How did you get to where you are now?

I took the road less traveled and ended up here... I have been looking for a map, but since there is no map for this road, I will just take it as it comes and savor the moments.

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

10 years ago I was a a mom and housewife, although a bit untraditional. My first husband died, our son married and moved away, and the dogs and I lived alone for a bit. I remarried.

While I still love old books and rare manuscripts and genealogy, I have found living people are interesting. My rusty social self feels like a teenager at her first dance, but I am finally learning to really get to know LIVING people, lol.

 I feel more free to be myself and not contrained to conform to what others expect me to be. My husband and I have a very different marriage than my 1st one, and though it was difficult to overcome all those years of traditional and sometimes unrealistic expectations by people other than my husband and son, I am slowly becoming ME.

Growing up can really suck at times, lol.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I am not sure where this path will take me, but I am hoping I will find more peace, relative success and happiness.

I want to get to know my grandchildren even though they will see me only perhaps once a year.

I want the 'magic' that has entered my life to stay always, for my eyes to see the world always with wonder and amazement.

I never want to be jaded and hard.

I see myself once more spiritually centered.

Babs,

I wish I could say I would redo all the errors you will make in your life, but I will not because they make you who you are. I will tell you a few things to help make your life a bit easier.

Do not be afraid to find your balls and be yourself. If people, even family, want to change you then they do not truly care for you as you are.

NEVER trust others to tell you what you should do with your talents, feelings, belongings, or money. Do your own footwork. And NEVER buy into a business, just INVEST INVEST INVEST.

Dance as if no one is watching, sing as if no one is listening, and live as if each day is your last.

Lastly, in all the bustle to ensure others feel loved and forgiven, do not forget to love and forgive yourself.

the many women who have left their incedible indelible invisible marks upon my heart and intellect