Mature Women Boudoir – Gillian

Introducing one of our lovely ladies from the  40 over 40 project!

 WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION? I used to be a primary and infant teacher, now retired
I volunteer for Guide Dogs for the Blind. I have done the initial training for thirteen puppies, now I mentor others as well as run the local fundraising branch and do lots of talks

HOW OLD ARE YOU – AND WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE? I am 69 , 70 in December
The best part is being able to do what I want when I want
Not having the stresses of working life constantly having to achieve and reach targets
Now peace and the little things in life are so much more important

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU FEEL STRONGER? I really didn’t have a life till my forties
I had been at home nursing both my parents until they died
I married my husband when I was 45 and my life began
He meant everything to me, we were utterly devoted
His death devastated me, then being utterly alone during covid
It has taken me five years to begin to live again
Knowing how lucky I am to have experienced such love makes me very grateful

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? Still being here!
Managing to ride the waves of desperation and despair and surviving

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS? Peace. Walking in the woods with my dog

WHAT DO YOU TREASURE MOST? My memories and the love of my dog
My health so I can still get out and about
My friendships
The countryside where I live

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE? I bought a pair of Jimmy Choo
evening shoes which are stunning and so comfortable, but I very nearly returned them because they were so expensive
I’m so glad that I didn’t

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF? As Oscar Wilde said… I can resist everything except temptation
I wish I had more self control and could say no to all those sweet treats

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? My positive attitude and sense of humour
There is nothing better than being able to make someone laugh

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR? Dying alone

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS? Their thoughtfulness

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Hang in there, you will get a man eventually!

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVOURITE QUOTE? What goes around comes around

AND FINALLY…..HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER YOUR 40 over 40 BOUDOIR SHOOT? All the superlatives you can think of. I felt beautiful confident desirable and excited.