Rhea the new Chapter, without Gene

Isn't it strange how many think she is crazy as hell but envy the $hit outta her at the same time!!

I know I do...:)
 
Rhea 's story of her lif on th road play pool, and trying to survive remind me of a great movie i love watching. But the movie has a sad ending.

EASY RIDER

Be safe Rhea .
 
justadub said:
Agreed......
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Not me :) Use to travel the country on the company's dime, stayed in the best hotels, and ate at the best restaurants in town. After 6 months, frankly it got quite old. Some fall in love with it, others not so much... Me likes sleeping in my own bed at night... to each their own :)
 
Get some help and stop living in a dream world.
Everything about you screams compulsive gambler, this can only go one way: downhill, and fast!
 
Neil said:
In the mid 80's, I did exactly what Rhea is doing now. I lasted for 3 years. Times were a lot better then, and a lot of people gambled. Today, you have to be in the right areas to get games like there used to be.

It is a totally different mindset. No thought of the future at all, just enjoying every day as it comes. Actually, contrary to what working stiffs think, it's actually a pretty stress free way to live. The stress comes in when you stop living for today, and start living for tomorrow. And worrying about what the future holds for you.

One thing you must have, is the ability to not be materialistic in the least. As long as you have food in your belly, and enough money or stakers to play again, you are good to go. I lived in my car for about 7 months at one point. Every few days a bunch of us would chip in and get a flea bag motel for a day so we could shower. Then, I rented a piece of crap trailer for $90 a month for somewhere to sleep at night other than my car because the cops were getting to be too much hassle.

Fun way to live for a while, but eventually the future does come into play, and you have to prepare for it, or live the rest of your life without much. Problem comes into play when you don't get any action for a couple of weeks. Then, the expenses really start killing you. That's when some get desperate and start doing stupid things like robbing car washes and poker and soda machines to get a stake going. That leads to it's own problems also...if you are successful at it, you start doing it more and more. Eventually, you will get caught and then have to deal with that problem.

It's a fun way to live for a short while. Much like just taking off for a year and going hiking around the country or world to see things. But, it's not very good for a long term plan.

After those three years, I became a working stiff again. Stayed one until I became disabled. Both ways of life have certain advantages. Neither is totally right or totally wrong way to live. Largely depends on how many toys you want to own, and how easy you want your later years to be. Even with the steady job, it doesn't take much today to lose all that you have worked for, so it's a toss up either way. Working really just gives one a better illusion of security.
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That's a great post Neil. I do disagree with the part about needing to not be materialistic in the least though. Riches could be a great motivating factor. I think the desire for material items is there but its secondary to the passion for achieving success the way you want to though. And even if the dreams are not reached on this adventure there will no doubt be lessons learned and the future is not in jeopardy as some here would like to think is guaranteed. The lessons could turn out to shape a very nice future even if the pool career never takes off... and im not saying that she cant turn into the next Jennette Lee either.

No matter what it beats working 9-5 when you know you belong somewhere else.


Rhea,

What books are you reading?
 
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Neil said:
In the mid 80's, I did exactly what Rhea is doing now. I lasted for 3 years. Times were a lot better then, and a lot of people gambled. Today, you have to be in the right areas to get games like there used to be.

It is a totally different mindset. No thought of the future at all, just enjoying every day as it comes. Actually, contrary to what working stiffs think, it's actually a pretty stress free way to live. The stress comes in when you stop living for today, and start living for tomorrow. And worrying about what the future holds for you.

One thing you must have, is the ability to not be materialistic in the least. As long as you have food in your belly, and enough money or stakers to play again, you are good to go. I lived in my car for about 7 months at one point. Every few days a bunch of us would chip in and get a flea bag motel for a day so we could shower. Then, I rented a piece of crap trailer for $90 a month for somewhere to sleep at night other than my car because the cops were getting to be too much hassle.

Fun way to live for a while, but eventually the future does come into play, and you have to prepare for it, or live the rest of your life without much. Problem comes into play when you don't get any action for a couple of weeks. Then, the expenses really start killing you. That's when some get desperate and start doing stupid things like robbing car washes and poker and soda machines to get a stake going. That leads to it's own problems also...if you are successful at it, you start doing it more and more. Eventually, you will get caught and then have to deal with that problem.

It's a fun way to live for a short while. Much like just taking off for a year and going hiking around the country or world to see things. But, it's not very good for a long term plan.

