I’m a 55 year old woman who’s lived.. really lived ..and I have all the well earned laugh lines and crows feet to attest to that. 

 

I’m a wife to a wonderful man that works harder than anyone I know, a man that encourages and supports me in all that I do. I am also an ex-wife to a life long friend.  I’m a mighty proud mother of three fantastic kids that I marvel at who they have become and grandmother of two little boys that I see so much promise in it makes my heart swell. I’m a kind and caring mother-in-law (no broom needed at this stage apparently) to two strong and smart women. And I was a daughter, along with three great brothers to wise and loving parents that raised me to be humble and always put family first. Cancer stole both of them from me and I can say, there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss them so much it hurts.

 

I love to hike and I hike as often as I can. I hike mountains and peaks and can hike all day long. I feel more at home in the wilderness than I do in my own living room. I care for my appearance, but it doesn’t rule me. My BMI may well be higher than it should be, but I know I can get up and down a mountain much faster than many people half my age. I drink wine and coffee and eat spicy food and chocolate - almost daring my gastritis to react as a show of strength and who’s in control. I hike with makeup on - but am just as happy pounding the trails without a trace of it. I hike in leggings in spite of how they look because the mountains never judge me - and what others think of me is really none of my business.  

 

I love to write about what I see and how I see it. I believe everything has meaning and a story of sorts to tell. When I see an image or scene I know there is a message there to be deciphered - so that's what I do. Although I’m far more comfortable behind a camera than I am in front of it, I’m ever conscious of recording who I am and who I was for my kids, their kids and way beyond. My only hope is that they will be interested.

 

And  lastly, I wear pearls…. Always pearls, mainly because I don’t have time (read as I’m too lazy) to change my earrings, and they serve me well.