Learning Lesson about Interviews

I love learning!

Don't you?

Wanted to share something I learned the hard way the other day.

When I ask any prospective interviewee about being interviewed for my column in Billiard Buzz, I always have some questions already in mind for them. I don't ever inquire without already knowing what I might ask. That wouldn't be proper journalism, right?

Then I wait to hear back from them before I type up all the questions.  But, I learned in late May I just might need another plan of attack lol.

You see, I asked the next potential interviewee if they were interested and I immediately received a "Yes!" back. I promised her I'd email the questions by the end of the week. Work got in the way, and I also finishing up the June interview. Then, work got busy the next week (real bad), and told her I would need another week to get her the questions. Luckily for me she was very cool about it.

Then, omg... nightmare scenario happened.

Granted, none of this would be a nightmare if I had the Internet at home, but that's not my fault! That's the fault of the companies who wont install wiring underground in my neighborhood.

But I digress....

I ended up for the first time in my life getting a sinus infection. I don't know about you, but I haven't had one before and I actually was out of work for almost two full weeks. And because I do all my computer and Internet things at my desk at work, I could not send her any questions via email as I had not prepared them yet!  And, I couldn't even drive a car - that's how bad my infection was - so I couldn't even sneak to work on either weekend to type them out.

omg...

So every week I sent her an apology email... "Next week...."

Well, that sad pattern continued for weeks of apologies - literally 4 weeks later than originally planned!

So, to say the least, I wont be making the July issue.

But, not to worry, as I'm not worrying! As you recall from my blog post last month, I'm learning to not let things stress me.  Including deadlines!

But, it's an interesting learning lesson for me.

Because actually, no one has (yet!) actually turned me down when I've asked if I could interview them. So, maybe I should prepare the questions ahead of time just in case unforeseen things happen again.  What a concept, right?!  Oh, and I just realized that will also decrease my stress because I wil already be prepared. Hmm...

Sharing: Accolades from Interviews

One of the main reasons I wanted to conduct interviews (dream goal!) was to share obstacles pool players have overcome.  I usually always choose someone who has been through a tough time in their life, because I want us all to learn from them. And it puts a more human aspect to the player, right? They aren't just a pool player you see across the poolroom, but someone who has been through something tough, and also overcame it.

That's why it meant so much what Charlie 'Papa Red' Smith said a couple of years ago and now what another friend said about my most recent interview.

Charlie said this: (if you don't recall and we can relish together :)

"I want to thank Melinda Bailey for the article she did on me in Billiard Buzz. To be considered was an honor for me as an average pool player and individual. Melinda Bailey did a great job in asking the questions and the whole writing of the article. If you ever have the privilege of being asked to let her interview you, do it. The more we learn about our friends and their struggles in life and playing pool, makes the pool world a tighter family. IMHO. I think Melinda Bailey missed her calling by not being an Professional Interviewer.

Thanks again Melinda Bailey!"

The other player, who commented on social media about the recent Jeremy Jones interview, has been mentioned in my blog before.  Check out our discussion about the rabbit!

This is what he said this time:

"It’s amazing the way JJ has diversified his passion for pool and, for sure, deserves every single recognition that's out there.  His analysis when commentating is second to none and reflects the tremendous knowledge he has.  What he’s doing for the kiddos is remarkable, and in my dictionary, that's the difference between a regular guy and a true professional.  I’m just looking forward to read his first book: “One Pocket: table reading and shot selection-decision making process” 😎  To him and his family, my congratulations.

As for you Melinda: 99% of conversations at a pool hall are about money matches, hustling, tournament results, and tips for this or that.  If you check the table of contents of your magazine, all articles are exactly about the same topics… all, but yours.  I’ve realized about your vision to humanize the game.  Reading from you is refreshing because you go further and deeper in your interviews trying to find out the personal reasons behind their success.  Your interviews are a motivation to all those children who are looking for reasons to love the sport we are all passionate about.  We need more people like you out there doing what you do.  Keep it up lady, you're making a difference! And for all that, thank you.  "

I hadn't even thought of these two aspects the gentlemen mentioned about the interviews:

1. "The more we learn about our friends and their struggles in life and playing pool, makes the pool world a tighter family," and 
2. "...to find out the personal reasons behind their success."

It's really cool to see how my dream has led to even more benefits for the readers and our sport that I hadn't even thought of!

Thanks to both of these guys for sharing their thoughts. Really, truly means a lot.

Gordy Vanderveer Interview! March 2019 Billiard Buzz

I was lucky to get to interview one of the best guys around the pool scene, Gordy Vanderveer! If you don't know him, you are missing out, as he is wonderful to be around with a contagious, positive, fun attitude and a very knowledgeable pool game (that he is passing on through "SLA" - read about it in the interview). Even if you do know him, you'll enjoy this interview, too. Thank you so much, Gordy!! 

Billiard Buzz Feb Issue - Me?

Mike Howerton turned the tables and interviewed me for Billiard Buzz.

The issue is out and if you have some time set aside, here is the link to it. I say that because it is kinda long. Sorry - I had a lot to say, lol!

It's actually been out for a week or so and I have been a tad confused by the lack of responses. I kinda opened my heart about some things from my childhood - I feel extremely vulnerable and raw about it. Been nervous when the issue would come out because of what I shared, but the response has not been what I expected, so guess I didn't need to worry at all, hahah!

