I married my trophy husband straight out of graduate school, gave birth to seven children… yes, seven. They range in age from 12 years old down to 2 years old.

My husband and I own an historic old house that we are in the process of rescuing from a century of neglect and bad taste. In my spare time I drool over the Pottery Barn catalog and carry paint swatches around in my pocketbook the way other people carry photos of their children.

I am an artist and a writer and an organizational freak. If I can put it in a container or a basket, I will.

I hate to cook.

I refuse to iron.

And frequently wonder if fashion designers make a line of clothing as a joke. Leggings — because…?

According to some people I may have married an unhealthy love of shoes. A love which I’ve passed on to my only daughter.

I try to keep my children motivated to do their chores without nagging. To find new ways to make chores fun. To teach my children the value of hard work and saving for goals. Did I mention without nagging?
My goal in life is to be a lady of leisure while my children tend to the house and wait on me.

And if everything goes according to plan that should happen in the year 2057, or thereabouts.