Am a bit over 50 - but you did say 'over 50' - am 78 in a week and my mind says - that's a mistake - I feel 51.  Travelled and lived in Japan (5), England (22years) and just back in the good ole U.S. for 12 years.  New Mexico great for weather and laid backness -- sunshine 340 days a year -- and no really serious seasons.  Am a writer, psychologist, minister, mother, sister, aunt, friend, golfer, singer, reader, walker, sitter, poet, blogger and on and on and on.  Loving life and family and Self. 

How did you get to where you are now?

Many, many roads - most good, some with a few potholes, but all extraordinarly learning paths.  From small town in PA. to the military (3) years during Korean Conflict (they didn't call it a war) then; married at 21, 4 beautiful children (2 boys, 2 girls - clever???), California living for 20 years -- the usual PTA, Church, Block Parent, Boy scout leader, sang in choir, helped kids take care of their pets, horses, fish, turtles, dogs, ll cats, etc.  Off to Japan at the age of 40 -- most interesting and learning and growing experience!!  Could speak enough to ask 'how much' and 'is there a discount'.  Off to England in '76 (these moves because of my husbands' work with Transamerico Corp and Occidental Life).  Thomas died in 1981, suddenly and I came back to CA to help us (the kids and me) get over the tragedy.  Found them all going their ways, school, jobs, girfriends and boyfriends (except for youngest -16) so I went back to England to 'create' a career for myself at 47.  Settled on the south coast - Brighton - played golf, went to Sussex University and got my Psychology Degree, went to Antioch in London and did a 'sort of' Masters Degree.  Did a hypnotherapy diploma at London Center for Clinical Therapy for 2 years.  Started private practice and worked as counsellor/therapist in 2 doctor's surgeries (offices).

Came back to U.S. - only because I was getting older - couldn't stop it - and decided it wouldn't be fair to wait til I needed 'help' from the kids to come home.  Also wanted to re-create my life in the States and it was necessary to do that while I had the energy.  I was then 65. 

Found NM and the indian reservation where I lease my home (Cochiti Lake) - and am 5 minutes from the golf course.  Sort of shot myself in the foot regarding my work - am 35 miles from Santa Fe and 45 from Albuquerque and not many want to travel that far -- especially since the gas thing...

Got involved with Children's writing group and got 'White Crow' published in 2002.  My youngest son Jeffrey did the illustrations - which are quite special!!

Got involved in 'politics' in our town and was elected to the town Assembly 3 months after I moved in.  It was a bit 'muddy' honesty-wise and after I blew the whistle on the skullduggery, we were all 're-called'.  There have been other Assemblies -- none of them any more clear honesty-wise than ours.

Now -- coming to the most important part -- I am really, really, really serious about my writing.  Have two books on the hop and looking for an agent, publisher.  Anyone??

Is this too much??  I don't know what the parameters are so I just dove in.  Am open to gentle criticism and suggestions.

 

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

Now I am a wiser old bird!!  Am now and have been grateful for my life and that nothing 'major' in the way of health, comfort and happiness!!!  I am slower, but was never a speed freak.  I got a approach to life from my Mother who I consider a saint. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully on the golf course - those birds in England were playing at 93 - and walking the course!!  Hopefully with a successfully published book or two.  Oh, my older son and I are working on a children's Haiku poetry book - would love to have that published by then.  Hopefully with my wonderful children and their children still wrapped cozily around my life and me theirs!!  Hopefully writing, laughing, and jus being.

My dear little Maggie -- you've come a long way kid.  I was proud of you then and still proud of your philosophy, kindness, wisdom and generally speaking - comfortable in your own skin,  I think of you, and talk to you and want you to know - you are always with me.  Love ya kiddo -

My Mother, Father, Sister Lillian, Brother Emmanuel, several teachers, mostly distant inspirational writers, authors, artists.  Some friends, especially Father Adrian Walker, my writing group in England and so so many.  Right now, I am reading - again - Kurt Vonnegut's 'A man without a country'.  Very very role model-ish and inspirational.