Here are 3 more beautiful ladies from our 50 Over 50 Project, showing their true beauty shining through their eyes and telling their story of life. We want to show women that aging doesn't have to bring you down but instead can lift you!
Meet Jennifer and hear her story...
I am a woman from several worlds--having grown up in Miami--attending colleges in Texas--working and traveling as a dental consultant--then landing in on our small farm in Franklin, Tn., where my husband and I have raised our 2 sons and lots of animals. I was a home school mom, and involved in church and community organizations: while being active in sports..tennis, swimming, biking, golfing, kayaking, and fishing.
Then came 50, and a whole new world began as I fulfilled a childhood dream and became a cowgirl. I bought a llama, mules, and donkeys--learned to ride and drive a carriage. Since I was interested in women's history, I designed historical costumes and started an equine entertainment business to pay for it all. I hosted children's parties and shared my animals--performing in fairs, exhibitions, bicentennial celebrations, and parades. Riding my mule sidesaddle in the Rose Bowl parade was the best parade ever.
At 60, my hair turned silver, which got me modeling jobs. Along with being a model, I am an artist and have a business designing jewelry, purses, and clothing. I love creating and traveling to place my designs in new galleries. I am excited about bringing joy and beauty to the world in my businesses.
Now in my 70's, I enjoy time with my 4 precious grandchildren, keeping up with friends, sports, and learning to paint. Life has been an exciting journey for me; and after surviving polio at age 5, I see aging as a special gift from God! I'm grateful for each day and am looking forward to adding to my bouquet of family, friends, and new experiences.
Meet Nancy and hear her story...
I live in Hermitage, TN and we moved here 6 years ago from upstate New York. I am married to the love of my life and it will be 30 years this year. We have 4 beautiful children, 3 girls and a boy and 6 grandchildren, 4 girls and 2 boys. They range in age from 17 to 4. I work as a Grants Manager by day and an artist by night.
I was diagnosed with a very rare disorder in 2002. At which time they knew very little about it, but I've found that the longer I've had it the more common it is becoming. It's called a Hemi-facial Spasm and is caused by a blood vessel hitting or impinging upon the 7th cranial nerve in the base of my brain. In my case, the blood vessel splits right through the nerve. I had brain surgery 5 years ago in an attempt to fix it. It's called Microvascular Decompression surgery, whereby they go into the brain stem and put a Teflon pad between the nerve and the blood vessel. Unfortunately, it was only successful for about 11 months. This has changed me more than I can express. Unfortunately, it causes my face to spasm 24/7. It becomes worse when I talk, eat, put makeup on, brush my teeth, and worst of all when I smile!
It's hard to express who I am in a couple of paragraphs. Everything we experience in life determines who we become, and I've experienced a lot in my 59 years. I've lived in Japan, Puerto Rico, Maryland, New York, and now Tennessee. I have two children in California and two that live here in Nashville. Family is important to me as are my two dogs Gibbs and Abby, a Pug and a Pomeranian who are my fur babies.
We asked her if she had anything to say to others about aging, and this is what she had to say, "You don't realize you are aging, it kind of sneaks up on you and surprise you wake up one day and think, wow when did that start hurting, or that wrinkle wasn't there yesterday. No matter how much I thought I was prepared and would age gracefully I haven't, I am fighting it every step of the way! Women, start taking collagen supplements early. I will fight it until my last breath!"
Meet GiGi and hear her story...
I am a single mom to a 16-year-old daughter, who is my world. I have worked in retail my whole adult life, and currently manage the merchant buying team for the Opry gift shop, Ryman, Wild Horse, and 4 Ole Red gift shops. My life is full and I am blessed.
I was 39 when I had my daughter. I wanted to have her young, but it was not God's plan. I am now so thankful I waited because those 30s were the best. I was able to grow in my career, my self-confidence, and my understanding of priorities. When I had her, I did not have to fight myself to be a present mom. I was able to breathe. It is not for everyone but I love our story and am so glad I waited. Now, she better not wait or I will be too old to enjoy my grandkids... lol
We asked her if she had anything to say to others about aging, and this is what she had to say, "Take care of yourself, body, and soul. Enjoy every age! Have a great fun story for each of those ages that will bring a smile to your face. Love those smile wrinkles. Don't stay if you are not happy, there is a big world out there just waiting to be discovered."
If you want to be part of our 50 women, give us a call!
615-281-0612
At Misty Westebbe Photography, we specialize in all your family photography needs! This includes maternity, newborn, baby, children, family, and high school senior portraits. Our Cottage Garden studio is nestled in downtown Franklin Tn on 2.5 acres, and services clients in Nashville, Franklin, Leipers Fork, Brentwood, Belle Meade, Green Hills, Thompson Station, Murfreesboro, and more!
0 Comments