Today, Jane Pauley did a segment on the Today show about 'reinventing' your life after 50.
Yesterday, at Burlap & Roses, a customer came in, a very attractive woman, I'd say in her upper 50's to low 60's. She has the kind of silver/white hair that is silky, thick and gorgeous...the color and style that is in vogue these days. She was telling me that her dream is to have a museum show-casing vintage hats. They just purchased an acreage with a building that her husband told her she could now have her 'dream' museum. She walked out the door saying, "it's just 25 years too late; I hope I live long enough". A hint of bitterness in her voice. I say, GET ON WITH IT AND DO IT! She's most definitely not too old and a true picture of health.
Her final comment to me, paired with Jane Pauley's segment today, brings me to this blog post today. Don't let it become too late to follow your dream...make your own path, live your life...your way.
Later today I will head to a show, Junk Jubilee Jingles, where I will be a vendor. I will be joined by other 'like-minded' souls who I've come to know through this venue and other similar ones. As I've been pondering this subject, I've come to realize that most of us are in our mid to late 40's to mid 50's. Most, I imagine started living their life~their way, after the kids were raised and on their own. If I questioned them, they'd most likely tell me, "wish I would have done it sooner". Me, being one of them, totally agree!!!
We go through life getting done what needs to be done for everyone around us. Most of us happily raised our family, worked at a career that paid the bills, had some benefits, and paid vacation. It's what we do, it's what we did. However, the first chance I had to try this gig...with nothing else to get in the way...I took it and have not looked back.
Had I done it back then it might not have worked so well. Family obligations came first, as they should. But, I'm so glad I'm getting a second chance at living a life that is inspiring and creative and fulfills me...my person.
Here's to my Junking friends. Those who's hearts sing and burst with love for all things old, chippy, scrappy, shabby and glittered. To those of us determined to bring life and beauty back to something most would throw away. We're the ones that keep the past alive, we're keepers of memories, we're living our dream! Living our life...our way!
I've spent the last couple weeks up at my shop, Burlap & Roses...trying to restyle every last inch of it and freshen it up a bit. It's a daunting task...ask my mom. She came and got the kitchen area all spruced up. It's ready to go! Thanks, Mom!
In between rain drops, I moved everything out of the garden shed, power washed what I could, spritzing and spraying everything else. It's a garden shed...you'll have to forgive me if it's not completely pristine. I've neglected this area for the last couple of years. It'll be so much more put together this season. I can't wait for my "guests" to visit.
Prior to this year, 2011, I had another full-time career in real estate. It was fun and fulfilling for me until about the last 4 years. I've been in real estate for 15 years. I decided to get out of the business right around December 1, 2010 and have not looked back. The difficulty is always in making the final decision. For 4 years, it weighed on me. Once that was done, I was free to move on with my life and get down to the business of living my bliss.
When I had responsibilities to the buyers and sellers, I had the pleasure to work with, it seemed like I was always running from here to there, always watching the clock, the cell phone, email and such; stressed to the gills and worrying that someone wouldn't think I was paying enough attention to them and their needs. I "knew" I was, but it was always a concern that I had.
As I work at the shop or at home on various projects for Burlap & Roses, I still find myself "heading to check on" one thing or another. Then, as if a continual weight is lifted from my shoulders, I remember that I don't have to do that anymore. I relax and remember that I'm doing all that I have to do now. Following my BLISS, I continue on!
I get inspired by many, many things. People, places and things. Mostly, I get inspired by the beautiful pictures of compelling vignettes, artistry and creativity of others in home decor magazines and now through the many "friends" I have made on Facebook. Inspiration is found in some of the most amazing places, and sometimes, in just the simplest thing~
Doing what I love has made all the difference in my life. I invite you to share with me in my journey.
Had I done it back then it might not have worked so well. Family obligations came first, as they should. But, I'm so glad I'm getting a second chance at living a life that is inspiring and creative and fulfills me...my person. 