After those three years, I became a working stiff again. Stayed one until I became disabled. Both ways of life have certain advantages. Neither is totally right or totally wrong way to live. Largely depends on how many toys you want to own, and how easy you want your later years to be. Even with the steady job, it doesn't take much today to lose all that you have worked for, so it's a toss up either way. Working really just gives one a better illusion of security.
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Right on. Different strokes for different folks and all that. What most old people on their deathbed say they regret most is not following their dreams when they were younger.

Some people though have the ability and drive to postpone their desires when they are young and make up for it when they are older. That's fine too. It takes all of us to make this world.


PoolSharkAllen said:
It's called a "gambling addiction."
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Sometimes. Not always. Sometimes it's just escapist entertainment. If you spent all your money on books and spent all your free time reading no one would derogatorily label you a reading addict. They might say it jokingly.

If you had no obligations and you decided you were going to travel the county to find all the old bookstores working in each town as long as you wanted to stay there then people would wish you well.

For me this is the bottom line here. It's her life to live as she chooses. It's not like she is leaving a child behind to pursue a life of pool.

Neil said:
It's not always a gambling addiction. I always loved being in action. Yet, if someone asked me to flip a coin for a buck, I would turn it down. That always seemed stupid to me. I always looked at it as hard work, and getting paid for your performance, ....and the adrenalin rush while doing it. Makes one feel alive. I've had factory jobs, and all they do for me is suck the life right out of me. Same 'ol crap over and over and over and over. Gives on a certain feeling not knowing just what the day will bring, but you are ready to face whatever it brings, rather than the same of rut every day of the rat race.

Some love the security of the rat race, for others it's almost a death toll. You have to follow who you are, a security guy, or a vagabond. But, whichever way you go, you have to take responsibility for it both when things are good, and when they go bad.

The gambling addicts are the ones that will bet on almost anything, they are a different breed altogether.
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I am the same way. I love to play pool for money but not to the point of bankruptcy. For me it's simply about the same as going to the bar and spending a couple hundred except this way I have the chance to get higher than any drug could ever get me if I win.

Playing great and winning money is the high you can't buy.
 
I know Gene and he seems to have affected your life. nice!

I think in a good way- He does live and travel on the cheap,something yo need to do. I would suggest you do work at a Poolhall (just to get practice time and use it well. Check out some of the motels work a bit (part-time, sleep ,swim use the hot tub) I would suggest you read cj's read- he does give great mental and conditioning tips. Play one pocket , teaches you to think defense ,straight pool,will give you the fire power . and the exercise is stamina!! I have been doing wrist curls,2-way arm curls 2 ways. It has given me a true straight stroke!! playing 1 hole the right way banking banking has added true shot selections where you figure your (shooting a safety with the ball going to the hole !! a great feeling. Good luck ,god bless find a friend who works in the airline bussiness, use a few free passes they all get. You could plan on a few of the bigger tournments much farther away. Please set your goals as high as possible- touring sponsored Pro? and become a one, its defintly in your blood. when in mn. stop buy Jimmy Pro billiards. I can help set up some games with the many many league players . and put ya up a few days. Tell me what cue you use ?? ld shafts?? My friend keith owns Kanaka Creek cues. docscues.com maybe we can help. sincerely yours mark speak with JB cases he might like to send out a smaller ,great protection case. since you are definitly making some rounds.
 
I too, wish Rhea the best.

I got a couple items I want to say. First, 1on1pool posted on this thread and I will tell you about him. I was hoping the same thing that happened to him happened to Rhea.

Bobby was a good player, not great, but very good. He played often, and I think had good coaching from his father, but there was a big difference and learning from your father isnt the easiest either. But, finally, like overnight, and a light switch turned on, and all of sudden everything clicked and he played great. He plays like so many great players, when he gets a chance to play alot, he is tough, but when he isnt getting that chance not so much, but it never fully goes away. To this day, I dont understand it. I was hoping that same thing happened to Rhea.

I have traveled all over the world, and love Italy, but in the United States, San Fransisco, New Orleans, and Gulf Coast are my favorite places. If I was single and footloose I would probably live there, but life and responsiblities get in the way. Not complaining, but envious just the same.

My pool skills are and never was at a level that I could do what Rhea and so many others do or have done. I am curious, envious, but satisfied that I will just keep plugging along in my 8-4 job everyday.

I do enjoy the stories and obviously wish everyone the best of rolls,

Ken
 
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Kim Bye said:
Get some help and stop living in a dream world.
Everything about you screams compulsive gambler, this can only go one way: downhill, and fast!
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Do you know Rhea personally, her desires and motivations?

