Petra

Can you tell us a little about your view on aging

Aging is the strangest thing, everyone around you changes except you!

What would you say is the strangest thing about becoming an older woman?

Like I said; It is strange that in your head you are still the same person as you always were (young, attractive, involved) but then you see a different person in the mirror and people start to call you Mrs., or ignore you regarding some subjects or ignore you; full stop!

What’s the Biggest Risk You’ve Ever Taken?

The biggest risk I have ever taken is leaving Holland with my (young) family in 1996 to build a new life in France; by times challenging but the best thing I have ever done! I live there (now in Lyon) still half the time.

Tell us what you’d like us to know about yourself:

I find it difficult to talk about myself; I prefer others to tell me about themselves, but now that you’re asking, I would say that people like me for my positive nature, good humor and always striving for harmony. Furthermore, I still have the drive to learn and do new things and by no means have the intention to think that at a certain age “life is over”, there is always a future ahead to discover and experience.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I consider my greatest achievement to have raised (together with my husband John) 2 beautiful, courageous and honest children, my greatest pride, my greatest weakness.

What’s on your nightstand?

On my nightstand, a good book, a glass of water, my I-pad, a picture of our family.

Latest Google search.

I search all the time, I want to know everything that I don’t know already, so I think I will continue searching for the rest of my life!

Last great book you read?

Last great book I read “The disappearance of Stephanie Mailer” by Joel Dicker.

Best parenting advice?

The best parenting advice is the most difficult one; leave your children free in their choices and decisions, try not to say “I told you so” and never, ever say “you did not call me, you neglect me, etc”. I believe it will give you the exact opposite result, just always let them know you appreciate your relationship and tell them that you love them as much as possible.

What is your biological age?

My biological age is 42, and that is precisely how I feel, and I intend to keep it that way until the end, whenever that may be!

Photography by Denise Boomkens

Makeup by Esther van Maanen – Hair by Mark van Westerop

Shirt by Scotch & Soda – Pants by Adidas – Earrings by Isabel Marant