This is my 74th year on this earth and thinking back I can truthfully say; that I have had some wonderful opportunities presented to me. I have also had some tragedies.
Even though I lost both my parents at young ages, they encouraged me to face life head-on and grasp the opportunities presented to me. Some would pan out, some would not. I shouldn’t cry over the ones that didn’t work out but enjoy the ones that did to the best I possibly could.
I worked for the Army for 6 years in Germany during the Viet Nan Conflict. I got to see a lot of Europe and meet a lot of great people. Even being on house arrest for 7 weeks when Russia invaded the Czech Republic. I was part of the world news and given an experience I will never forget, as scary as it was.
After returning to the states, I went through several bad years; my marriage ended, losing to sons to death, coming close to death myself from cancer. But I was able to start over, moved to the northwest, went to college, got a degree in health care, and opened an Alzheimer’s care center and Hospice facility.
After 911 I decided to come back to the midwest to be around family and grandchildren. I had always been interested in Art and taught painting classes for years. I opened a gallery and art school. I displayed work for sale by local artists as well as conducted art classes for all age groups.
I started working in my mother’s dress shops when I was 9. She taught me sewing and about the seamstress business. I started my own business after having to close the art gallery. The building I was leasing was sold to someone else. I made costumes for the shows in Branson Missouri. One of my favorites was working on the costumes and being a dresser for 30 Irish dancers. They came from Irland to do a show called Titanic Dance. They were welcoming and easy to work with I enjoyed my time with them.
Life has been a real as well as amazing journey. I choose to look on the good and not dwell on the tragedies. I am a woman of God and intend to live as He commands. I will do whatever I am instructed to do and go wherever I am sent.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY
One of my paintings, I think it fits.
In the weeks to come, I will write stories I remember as well as some I have heard from family and friends. You can even send me stories that I will add to this blog. With your permission of course. I feel we sometimes need to step back from all the hustle and bustle. Stop and take a deep breath so to speak or smell the roses as they say.