What story would you like to share?
Once upon a time, I sailed on a 36' sailboat with a friend (the captain), his brother, my husband and a dog for 3 months. When we left the Caribbean island of St. Croix I prophesied that the only one I would be speaking to at the end in Miami would be the dog. I was totally correct and the captain's brother ended up jumping ship in the Dominican Republic. Looking back I remember that trip had so many wonderful memories that the above-mentioned bad ones pale in comparison. Of all the things I have done in my life this has to be one of the most memorable and I am the only one who remains to tell about it.
Or meeting Rev. Jesse Jackson @ UPS Teamster strike in 1996.
Or Traveling the east coast w/o using the interstate 5 years ago with my granddaughter. Or.....I have way too many stories.......
When do you feel most beautiful or powerful?
Beautiful? Probably when I'm around my grandkids. Especially the youngest, my grandson. He still runs and gives me the biggest hug whenever he sees me even though he's almost 16 years old. Powerful? I suppose I feel powerful when I am capable of answering a question or doing a task or achieving a goal because of the life experiences that I have had.
What would you like to say to your 18 year old self?
There will be some rough spots. You will get through them. The only one you can truly rely on is yourself. You don't EVER have to make a decision immediately. Take a couple of minutes to think it through. Do not let people intimidate you - no one is better than or less than you.
Talk about a goal/dream/mission you would like to accomplish. And /or what is on your bucket list?
Travel is my dream. I would love to be able to have enough time, money and ability to go anywhere and everywhere to visit with all of the friends and family that have made me who I am today.. that is my bucket list.
Tell me your thoughts on aging
My favorite plaque that I have been carrying for years and have kinda made my motto: Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly worn out and screaming "WOO HOO WHAT A RIDE!"
It was such an honor to host Rhonda in the studio! Her bright vibrant energy and matter of fact common sense was refreshing! Her stories were incredible! When I asked her how she felt about being photographed she stated "Change is always what compels me. I am feeling excited, a little nervous, very aware of the changes my body has gone through over the years, and hopeful that you are able to capture the true me that I'm not even sure I know."
I recently asked Rhonda if we achieved this, and her response was "Did we capture the true me? I think so. I love the leather jacket and jeans. I think that really is me. The surprising me is the feathers. I think that brought out a side of me I hadn't really anticipated. I really enjoyed it. It was a really fun experience, you made me feel very comfortable and I'm really glad I did it."
I am proud of Rhonda for doing this session and having this experience- pushing herself to do something she felt a bit uncomfortable doing, and trusting me and my team to create something beautiful and memorable just for her, and a legacy to her family!
Rhonda has been her father's sole caregiver for many years and he passed almost 2 years ago. She is single and now taking time for herself. Her youngest grandkid is 15, she's done raising her sister's kids and is excited for the next phase of her life! A little under a year away from retirement, she plans to take off on a new adventure to live in her RV, travel across the country to National Parks and volunteer. And without a doubt, delight all of the people she will meet in between!
Let us document your beautiful existence and tell your story! You are SO worth it!