AN UNREALISTIC LIFE:
The Art of Living Your Dream
Without Getting a REAL JOB

 

Elena Hiatt Houlihan
copyright 2006

Follow your dream? Who doesn't want to follow the dream, waking up to do what you love? And on your own time, no less, meandering or cruising, at whatever pace you choose? Are you tired of that alarm, ringing brazenly at six AM, urging you to grab your briefcase, jump in the car, or hustle through the subway, to a workplace you no longer care about? Trading forty, fifty, sixty hours a week for a paycheck? Whether your clients or customers are on Wall Street or at Wal-Mart, is it worth it? It's your life! But now you're stuck. Or are you? You had a dream once. You wanted to write a book or travel the world, but people told you to "Get real. Get a job. You've got rent to pay."

So, what do you do when you're discouraged, truly tired of doing what's expected? Read An Unrealistic Life: Conversations on the Art of Living Your Dream Without Getting a REAL JOB and be inspired by these interviews with real people who have pursued their passions, defied the odds and created unique lifestyles, without having a "real job." Meet Karen Henrich, whose "research" for her tour business consists of popping out of the Metro in Paris and darting into all the neighboring boutiques and bistros, making notes on where to bring her clients. Meet Paul Siefried who, after a few years of being a hippie, followed his love of music and became a bowmaker, sought out by violinists around the world. Meet Jean Hopkins, a gentle therapist who travels internationally teaching people how to relieve pain by realigning their bodies. Meet Daniela and Armando, an Argentinian couple who effervescently dance and teach tango from Tokyo to Buenos Aires. Meet Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher, who, for thirty years, have been capturing the costumes and customs of the tribes of Africa with their stunning photographs.

An Unrealistic Life is an exhilarating glimpse into other people's lives and philosophies. Through in-depth profiles, it tells the stories of 25 remarkable individuals, including Shivam, the young yoga master who made his way from Dharam Sala, India to teach in Paris, France, and Rhoda Lurie, the intrepid importer of artifacts who grew up in South Africa and now boogie boards in Santa Monica.

"Oh, but they must be rich, you say, or even famous."

No. This book is not about celebrities or heirs to fortune. Mostly from moderate beginnings, these are living breathing examples of people who have forged their own path, doing what they love. Some are financially successful, others are on the fringe, but they are all untethered by the demands of a regular schedule or showing up at the same place, day after day. Boldly giving up security, they cherish their flexibility. A prelude to the profiles will be the rollercoaster tale of my own life as an artist, and intertwined with their stories, Boccaccian tales within a tale, are vignettes on how I found these fascinating people.

Interview questions range from "Did you go into the work you were educated for?" and "Is this truly your passion, or has it been modified by realistic requirements?" to "How important is faith or religion to your ability to create an independent life?"

My mission in writing An Unrealistic Life is to inspire others to take a chance, make conscious choices, be the best they can be, and give their gifts to the planet. In the words of Helen Keller: "Security is a superstition; it does not exist in nature, and on the whole it does not exist for the sons of man. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all!"

Publishing details to be announced soon. To be added to the mailing list for future announcements, go to Contact the Artist. More stories about the book-in-progress can be read at www.anunrealisticlife.blogspot.com.