Bryan: No, Frank…not sure Spinal Tap is my kind of movie, although Best in Show might be.
Frank Kusy: Best in Show is a hoot, if you love dogs, you’ll love it! p.s. it’s 2.30am in London, got to grab sum zeds, gt to get to know you better Terry, nitey nite!
Terry Bryan: G’night Frank. Thanks for stopping by.
Woofie Wotsit: Dammt…. I missed this… bummer :((((((((((((
–Yes.. Best in show is funny… and it is sooo real.. I have met folks just like them!
Victoria Twead: Terry Bryan, thanks so much for being our Monday Member. It’s so good to find out more about people in this group, and very entertaining! Please choose two people to give a book from the header. Thanks!
Terry Bryan: I’m thinking Frank Kusy who stayed up with me and Mary Mary Griffith Chalupsky who had a bad day. Thanks to everybody…and if Victoria asks you to do this, agree…it’s fun.
Victoria Twead: Congats Frank Kusy and Mary Griffith Chalupsky!
Frank Kusy: Aw thanks Terry it was a pleasure! Victoria, could I please have George’s Free Country?
Becky Corwin Adams: Congrats, Frank.
Micki Stokoe: Well done Frank & Mary!
Karen Knight: Congratulations to you both xx
Susan Joyce: Congratulations to Frank and Mary!
Anne Wine O’clock Durrant: Well done you two x
Mary Griffith Chalupsky: Yippee!…I won, Well, thank you Terry….I’d like Victoria’s “Two Old Fools on a Camel”…please…Saw my name but thought another Mary…as I never win anything…Thank you…
Terry Bryan: Aw, Mary Griffith Chalupsky…I know you are going to enjoy that book…it’s how I “met” Victoria…after reading it, I had to tell her how much I admired her and Joe…you will see why…and you should only have great days, as I try to do every day!
Cherry Gregory: Well done Mary and Frank. Enjoy your books.
Victoria Twead: Mary, I’ve sent a Camel cantering over to you, and Frank Kusy, two almost naked men are heading in your direction. Don’t blame me, blame George Mahood…
Frank Kusy: Ha ha, can’t wait!
Mary Griffith Chalupsky: Me either..Can’t wait…I could have used the two almost naked men also…lol…