I have asked a few friends about it and they said maybe people aren't mentioning the childhood thing because (1) I overcame it and (2) maybe people are too trepid to bring it up. I think also the interview is just simply too long... and the childhood part is at the end, lol.

Either way, my goal of every interview I conduct is so others can learn from them, so I hope to help at least one person sharing all I went through. Many people were surprised to read how I "used to be," because I'm so opposite of how I grew up. Boy, I am thankful for that!

One of the cool surprises is a few people I work with have read it and they are stunned all that I did with pool. And now they feel like they know a super star or something. pfft. Sheesh, stop with the hounding for autographs!  ;)

December 2018 Interview - Chip and Joey!

Well, Christmas came early for me... My DREAM interview came true! I've always wanted to interview these two guys together and this month it became a reality! HUGE thank you to Chip Compton and Joey Gray for allowing me to interview them both for this month's Billiard Buzz magazine. I had so much fun and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them better! I have been a huge fan for years and I am truly happy you all get to know them better, also! 

Interview with Toddy - August 2018 Issue

The August issue of the online magazine, Billiard Buzz, is out and this month I interview the amazing and inspiring Toddy Deatherage! You will be just as surprised as I was with this interview with Toddy. Thank you Toddy for sharing your life with us!

Interviews Overlapping

The July interview in Billiard Buzz is out.  Andrew Cleary was my fun and clever interviewee!  It is a great interview and I highly recommend it.

In order to prepare for future editions, I'm usually working on the next interview in time for it to be ready for the next month.  Case in point is the interview for August.  I'm working on that month now and I get so excited about the interviews!  It's actually tough for me to keep a secret who I am interviewing!  And August is no exception - I can't wait for you all to get to know this player better.

If you happen to actually read my interviews (which I hope you do as it's one of my greatest joys in life), then you know I ask some of the same questions to each person:  Who helped your game, what is your favorite tournament, what was your favorite match, etc.

As you may recall back in June I published the interview about one of my best friends who passed away in early May (Dave Faver).  What is SUPER cool about the August interview is when I asked the player, "What is your most memorable match?" he shared a story and it was about Dave Faver!  I just smiled and smiled and was so happy to read that.  :)

Sorry.... you all will have to wait until mid August to read it.

I know, Imma tease!  But, had to share this really happy moment with you all.  :)

What I Learned from 2017 Interviews

One thing I found really intriguing and exciting was a fellow blogger asked me, "What did you learn?" after I shared how much I enjoyed my interviews last year.

It was such a great question, that even though I didn't answer him, lol, it gave me the idea to write about what I learned from EACH interview I conducted last year for my column in Billiard Buzz (you can find all the interviews in one place here).

Cool question, right?

Now, realize these are very personal learning experiences and most do not have anything to do with playing pool.  But it was a profound question that I loved so much, because I really did learn a lot, and so wanted to share.  I'll even share a few quotes from the pieces, some fave answers:

First up in 2017 was my interview with Tony Sulsar.  What I learned from him was how important his Dad was to his game even to this very day, and that he misses his Dad deeply, just like we all miss our parents who have passed.  There are people like me who talk about the loss, and people like Tony who don't talk about it, but feel it.

Next up was Robley Fontenot.  I had wanted to interview him for years, and what I learned from him was no matter your conditions, you always press forward and prevail with all your might.  Don't give up and strive.

Rachel Hurst was the April interviewee and she also had been on my list to interview for years and she did NOT disappoint.  I so love her choice of words and outlook on life and the way she describes things.  Her life is truly amazing from hardship to many radical changes in her careers.  What I learned from her interview was it's okay for me to be an introvert, and to make your home more comfy because of that.  She also has a great perspective about image that I loved and hope you all read how she learned the hard way about image in a woman's body.

"My physical recovery was about a year and it consisted of several surgeries to try to reconstruct my face and scalp from the damage the lathe had caused.  A couple of non-physical symptoms still linger with me 20 years later:  some random vertigo and dizziness, and a somewhat spotty memory. 

The accident had the opposite effect on me, actually.  I looked so hideous and horrible during the recovery period that I lost a lot of the vanity that was actually the cause of the accident in the first place.  I was lucky enough to have people who loved me in spite of the fact that I looked like a cartoon character… so from then on I became far less concerned with whether or not people thought I was physically attractive in general. Women, in particular, struggle with the idea that we’re supposed to be pretty at all times – and it’s not only unrealistic, but it can also be incredibly painful and limiting.  To be unburdened inside in my mid-20s of this idea that I had to look good was a revelation.  Ultimately, that was an enormous gift."

Fred Pankey was showcased in the May issue and he is a 96-year-old pool player!  Can you imagine growing up in The Depression?  It was so cool to hear him talk about how he grew up in that era and all that he's accomplished in his long life.  What I learned from him is how important friends are as you age.

I don’t have any friends my age or in their 90s like me.  My friends in the pool room are getting older, too (he laughs), but, I associate with them and we’ve been friends for 20 or more years. “ 

Next up was custom cue maker Jake Hulsey.  A mentor to many people, my take-away from my interview with Jake was how important it is to have a relationship with your spiritual higher power.  That relationship may even be a bad one, but as long as you have one is what is important.

