Born in the Midwest, grew up in the Midwest and still here.  My parents were older when they married and have children- I am an only child. The whole sibling thing was a mystery to me when I had children of my own. I grew up trying to figure out the social cues everyone else seemed to get naturally. Now, I am comfortable in my skin. Divorced about 5 years ago and am the extremely proud mom of three adult sons.  Two of whom are married and living in the Chicago area. The youngest is set to graduate this year from college.  Looking forward to my sixeth year and lots of travelling.  Have a job that I enjoy most of the time as an executive director of an non-profit, but recently had to lay off 7 wonderful employees. Did I mention I live in Michigan?  Currently waiting for our state budget to be finalized.....October 16,  2009 and still nothing happening...... Makes working for the nonprofit supported primarily by the state a little much.  Am looking forward to times getting a little easier.

How did you get to where you are now?

It has been a journey and certainly not a planned trip. If someone told me that I would be happily divorced and living in the house that I own in my fifities, I would have laughed in their face. However, I like where I am for the most part. Life is good most days....

How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?

I see myself as a strong independent woman able to handle whatever life hands her. Ten years ago, I did not like myself or my life. I would love to become a bit more of wild woman- I think that spirit is in me, but hidden

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully still living on my own, doing what I like the best, being with my grandchildren and travelling lots and just continuing to enjoy life and making a contribution to life in general.

Stay true to yourself.  Listen to what others say, but do not rely on their mirrors of you.  Stand strong in the face adversity and call upon those who love you best. Be a bit wild and learn to let loose.

Eleanor Morrison- a professor and mentor, a true wild woman

Marian Wright Edelman- full of integrity and able to stand strong.