What year were you born?
I was born in 1951, in Spokane Washington at Fairchild Air Force Base. It was memorial weekend and there wasn’t much hospital staff around, it was 9:00PM
What dreams and goals did you have for your life when you left High School?
We lived on a small family farm, with alot of animals, I watched many being born, as well as my parents raised and sold airedale terrier dogs, I spent a lot of time up on Mt Hood, as that's where I had my first official job, other than working in the berry fields. I learned to ski, and was very involved in music, I came from a musical family. I can't remember having any real exact hopes and dreams, I think I was a free spirit, and just went by the seat of my pants wherever the wind blew me, I was raised in a family of meager means, so it seemed dreaming big wasn’t something I did, I just lived day by day and dealt with whatever came next.
Name at least one outstanding experience you have had in your life. How did this or these events affect you?
-Building a dream log home against many odds. I learned that I asked for what I wanted and worked to see it thru.
-Also working at Crater Lake National Park, the summer of 1969, and 1970.
-Owning and operating a womens fitness center.
-Living in Maui.
What is the one piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Appreciate and love yourself, and not be so hard on yourself.
When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?
I’m not sure how to answer that, I've never been all that confident, I guess now tho if I had to pick a time.
How have your dreams and goals changed now that you are 40+
They haven't changed all that much, my main goal in life is to live in a space where I’m surrounded by beauty and creativity, I take that wherever I live.
Have your core values changed over time? What do you value now?
My core values haven't changed much, live life, be happy, and try to stay in gratitude for all that I have, be compassionate and kind to others.
How do other people to describe you or see you?
Funny, sensitive, passionate, intense at times, creative.
What is your super power?
Taking a less than beautiful space and transforming it with my vision into a place that is peaceful and surrounded with beauty. It’s a feeling, rather than things. And making complete strangers feel comfortable and at ease.
Can you share what your favourite part of your body is? Why?
My feet, they look pretty good, and they get me where I need to go.
Do you like being 40+?
I like the wisdom that comes with age.
How has your relationship with yourself changed as you have gotten older?
I am more confident in many ways, and I try not to be so hard on myself, I have always been my worst enemy when it comes to self talk, I'm getting better about that.
Future Aspirations
“I would like to create a small space, where I could live independently surrounded by beauty that I could call my own again.”
Stay active, positive, and healthy that will determine how my elder years play out. Spend more time in nature, get back to music, not just listening but playing and singing. Maybe write some music.”
Perceptions & Advice
How do you think women of your generation are perceived?
I feel like we are under appreciated and perceived as being mothers, and housewives.
Are there any myths you would like to bust about the over 40s? If so, can you tell us about them?
Nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough, find a way.
What advice do you have to offer to other women who are approaching mid life or those that are in mid life and perhaps struggling with it.
Keep your sense of humor, don’t be hard on yourself, and love is the most important thing.
Was there a time in your life where you have felt 'stuck', unable to find the energy to move forward or to make a big change? If so, would you be willing to share an example & what helped you get past that road block?
A number of years ago I went to a therapist PHD, when I was struggling with my marriage and feeling overwhelmed with balancing all the responsibilities of a career, running a business, being a mother, etc. The best advice she gave me when I was looking to make a chance in my life, was to always make sure that when I wanted something different in my life, it would always be easier if I made sure I was moving towards something that was much better, more exciting, than where I was at. In other words, creating possibilities, having something to look forward to, made making the movement forward worth it.
Do you have a favourite inspirational quote?
“Fear is the cheapest room in the house, I would like to see you living in better conditions.”
Do you have a book that had an impact on you that you would like to share?
The Dark Side of the Light Chasers.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I’m feeling like this experience will be a good thing for me, after being pretty much locked down for over a year due to the pandemic, I’m feeling a bit stagnant, so this will get me back to life with a new and fresh approach.
END