You’ve had issues with substance abuse and a stint or two in rehab in your lower 20s.  What was your take away from that experience?  

"Very specifically the principles of Honesty, Hope, Faith, Courage, Integrity, Willingness, Humility, Love, Justice, Perseverance, Spirituality, and Selfless-ness.  People have likely heard of the 12 Steps at some point in their life while discussing addiction.  These steps are often discounted or disregarded either because they are not understood or require too much work.  The secret that people don’t get is that each one of the steps has a spiritual (biblical) principal behind it.  Once you GET that principle you will begin to be okay with living life on life’s terms.  Another huge roadblock for me was that I was mad at God and just assumed that I would eternally be cursed for such.  As it turns out, God already knew I was mad and was happy I could finally be honest about it.   At the end of the day, the same problem exists (me).  The difference now is that I’m capable of dealing with situations without blaming others or using something to change the way I feel."

Mike Panozzo was in the July issue - first industry interviewee.  He better feel special!  haha.  He's actually a really good friend to me and gives me great advice (prolly has no idea) and has been a great mentor to me.  What I learned from him from the interview was to enjoy every single day and surround yourself with people worth sharing you passions and enjoyment with.  His perspective about the pool industry was also interesting - and he is correct:  Because the pool industry is so small and not mainstream, pro pool players are reachable.  If pool was mainstream, we wouldn't have the accessibility we have now to them.

Aimee Peterson was next.  What I learned from her was there are so many things a lot of us are going through that we have no idea about.  We have health problems or other pains in life and hardly anyone knows.  And we go through life struggling, but also surviving.  To read Aimee's story about all her health issues is truly eye opening how she can even play the game we love (there's your reason).

"The only comfort I’ve been able to find from the accident was that I must have had a grand purpose that day to save the lives of the two people in the Toyota truck.  I have absolutely no doubt in my mind, that had I not taken the brunt of the initial impact, they both may have been killed in the head on collision.  I also think I got a bit lucky too.  When I was pushed into the intersection, I wasn’t put into the path of the oncoming traffic where I could’ve easily been hit again head on. "

Dennis Hatch was the first professional I interviewed and he didn't disappoint.  I think the thing that surprised me the most was playing pool was chosen for him because of his Dad seeing his natural talent for it. 

"Pool was essentially chosen FOR me as it was what my father (Greg Hatch) wanted most as I was growing up and growing into a career choice. I had a natural talent and he refined it. He loved the game and he molded me to be the best."

Mike Page, the co-creator of Fargo Rate was the October interviewee.  If I am to be honest, I learned how to better my interviews by interviewing him!  I gave him the questions and he rearranged everything, adjusted the questions and turned the piece into a masterpiece.  I could easily see his PhD teaching skills come into place, lol.  I wasn't hurt with him changing things up so much, instead I paid attention to how he asked the questions better.  I was impressed with his career changes in life as well, btw, but it was his ability to really change the interview into a better piece was what I cherished.

Melanie Archer was next and I was so honored to give her a voice.  Most spouses of pool players are not really considered for interviews.  What I learned from her is there are ways to find time to being active in what you want to do.  A lot of us sit around thinking about things we would like to do or are maybe interested in doing - she gets up and does it; does it all!  I also like how she uses social media to share positive things, but also points out we need to put technology down to enjoy our surroundings, the outdoors and traveling.  I also loved this:

Your Mom (who passed in 2005) has a big influence on your life to this day.  Do you have a favorite quote from her you live by?

"“Be True to Thine Own self.”  When I was younger, I really didn’t understand it.  Now that I am older, I totally get it.  It means, be true to you and what you believe.  Don’t conform to this world or what others want you to be.  You were made just the way GOD made you to be.  So be it!  But always continue to grow and become a better version of yourself.  You are the only one who has control over this. "

Don and Mary Akerlow were the final month of the year and I was happy to get to know them better.  Mary is fighting cancer with Don and their love for each other shines through in the piece.  What I learned was how important friends and support on FaceBook are to them during this process.  Also, to get several opinions (not just 1 or 2) and ask many, many questions when fighting cancer.

I enjoyed this so much I will do this again next year for all the 2018 interviews!  Thank you to my friend Dane for asking me the great question to begin with, "Melinda ,what did you learn?"

RIP Lucille Donahue

One of my dear friends and mentor passed away in late December - Lucille Donahue.  I can't begin to express how impactful this woman was to me.  Not even remotely begin to express it.

I found an interview conducted by author Carl Miller of Lucille during one of the Ladies Tour stops in 2007.  (back then, the Ladies Tour was the "Hunter Classics Tour").

I'm going to paste his interview right here, so you can find out more about Lucille.  She was an amazing woman full of life and such a contagious, positive attitude.  And a laugh so joyful... you would never forget!

RIP my Dear Friend.

LUCILLE DONAHUE

No Rocking Chair for this Grandmother

The one-hour drive up the freeway from Galveston Bay to North Houston is tiring on this early Saturday morning, but Lucille Donahue perks up the moment she steps through the front door at Bogies Billiards and Games.  For the past two years, a severe lung infection has limited Lucille’s appearances on the Hunter Classics Amateur Women’s Tour.  Now, as she joins the other board members and players at the registration table, she enjoys the familiar banter.  She’s back in her element, appreciative of the recent improvement in her health and excited by the opportunity to play in another pool tournament.   

