Front Row Gal - 5660

An idyllic childhood was shattered when Barbara was twelve. Her father died by suicide and was buried Christmas Eve day. As a 15-year-old freshman in a new high school in 1963, she won the door prize at a used car dealership: a 1937 Chevy. She sold it to her boyfriend for $50 and bought a typewriter which sealed her future as a journalist. At every opportunity, Barbara sits in the front row where she has the best view—free from distractions. She includes her tales of brushes with famous people such as President John F. Kennedy, President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and national news anchor, Katie Couric. In this humorous and poignant memoir, Barbara reveals how an unstoppable woman takes risks throughout her life and is not afraid to fail whether it is fulfilling her high school dream of living in Europe or jumping out of a perfectly good airplane at 14,000 feet to celebrate her 66thbirthday — an experience she counts as one of the most thrilling events in her life. Included are snippets of hand-written letters to her mother (before computers and emails) during her 20 years in England and Germany citing the difficulties Barbara faced abroad. Barbara returned from Europe with her life in tatters and the support of her family (especially her older sister, June) to help her get back on her feet. She found her church home which gave her a sense of belonging. Soon she was introduced to The Landmark Forum which gave her the tools to take charge of her life and create her last best chapters with power and intention. Through her vulnerability, sharing her ups and downs of raising two creative and successful daughters, her four marriages and three divorces, and the financial challenges of starting a business and building a home in a foreign country, you will discover that you, too, can live the life of your dreams with joie de vivre regardless of your current life circumstances. Today, at the age of seventy-six, Barbara lives a life beyond her wildest dreams. Her days are filled with her blended family, grand dog sitting, friends, and volunteering where she is giving back to the communities who supported her during her time of need. She is happily married to her “fourth, favorite, and final” husband, Arnie Bigbee. They reside in Edina, Minnesota.
ASIN: 1944913718
VSKU: BVV.1944913718.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:La Valleur, Barbara
Binding: Paperback