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Blog, Fine Art, ‘Playshops,’ and Creative Products by

Gail Gates

Gail GatesWriter, mother, wife, photographer, motivational speaker, Minnesotan, artist, and owner of Aging Schmaging. A woman filled with wonder, hope, joy, and a warped sense of humor.

My name is Gail Gates and I live in the Land of 10,000 Lakes… also known as Minnesota. I don’t like lutefisk even though my father is 100% Norwegian (just thought I needed to retain some credibility). My childhood was spent on a small dairy farm where I learned about the seasons, hard work, and equally hard play. My great-grandmother lived to be 100 years old, and my grandmother lived until just shy of 102. I lost my mother when she was too young… 74.

So much of who I am came directly from these women. So who am I? I am a woman filled with wonder, hope, joy, and a warped sense of humor. Being middle-aged only adds to the rate of discovery.

Since my teens I devoured articles and books on natural living but was seldom saintly in my adherence to do what was best for my body and mind. Marriage, motherhood, and an 18 year career as a dental assistant didn’t leave much time to follow my interests regarding integrative health and healing… at least that’s what I told myself. A second marriage and newly empty nest made me realize time wasn’t waiting for me to get my act together, so why was I? I gathered my courage and went back to college in my late 40’s.

I hold a Bachelors Degree in Integrative Health and Healing in Women’s Issues from the Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and just completed my Masters of Liberal Studies from there as well. My Master’s Capstone Project explored post-menopausal women and creative resurgence.

The PhotographerEven as a child I would get a chair and stand on my tip-toes to reach Mom and Dad’s camera shelved (they thought!) beyond my curiosity. Was there film in it? Great! Everything was inter-esting from the viewfinder of a simple point and shoot camera. In high school I took my first photography class and loved the thrill of seeing photographs emerge from the the inky depths of the darkroom.

Today, in midlife, I’ve just completed my Masters of Liberal Studies degree. At last! With an interest in writing and pho-tography--particularly in the focus area of aging women--I am excited to share my images with others. If my work evokes a feeling, a memory, a ‘Gee, that just looks pretty’ response, I am honored.

I live in Minnesota with my uber-stud husband Tad, our Sibe-rian Husky Booker, and our rescued barn cat Pudgy.

The Artist

I’m at a point in my life where I’m hungry to learn about and explore the interests that feed me creatively. I’ve always been self-motivated, and own a rock solid work ethic. (Must be the Norwegian Lutheran upbringing!) I’m seeking opportunities to talk with women about the transitions that come in midlife, and have developed a “playshop” where women can share their stories and then express themselves creatively by painting a silk scarf to take home.

I admit I’ve become selective, and choose to surround myself with those who see the positive aspects of aging into our best selves. Life is short! Let’s not live in fear or negativity.

Under the Meyers-Briggs test I am an INFP. My Strength Finder’s top five are: Input, Intellection, Deliberative, Empathy, and Adaptability. I believe that means I’m a pretty interesting, smart, reliable, and creative person to work with! Okay, I’m also quiet and introverted, which makes me a great listener.

The WriterAs I became AARP eligible, I started to wonder about much more than where the years had gone. I began to wonder how I will live the years I have left; how other women are viewing life post-50, how to share beauty, laughter and inspiration, and how to spread integrative health and healing tips and news.

My blog, Aging Schmaging isn’t the fountain of youth, nor is it about ignoring time. It is an attitude shared by fabulous women who are unwilling to step aside just because culture and calendars say so. Together let’s show ‘em what have we got ladies.

While at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota my Master’s Capstone Project explored post-menopausal women and creative resurgence. I am pleased to say my self-published book called, Smoldering; Post-Menopausal Women and Creative Resurgence was accepted into Metropolitan State University’s library. It is an ongoing project, and one I plan to explore for years to come. book called, Smoldering; Post-Menopausal Women and Creative Resurgence was accepted into Metropolitan State University’s library. It is an ongoing project, and one I plan to explore for years to come.

I’m currently expanding the current book to include additional profiles and thoughts on women who are living fully in the second half of life. And to further the midlife goodness, I also have a line of greeting cards that are one part snarky and one part reflective.

Visit My Site

www.agingschmaging.comRead, shop, or book your spot at one of my ‘playshops.’

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