Concurrent with this stop on the Hunter Classics Tour, Bogies is hosting a benefit for Anne Mayes, a Hunter Classics Tour member and respected custom cue maker.  Anne is battling cancer.  Throughout the weekend, WPBA touring professional, Kim White, will conduct a benefit in Anne’s behalf, which will include an hourly raffle.  Lucille asks for roll of raffle tickets, and within minutes of her arrival, she’s sold $100 worth. 

Fellow Hunter board member Melinda Bailey says with a smile, “The Hunter Classics Tour is alive because of Lucille.  She’s the nucleus.”

 

Lucille arrived on the competitive pool scene relatively late in life, and by unusual circumstance.  She was in her late forties, and owner of a real estate company, when one evening she agreed to meet a broker at a bar he frequented.  Lucille had never played pool, but as their business meeting concluded, a mixed-doubles tournament was about to begin.  Lucille got talked into playing, and before the evening was over, she discovered she had a natural talent and an affinity for the game. 

Later that year, two local players, Barney Garza and Ole Olsen, invited Lucille to accompany them to a professional tournament at Top Cats Billiards in San Marcos, Texas.  The field of Texas women professionals included: Vivian Villarreal (“The Texas Tornado”), Belinda Calhoun (“The Texas Belle”), etc.  The skills of these women both impressed and inspired Lucille, and she became hooked on the game and the lore. 

Lucille joined the Hunter Classics Amateur Women’s Tour twelve years ago, and for the past eight years she’s served as a board member.  She’s proud to be involved with the largest and longest-running regional women’s tour.  As a board member, her personal goal is to continue to attract talented women players, so the Hunter Classics Tour will not only remain strong, but continue to grow.

During the twenty years that Lucille has now played pool, she’s also been a member of several league teams that have competed throughout the Galveston Bay Area.  She particularly enjoys playing in the annual BCA National 9-Ball Championships in Las Vegas.  Making Las Vegas even more inviting is the fact that her daughter, Linda, and granddaughter, Allie Rae, live there.  Her other daughter, Lori, and grandsons, Trevor and Keaton, live in the Galveston Bay Area.  When not playing pool, Lucille often turns to her other favorite bay area pastime: fishing.

Despite her late introduction to competitive pool, and never having taken lessons, Lucille has developed a respected game.  Early on, she was just a shot maker, but as she gained in experience, she added defensive skills.  She admits, though, “I don’t practice as much as I should.  Mainly, I’ve just learned from playing.”

As the Saturday afternoon at Bogies progresses, Lucille loses her first match, then wins a match, but then loses again and is eliminated from the championship tournament.  However, since health problems have limited her appearances during the past two years, she’s pleased with her performance, particularly at having won three games in the match she lost to perennial Hunter champion, Leslie Anne Rogers.

On Sunday, as the tournament winds down, Kim White announces that raffles, auctions, and a Saturday night open tournament have raised nearly $5,000 for Anne Mayes.  No one is more pleased than Lucille and the other members of the Hunter Classics Tour.

Despite losing her two matches in the second-chance tournament, Lucille remains as enthusiastic as ever.  “I miss it a lot when I can’t play,” she says, “but life sometimes throws curves.  I love pool, and it’s such a pleasure to be part of the Hunter Classics Tour and to be associated with all these talented young women.”

The next Hunter Classics Tour stop will be at Legend’s Billiards in the Galveston Bay Area.  Lucille plans to play in that event.  Billy, her husband of 48 years, and their grandsons will be among the fans watching.

Excitement from Interviews!

I am finding that my after thought that I had long ago to do interviews, has become more of walking dream!

I had no idea how much conducting interviews and bringing you all (the pool fans) the answers to little  but meaningful questions, has ignited my spirit and helped my soul.

Every time someone says yes to being interviewed, I get happy.

Then, after I read their responses, I get ecstatic!

In the past when I would think about how I wanted to do interviews, I didn't really, truly realize how much I would enjoy them and how happy they would make me.  Instead, it's been bringing me pure joy to be able to be the conduit between them and you.

If you haven't read the recent ones in the online magazine Billiard Buzz from pro Dennis Hatch or Mike Page of FaroRate, find them at this link:  https://pooljourney.blogspot.com/p/billiard-buzz-columnist.html

Next up is Melanie Archer!  (Johnny Archer's wife)  I am so excited!  I already love her answers and can't wait for the September issue to come out.

We are all learning so much from others.  I am excited for us all!

Rejected

Interviewing people for my column in Billiard Buzz, I have a mental list of folks I want to approach to interview.  Since it's been a dream for years, my list is kinda full.

When the people on my potential interviewees list say yes, I get stoked because I know we can all learn from them (like the recent one from almost-unknown cuemaker Jacob Hulsey and later in July read all about Billiards Digest editor Mike Panozzo!).

It's the days I'm talking to someone and a light bulb goes off about why that person would be an interesting choice as well that makes me smile and get excited.  Besides being shocked not realizing sooner of their obvious inclusion on the list of potential folks, I also get excited because I know readers would really enjoy their story.

Just the other day I was talking to a friend and it hits me like a bolt of lightning - this guy would be a great person to interview!!

