an interesting life

Let me try this again….

So, my friend Renee posed a valid question after I posted that I’ve lived an interesting life…what’s interesting about my life? My thoughts:

Interesting places – I’ve lived in 4 states. I was born in Fresno, CA…then moved to Wilton, IA when I was very young. My Dad’s family founded Wilton. I do have a few memories of Iowa…hardwood floors, my Mom watching Days of our Lives, and my Dad skiing in the driveway. Then it was back to Fresno. In 2nd grade, we moved to Lone Pine, CA.. Lone Pine sits at the base of Mt Whitney, adjacent to Death Valley. We backpacked up the mountain, went on church retreats in desert ghost towns, and visited "movie land road"…a popular spot for film makers in the foothills. I can still recognize it in movies. I learned to check my shoes for scorpions, and learned that bats will climb the broom that your Mom is hitting them with. Grove, OK came next. A town that sat near a lake, where football scores were announced in church on Sunday. From Grove, we moved to Caddo, OK. Caddo is tiny….literally a one stop sign (no stop light) town. A town where I’m known as "Mary’s daughter" or "Bob’s granddaughter" more than by my name. It’s also the town that I know I could go home to…no matter what life brings….Caddo would be there to feel like home. After Caddo, we moved back to Fresno. I grew up in Fresno….went to high school there, went to college, got married, had my first child. It’s the place that I always wanted to leave….and the place that I miss the most. WHO misses Fresno?? LOL. I left Fresno in 1994, when we were transferred to Colchester, VT. So…moving a lot has created lots of interesting memories.

Interesting people – I have friends who live all over the country. Some friends that I’ve known since I was very young (our parents were in Amway together). Some friends that I went to first grade with and then became reacquainted with in sixth grade when I returned to the same school. Some friends that I’ve kept in touch with over the years & the moves. Some friends that I’ve never met in person, but have come to know through email & blogs. Some friends that I met years ago…but am just now getting to know.

Interesting parents – From the variety of jobs, and the even greater variety of interests, my parents have provided tons of interesting experiences/lessons/information for my life. My Dad has been a race car driver, a triathalete, a photographer, a truck driver, a respiratory therapist….I never quite knew how to answer the question "what does your Dad do?" b/c he always did so much. And his hobbies were usually far more interesting than his job. My Mom is a teacher, artist, writer, historian, photographer, gardener…who has also worked in retail, been an EKG tech, cleaned houses, and taught in a daycare. She is constantly learning, and has taught us to do the same. She graduated from college after she became a grandmother. And don’t forget, she blogs…which is way cool.

Interesting struggles – Poverty, divorce, illness, accidents….not all great memories, but certainly experiences that forced me to learn, and added interesting chapters to my life. Struggles force us to learn about who we are, and show us how strong we can be.

I don’t know if any of that answers your question, Renee. My life has provided lots of stories to tell…and I find them interesting, even if no one else does! LOL.