Mindy

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In 2021 I had a special visit from two ladies who came all the way from the U.S.A. to my studio for a portrait.

Category

bloomers

Date

13/01/2022

Length

3 min read

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Not entirely true, because they were in Amsterdam on a study trip… 😉 But they took the morning off to come to my studio. I thought it was exceptional and actually secretly the most fun when I can give my portraits an international twist. Today a picture of Mindy (52) from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Tell Us About Yourself and your life?

I was born and still live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A. I married pretty young, became a teacher. I went through four years of infertility due to endometriosis before giving birth to my son and daughter. I am recently divorced after 27 years of marriage. It was the hardest, scariest, and most liberating decision I have ever made. My life is full of love, acceptance, and adventure now. I am thriving in welcoming back the spirit of my true self; only this version is more intelligent and more secure!

Tell us about your career?

I am an Early Childhood Educator. I teach four-year-olds in their first experience of school, the grade we call Pre-Kindergarten. I have taught in Tulsa Public Schools for 30 years, and I have also taught Kindergarten and Second Grade.

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer nec odio. Praesent libero. Sed cursus ante dapibus diam. Sed nisi. Nulla quis sem at nibh elementum imperdiet.

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If You Had a Warning Label, What Would It Be?

Watch out, do not make me wait on you! I am so impatient with people who are habitually late. I am a night owl, so I know how hard it can be to wake up and get moving. Drink some coffee, be responsible and courteous. My time is your time too… don’t waste it!!! ?

What do you do to stay positive both mentally and physically?

Music is a definite mood changer for me. I love Spotify! I am open to all music, everything from country to rap. I vow that Tiktok is an excellent waste of time; laughing reduces my anxiety quickly. Always love inspiration from Instagram; @and.bloom and @paulinaporizkov are favorites. They help feed my soul. #sexthasnoexpirationdate! I do mini workouts most days with my son to feel physically strong and flexible. Teaching small children their zest for life rubs off on me as well!

Any regrets?

Oh, regrets! I try not to focus on them, but I do have them. I regret not being more adventurous when I was young. Although if I had not made the choices I made years ago, I would not be as appreciative of the peaceful life I have now. Forgive yourself and move on!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I consider my two beautiful children my most outstanding achievement; they are both kind and good human beings. Their hearts are open and empathic towards others. Building young lives as a teacher, every year instilling academics, empathy, preserving, and a lifelong love of learning also makes me proud.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer nec odio. Praesent libero. Sed cursus ante dapibus diam. Sed nisi. Nulla quis sem at nibh elementum imperdiet.

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer nec odio. Praesent libero. Sed cursus ante dapibus diam. Sed nisi. Nulla quis sem at nibh elementum imperdiet.

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What is your fantasy version of your older self, let’s say 80 years old?

I see 80 year old me as happy, calm, and cooking many dinners for my family. I certainly hope to be active and healthy. I can imagine a peaceful feeling of overall love from a life well-lived.

What Would You Tweet to Your Younger Self?

Haha, the tweet would be: Relax, girl! Life is not a race. Go with your gut feeling. If something doesn’t feel right, then it is not!

Latest Google search?

The weather forecast for Paris. As I am typing this, I am traveling to Paris to see the French countryside for the first time!

What is your age, and how old do you feel?

I am 52 but feel like 20! Life is new again.

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Mindy is wearing a total vintage outfit from Episode Amsterdam.

Makeup and hair by Esther van Maanen.

But how do you protect your brand? How do you keep performing at your best? I notice that I struggle with taking care of myself. I find that I am not as quick as I was 10 years ago, that I can handle less, and that I have less energy. I find this difficult. I sometimes talk about this with the community, and many women recognize what I write about, but there are also women who respond that 48/49 is too young to start feeling “a bit older.” And that throws me off balance. Maybe there’s something wrong with me.