Rusty Altheimer Watson

Bel-Nor

retired

Nolan Robert, born 2007, Colin Randall, born 2008, Drake Lee, born 2010, Ariana Skye and Mia Lydia, both born 2015.

I graduated from Washington University with a fine art degree and worked in the fashion design field until I married and moved to a small town in Illinois. I stayed home for 12 years and raised three children, the hardest job I ever had! After the children were in school full-time, I went back to college and obtained a teaching degree in elementary education as well as a masters degree and began my next career as a kindergarten teacher for 18 years. I have loved every minute of teaching! After I retired I began to teach art part-time in two school districts and continue to this day.
My husband and I also own and operate an art studio, where we sell our artwork and offer art lessons, a joy every day!
I also have had one book published, The Idler, and another currently at the publishers, getting edited and distributed. Retirement is great!

I had history class with Mr. Battiste and one assignment was to research and give a speech on someone famous. Since I always liked art, I gave one on Michelangelo. I was very nervous (there were sooooo many cute boys in that class) that my voice squeaked, my hands started shaking, then my head, then the podium, etc. and when I looked up for encouragement and support from my beloved teacher, I noticed that he was doubled over with laughter! I crawled back to my desk and swore that I would never get up in from of anyone again and give a speech or laugh at anyone else in distress. Well, I am still getting up in front of a class, even though they are smaller and shorter than me, but I have never, ever laughed at them. (although I have been tempted to!) Isn't it funny how painful memories can now be sorted through and laughed at as we mature?