My Blog Circle:

• This Gioia's Chronicles

I write a blog, This Gioia's Chronicles (http://gioiachronicles.blogspot.com/), as an outlet for what I hope to be a future published memoir. 

I was born in the fall of 1957. I lost both parents  just  one month past my first birthday.  I have three older brothers whom I adore. 

I have enjoyed the joys and sorrows of a twenty-plus year marriage, one divorce, the raising of two daughters and a lifetime of searching for my roots and my purpose. 

I am well educated with a Master's degree in history, a B.A. in anthropology, and an Associate's Degree in, of all things, Exotic Animal Training and Management.  I have spent my life trying to figure out a career path.  I have at one time or another been an animal caretaker, an anthropologist, archaeologist, herbal healer, educator, pet shop owner, café co-owner, and a writer. 

As I have entered the last half of my life, I’ve settled on historian with a specialization in writing life histories, both my own and for others.  I believe I’ve finally found my calling.
http://www.mourningdovepreservation.com

How did you get to where you are now?

Optimism.  I love life and want to squeeze every experience out of it.  I have guts, too.  I don't mind the unknown factor about trying new things. 

Education.  I don't come from a family that promoted higher education.  I was just drawn to learning and pursued it on my own.  I am so grateful for the things I've learned and the people i've met along the way.

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

I have the confidence that came with finally achieving a graduate degree.  Honestly, I didn't think I had it in me: the intellect, the determination, or the emotional resources.  I did it and I feel, at age 52, that I still have so much more to do!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In the woods with a massive garden, happy and well-cared-for animals, and a home I can finally feel "at home" with.  I will also be doing lots of travel, for both work (promoting my someday-published book, of course) and pleasure.

Stop worrying, time is on your side. You will get it all done and see more of life
than you ever imagined.

Nurture your friendship, especially your female friends. They will save your life over and over.

Stop feeling guilty and for sanity's sake - stop trying to please everyone. It's
okay to own your feelings and have an opinion and to share both with the world.

Jane Goodall, Lucia St. Clair Robson, Erin Elizabeth Reynolds Gorny, Adrian Patricia Reynolds, Nancy Lindquist, Elizabeth Antoinette Wlklenski Oberlander, Joanne Rowling (AKA J.K. Rowling)