Jeff Livingston
 
It can be fun while is lasts

About 40 years ago, I bounced around the county gambling (mostly horses and poker) for a living. I can not say it was not fun, but very stressful. I only lasted at it about 2 years, Making 1k one day losing 95% of it the next day. A lot of ups and down. Seemed like I was alway flush or broke, nothing in the middle.
My only advice, Watch who you join up with as friend, traveling partner, etc. I got ripped off twiced by bad choices. Do not befriend many, trust even fewer.
 
Gambling doesn't necessaily require a high level of skill...a B player or even a C+ player can do alright, assuming they know how to gamble and work a room/town. The problem is that it's a pretty shallow pool to swim in. I'm all for the adventure and fun, but I would never recommend it as a long term life choice. Her best bet is to have a job, and do the road on the side...the best would be a job that requires her to travel, she can do the road at the same time. I've had a few friends that quit their jobs to "go pro". It never ended well, they invariably got mixed up in bad stuff to survive when the road dead-ended. If you've got no home or day job to fall back on, it can get desperate immediately.
 
In reality, none of us know what will come tomorrow, but I prefer to have a plan.

Rhea, you need to sit yourself down and form a plan. If the road is your dream, at least give yourself a chance to succeed. You have no support net right now. Gene's right - get a job, save up some money, get better. Build yourself a support network of people who care about you and not about your cash.

Gene thinks you have what it takes to succeed in the world - use it by acting responsibly toward your own future. Maybe 20 years from now you will look in the mirror and thank the person you see in it today.
 
JB Cases said:
Sometimes it's just escapist entertainment.

I am the same way. I love to play pool for money but not to the point of bankruptcy. For me it's simply about the same as going to the bar and spending a couple hundred except this way I have the chance to get higher than any drug could ever get me if I win.

Playing great and winning money is the high you can't buy.
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Likewise, playing poorly or losing money is a low you can't buy. If you have a bad day (and lose 10K ;)), you can always build up your bank roll again by making more cue cases.

While I wish Rhea well in her pool endeavors, with perhaps 2K in her pocket, I am concerned that she is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. She doesn't have a car, a phone, a computer nor a permanent roof over her head. She probably doesn't have health insurance either.

One important distinction between Rhea and Gene is that Gene can always fall back on his $200 Perfect Aim teaching lessons. The real money in this whole enterprise comes from Gene's teaching lessons not from gambling or playing in tournaments. If Gene were not supplementing his income with teaching lessons, he would have had to give up being a road player a long time ago.

Gambling may be escapist entertainment for you but for Rhea, without a safety net similar to what Gene has, this could be a disaster just waiting to happen.
 
chefjeff said:
Do you know Rhea personally, her desires and motivations?

Jeff Livingston
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I know I don't know her but one thing about all of her threads jumps out at me. In all of the stories written about her playing...all of her early experiences with pool...all of the gambling sessions...all of the wins and losses...NO WHERE did I see the story of how she fell in love with POOL!

That story was never told, she only seemed interested in the gambling. From the very beginning. That's very telling to me.

Now, if she wants to go out and gamble at pool so be it. That's fine but let's not pretend like this is some story about a player who's only desire is to become a champion player, because there is a big part of the story that hasn't even been mentioned and that's the simple love of the game. I think all champion players fall in love with the game first.

Maybe I missed that part.
 
JB Cases said:
What most old people on their deathbed say they regret most is not following their dreams when they were younger.
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Not when their deathbed is the gutter, they don't. THEN they say 'I wish I had earned enough dough to have great care now I really need it'.

Rhea is not following her dreams - she is running away from her nightmares. But she is young enough to wake up in time to turn things around, just.

She crashes and burns sooner or later - there is nothing surer.
 
PoolSharkAllen said:
Likewise, playing poorly or losing money is a low you can't buy. If you have a bad day (and lose 10K ;)), you can always build up your bank roll again by making more cue cases.

While I wish Rhea well in her pool endeavors, with perhaps 2K in her pocket, I am concerned that she is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. She doesn't have a car, a phone, a computer nor a permanent roof over her head. She probably doesn't have health insurance either.

One important distinction between Rhea and Gene is that Gene can always fall back on his $200 Perfect Aim teaching lessons. The real money in this whole enterprise comes from Gene's teaching lessons not from gambling or playing in tournaments. If Gene were not supplementing his income with teaching lessons, he would have had to give up being a road player a long time ago.

Gambling may be escapist entertainment for you but for Rhea, without a safety net similar to what Gene has, this could be a disaster just waiting to happen.
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So very well said.

Roger
 
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