I have spent the last 25 years creating a successful executive marketing career. I gained my experience providing communications and promotional expertise to the publishing, financial services, arts and culture and new technology sectors. I have been an independent consultant, president of my own agency, and corporate executive. Most recently I was the VP of marketing for a non-profit government funded agency that provided funding for new technology companies. I gave it all up last January and moved to the country to reinvent myself.

How did you get to where you are now?

I am 50 years old and I have recently moved from the city to the country. I left my successful marketing career, my 21 year old daughter, my home and my friends and set on on this new adventure without much of a plan. After being single for the last 18 years I decided that I was ready to love again. So when he said come live with me I said okay. So now the boxes are unpacked, I have painted practically every room in the house, made dozens of jars of jam, jelly and chutney, learned to quilt and finished an Irish knit wool sweater. It's time to work again but I haven't any idea at what?

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

Ten years ago I was working a 50+ hour week and raising my daughter on my own. I didn't get much time to actually see myself. When I did take the time it was usually to critize. Today I am much kinder to myslef. I value my friends and family more and I truly believe I have a lot of gifts.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Aw that's a good one. I have always had trouble with the future. I am a 'in the present' kind of girl. But I'll take a stab at it....

Still healthly. A grandmother hopefully. Financially secure. Loving what I am doing with my life, and god willing... still in love.

Dear Annie,

I told you so. It's all good.

xo

I haven't had that many - if any actually. I admire lots of people but I'm not sure that's the same thing.