I was born and raised in Montana. Married a soldier from Utah; upon finishing his duty which was extended due to the "Berlin crisis", we moved to Utah 2 1/2 years later. Our first daughter was born a month after his extension! She "cost" $8.75 in the AF hospital...

I stated working when my youngest was three years old. After working for twenty years as a cashier and life changes of a divorce, single mom, remarriage and the loss of my second husband due to cancer, I decided to change the direction of my life. At the age of 48, I changed careers.

I started working at a day-planner company which was a turning point in my life. I transferred to the "copy center" where I learned to use computers. When my department was outsourced, I found a position with a health insurance company and learned "hands on" to download reports, make spreadsheets and set up programs... This position was downsized - all these new terms which mean trouble - "With a capital T as the old song says." But I moved on...

I was considering becoming a Financial Planner. Next week I went to work at a life insurance company and became Assistant to the the Investment/Compliance Specialist.  I enrolled in classes and obtained my Associate in Insurance Agency Administration and an Associate in Customer Service.

After working 38 years, I am now enjoying retirement. In my retirement speech, I paraprased a poem - "Will my brain turn to jelly the minute I retire? No way. I have mountains to climb and rivers to cross..."

Two of my favorite things are traveling and lifelong learning. First thing after retiring I joined the Red Hats, an organization for women 50 and older to celebrate life. You might see us with our red hats and purple outfits at restaurants, theater, traveling..

I worked part time for the County Library for two years. Volunteer at the Gale Center which features displays such as a pioneer kitchen, sitting room, etc. Hands-on activities for the kids...

Read my motto for 2010 was, "It don't mean a thing If it ain't got that swing". A 1931 jazz tune by Duke Ellington. Proceed on the assumption that I should share my life energy with people and situations that make my soul sing and tingle and swing. Sounds good.. some things are: I like to travel - Go to Tenn / PA to see the family. Read and write stories. Joined the Therascribes - writing group, put it online as Write Moves.  Completed a travel writing online class at SL Community College.  KUER - U of Utah broadcast an essay I wrote - "You Are Never too Old To Learn".

In 2011, I became a mentor for the Salt Lake Community College  Writing Center - Diverse City writing group. I received First Place for Non-Fiction in the Iron Pen Marathon. The Prompt was the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover / mural on a building in SLC... Writing a series of short stories for children / middle grade, Lighthouse Adventures...

I belong to the Osher Lifelong Learning program through the University Of Utah. Again it is a program for 50 and older to take classes, attend events such as touring the McCune mansion, and socializing with people. Life is good!

How did you get to where you are now?

Four generations live together - my daughter, granddaughter, great granddaughter and I. In 2004, we bought a HUD home together. When my daughter seen it the first time, she said,"That is the ugliest house on the block." But she could see the potential and proceeded to renovate it while working full time. All the adults had professional jobs at that time. It is good to share time and expenses especially in this economy, and I am now retired...

Witth persistance and determination, I was not only able to assist insurance agents to help their clients reach their goals, but I was able to setup my retirement...

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

A lot has happened in 10 years - I was working as an Assistant to Investments and Compliance officer and helping agents with their clients' investments and preparing for retirement... I setup my retirement and started drawing SS three years ago. I planned on working two more years.

In Sept. 2007, while on vacation visiting my daughter, I had a stroke - out of the blue - no warning... My legs gave way and I couldn't walk without help. I was hospitalized and diagnosed with a "minor" stroke.

The first thing my family said was not to go back to work. I walked with a cane and was on short term disability to the end of Nov. and went tp physical therapy. I considered their advice and went back to work part time and retired the end of Jan. 2008 after working 38 years...

I am now enjoying retirement and spending time with family and friends. Joined the Red Hats which I had a Red Hat "in waiting," although you can join at 50. Traveling when I can arrange it, volunteering at the Gale Center - do that Sat, writing and taking classes, Joined the Osher group and i.e. tour mansions, tea tasting at the Tea Grotto, visit Mona lavender farm.. Fun Places! 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

My oldest daughter and I celebrated our 50th and 70th birthdays this year.... What is ahead? 2011 - I received a Kindle from her for Christmas; downloaded two free ebooks off of Amazon.

I registered for an online digital photography class using a coupon from a "daily deal" site for $39 on a $189 class - saving 85%... It provides a lifetime membership in a Photography School with photo journalists, photography professors, and professional photographers, plus an Adobe Photoshop course.... One of the items on my "bucket list."

I am writing children's/ middle grade short stories - Lighthouse Adventures about 12-year old Chloe and 10-year old Kendall (two of my great grandchildren's names) adventures - First one, exploring caves on Penn's Landing during summer break. Chloe discovers a link to her family history that dates back to the King of England, and Kendall finds a friend.... Pirates, secret documents, gold...

I am enrolling in an adult evening class to setup a website; I had a travel/retirement 101 blog, but I need additional input to increase readership... There is a writer's page on my Facebook about ebooks, writing conferences, new books, events, recipes....

Social media - Facebook, daily deals, friends and family that I can keep in touch with, plus travel to visit....

In 10 years, I hope to be enjoying the fruits of my endeavors, traveling, visiting friends and family, and most of all, be healthy and participating in life....