I called him back a couple of days later to see if he would be interested, but he shot me down.

Dammit.

I told him people would really be surprised by his life story, but he said he didn't really want to do an interview.  I told him I understood why (he has some business legal concerns), but admittedly I was disappointed because his story is VERY unique.

I told him because he is a backer, that part is an interesting perspective for people, too.  He said, "Melinda, I have nothing good to say about pool, so it wouldn't be a good interview."

I exclaimed, "THAT's exactly why it would be a good interview!"

What a perspective/treat it would be for us!

To see his side of why/how people approach him to back him (he has the funds), people ask to borrow money (then he gets ignored by players who owe him money), and yet why he can't trust anyone (how do you know if two players aren't "in" on a scheme to get your money?).

He did add, which I will share, "It's a shame you can't trust anyone when you walk into the pool room."

But, it's also his life story.  How he came from nothing to something.  How he invests in land and businesses and what all that really means (taxes, economy, waiting, etc).  How he's famous in other countries (his photo is printed on shirts and people stand in long lines for his autograph). (really piquing your interest, huh?)

But it is also the negative side of the pool room when it comes to action and backing that makes for a different perspective we may not think of a lot.

Oh well.

Dammit.

Online Magazine Column!

One of the things I was excited about for 2017 that I broadly eluded to late last year in my blog, has come to fruition.  And, this is kind of a dream for me: Interviewing players for a billiard magazine!

Sure, I have interviewed a few people for my blog, but not many people come here or even know about this blog.  Further, I really wanted to showcase the personal side of certain players and being printed in a magazine would give them more exposure.

I am so excited!

And after I read the answers from my first sacrifice, err, interviewee, I was even more excited! Tony Sulsar was funny at times, gave some great tips, and reminisced about his Dad.  Tony really sealed the whole vision of this dream I am working on for others.

I am so happy about this coming to fruition!

I am now a columnist for Billiard Buzz!  It's an online magazine from AZBilliards.com.  Here is the January issue and a sneak peak of the interview with Tony:

http://www.azbilliards.com/buzz/8/

Right now I have plans in place to interview players who have overcome odds, but of course I will also interview players/people in the pool industry in general (if they say yes, lol).  Let's face it, they are interesting also.  Well, most of the time :)

Interviews Posted

Well, this may jinx my upcoming play at BCAPL Nationals, lol, but the two interviews I mentioned just got published!

:)

The first one that came out was Bad Boys Billiard Online Magazine.  Here is the cover:  OMG!  I can't believe this!!!  I'm on the cover of their first edition?!  WOW! 

And they said they have a surprise for me at BCAPL Nationals.  I'll share what it is when I come back.

They asked me several questions (interview is on pages 4-5) and this was my FAV:


BB:  Who have been your biggest influences on your game over the years?

Melinda:  "Tough question.  I guess I would have to say that I have learned something from every competitor I have ever competed against.  So, they are my biggest influence. "


And then the second interview came out the same day!

Billiards Digest!!  :)

The author interviewed me and then wrote up a story about my finals for my ACS 9-Ball Nationals win.  I reiterated how I just tried to do my best to stay in the moment of every step to the finals.

The only thing it didn't mention was I won it on Mother's Day, and dedicated the win to her.  I mentioned that on Facebook and someone replied so sweet, "Anyone who knows you knows you dedicate more than a pool match to your Mom. She must have been an amazing person ( I know mine is). That is one of your most impressive traits."    

I'm so honored and shocked by the two articles.  I don't even know what else to say.  I actually feel weird sharing all this.  But, if I am to share about my Journey with Pool, then this is part of it.

Til next time, Friends.

Winning Can Lead to Other Opportunities

I hadn't ever thought about this before.

After I won the BCAPL Texas State tourney, I mentioned that it crossed my mind to see if I could get sponsorship from someone for my ACS Team, to kinda ride the the wave of success I was having.

Well, last week someone called me and wanted to interview me for a new online billiard magazine, since I just had a great April and May.

The next day, I received ANOTHER call to get interviewed!  This is from one of the top billiard magazines so I was even more excited!

Each interview asked different questions about my wins - how I overcame jitters, what's next (not thinking ahead I told them), how I got my nickname, which wins had more meaning, and of course some details about the win, etc.  It was really fun!

But, I guess winning can lead to even MORE opportunities as I was actually (I still can't believe this) approached by a CUEMAKER who wants to make me my own custom cue (that I design)... FOR FREE!  So, I would have a cue sponsor.  OMGosh!

I can't believe it!!

This is WAY early, but if this comes to fruition, you know I'll be writing about it here in this blog.

I already have 4 custom design cues (even though I had to let two go) and I thought the final one would be my last..... but maybe not.  Wow!

Blast From the Past - Questions for the WPBA Pros

My friend Shayla and I maintained the Hunter Classics Tour website way back in 2000 (yes, the Internet was around then, lol).  The two board members that ran this ladies tour in Texas (and surrounding states) back then also played on the WBPA tour, so we had an avenue to ask the female pro players questions, and then post the answers on the website.  I looked for that Q & A ten+ old webpage the other day... and finally found it for you all!

