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01 Beth Kelly .............................................................................................................................................................. pg. 03 Carrie Napora .................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 05 Celestial Bennett .............................................................................................................................................. Pg. 07 Charity Howell ................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 09 Charlene Lund Koontz .................................................................................................................................. Pg. 11 Cheryl Lund ........................................................................................................................................................ Pg. 13 Cindy Sexton ........................................................................................................................................................ Pg. 15 Courtney Lowery ............................................................................................................................................. Pg. 17 Crystal Mayes ..................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 19 Deborah Hill ........................................................................................................................................................ Pg. 21 Dotty Hill ................................................................................................................................................................ Pg. 23 Elisha Biland ....................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 25 Heather Lawler .................................................................................................................................................. Pg. 27 Jean Henderson ................................................................................................................................................ Pg. 29 Josie Bapst ............................................................................................................................................................. Pg. 31 Joy Duffy ................................................................................................................................................................ Pg. 33 Katie Spreacker ................................................................................................................................................. Pg. 35 Kay Hardway ....................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 37 Kristen Mershon ............................................................................................................................................... Pg. 39 Lacie Skeen .......................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 41 Linda Chapman ................................................................................................................................................ Pg. 43 Manju Sharma ................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 45 Marisa Sanders ................................................................................................................................................. Pg. 47 Marlene Newsome ........................................................................................................................................... Pg. 49 Mary Lou Adams ................................................................................................................................................ Pg. 51 Melinda Norman .............................................................................................................................................. Pg. 53 Natasha Sommer-Smith .............................................................................................................................. Pg. 55 Norma Ellcessor ................................................................................................................................................ Pg. 57 Patricia Rawlinson .......................................................................................................................................... Pg. 59 Rachel Hendricks Jones ............................................................................................................................... Pg. 61 Rachel Newberry ............................................................................................................................................. Pg. 63 Rette Carmichael ............................................................................................................................................. Pg. 65 Robin Fowler ........................................................................................................................................................ Pg. 67 Sandra Williams ............................................................................................................................................... Pg. 69 Sara Evans Moore ............................................................................................................................................ Pg. 71 Shayna Chapman ............................................................................................................................................. Pg. 73 Sherry Gordon ................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 75 Starr Woodall ...................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 77 Susan Eastman .................................................................................................................................................. Pg. 79 Theresa Drenner .............................................................................................................................................. Pg. 81 ABOUT THE PROJECT Women over 40 are beautiful. They are wise. They are strong. And although they are more than worthy of celebrating, they often go overlooked by today’s media. This project seeks to help change that; to help change the way we define and look at aging. The goal of this project is to inspire and empower women of all ages. Over the past year 40 women were selected, photographed and interviewed. Each shared their stories, their inspirations and their advice to their younger selves. Today we celebrate them. THE 40/40 PROJECT BY JESSICA MALONE 01 BETH KELLY, 47 WHO INSPIRES OR HAS INSPIRED YOU? Without a moment of doubt, I can say my mother. She has shown me that as a woman no mat- ter the path you are walking or where the Universe is guiding you be proud, confidant, and never cheat yourself out of an opportunity to laugh. And confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can wear and have within her power. WHAT WAS A CRYSTALIZING EXPERIENCE IN YOUR LIFE? Prior to being widowed, I would always think someday I will tackle this project, write, finish my degree, take that trip or buy a bottle of Chanel No. 5. Then my someday happened. The Universe called and said, “Beth you need to live a life, don’t hide, spread your beautiful wings and fly.” Amazingly the Universe also sounds a great deal like my mother :) HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY COMPARED TO HOW YOU FELT WHEN YOU WERE 20? At twenty I wanted nothing more than to blend into the crowd. Being an observer rather than being seen by the world. Beige was the color I wore daily. At forty-eight, I can proudly say beige is a word that is not in my vocabulary or a shade found in my closet. I encase my body in vibrant colors that sing the song that reflects the person that I have proudly become. No longer do I sit back and observe, now I join and sing loudly and proudly. WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20 YEAR OLD SELF? Be kind to yourself. It is absolutely okay that you are weird. Embrace that weirdness for it will be the thing that sets you apart from the rest of the crowd. THE 40/40 PROJECT BY JESSICA MALONE 03 CARRIE NAPORA, 45 WHO INSPIRES OR HAS INSPIRED YOU? My family has always, and continues to, inspire me every day. My parents took the utmost care and sincerity in raising my sister and I, being excellent role models while providing discipline, support and love that helped mold us into independent, intelligent and caring adults. WHAT WAS A CRYSTALIZING EXPERIENCE IN YOUR LIFE? Moving to Gallia County in 2004, I was figuring out what it meant to be a mother, a wife and financial provider for the family. It was not what I naively envisioned my adult life to be, but I have realized in my 40+ years in life that your heart should never speak louder than your innate wisdom. My crystallizing experiences have been unfortunate and heartbreaking,