How long have you been a PulsePDX Member?
Let me introduce myself. You may know me as the girl with the cute little purple 73 Volkswagen Superbeetle, the purple fanatic, Baltimore Ravens #1 Fan, or Deadhead. My passion for life and hobbies comes through and touches everything I do. I have been a loyal member and supporter of PulsePDX for going on 13 years. But let’s start at the beginning.
What is your background?
Born in Hollywood, California, I moved to Illinois and back to West Hollywood in 1962. I recall these being the best years of my life. I didn’t realize then, but maybe the first time I danced was with my best friend and our Barbie dolls at The Monterey Rock Festival in 1968. Little did I know that would also be my first Dead Show. In 1973, we relocated to Newberg, Oregon, where my father worked at Boeing for over 30 years. Our last move was to N.E. Portland where I currently make my home.
I went on to MHCC and Portland State University, where I finished my BA in Graphic Design and Marketing. I worked in the industry for a short amount of time at Morton, Cole and Weber, and Miller Amato.
When I decided to go out on my own, I never really looked back. I went on to freelance and later became a fairly well-known Teddy Bear Artist in certain circles. Some of my accolades are Disney, Franklin Mint, and QVC. I have traveled all over the US and abroad and won several industry awards. I did a piece to look like Indiana Jones from Raiders of the Lost Ark in bear form. It was a donation for Charity. Warner Brothers sponsored Hillside Home for Children, and they invited me and several artists to participate and create a one-of-a-kind piece. This was in 1996. My bear was actually flown to Hawaii to meet Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg so they could sign him for the auction. I wanted to crawl right into that package with him! I had the biggest crush on Harry back in the day. He was filming 12 days and 12 nights at the time. I did not receive an award but it was wonderful to know I helped a worthy cause. Later, I received a photo of his feet where both signatures were.
2001, I received the award I cherish the most because it looks like an Oscar. It was a prestigious award sought after by Teddy Bear Artists worldwide. The event is held every year in Henef, Germany. I was competing with over 300 other Artists. Unfortunately, I couldn’t be there, but I was represented.
Funny story: The shop that took my piece to Germany was delayed by customs when they returned because of the weight of this statue. Consequently, they couldn’t notify me or let me know what had happened. It wasn’t until 2 days later, when they returned to the States, that I received a phone call. I was at home in Baltimore, Maryland, thinking I hadn’t won, not even a mention. You can imagine my surprise when I received that phone call. They told me I had won First.
I married and had two sons, Wade and Wyatt, in the late 80s. They are successful in their own lives. Wade obtained his master’s and is working toward a Doctorate. Wyatt is an Electrical Engineer/Drafter. Neither have any interest in dancing whatsoever. However, I do keep trying. I have managed to get Jeff to come a couple of times. LOL
Fast-forward past unfortunate life choices and 10 exhilarating years, I say with selective memory. I lived in Baltimore, Maryland, from 1999 to 2006 and returned to Portland, Oregon, in 2006. Life was rough at first where, after much perseverance and becoming a CNA, I cared for my mother at home until 2010. When returning from Baltimore, I put Teddy Bear making on hold, never really returning to it.
The next chapter of my life took a very different direction. Take a peek at the PulsePDX Gallery, where I will be exhibiting from December through January. Read my Artist Statement for that chapter of my life. I was very fortunate to find Jeff Nokes so late in life. We married in August 2016. Together, we are a dual creative energy.
What is your fitness story?
My fitness story began in August 1989 when Wade was born, and I didn’t have a 50 lb baby. Wanting to lose that baby weight, I turned to Jazzercise. It was then located on 37th and Broadway. It is currently an auto-repair shop. I knew dancing was the motivation to keep me going. I then joined 24 hours, which was where Trader Joe’s is now. So many wonderful dance and funk instructors in my past!
It wasn’t until I started going to 24hrs at Mall205 that I found Jennifer. I loved her style, and occasionally, Julio and Quinlan would jump in. How do I explain it? I just lost myself in their choreography.
I was a member of 24hrs for quite a few years until I realized through coupons that Jennifer had opened her own place. It was a “No Brainer,” close to where I live, and a well-kept environment with an awesome audio system that worked every time you came to class. After my first class, I was hooked. I loved the different dance styles available to me. Donnie’s moves were challenging to me, but I loved them. Then I got to be there when Danny first started teaching, and what a treat he is. I loved everything about PulsePDX. Dancing on stage was an amazing addition. What better way to exhibit your excitement and joy than to be able to jump up and dance right along with the instructor?
I have to say the mirror thing took some time to get used to. But I came to realize that beauty comes in all forms. I will always be me, an artist and a fashionista. However, Jennifer’s business model has given me a healthier view. I move a lot in my life, and I honestly can say its because of PulsePDX. I do a lot of jumping around when my Baltimore Ravens Win. I want to continue to be me and move in my life no matter what I take on, like skiing, rafting, or gardening. I realize that moving all the time is important as I get older. I watched my mom go through atrophy. I hope never to experience her grief.
What is your favorite thing about PulsePDX?
PulsePDX is definitely more than a place to become healthy. Its community, it is my HAPPY PLACE!
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
Arlene Anderson-Nokes