How did you get to where you are?

Someone asked me that recently in an interview.

You know you never really think of those things.. Life just happens.

So I had a little time to reflect.

In my 60's now, I'm a genuine baby boomer, I'll never wear a cardigan, or my slippers to the shops… or even a nylon frock. To be honest, I never wear a frock.

HOW DID I GET HERE? I really have no idea. Sheer hard work and enjoyment I think.

Age 20, Keith and I got married.

By age 30, we had 7 children…. Goodness gracious, how did we do that? Jamie, Rachael and Matthew, (3 in 3 years) and we had adopted Joshua (newborn), Suchada, (aged 11) Darrin aged 8 and Phat came from Vietnam aged 15…….What were we thinking of!!!!

But it was a wonderful time. I wouldn't swap it for the world. It was a fun time in our lives.

Age 40, we added a few more bedrooms….Callie, Michael and Sam arrived……Lori, Liseby, Benny from Mauritius, Jinda from Thailand. Lean lived with us for a year, Bo for two….

The exchange students arrived, 6 in all and they stayed for a year. (not all at once.) but when I think about it, we did have 3 at once.

During that time I met a young man in Thailand who was traveling, I said "if you ever come our way you're welcome to stay"
He did….. for a year. He is now almost 55, lives close by us with his wife and child and is very much part of the extended family.

We had our own bus and a caravan for holidays and life was sure hectic

In my 40's I began my fashion design business with partner Cynthia…. She's just a little younger than I. (by 10 days)  As two Librans, we are exact opposites but worked well for some 15 years.

50 was a turn around. I was a dedicated quilter. Gee you all know what happens to you then, I don't need to explain.

Friends that's about the end of it…. Now I quilt, write, make documentaries and take photos…. What a way to go….

What have the 60's offered me.

I know I can discount at Denny's fast food restaurant. !!!! Senior discount in the movies in the USA takes the price down to about $6.00 – and on the plane, I feel I can ask the nice young man in the aisle to put my hand luggage up for me….!!! and I have no problem enjoying my classical music along with new country. I play them very loud.

In life we have things that are moments in time and end up being significant to our future. I often think back to when I had 3 littlies under 3 at home.

I was incredibly shy and introvert…. Trust me it's true. I had really low self esteem.

A turning point for me was once when Keith, (my husband) an Accountant was negotiating a business partnership with another accountant and we were invited to dinner to negotiate.

He turned up with his snotty secretary with a plum in her mouth, little back dress, coifed hair and tottering on heels far too high.
Her enjoyment for the evening, was to put me down with comments. "Oh, I couldn't bear to be just a housewife"
How can you let yourself have 3 children so quickly. Etc, etc.
By the end of the evening. I was ready to snot her.

I loved being a mum. My children were gorgeous… I sewed their clothes on my hand cranked machine… Believe me …..!!

I cooked, cleaned and was a happy as a pig in straw.

But this gal really got up my nose. I decided to show her…..

Where are you now honey?

Where am I now, working harder than ever, but enjoying life to the full