Barbara Manger

I am a far cry from my photo now but I think it is "cute" and funny even if it IS me. I am a Mom of 4: 3 daughters, one son and Grandother of 6 grandchildren. I am retired now...in my '70's. Except for having some arthritic knees, my health is good. I was born in Houston, Texas, and I still live there. My mother was from Houston and my father was born in Port Arthur, Texas. I had one older sister (by 7 years, but she passed away July 2010). I have one older brother (by 5 years) who lives in another Texas town about 200 miles away. Both my parents have also passed away. But, I digress: When I was a little girl, I used to just KNOW that someday I would be "famous" when I grow up. Afterall, everyone in my family said so. You probably can tell at this point, I was a little "spoiled". To add to that I was always very smart in school from Elementary to High School (graduating 2nd (unforgivable) in my class. I was offered a four-year scholarship to college, which, believe it or not. my parents encouraged me NOT to take, because it required my moving out of Houston. In reality, I think they did not want the "last chick out of the nest". Girls were expected to marry and raise a family. I found a man I loved, married & raised a family, BUT after 20 years of marriage, he wanted the single life. All those years I worked, took care of the family, and became a "single Mom " before it became as "revered" in Society, as it is today. However, I think I did a marvelous job with my children, because 3 of the 4 graduated with High Honors. I had excellent jobs with major oil companies, finally accumulating 24 years with one of the top ones. But I still wasn't "famous" which has always stayed in the deep recesses of my mind. I think because both my parents nsisted that I would be and I always wanted to please them in every way. I like to write, paint, make greeting cards, draw cartoons and crochet. I'm maybe "creative" but still not "famous". My "fame dream" didn't come to pass of course. Yes, I grew up, but didn't become "famous". My "bucket list" which, at my age, I refer to as my "shot glass list". It has only a few items but I guess I would put "become famous" near the top. But "reality" kicks me in the butt and says to me "not gonna happen, old girl". So, as a last resort, I'm entering this contest in hopes that by some miracle, I can be one of the Times Square faces. Wouldn't that be a kick in the head? Thanks for listening