Wow...let's see if I can encapsulate my life into a post that won't take someone FOREVER to read LOL !
I was born on Feb 25, 1958 making me a newbie to the 50+ crowd! I was born in Brooklyn N.Y. and am the 6th of 7 children , however my oldest brother James and younger sister JeanMarie died shortly after birth. My family moved to So. Cal in 1961 and we lived in our 1st house for almost 5 yrs and then moved into the home we still have in 1965. I am so glad to be able to say that I only went to one elementary school, one jr. high school and one high school (so many have had to move constantly)
I survived a sexual assault at the age of 17. I am not too embarrased to say that I am so thankful that man was not able to take my virginity.
I was fortunate to inherite my father's artistic abilities (as did my brothers and sisters and my sons!) I enjoyed drawing and eventually started doing face painting and wood crafting in my adult hood.
I have 3 children : Dustin 24, Brody 15 and McKenna 13. I have a daughter in law Lisa and 2 step granddaughters Nicole 8 and Taylor 4
I have always loved to sing, although I did not have the confidence in myself when I was younger and did not persue it (my biggest regret in life) Over the years I started singing with my sister Judy at our local Karaoke bars and she eventually started KJ ing for her work. I have been approached by people saying I should be recording...but you know that money speaks louder that words so unless someone was going to back me financially...it wasn't going to happen! One time my sister and I entered a contest ...we were the only entry who sang in harmony and we weren't told that they didn't provide any music (it was supposed to be a Christmas karaoke event) so we actually sang it (Winter Wonderland ) acapella. We got an honorable mention. Although we weren't upset that we didn't win...we were surprised because we knew we were better than most, if not all , of the other entries (believe me I do not brag as a habit) shortly after they announced the winners...one of the judges (a radio dj) came up to us and said.."I'm sorry that we couldn't let you win since you are professionals" .....WHAT?! we started laughing and said we were not professionals . She was sure she had seen us perform somewhere!!!
Anyway...on with my life in a nutshell.
I have been married twice (both ended up being abusive ) the second one ended up stabbing my now 15 yr old son while he and his sister were on a court ordered visit (she saved him from being stabbed a second time by throwing a frozen drink at their father). He hid out for 3 months. Then I found him (because he's that stupid) and he got sentenced to prison (but certainly not long enough for me and my family!)
I am moving on in life but still constantly look over my shoulder ...guess I always will .
I lost my brother Tom to lung cancer...then 4 yrs later my father to the same. 1 yr before losing dad I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a dbl mastectomy. I just hit the 3 yr mark this month (same month as dad's birthday and anniv of his death) It has been quite a struggle for me both financially and emotionally. I have many medical issues that combined, makes life a constant challenge for me (that's another soap opera in itself!! But it is what keeps me from continuing my facepainting and craftwork) I do still sing. It keeps me distracted from other issues.
I am awaiting an appeal for social security at this time. I am not surprised to be denied. My friend was waiting for a liver and was denied up until 3 mos before he died. SUCKS.
So...I am a survivor... well, a recovering survivor ...cause it is an everyday battle.
I am attaching a collage picture of family. sorry I don't have pics of my new daughter in law or my bird (white dove -- Volare) Oh...p.s. Brody , my little rebel...no longer has that mohawk! hurray!!! I think I have managed to fill you in on my not so exciting life....till there is more to tell....
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