50 over 50 Project ~ Chapter Two ~ No. 31 -Julia Age 69

WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION? Create new projects to enjoy….as I retired as a professional violinist, I filled those gaps with among other things, becoming a food historian, and forming a group to demonstrate historic cookery and manners of the time.

I have authored and published two cookbooks, bred and trained dogs with an interest in heel work to music. and most recently have completed yoga teacher training.

What will I do next? I am not sure but it may involve teaching yoga to family carers for people with terminal illness….I would also like to be able to help mature women who are suffering or have suffered loss, to find their true worth,identity,and beauty. That is only in the thinking phase yet …

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE? Not being responsible to anyone else other than my six dogs.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU FEEL STRONGER? Wow…parental abuse, two divorces, the love of my life dying of cancer after fifteen years together.

I also moved to the uk with two suitcases and a 13 year all daughter, having had to leave my 14 year old son with his father for two years.

Supporting my family when my first husband had mental breakdowns…. Fighting to find and fund my music degrees, death of parents in early 20s.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? Other than my two gorgeous children, I created two student orchestras thirty years ago. They have gone from strength to strength , touring the USA and Europe. I still hear from many of these students.

50 over 50 project

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS? Ahhh..living in the moment, content and in the absolutely right place spiritually, surrounded by kind, accepting and interesting people, friends and family.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION? My violin, and my engagement ring from my nigel

WHAT’S LEFT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? Hearing a Queen concert and or Adam lambert in concert

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE? Giving up everything to start a new life in a different country

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF? Losing Perfectionism, and body dysmorphia

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? My tenacity and dedication

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR? My dogs outliving me

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS? Honesty

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Love yourself. Your parents aren’t right about everything. You are worthy, loveable and a good person

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVOURITE QUOTE? Live in the present. It is the ultimate gift.

AND FINALLY…..HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER YOUR BOUDOIR SHOOT?Amazing simply amazing…valued listened to, and encouraged, and sexy