Lydia – The 40 Over 40 Women’s Portrait Campaign
Lydia, 58
I had a lovely day with Lydia photographing her for The 40 over 40 Women’s Portrait Campaign, which kicked off in July this year! The campaign is about photographing 40 incredible women between the ages of 40 and 100, for an empowering, fun, and transformational magazine-style photoshoot experience. In less than 2 days, I had 22 women book and sign up for this exciting campaign, which will culminate in a gallery exhibition in Cape Town in July 2022. We are now fully booked for the campaign, but for any women 40 and above that are still wanting to do this, please drop me an email and you can be on our waitlist in case any of our applicants has to pull out. You can contact me by clicking HERE and scrolling to the bottom contact page.
Lydia has a calming and gentle presence, and we began the morning with some tea while Donna Hay makeup artist was getting set up. Lydia’s family own and run a restaurant called ‘Marcos at Marquard‘ which is in a town called Marquard in The Freestate. It is named after one of their son’s, Marco.
One of the most interesting experiences I’ve had doing the campaign is that I have met so many inspiring women, all with a story to share. Thank you Lydia for sharing your story. It was wonderful to meet you, and create these portraits for you.
I have been described by my friends and family as…
Calm, friendly, encouraging, and loyal.
I am most proud of…
Being a mother, having children, and raising them to be strong, well-balanced, and caring people. They are sensitive to other people’s needs.
My favourite quotes…
“The Sky gets darker for you to see the stars
and somehow,
If life ever gets gloomy,
I hope you’ll find, where happiness could be seen.”
What advice would I give my 20-year-old self…
Believe in yourself and you’ll find yourself along the way. Be brave and strong and do what you love and follow your passion. Persist, and don’t give up. Relax and enjoy life.
It has to rain for rainbows to appear. Every experience in life can be used, either as a lesson or as a positive way to grow.
Life is a journey. Have a close relationship with your Maker, and life will be fulfilling and make sense that way. And you will be at peace.
We all experience many lifetimes in this one life. What did you find were the most poignant changes as you entered your 40’s?
I loved my 40’s. My kids were still under my roof. It was busy, demanding, and challenging but very fulfilling. Probably the best time of my life. My spiritual life also saw growth, and I felt fulfilled and happy. My 50’s was the most trying time of my life. My kids spread their wings and I had to search for my identity again. With that, I went straight into menopause (got the worst of it) and we moved to another province. I had a demanding and unsatisfactory job felt very alone and worthless. Actually, transparent and uninteresting. It was another journey searching for meaning and identity, through depression.
My thoughts on aging…
I believe that aging is the natural part of life. Full circle. I would love to age gracefully, with a sound mind and good physical and mental health, but even so I know my days are in the hand of God. I trust and know that I am loved. Even in my darkest days when I was searching for identity. This I knew: That I am loved by Him, and this is who I am. The core, most important truth. I don’t fear old age, because I will never be alone. A dream I still wish to accomplish is to travel more, and see and experience more. I also want to play a part in forming my grandchildren’s character.
A story I’d like to share…
I was born a romantic. I read many Mills and Boon and Barbara Cartland books in high school. I dreamed about a prince on a white horse, who was a tall, dark, passionate, and handsome man…that would throw me over his shoulder. I believe that one day it will be all rainbows and ‘happily ever after’. Part of that happened. I got my Italian prince! He pursued me but there were also challenges along the way. Life happened and I had 3 children: two boys and a girl. My youngest son was born with Williams Syndrome. In the first year of his life doctors told us that he would have a short life expectancy. They told us that he would probably not live through his first year. He had serious heart problems, and I cried out to God, and my prayers were answered. Miracles happened and my son Marco will be 25 in October this year. He has had two open-heart operations and will have a 3rd this year. He is such a beautiful person. My other son had lymph cancer when he turned 21. Again I cried out to God and again he heard my prayers. It was not an easy journey, with both son’s illnesses, but it formed me in many good ways and made me grow in character, patience, understanding, and a good relationship with my Father. I am grateful for each blessing I have been given and feel content because my biggest dream has always been to have a family.
