I am a lifelong learner. Knowing that gives me strength in tough times and extra joy in blissful times. I grew up in Newport Beach, California, the child of Greatest Generation parents who made sure I got a good education in spite of their divorce and bankruptcy. Mom eventually re-married and I got a great stepdad and a sister to go along with my brother. Dad moved on and only reappeared a few times before he died. In 1977, I married a yacht captain and moved to the Virgin Islands. After two years in St. Thomas we moved over the rainbow to Honolulu and spent 10 years there. I pinched myself every day to make sure I wasn't dreaming this part of my life! Returned to California and worked for Disneyland for five years before moving to Colorado and getting into the tech industry. My first husband died in 1995. I married a second time in 1999 and gained the gift of a son, thanks to my new husband. In 2003, I left my corporate marketing career and moved back to Southern California with my husband, this time to become a caregiver for my elderly parents. I wrote a book, "The Heart Way-A Journey from Corporate to Care" (2006) and then found my way back to corporate. Today I'm EVP/Managing Director of the LA office of FaceTime Strategy, a marketing and communications "customer acquisition" company. I am also the CEO and Co-Founder of BoomerReviews.com LLC. My beloved parents have left the planet, but my husband and I remain in Southern California, near our precious grandchildren. Writing and making a positive difference are my passions. My personal goal is to channel my inner Erma Bombeck along with my belief that life is good...and to make my readers think and smile!

How did you get to where you are now?

I channeled Pollyanna, never letting a setback, no matter how serious, get me so far down that a funny movie, a night out with a good friend, a kiss, or Lexapro couldn't support me in rising to a good mood. I also learned ways to keep a good attitude, thanks to brilliant mentors and a few good books!

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

I'm ok with not wearing a bikini. I love my hard-earned muffin top. I notice my choices, especially when it comes to my moods, my attitude and what I put in my mouth. I laugh and cry when I feel like it, and I am way more assertive. My feelings don't get compartmentalized they way they used to. I like what I see in the mirror, even when I feel stressed. I see that I don't always follow the crowd and I like that I refuse to be bullied by jerks. I am comfortable with myself and feel closer to God. And I think I'm way smarter than I used to think I was...

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Equal time traveling, working and sitting in an adirondack chair. I will still be enjoying my grandchildren. I am not afraid to move into a senior community in order to grow, learn and share new friendships. I see myself still believing that life is good.

Let go of your heat rash and migraines because you will always be ok. It's all good.

Erma Bombeck. Oprah. Marianne Williamson. Gaye Nelson. Sandy Moore. Ruth Ann Hattori. Nathaniel Branden. Sharon Weiner. Maya Angelou. Peggy Bassett. Walt Disney. My dogs, Bindi Sue and Dora the Explora. Stephen Reilly. Mary Furlong. Ken Dychtwald. My grandmother, Alta MacNair. Queen Elizabeth II. Countless others because I am very, VERY lucky.