this was a ponderous question that has left me with women of the past (not all literary) who made their way - were strong and independent and made a difference in the world. im going to sleep on this one! it would be simple to say my own life if i could come back but know what i know now! that is too simple….

My first thought for the literary pioneer was Virginia Woolf, but having seen all the Jane Austen aficionados, I’m rather leaning in that direction too. As far as who I would want to be, like many others, the answer is “myself” but with all of those changes that 20/20 hindsight provides for us!

I would live in a different time, but as imperfect as my life has been- I wouldn’t want to live anyone elses life. I have done some very good things and I have made some not so good choices that maybe could not have been avoided unless my circumstances had been different.

Gertrude Stein! On the cutting edge socially and artistically. What an incredible and powerful woman!

I want a take over on who I’d like to be. I still want to be at Motown in the 60’s, but going back, wayyyy back, I’d like to be my maternal grandmother, who died giving birth to twins. She had 13 children and never took a sick day until her fateful day. I cherish every story mom tells me about her. About how she cooked, cleaned and sewed for her kids. How she was pushed out of the house into freezing below zero weather by her abusive husband. I’d be her, but with a Gloria Steinem mouth and attitude. I’d kick ass and get an education, while making sure my kids were safe and sound. I’d re-write her life, keeping all her creative skills and give her a chance to become all she could, within her time. Her bullying alcoholic husband would have his arse out the door and I’d be there to help her do the deed. That’s who I’d be. My grandmother with balls and determination to succeed. Then I’d go to Motown and be endowed (I’m allowed, it’s a dream) with the voice of Gladys Knight and the body of Tina Turner. I’d do my thing without drugs or alcohol, like I’ve lived my present life…and I’d be singing songs- their songs- songs about women who didn’t back down. About men who loved them equally.

I have been giving this quite a bit of thought and could not think of a single person. I would never want to live in someone Else’s shoes nor would I want a repeat performance of my life. Everyone of us has our own set of dark secrets, problems, flaws, good/bad times & personality. Every time period has violence, injustice, successes and broken hearts. I guess I will stay myself and hope tomorrow I am a better person than I was today or yesterday. I hope when I am gone at least one person has something nice to say about me.

To become the woman I’ve become!

Georgia O’Keefe…not a literary figure I know. But the pleasure factor. I would love to be carried around in the Southwest desert in the arms of her big, burley Cherokee…? Wasn’t that his tribe? No, he was Apache. Right? Anyway, I’m just thinkin’ pecks.