More About Me

But going back to the early days, had I known there was such a thing as photojournalism, that’s what I would have aimed for as a career. However, my era was that of women obtaining a college education (maybe the first in the family to do so) in nursing or teaching, or perhaps going to secretarial school so they would have something to fall back on if their husbands were unable to work. And that was an integral part of the equation also – women would marry. It was assumed and expected. I always knew I wanted children, and in those days, you had a husband if you had children.  In the four years between my graduation from high school and my younger sister’s graduation, 1964 to 1968, the world had changed dramatically.

Currently, in February 2021, I’ve been married 53 years with three daughters and 10 grandkids.

We were always up for adventure. Still, today, even though I am slightly (or a lot) more tired at 74, I try to accept all challenges and adventures. Why not? I spent most of my youth and young adulthood waking up with the thought I wonder what exciting will happen today?

I’ve had innumerable jobs culminating in teaching junior high. I never achieved my first goal of being the first woman umpire in major league baseball, nor has anyone else held that position. We’ve lived in many cities, moved at least 15 times, and spent two  years in the Peace Corps in Oujda, Morocco. We’ve lived a life of change. All the changes were part of pushing boundaries, expanding horizons, and, for me, a personal quest to find out who I was and what I was capable of. I’m not sure I know the answer even now, and at this point I’m not sure if it matters.

It was deliberate risk-taking. Risk-taking doesn’t mean bungee jumping or climbing buildings like Spiderman; it means pushing your personal comfort zone, being able to handle it, but also accepting failure. Now – here I am. Living in Oregon after 40 years in Bakersfield, CA. Retired and busier than ever because there is so much to do! Books to read, stories to write, grandkids to do things with, an entire world to visit, photographs to take, art to produce, walks to take, and relaxing to accomplish.

The journey continues. I hope it continues for a long, long time. There is so much to do and see and learn, and I want to do and see and learn it all. But I can sense the years coming when things won’t come as easily and the next stage will present challenges that will have to be met with grace. Can I do it? We will see.