Fabulous Over 40: Meet Fran

Fabulous Over 40 Portrait of Fran by Julie Hood Photography

Age 72

About You:

Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?
My professional life as an educator, college professor, principal, consultant in many of our fifty states and inventor of a product sold around the world going on twenty-five years.

What was one of the happiest moments of your life so far?
Being a grandma and playing an active part of my grandkids’ lives as they are growing up.

Looking back on your life, what’s a lesson you’ve learned that has stayed with you?
Always having a positive attitude, remembering to have fun and learning from the many challenges in life!

When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?
I’ve always been a pretty confident person knowing that if I did my best and was kind and helpful to others my heart would smile.

What is your favorite trait about yourself?
Being a giving person.

Your Thoughts on Aging:

Are there any myths you would like to bust about being over 40, 50, 60 or 70?
Being over seventy I’ve learned humor is what gets you through each day! It’s a constant battle between your mind and your body. Your mind thinks you can still do everything you could in your youth and your body just laughs and proves it wrong!

How has turning 40, 50, 60 or 70 changed your outlook on life?
Every stage of life has brought on new challenges, adventures and experiences. I’ve enjoyed them all! I love the insights and wisdom I’ve gained along the way.

How do you embrace the changes that come with getting older?
With a determined attitude of “I can do this!”

What are some of the things you enjoy now that you might not have appreciated in the past?
Listening to and being kind to my body. Knowing that I am in control of my happiness and I can choose what I want to do, with whom I want to do it 😄

Future Aspirations:

What’s one thing on your bucket list that you’re determined to accomplish and what’s your favorite thing you’ve checked off?
Traveling the world I have accomplished and feeling blessed that I was able to. Now my focus is being a GREAT role model for my grandchildren as they get older and start having their own families. I so value my friends and family and time spent with them 🥰

What does it mean to you to live fully at this stage of life?
Making the most of each day!

What is your favorite quote or motto that inspires you?
I love so many, I can’t think of one particular one as I’m writing my answers 🥴

What is the one piece of advice you would give your 20 something self?
Be kind to everyone!!

Finding Joy:

What’s something that always makes you laugh, no matter how many times you hear or see it?
Babies laughing 🤣

What are you passionate about? What brings you joy?
I’m passionate about making all my encounters, whether it be with people, places or happenings BETTER because I was a part of them.

Your Fabulous Over 40 Portrait Experience:

What made you decide to participate in the Fabulous Over 40 Portrait Experience?
It just sounded like something fun to do, and it was!! I still want my portrait to say “Over 70” as to me that in itself is a BIG accomplishment 😜

How did the photoshoot make you feel during and after the session?
Julie and staff made me feel pampered and like a movie star – it was a relaxed, FUN experience!!

How did this portrait experience change the way you see yourself?
That given the time I clean up pretty nice 🤣