I'll be 53 next month.  I live alone with cat and dog.  My work is in online advertising, B2B.  I have three children, Luke, 30, Abby, 28, Joli, 26.  None of them are married or have children. And none live anywhere close to me.

I was raised in Auburn, NY.  Left when I was 18.  Ended up in Southern Cali.  Married and had children there.  Stay at home mom, homeschooled the kids.  Husband left us when kids were 4, 6, 8.  Back home to NY for family support.  Put myself through school, worked, homeschooled, wanted to die!

Year 2000, kids and I left the house in NY and started our own lives.  I've been alone since.  I ended up in a small southern town, whose inhabitants do not care for Yanks.  So, after 5 years, no friends in town, except a reclusive older man who was my next door neighbor for a time.

Fell for a southern man.  They sure are sweet talkers.  Together, on and off, for 5 years.  But, I ended it, I hope, this Christmas season.  I deserve more, and if I can't get it, fine.  I happen to like my own company.

But, I sure would like some female companionship.  Women who like to talk about everything. Women who enjoy themselves and want to try new things, or old things, again.  Women who aren't afraid to be on their own. 

I'm afraid I'm going to grow old without doing the things I've always wanted to do.  White water rafting, sky diving, a trip to Scotland, hiking through Montana, passionately getting involved in a world need, teaching abroad, etc. 

I don't know where I heard of this site, but I sure would like to meet ya'll!

How did you get to where you are now?

Mistakes

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

Ten years ago, I pretty much knew I'd be on my own, alone.  So, here I am

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Somewhere other than Johnston, SC. 

Janine,

You are not the kind of woman that fits the typical marriage, kids, home with picket fence.  So, opt out of it.  You want to live wildly, lovely, kindly, generously, not to a few, but to everyone.  Give more, love more, live without fear of judgement or opinion.  Be good to yourself, love yourself.  You're smart and have a good heart.  Give all that you have in order to receive more, to then give all again.  Life is short.  Live each day fully, because tomorrow will come.

Mom - she's my hero, she's the embodiment of god's love here on earth