Brigitte is a former competitive bodybuilder, who keeps in shape by going to the gym, walking or bike riding. She has had many jobs in a variety of industries, but she is now a writer and a painter too.

The Basics

1.   Name

Brigitte

2.   Web/Blog address if applicable

http://www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/bardot59

3.    Where do you live?

   a.    Are you from there originally?

   b.    Where else have you lived?

I live in a coastal town in South Carolina.  I'm three miles from the beach and normally bike everywhere I go. I've lived in Tennessee (my home); Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Florida and now South Carolina. Visited so many others!

4.    What is your living situation?

   a.    Partner?

   b.    Kids?

I'm married (second time around and oh so much better) and have one baby - my dog, Baxter, who is a Malti-Poo with the soul of a hippie.

5.    Job?

   a.    How long?

   b.    What other jobs have you had?

I've been freelancing (writing) for about three years after being ‘downsized' from a management position at a sculpture gallery (BIG blessing in disguise). I've been a reporter; a DJ for a classic rock station; a Radiothon Director for a large nonprofit; a Sales Exec that allowed me to visit so many wonderful places. In my 20s, I was a lightweight competitive bodybuilder and was the first Miss Steel City - that led me to working as a personal trainer for a few years. I stopped once a woman who resembled a man won a contest I was in. I was a ‘natural' bodybuilder, but the industry at that time, was different than it is now, I think. Now, I just work out for me.

The Tough Ones

1.    Summarize your entire life in 10 words or less.

Been through some rough bumps, but in mid-life hit my stride and am loving it.

2.    Tell us what your typical day is like currently.

Get up around 6-7 a.m. Drink a few cups of coffee with my husband (he's got a weird schedule). Check email and find out what work I have ahead of me. Go work out at some point - either at the gym, walking or riding my bike. Then, around midday, I complete my writing obligations. Start or complete a painting. Most of the time, I'm doing several things at once.

3.    Tell us about the person that has had the most profound impact on your life:

   a.    During the last five years

   b.    From the very beginning

a. My husband, Jeff. He's the most decent human being I've ever met and he helped me realize how awesome I am.

b. My family - we're a close-knit bunch. I have three sisters with whom I am very close. Being the middle child, I usually have the wonderful responsibility of listening to their problems and doling out advice. My Mom is a beautiful woman with loads of wisdom and my Dad, the strong, silent type who has a special affinity for nature. I don't live near them which helps me to realize just how great they are.

4.    What is the greatest trauma you have ever experienced in your life and how did that impact you?

Not being able to have a child. I used to view it as a failure, but now, I realize that it's just part of my path and I ‘mother' my dog and beautiful nieces and nephews. I get to be the really cool, fun aunt which is great!

5.    What is the greatest joy or achievement you have ever experienced in your life and how did that impact you?

That's a two-parter. The greatest joy was meeting Jeff because it literally changed my view of things and my life's path for the positive. The greatest achievement is making a living doing what I love - to write - and having the good fortune to have a flexible schedule.

6.    Let's pretend your life is a blank slate for 1 year - no partner,
kids, job, baggage of any sort. You can reinvent yourself completely
and take a year to do exactly what you want without any consequence to your current life. How would you spend that year?

I would rent/live in a small villa or cottage in Italy or France. I would fill the place with great music, art and inspiration, visit the locals and learn their customs, language, etc. I'd plant a garden and grow my own foods, herbs, etc. Drink lots of fine wine, eat well and not worry about weight gain. I'd audition for a play and be the female lead. I'd have lots of very large canvases and paint every day. I would finish the novel I have started and begin another.

7.    What (if anything) are you able to do better now than at any other time in your life?

Be patient with myself.

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