Strong woman.....wise words....

I have just been reading an interview with Carmen Dell'Orefice, who is often called the world's oldest supermodel....she is 78 and still as glamorous and beautiful as heck! More in demand today than possibly ever, she really has had the most interesting - and eventful - life.

Born in 1931 in New York to an Italian father and Hungarian mother....her parents had a tempestuous relationship, continually separating and getting back together. At the age of 15, Carmen was spotted by a talent scout while she was on a bus travelling to a class. Her first test photos were not good and the agency sent her a rejection letter but through her a photographer friend of her godfather she was able to have more photos taken, things really took off for her and by the age of 15 she had her first Vogue cover. She was able through her modelling to lift her family out of poverty, send her mother to college, support her absent father, put herself through private school AND model for Salvador Dali - all while her unsupportive mother was telling her her career would lead her to ruin and that she was unattractive and had "feet like coffins".

She became Dali's muse and was photographed by Richard Avedon and Norman Parkinson. She met many men, most of them the wrong sort, was taken advantage of financially many times, was ripped off by various agents and married three times over the years. She and her third husband were best friends with Bernie Madoff and his wife and in 2008 her husband died and she lost an estimated $200 million fortune in the Madoff swindle.......what a life!

Clearly she is a woman of strong character, built up over many years and after a lifetime of experience. The interview I read was entitled "My 5 Rules of Life".....

1. Think Outside The Box - you can't always have a "one rule fits all situations" philosophy - be adaptable and don't be afraid to try new things, what's the worst that can happen?

2. Less Is More - sometimes you really can keep it simple....feel comfortable and be yourself, whatever the situation - be true to yourself.

3. Look After Your Body - deal with changes and don't be afraid of them, spend money on your body sometimes instead of buying clothes and shoes, don't ignore what your body is saying to you....and plan ahead.

4. Energy Reserves Are Important - and it's all about planning and choice....."women spend so much time organising other people, but the key is to get organised about yourself and what works for you".

5. Do What You Mean To Do every day and don't miss a moment....."I try to live every day to the full".

This is the kind of woman I want to be....