Ode to Patti LaBelle...

also entitled... "I've got a new attitude" (here's hopin' you'll be humming that song in your head all day long now!)

Design aficionados consider the 1950's as "mid century modern"... the literal explanation being the "mid point" of the 20th century.

After a 10 year marriage that ended poorly and a subsequent 10 year relationship with  "my best friend and the man of my dreams" (that also ended poorly)  I now find myself at the "mid-century" mark of my life.

I've started and stopped this blog several times over the past few years.... but I think I've finally found my niche.

It's not a "how to" or "what to" or even "I'm over 50 and lonely" blog. 

What I hope it becomes is a record of the second half of my life.  What my goals are, what I hope to accomplish, who inspires me.... and maybe I'll connect with women that face the same challenges along the way. 

I don't regret anything or anyone that has brought me to this point... rather I'm looking up and over to try and visualize what I can become on my own.  I hope you'll join me on my way. 

 Circa 2001.  My Mother, Sister & myself on my oldest son's 18th Birthday.
Some pretty awesome women! 

On Being 50...

Several months ago I posted on "Turning Fifty" (read here).   That milestone has come and gone as of 2 days ago, and what I wrote then still holds true today.....

Made all the more special with a little insight from my 16 year old.

The card (complete with silver charm engraved with the word "DREAM") reads...

"Mom,

You've always put everyone else's dreams and passions ahead of your own.

And that's a beautiful part of who you are- how much you care about the people you love.

But your dreams are just as important.  And I really think that now is your time.

Your time to do some things for you.  Your time to explore whatever calls to you now.

And I hope this birthday is just the start of a year of discovery for you.

Because no one deserves it more than you, Mom." 

Happy Birthday Mom- Love Davis

The strange thing is, 2 months ago while I was looking for a birthday card for my mother, I came across this exact same card.  I loved the thought behind it, but it wasn't necessarily appropriate for my mother.  But I remember thinking what a cool card it was.....and low and behold it came back to me.  I consider that a gift in itself! 

More importantly, it's the perfect sentiment for my visions of my future.... and all I still hope to achieve (regardless of my advancing years!).  I hope you join me in the ride!  And the charm.... it will happily join the other love tokens given to me by my kids on my key ring!

On Turning 50....

(hence the new header...like?)

(my father & I .... circa 1995 at my wedding)

For me it was turning 30 that knocked me for a loop! When you're twenty-something, that big Three-Oh just seems so OLD.... (and for those reading this that are in that going-on-thirty stage now ... trust me, you'll breeze right through it!).

(my mother, sister & I.... Charlie's Angels style!  circa 2001.... my oldest son's 18th birthday!)  

40 didn't bother me in the least (although everyone kept telling me it would!).  I was turning the corner on a new life as a single parent (of two small children) and more than being scared of what was ahead, I was looking forward to being on my own.

( Bug, Dude & Mom....  still one of my favorite photos!)

Now fifty?  That's one to ponder!  I don't feel old....unless it's the occasional twinge here and there!  I still listen to the radio at full tilt - without making the switch to the easy listening station thankyouverymuch!  I love my family and my home.  A new project will always excite me and I've been motivated & inspired on a daily basis by all the creativity I see out there!

I started blogging for several reasons.... you can read about that here.

I'm blessed with 3 beautiful sons that I hope to be raising into awesome men!

I've been lucky to enough to find the man of my dreams and to share my life with someone that supports and encourages me in whatever I do (and loves me no matter how old I get...!).

And I am truly fortunate to be able to look forward to what the future brings!

It's all about perspective... that, and my "super hero" powers to age in reverse!