Beating My Own Drum

If there's a different way to do something, that's usually the way I'll choose. In hindsight I think this stems from having a dressmaker for a mother. Back in my days at high school girls were taught sewing (while the boys did woodwork) and while I made the required items (a gingham table cloth, an apron, a skirt), mine were always a bit different to everyone elses because mum would help me choose the fabric and with the sewing and I tended to veer from whatever the other girls were doing.

I always had the latest style in clothes but never had 'bought' clothes until I was old enough to earn my own money. I'd have the style of the day, but my fabric or trim or aspects of the design would be unique and individual. I can still remember in the 60s when one trend was to have your stockings/tights match your top my darling mum made mine  in large black and white diamond pattern (worn with an orange skirt). Luckily I had a mother who let me embrace the latest fashions, even when they were a little crazy.

I loved having clothes that no one else had and that attitude has stuck with me to adulthood where I enjoy doing things that people probably would expect of me because to all outwawrd appearances, I look reasonably normal  lol

While a lot of people mightn't think it's that strange that I write romance, when they find out it's the steamy kind, their eyes often widen a bit. I've even had the comment 'wow, you wouldn't think it to look at you!'

I also have a love affair with stilletos. Shoes, not knives. While many women my age opt for 'comfortable' or 'practical' shoes, I still proudly wear my 3" heels when the occasion calls for fancy shoes. There haven't been that many fancy occasions recently, so I decided I'd just wear my favourite emerald green suide stilletos in the house, because they look so pretty and I enjoy wearing them. They make me feels feminine and sexy and I plan to still wear them well into the future.

I'm lucky enough to have children who appreciate having a mother who's a bit left of centre (I think they kinda like it actually). When, as I rapidly approach retirment age, I decided to become a life model (posing for art classes), they were totally supportive. I love finding a new path to explore, especially when I realise I'm good at it (and holding a pose for blocks of 20 minutes is great thinking time for plot building or character examination - two birds, one stone).

I left my paid job (one which I really enjoyed) to follow my passion for house renovation and became a 'flipper'. I gave up the security of a regular income to live the dream of turning a sad, tired house into something modern and lovely. I only regret that I left it so late in my life to realise that taking risks can have huge rewards (and if they don't, they give lessons to learn).

With the advantage of hindsight, I honestly believe we are often too quick to want people (right from babyhood) to play in tune with the rest of the orchestra, follow the conductor, rather than feeling and following your their own rythym. I just hope everyone does eventually listen to it, gives it a chance. You mightn't like where it takes you, and that's fine - but it might just make you smile at the fabulousness of your own precious drumbeat.

Andra Ashe writes steamy romances with strong heroines who find their own drumbeat, and find a man who'll encourage her to play it. 

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