Remember, these answers are more than ten years old, but still applicable to today and fun to read today.  :)

What keeps you motivated when/if you feel like you aren't playing your best game?
Allison Fisher: That's a very good question. I have to have the desire to maintain what I've already achieved. I try to play my best every game, especially in close matches. I have to find the fine line in practice because over practicing staunches my motivation -- I need to go out there wanting to play. Under practicing undermines my confidence. Each person has to find their practice time so they can be excited about competing in a match. I love the competitive edge that a tournament gives me. If I just practiced and didn't play in tournaments I wouldn't be motivated at all. And to those of you who say "I'm not good enough to play in a tournament" -- well, you have to get as much tournament experience as you can -- you're going to learn from playing in tournaments.

As an aside -- I watched Allison play in a match she was ahead at 5-2 when she took a shot on an 8-ball and got mediocre shape on the 9 ball. I could see the disappointment on her face which turned to annoyance at herself and then changed to determination. I could see that she was not happy with her shape and that she knew she played better than that. After that game (she won it) she went out there and started playing perfect shape on every single ball after that.

Now, that's motivation! Her opponent did not win another game.

Allison Fisher

What type of cue do you use and how long have you used it?
Linda Haywood -- Tim Scruggs
Aileen Pippen -- Meucci. I've used it since I started playing 8 years ago.
Mauro Seto -- Cognoscenti. I've used it for 1 1/2 years.
Vicki Paski -- Huebler cue and Palmer break cue.
Shari Stauch -- she uses all types of cues, depending on her mood and dress.

When you break, do you use the same cue that you shoot with? If not, why not?
Nikki Benish (has one of the biggest breaks on tour and sponsored on the tour by Cuetec): I use a Cuetec break/jump cue. It saves my shooting cue from the stress created by the break shot. My break cue has a flatter tip which is good for breaking and for jumping. My regular cue has a rounder tip which is better for drawing and English.

What do you eat, when do you eat or DO you eat during tournament play?
Dawn Hopkins: "2 hours out. For me it is very important because I have to monitor my blood sugar level. I eat protein, rice, pasta. No sugar and no caffeine."
Gerda Hofstatter: "2-3 hours before match, I eat light"
Jeanette Lee: "3 ½ hours ahead of match, I eat chicken and pasta. I eat only foods that are easy to digest."
Neslie O'Hare: "2 hours out, I eat protein."
Mary Guarino: "I eat light, soup usually, then I pig out after the match."
Robin Dodson: "2 hours out, I eat a chicken sandwich."
Aileen Pippin: 1 ½ hours before match I eat very light, no grease. Usually rice or vegetables.
Belinda Campos: "No food, unless it's a bagel."
Ewa Mataya Laurance: "3 hours before match, I eat pasta."
Nikki Benish: "Nothing"
Laura Smith: "No food, no caffeine. On a long day, I will eat a little, but very light."
Helena Thornfeldt: "2-3 hours before match, I eat vegetables or pasta. No meat"
Jennifer Chen: "1 hour before match. I don't care what I eat, but I do not eat before my first match ever."
Loree Jon Jones: "2-3 hours before match, I eat chicken or pasta"
Maureen Seto: "2 hours before match. Just no grease"

 Jeannette Lee

Why do you break from the corner instead of from the center, or do you?
Allison Fisher: "I can rest my hand on the rail and I get more power."
Vivian Villarreal: "I have changed to the center to get more cue ball control."
Dawn Hopkins: "It varies-but the side break is for making the the one ball in the side or the corner. I move to the center to control the cue ball."
Gerda Hofstatter: "I get more power because I can rest my hand on the rail, but I am practicing now breaking from the center."
Jeannette Lee: "From the corner you have the best chance of making the one ball in the side and banking the end ball in the corner."
Neslie O'Hare: "I break from the center, because I have been playing in men's events and the corner break is prohibited."
Belinda Campos: "Today's equipment, napless cloth makes the side more effective, if you can control the cue ball."
Ewa Mataya Laurance: "I don't break from the corner, I break more toward the center."
Nikki Benish: "More action on the cue ball, but control requires as much practice as you do for very difficult shots."
Laura Smith: "Power."
Mary Guarino: " It depends on how balls are moving. It is easier to make the corner ball from the side. I start from the center and then move out if I have control of the cue ball."
Robin Dodson: "I break closer to the center, it it varies. If I can't control the cue ball, I move more to the center."
Aileen Pippin: "I break from the center"
Helena Thornfeldt: " Easier to control cue ball"
Jennifer Chen: "I break from the center for control and from the side for power:
Loree Jon Jones: "I just get a better break."
Maureen Seto: "I do both, if one isn't working I try the other. Different tables have different sweet spots."

Vivian Villarreal

To Allison, Ewa & Loree Jon, How would you like to be best remembered, on or off the table?
Allison Fisher: "As a champion in all ways, not just as winner of matches. I want to be remembered as a true professional, as a person who always had time for the fans, for family and for friends. To be thought of a person of integrity in all aspects of my life."
Ewa Mataya Laurance: "Off the table, as Nicki's mother and Mitch's partner. With respect to pool, as a fighter as someone who never backed away from a challenge, who never gives up."
Loree Jon Jones: "I want to be remembered as a person who always placed my family first."


Photos copyright melindaswindow.com, Q and A copyright HunterClassics.com

Video of Lisa's Inspiring Tattoos

I shared back in Jan 2010 the inspiring interview with Lisa Marr about the story behind her tattoos on her wrists.

