My Blog Circle:

I'm a mom, urban farmer, volunteer 'Free Swap' hostess for http://swappositive.wordpress.com, business owner of a fun fashion website for women 40+ www.over40fashions.com and audio production studio co-owner of www.hughestaylor.com. So I spend my time chasing chickens, encouraging women to play dress up and have fun, and talking into microphones. Oh, and enjoying my husband and 2 teenagers while trying to find fun ways to make a positive difference in my corner of the world.

How did you get to where you are now?

I got to where I'm at now through honestly taking a look at my abilities, interests, and passions...and then being brave enough to prune out of my life what wasn't working for me.

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

10 years ago I had a kindergartner and a toddler.  My focus was on them, and it felt like my inner 'me' had to be put on hold.  I wasn't one of those perfect mom's that could do it all...our business had to be simplified and my husband had to take over most of the work while I was busy with the mundane child and house chores.  Now I get to be back into the creative drivers seat in the business, as well as get to interact and learn from my thriving and smart 13 and 16 year old children, who BTW are wonderful people due to the hard work I invested 10 years ago.  I see myself as thriving, sexy, happy, content, and ready for the ride to continue.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I'd like to be part of a team working to create new and revisited paradigms of wellness, fun, and creativity for all people, but specifically for women over 40.  I'd like to help design and implement practical products, help facilitate free clothing swaps and stuff swaps nationwide if not internationally.  Figure out ways to better use our resources and package those findings in fun, easy-to-digest sound bites.  To use my brain, audio production studio, voice, and other resources to be the change I want to see - and encourage others to do the same.

Barb - as you grow, it's natural to change.  The seed planted grows roots, then a green shoot that pushes it's way up to the light.  It grows taller, maybe grows leaves, or changes colors or textures, or grows fruit.  You spent a lot of your younger years thinking you had to stay a seed.  You watched as your parents, many of your friends and relatives, and many of the people in your church, school, and social circles stayed seeds.  You were brave enough to allow yourself to absorb the water, and then push through the earth ceiling of your limited understanding to experience the sunshine above.  It was hard work - and at many times lonely work - to thrive, to experience change, to appreciate the evolution of thought and creativity.  I'm so proud of you.  I wish you would have had me to help guide you.  But in a way, I guess you did:)