What year were you born?

1951, a Wednesday. I was born at Walter Reed Army hospital in Washington DC. My Mom said because of the amount of new babies being born then, they used General Pershing’s drawing room for labor and delivery. I was born under a crystal chandelier!

What dreams and goals did you have for your life when you left High School?

I grew up in a small mountain town with about 7-8 kids. Skiing in the winter and hiking, exploring, swimming in lakes was pretty much all there was. I had great friends, worked most weekends making pizza at our family bar/pizza parlor. I grew up in a very musical family.

I majored in music at Oregon State, thought I would maybe teach. No clue after high school really. I have skied since I was 2 years old.

Name at least one outstanding experience you have had in your life. How did this or these events affect you?

In 1996 I took my two kids, Casey, a freshman in high school and Sally, a 7th grader, out of school for almost 6 weeks and traveled to Europe. We rented a car, saw 11 countries, ate incredible food and had a blast. It gave them and me lots of confidence and experience for everyday issues.

What is the one piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Play more music!

When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?

Both kids graduated from college, I was successful in my Forest Service career and each decision I feel I was making had the right reasons for the outcome. I ran two marathons, had a successful ski instruction business and worked with two non profit boards for great projects. 1995 to now. I am also married to an incredible man, have a wonderful extended family and a lot of close friends.

How have your dreams and goals changed now that you are 40+

I’ll change this to 70+ I can see past the unimportant pieces of decisions. If I have a dream to do something, I do it because I know how to figure out how and have a bit of income to make it happen. I still love skiing, music, family. I see a great recipe for an active older age.

I took up horseback riding when I retired in 2012… always a dream, now a regular event.

Have your core values changed over time? What do you value now?

Sure. I value honesty, creativity, people being true to themselves and others. I see that some things like politics and trends are just a flash and that trueness in friendships, family relationships are what is important.

How do other people to describe you or see you?

I would suppose capable, creative, fun, outdoorsey, responsible and loving. Maybe adventurous and musical also.

What is your super power?

My smile and I can allow people to feel comfortable with me usually.

Can you share what your favourite part of your body is? Why?

My nose- freckles. It is basically my center.

Do you like being 40+?

70+ Yes. I don’t have many regrets or ‘wish I would haves’. I do think, ‘ wow, I wish I was 30 again’ sometimes just because I see so many things I still want to do!

How has your relationship with yourself changed as you have gotten older?

I am more accepting and give myself more grace in my need to accomplish stuff.