Then in early Jan 2012 (during a tournament as we watched Lisa compete in the first stop of the OB Cues Ladies Tour in Arlington, Texas at Rusty's Billiards), I mentioned to friend that PoolStudents.net and I captured her story on video.

My friend had not seen the video and so I tried to find it so I could share the link.  During my research, I realized I had not shared Lisa's video on my blog.  What was I thinking?!  I want to ensure you all get to see this truly inspiring video for yourself!







Lisa has 'Strong' tattooed in Chinese on her stroking arm & the 'Courage' tattooed in Chinese on her bridge arm. "My strength is always behind me and you need courage to more forward. So my stroking arm is always behind me & my courage, bridge hand, is always in front of me" she explained. Lisa does use them during matches also: "when I start screwing up I use them to tell myself that I am strong and to have the courage to regroup myself & play better." When Lisa is looking down during a match, she's not getting down on myself. She admits, "I am pumping myself up by looking at my tattoos! Someone once commented to me that I look like I am giving up when I look down. I thought to myself 'got you fooled then' lol."

OB Cues Answers Questions About Their Shafts

I went to Royce Bunnell of OB Cues last week and asked him to shed light on the difference between his OB line of shafts and his OB Classic series (his newest line). This is what he had to say:


Melinda: Can you tell me what the difference is between the OB1, OB2 and OB Classic shafts?

Royce: Sure! The OB line is our original design with the laminated maple ferrule. It also uses a Noise Dampening Core through the middle of the cue shaft. It comes in two tapers, the OB-1 at 12.75mm and the OB-2 at 11.75mm.

Melinda inserts: I use the OB2 still on my Custom Jim Buss. I love it every day!

Royce: That's great to hear! Glad you are enjoying it.

The OB1 / OB2 with the signature ferrule.

Melinda: And the OB Classic?

Royce: The new Classic line is our newest design and is intended to complement the OB line. The Classic shafts have a short white ferrule as opposed to the maple ferrule, and they don’t have the Noise Dampening Core. Without the core, they are more stiff because we don’t have to drill a hole down the center of the shaft in order to install the core.

Melinda: Sounds interesting.

Royce: The Classic uses the 12.75mm taper like the OB-1, and the Classic Pro uses the 11.75mm taper like the OB-2.

Melinda: So, if I was to try it out, I'd like to Classic Pro since I like the taper of my OB2?

Royce: Right.

The OB Classic

Melinda: And one last tidbit for us please...

Royce: Of course! Both lines have reduced tip end mass to keep the cue ball squirt or deflection very low.

Melinda: And that's why I love my OB2! thank you for your time, Royce!

Royce: Thank YOU, Melinda, for the questions.


Royce can be reached via his website at http://www.obcues.com/contact.html if you have further questions for him about OB Cues, OB shafts, or which shaft model is for your cue .

Insipiring Tattoos - Lisa Marr

Tats

It wasn't noticeable right away, but I am glad I saw this one day last year during a weekend jaunt to an OB Cues Tournament. Lisa Marr, OB Cues Tour Champion for the last two years, has a tattoo on each of her wrists. She has some more tats, but I want to talk about these two specific ones today.

When I first started this blog entry, it was going to be about her tats. Now, it's going to be about Lisa. :)

Lisa, doing her favorite thing!

Lisa is one of those rare individuals you run across in life that you will always remember. She has graced the Ladies Tour in Texas since the late 1990s. Many peeps in Texas know this, but others don't: She lives in Little Rock, Arkansas and attends every OB Cues Ladies Tour in Texas and Ok - that's a lot of driving folks!!

Lisa won 3 stops in a row on the OB Cues Ladies Tour (back then called the Hunter Classics Tour) at the end of 2002. Then she had a stint on the WPBA Tour as a WPBA Touring Pro. While we all knew she had the skills, determination, and talent to get her on the Pro Tour, she told me once she was able to reach that dream because the OB Cues Tour provided the avenue. She is a very gracious and thankful person!

Lisa now is a regular in the top 3 of the OB Cues Tour, capturing at least 1 tournament every year since 2005 when she was able to play on the Regional Ladies Tour again after she stopped competing with the Pros. In 2008, she captured the all-allusive OB Cues Tour Champion title earning the most points that year. She followed 2009 with the same result (not an easy feat)!

Lisa has a big heart even though she acts tough at times; she is very determined in her goals but never forgets to thank people for their efforts; she loves her family and friends; and knows how to have a good time.

Lisa got these two tattoos after her second divorce in 2006. They are Chinese symbols representing Strength and Courage. The "Strong" tattoo is on her stroking arm and the "Courage" tattoo is on her bridge arm.

Personal tattoos

I asked Lisa why she got the tattoos. Lisa started to tell me her story: She said she sat down one night in silence for hours and replayed all her relationships throughout her life. Lisa explained, "It helped me to realize that I was in most of those relationships for all the wrong reasons. So I knew that I would need to be strong & have courage to stop the cycle of a lifetime of wrong decisions. So I thought the tattoos were very appropriate for that reason."

