I have always been a Reality TV fan, but never thought about auditioning for one. When the American Inventor show aired on NBC in March of 2006, I thought to myself - forget Survivor or Big Brother - I want to try out for an inventing show! I have always considered myself a problem solver, but never an inventor. The show sparked my interest and imagination, and a new focus was something I really needed. I was 46 and having a difficult year. In January I had cancer surgery and was going through painful radiation therapy. Turning my attention from the physical side effects, I chose to focus on this new "hobby," throwing myself into research for news of next years auditions, facts about the judges, and anything else I could learn. Instead of focusing on my illness, I began talking with friends and family about my future and how I was going to audition for the next season of American Inventor. At first, it was all about the experience, the adventure of travelling to Houston and presenting an idea; but in the process something surprising happened - I became an inventor. It turns out, inventing is the outlet for my creativity that I have always been searching for and I have a real knack for it. Once I accepted the fact I was good at thinking of simple and useful products - an inventor- there was no going back.
I auditioned for American Inventor. I didn't make it past the first round, but was able to meet lots of great people and had the time of my life. But why stop there? I then auditioned for Everyday Edisons, an invention show on PBS, and was so excited to make it to the finals, receiving "yes" votes from all four judges. Being chosen for the show has been more than a dream come true, it has changed my life. My invention the ShoeSkirt, is a shoe storage solution which is hidden under your bedskirt, and will be on Everyday Edisions Season Three airing Oct of 2009.
You can't stop me now! I'm 50 and I'm an inventor. I have three patents in the works, a nationally televised infomercial, a licensing contract with WestPoint Home, and another under consideration by a major retailer. I hear there's a new show for women inventors with Kelly Ripa, TLC and HSN. Looks like fun, and a good opportunity for my newest invention. No matter what happens on this inventive, entrepreneurial journey, I'm already a winner. I will always know that instead of giving in to pain and fear, I chose a new path and found joy, imagination and creativity by reinventing myself as an inventor.
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