Art & Artist Materials

Being a plein air painter is just a fantasy at this point. The closest I've gotten to this art -- is repainting the trim on our house. But, I do dabble a bit in acrylics and pastels. I love landscapes and architecture -- and once had a "go" at portraiture.

A leisurely afternoon at an art museum with my wife and friends is one of my favorite pleasures.

Automotive

I'm a car nut, and spent 3 seasons racing SCCA Formula Vee and Formula C. I've pit-crewed for Brock Yates and once ran in the Cannonball Baker "Sea-to-Shining-Sea" Memorial Trophy Dash (under the guise of "The True Friends of Hernando Desoto."). I have also co-authored articles for Car & Driver magazine and served as "head torque-wrench turner" for Bolus & Snopes Racing -- the only racing team ever to call their car in for a wash at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Once a stalwart of Brock Yates's "all night volley-ball games," I now retire at 11 p. m. -- so I can get up early and write.

Parked in my living room is the oldest sedan in America: a 1768 "Versailles," which is actually a sedan-chair once owned by Marie Antoinette's sister-in-law, the Comtesse de Provence -- and the subject of a Car & Driver magazine road test.

Auto restoration is a hobby of mine. I've been a member of the "Skinned knuckles brigade" for decades, earning my stripes with 2 Ford "Woodies" (1936 and 1940) and a Ford Model "A" Roadster (1930). An MG TD and an MGA 1600 Twin-cam were once part of my stable.

At one time, I was a Formula 1 "groupie" and use to hang around the pits at Watkins Glen, and St. Jovite in Canada. I also serve as a volunteer for the William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. Concours d'Elegance in Newport, RI. This event is sponsored by Newport Mansions.

Boats & Boating Products

The first catalog copy I ever wrote was for the "Ship's Store" in Barrington, RI. I grew up building Chris-Craft kits with my dad, and used to "hang out" at the Yacht Club in Southport, CT. Later, I crewed on a Soling-class out of Rochester, NY. (we once beat the Canadian champion around the first two marks at the Nation's Capital Regatta in Ottawa, Canada). I spent most of my time in the "hiking straps" and my stomach has never been flatter since. I make frequent trips to the International Yacht Restoration School in Newport, RI.

I also build wooden ship models. My latest project is a New Bedford Whale Boat.

Building & Home products

In some of my spare time, I work with Habitat for Humanity. It's a great job -- helping others -- that doesn't seem like work at all. In addition to doing carpentry work for Habitat, I also help coordinate their annual used tool sale and sell tickets for their canoe/kayak raffle.

I've designed the new home we'll be building in Brewster --and will be incorporating many "green" and energy efficient products in the construction.

Furniture

I love both antique and modern furniture design. I've built Bartley and Cohasset kits -- and also scratch-built my own pieces.

If you've never visited the Danish design studio in Copenhagen, you should. That's where great modern furniture design (both for comfort and form) is born. It's also adjacent to the Royal Copenhagen pastry room, which makes the trip doubly rewarding. And there you can add padding to your own "seat" for more comfort.

Green Products

I am pro-environment and do everything I can to conserve and preserve it -- and keep our natural resources safe. I had given thought to starting a 'green products' catalog, but decided that my talents are in the writing of catalogs -- not in managing them.

History

I've been a reenactor with Brigade of The American Revolution -- and later served as Special Consultant to 3 PBS Television series. Other work includes articles for Early American Life magazine, and a line of rare historic books on CD-ROM.

Lawn & Gardening products

Grubs and beetles don't shudder when they hear my name -- but I do like planting and tending gardens and landscaping. My wife is great at it, too. I'm into "noiseless" mowing (with my Scott's "Bob-powered" push mower) and use ergonomic tools. Water gardening is in the future as part of my landscaping plan.

Music

I play classical guitar for relaxation. My musical tastes run the gamut from Classical to Contemporary -- and almost everything in between. At one time I was a pretty decent bluegrass banjo player and the subject of the least used combination of words the English language: "Look! That must be the banjo player's Porsche."

Outdoors & Sporting

Canoeing, Cycling, Golf, Nordic Walking.

I love all these sports, and intend to become a certified Nordic Walking Instructor this year.

Our property in Brewster is on a 24-acre pond -- just right for a relaxing paddle on a Sunday afternoon.( I also work with the Conservation Commission as Pond Steward here.) On days when more activity or adventure is required, there are miles and miles of inland waterways on the Cape that lend themselves to exploring the beauties of nature.

I began caddying when I was 8 years old and became a golfer with I was 12. I love the game -- but don't get to play it as much as I'd like to. There are dozens of golf courses on the Cape & Islands, so I do have my pick when the opportunity arises. I'll be joining the Captain's Golf Course in Brewster -- once we get the house built up there.

With a number of superb biking trails here on Cape Cod, it's a wonder I'm not out of the office all the time. Perhaps I'll put a laptop platform on my handlebars. Check out these images of bicycling on Cape Cod: www.capecodbiketrails.com This is a web site I created, which currently gets over 5,500 page hits per day. Because I know how to use key words in both web copy and meta tags, this web site consistently shows up in the top 10 rankings on Google, Yahoo, MSN and other major search engines. Many times the web site is listed twice on the same top 10 page.

Pet products

I love animals. In addition to our domestic menagerie, we have plenty of wild animals who inhabit our property. Squirrels, rabbits and birds abound in our "Peaceable Kingdom" out back. And occasionally we see foxes and coyotes from our picture window.

Photography

Like almost everyone else, I've "gone digital." My wife and I still have a couple of SLR's and will probably continue to use them on occasion.

Products that make life easier

I'm into comfort and convenience. Anything which adds that to life is great in my book.

Shoes and Footwear

I've written for some great shoe companies who made really comfy shoes. And everyone I know who bought shoes from them had a life-changing experience. They walked better, played better, felt better, -- even thought better.

Tools & Woodworking

I've been featured in the Crafts Directory of Early American Life magazine twice. I'm a few steps above "wood-butcher," and have made numerous tables, chairs, cabinets, etc. that haven't fallen apart after 20 years.

Recently, marine artist John Stobart commissioned me to make him 2 portable paint boxes with removable paint palates.

Toys & Games

It's important to keep in touch with your inner child. And I'm always doing that by playing with all the kids in our families. Good toys and games can teach children the value of interactive fun and learning. Great toys and games can challenge young minds, inspire inventiveness and create a sense of accomplishment. All of which are wonderful gifts to a child.

Travel-related products

My wife and I are seasoned travelers: The British Isles, Europe and Scandinavia are our favorite destinations.

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Need to give your catalog copy a boost? Need somebody to fill in for a vacationing writer? Just starting a catalog business? Please contact me today! Writing is what I do best -- and I'm ready to turn your browsers into buyers at a moment's notice. Using my AWAI training, I can write copy for any type of catalog or web site. And it will push more of your readers "Buy!" buttons.

Kind regards,

~Bob Whitworth
The Catalog Pro