Lisa, then, (of course!) thought about how the game of pool has effected her life. "It really, at times, was the only thing in this world that made me strong & to have courage to keep on going," Lisa says. "I knew no one could take THAT from me. The kind of unconditional love you get from your parents (in my case, My mom). Having the pleasure of taking care of two kids, growing to love them & then to only have to take them home after the weekend really tore me up. There were times that we had full custody when their mother couldn't "afford" them to only once again be ripped from my arms. So the tug of war with the kids really played on me. I wanted to be a Mom but better yet I wanted to be THEIR Mom. So pool helped me to fill that empty void." Lisa added, "Wow, thinking about all this is making me emotional....lol. How far I have come and how I have come out on top during some of the most trying times in my life."

Lisa loves pool with all her heart; it's her passion. Other than for her family, kids or grandbabies, she wouldn't give up pool for anything or anyone. "I don't really think I could quit even if I wanted to," Lisa reflects. "You are born to do something and I think that Pool is my something. "

"So pool essentially helped me get through some really tough times & kept me from going crazy," Lisa shares. When she was upset or down she could just go hit some balls and didn't think about anything else. " I didn't use pool to run from my problems but instead it helped calm me down so that when I went back to "reality" I had a better perspective," Lisa says.

She put the 'Strong' tattoo on her stroking arm & the 'Courage' tattoo on her bridge arm. "My strength is always behind me and you need courage to more forward. So my stroking arm is always behind me & my courage, bridge hand, is always in front of me" she explained. Lisa does use them during matches also: "when I start screwing up I use them to tell myself that I am strong and to have the courage to regroup myself & play better." When Lisa is looking down during a match, she's not getting down on myself. She admits, "I am pumping myself up by looking at my tattoos! Someone once commented to me that I look like I am giving up when I look down. I thought to myself 'got you fooled then' lol."

Last but most important, Lisa thought about the below prayer in the decision to get these very personal and profound tattoos. Lisa explains, "wisdom comes from being strong and overcoming your tribulations. You need courage to overcome future obstacles, also. My Grandparents had a bible in their living room and it was always opened to this prayer. So it has always stuck with me:"

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference.

"So when I put my hands together to pray, those are right there to remind me that God is the one who gives us our strength & courage to keep on living life to the fullest potential and that he has it all under control" Lisa said. She has a wonderful look on life. She adds, "you just have to learn when you are going through tough times that it's his plan for you and you will learn something from it and become a better person. He gave us the gift of life and what I do with my life is my gift to him."

Lisa shared with me that by asking her questions about her tattoos and her having to answer them, "you have helped me to realize that I am getting to the place in my life that I have always wished for myself. Thanks! He works in mysterious ways, he does!"

Here's Lisa goofing off.

The Serious Lisa

I want to thank Lisa for taking the time to share her story. It will hit home with a lot of people.

Paul Blank Made Me Cry

Well, I'm a chick and once again I cried. This time (lol) it happened in Round Rock, Texas at the Texas Open at G Cue Billiards, Sept 2009.

Paul Blank announced after many years of running the Fast Eddies Tour he was stepping down. Paul and Lewis Jones ran the tour together since 2002 and they also ran large independent tournaments across Texas.

I knew what Paul was going through - I had just recently stepped down from running the OB Cues Ladies Tour. It may seem like it should be easy to stop doing something, but IT IS NOT. It's one of the most difficult things to decide to do, and then to actually do it is even tougher!

When it was announced by Lewis before play started that Sunday, I was sitting down and I started to tear up as I immediately looked around the poolroom for Paul. Lewis thanked Paul for his many great years of unselfish service and it was a very nice speech about Paul.

Paul and Lewis, working hard at a Fast Eddie's event!

I climbed over the seats and walked directly to the tournament charts where Paul was working (of course!) and I hugged him real hard. I started to cry and whispered in his ear how proud of him I was, because I knew it wasn't an easy decision for him. He looked at me funny (well, he always does) and sincerely thanked me.

Chen, Paul and Junior. Paul at work!

Paul and Lewis made a really great team and complemented each other well. The Fast Eddie's Tour will go on (lucky for all of us pool addicts!) and Lewis will do a great job.

Paul has been on the pool scene for years and I have known him since my Galaxy days in San Antonio in the early 90s. He ran great events, didn't take any crap, and handled situations well. He is a damn good Tournament Director! Did I mention he plays good pool, too?!

His TD skills will be missed, but I will also miss seeing my friend at so many tournaments throughout the year.

Paul posing with me in Vegas. His g/f loves cowboys so he surprised her with the hat!

Yoko Joe and Mashi Maro

My friend Yoko Joe, who I luckily run into at many tournaments across Texas (and National tournaments) is a great, fun guy. He's always smiling and he has been playing better and better pool, too!

Here are pics of Yoko and I after we ran into each other in Vegas at the bar:

Yoko and I, at the beginning of the party.

This photo makes me laugh out loud!!!

I noticed that Yoko has this cute little guy hanging from his cue case and I just had to take pics of it to share!! Here is a close up:

The little guy's name is Mashi Maro. Yoko didn't name him that - that's the name on the little guy's butt tag. Turns out, MashiMaro is a kinda famous!

Here are two photos of Yoko, his case, and Mashi:


Yoko joked that sometimes people mistake his case for a female's pool cue case. But he laughs about it and says he claims it proudly. Yoko is so cool!!!