She Flies on Electronic Wings

Her first choice was dancing; she trained for years to become a professional and her big break took her to England with a modern dance troupe. But she was too tired to perform, hurt more than the other dancers, and more often. Then a career in the Air Force was cut short. At the age of 25, Paula Schwindeman was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, a debilitating disease that causes the immune system to attack the thyroid. At 30, she was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, an increasingly familiar disease that attacks the nerve connections, mostly in women.

For ten years Paula suffered through intense pain until she could barely walk. So a woman who once glided across a stage with the grace of a bird in flight was reduced to using a cart to go to the grocery store. And a woman who did a technician's job in the service didn't even have the strength to use a computer. She suffered through the indignity and poverty of living on state assistance. Then, in 1995, a new drug cocktail helped her and she signed on for a class in Computer Graphics at Santa Rosa Junior College. That class was the beginning of a new life for Paula; it was at the college that she established her first internet account, and chose her new name, Lilith.

After two years of classes in computer studies and art, Lilith established her own website and got her first client. She finished her Associates degree and transferred to Sonoma State University, to finish her B.A. And even though she can't work as many hours as most people, Lilith's business has grown with her reputation.

Now, rather than being trapped in a cycle of boredom and poverty, Lilith works when she feels well. It doesn't matter to her clients if she works during the day or night, as long as she finished projects on time. Thusfar, her record is impeccable.

The internet has opened up a whole new world for the disabled. People who were never able to earn a living because they were too sick or incapacitated can work out of their own homes. From typing to web design to content, the choices are vast and the pay superior.

And another thing has happened for Lilith; when she's too sick or achy to see her 'real time' friends, she can visit with her online network. E-mail has made it possible for us to keep in close touch with friends around the world; across the street or Siberia, distance means nothing on the web. Lilith's network extends far, and she is always garnering new contacts.

Although she is too busy just now to pursue her own plans, Lilith has begun work on developing interactive educational software to teach reading to older children. About this she says,

"Most of today's phonics programs are aimed at the very young. They're discouraging for older children and adults just learning to read."On her website Lilith sells stamps she has designed, some of them works of art. She explains,

"My www business sells my products as well as my services. Besides my own prints and paintings, I'll be offering rubber stamps of unusual and original design, featuring images of pagan myths and goddesses, Celtic works and unique herbs and flowers."

Note Paula's strategy. She finds niches to fill, and even creates the demand she needs by offering such a unique line of products. Paula has used her everyday experience in art and her new knowledge of computers to find her spot.

SIDEBAR -- LILITH'S WEBSITES

Portofolio: www.sonic.net/~lilith

Flash Animation Samples: www.sonic.net/~lilith/flash/

Book Cover design: www.sonic.net/~lilith/LFF_fullcover.html

Lanier Publishing Sites:

Harbor Hill Guest House: www.travelguides.com/home/harborhill/

Ashford Inn: www.travelguides.com/home/ashford/

The Post House: www.travelguides.com/home/posthouse/

Old Coast Hotel: www.travelguides.com/home/oldcoast/

Alpine Lodge: www.travelguides.com/home/Alpine_Lodge/

Santa Rosa City Site: http://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/

http://gracie.santarosa.edu/~linda/cgi/sr-intern.html.

Weddings With Spirit: www.weddingswithspirit.com

http://www.weddingswithspirit.com/Honesty/