Who was your most influential teacher? Why?
I took French in Middle School. I chose French because I wanted to be different from my friends.
He was such a wonderful educator. He loved teaching and he hoped we would love his homeland France as much as he did.
He pushed us. He demanded a lot from us but I left those two years madly in love with the French language. And while I am not fluent, I still study it everyday.
What is one word that describes you?
Loquacious
What was the best compliment you’ve received?
Years ago my youngest was going to take a dance class in high school. She found out that the class would be on the stage in the cafeteria while the football team had study hall in there.
My daughter is shy and the thought of being in front of a bunch of athletes worried her. She asked me if I could get a schedule change for her.
I listened and understood her concerns. Telling her I’d do my best but if a schedule change was not possible, we’d find a way for her to soldier through the class.
She turned to me and said, “You’re the best mom. Most mom’s would say suck it up but you listened and understood. I love you.”
Turns out the class ended up being moved to another location and problem was averted.
I’ll carry that compliment of being the best mom with me forever.
** side note: I had a neighbor who told me if his daughter grew up to be half as wonderful as my daughters, he’d be happy. That is one of those never forget moments.
You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, car, or bike?
As long as I’m traveling, I don’t have a preference on mode of travel.
I’ve always dreamed of driving around Europe and still have that plan for post retirement.
I would love to do the Canadian Transcontinental Railway trip in or around a September.
Taking a bike tour for a day would be fun especially in The Netherlands.
Bus travel doesn’t appeal to me. Been there and done that.
Jetting off somewhere too far to drive is always a desire.
I want to see more, experience more, and learn more.
Who is the most confident person you know?
In my former married life I knew a woman who had a lot confidence in herself. As far as she was concerned if there was a problem it was someone else’s fault. She wasn’t happy with her sex life and it was her husband’s fault. A daughter got caught smoking marijuana and it was not the daughter’s fault. The list could go on but she seriously believed and probably still believes she never makes a mistake, confident yes but not wise.
One of my daughters went to live in Europe for one year to work as an au pair. She discovered the mother of the children she had been looking after, had been searching my daughter’s computer. When my daughter discovered this, she said something to the woman, and it was agreed that my daughter would find another family to work for. I don’t remember exactly what happened with the woman but she decided to kick my daughter out before her start date with the new family. My daughter was put on the street with her things in suitcases and garbage bags. This was not an English speaking country. God had her in his hands and a friend of mine contacted a friend of hers who lived in the same city in Europe. This friend who had never met my daughter, went and picked her up and let her stay with her.
My daughter doesn’t necessarily think of herself as super confident person but she’s the bravest person I know. She didn’t come home. She went to work for another family and ended up having a fabulous experience.
So you may be confident, but not wise, and you may not feel confident but be brave.
What activities do you lose yourself in?
For me there is only one activity in which I can completely lose myself.It’s been the same activity since I learned to read in school.
Books, reading books. Once I start I do not want to stop. My daughters and I used to joke that a bomb could go off and I’d never even hear it if I was reading.
Nothing has changed. A well told story will take me in, hold me and when it’s time to go, I don’t want to leave the pages and characters.
A few years ago I joined my library’s 50 books in 50 weeks in 50 categories book club. Thankfully they give you the categories. Why did I do this? I realized I read only one genre, murder mysteries.
This book club has introduced to me other genres which I wouldn’t have ever picked up and I’m so glad I did because I’ve discovered I love many types of books.
If you can’t find me, I’m lost in a book.
What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times?
I don’t watch regular network TV or even standard streaming television. I watch a lot of foreign films and TV shows.
A Walk in the Clouds
Ragnarok tv series
Norwegian retelling of the Nordic Gods story.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Saw it when I was 13. I’ve watched it every Easter since I bought in on DVD.
Toy Story-Need I say more?
I am certain there must be more but these are the ones which stand out for me. A romance, a myth, rock opera and timeless children’s tale.
Are you superstitious?
I don’t believe I am superstitious. My sister was born on a Friday the 13th and that was a lucky day for my family. I own a black cat who continues to cross my path and nothing bad happens. I own two ladders but for safety reasons, I don’t walk under them.
I don’t toss salt over my shoulder because seriously I’d have to clean it up. Never having an encounter with a ghost, I don’t believe in them. However I do believe my cats are fully capable of seeing my guardian angel.
I have no lucky charms or rituals. I’d lose a lucky charm and forget a ritual and do it in the wrong order.
So no, I am not superstitious.
Which animal would you compare yourself to and why?
I am the ugly duckling who grew to be a beautiful swan.
Swans are also very loyal and I am a loyal friend.
Write a letter to your 100-year-old self.
Dede,
Well done. You have a good life. 100 years is a milestone but it is not necessarily the end. I know you and expect that you have plans for the future.
Your love of learning has always been one of your strongest characteristics. What are you learning now?
Your heart is full of love for your daughters, sons-in-laws, grandchildren and your new great-grandchildren. You’ve left a legacy of God loving family members. They love you and love to learn as you do.
When the time comes to say goodbye to this world and see God face to face you can be comforted knowing He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
*photo of my great grandmother
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
Life can only be a success if you’ve had failures. There is absolutely no way to live a full life without failing sometimes. The key is to see it as a learning opportunity or as a closed door leading you to another one.
I’ve failed a lot. Sometimes I let it stop me in my tracks. Other times I worked, studied and persevered to succeed.
I want a full life so I must expect to fail but not to be discouraged.
You’re writing your autobiography. What’s your opening sentence?
God was patient with me.
He didn’t have to be patient. God could have chosen to walk away and let me sink into my pit of despair but He didn’t. And I will be forever grateful.
What experiences in life helped you grow the most?
I’ve had so many things that have contributed to my growth. One that stands out is my 3 month stay in France. I needed time away after my divorce and chose to go to a language school.
I didn’t become fluent in French but I learned I can survive on my own. It also made me realize you can’t run away from your problems or emotions. They stay with you wherever you are and must deal with them.
It took awhile but I did just that. I’m happier than I’ve ever been. My relationship with Jesus is deeper and I love waking up in the morning. I went from Despair to Joy.
I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul. - Invictus
The Power of Story
Pieces of the Whole
Writing New Chapters when Life takes a Detour
read what you love
Enriching my life with books
My life on an unexpected path 