50 over 50 Project ~ Chapter Three ~ Barbara

 WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION? Happily retired. Had a great job for many years but now enjoying life to the full without the constraints of going to work!

HOW OLD ARE YOU – AND WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE? 68. Best thing about being this age is still having reasonable health to enjoy life and do things that I want to. And just being me.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU FEEL STRONGER? A number of bumps on the road, so to speak, from a relatively early age mainly related to the fallout from relationships (divorce) – both parents and my own and often the resulting financial consequences. But learnt very early on that I could survive and be stronger as a result, so none of these have really got me down.. Fairly calm by nature and a naturally half full person, I don’t let things that go wrong upset me for too long. These experiences though have made me who I am and how I see the world.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? Surviving to this age without any great disasters – there are times I shudder about from my youth where things could have turned out very differently. Surviving despite being on my own for a long period

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS? Being totally comfortable and at ease with myself and with those closest to me. No great drama’s just feeling safe and loved – and loving those around me.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION? My relationship with my partner. A physical reminder of this is the cross and chain he gave me when I was 21 and somehow represents “us” – it appears in many photos over the years and is like my talisman.

WHAT’S LEFT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? Riding a horse
Travelling – over the last few years have done this but there is more of the world to see.
Seizing opportunities that arise. Not setting myself against them before I have tried.

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?

At the time, a music centre and writing the cheque for that – I shook for a good while afterwards having spent the grand sum of £300 – it was 1977!

Can’t think of anything other than having a new car every 3 years.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF? ~Nothing -I’m happy being me!

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? My support and strong sense of loyalty to people I value – as well as my calm nature. I do have a fiery side but only when provoked – generally I’m pretty calm and easy to get along with. Very pragmatic and organised.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR? Heights (these days) and being asked to do something which I think is a bit iffy or dangerous.

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS? Their belief in me. Holding me up during difficult times. Ongoing loyalty. Being able to trust them.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Just be yourself and go for it. Stop worrying about what may never happen. What is the worst that could happen!

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVOURITE QUOTE? “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp” (Robert Browning)

AND FINALLY…..HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER YOUR 50 OVER 50 BOUDOIR SHOOT? It was brilliant. A lot of fun preparing for the event ( a couple of “fashion shows”!) and then the actual shoot was so much fun and I didn’t feel in the slightest bit nervous – may not have relaxed the shoulders all the time but heigh ho. Would certainly do again and encourage others to do have a similar photoshoot