"Reinvention" is the theme for Generation Fabulous's blog hop this month.

Considering I just started a new career as a realtor, seemingly out of the blue, "reinvention" is right up my alley.

Or is it? Can it be considered "reinvention" if it's something you once loved, and spent hours doing, long ago?

You see, when I was little, my favorite section of the Sunday newspaper wasn't the comics – it was the Homes section.

I loved looking at the homes featured on the front page. I would study the floorplans of the huge houses on the back page, imagining myself wandering through them.

I was ten the first time Daddy and I toured the Bishop's Palace in Galveston, triggering my love for snooping through houses which carried on into my teen years, when my boyfriend and I knocked on the door of a house I loved and asked for a tour..

…and then into my twenties when Tom and I and two friends knocked on the door of a renovated old house in LaMarque and asked for a tour, and Tom and I and two friends explored a condemned Victorian house in Galveston, and Tom and I pushed babies in strollers through old homes' tours in LaPorte, and explored new construction in every town we've lived in…

I began designing floorplans when I was ten. My mother would bring home special paper from her job as a secretary at a construction company. I came up with some pretty good plans!

Television houses have always triggered my imagination. Back then I tried figuring out the floor plans of the houses on "Bewitched" and "The Brady Bunch" and "Dark Shadows", and even taped pages of typing paper together into large sheets so I could sketch out the floor plan of the Munsters' and Addams Family's mansions. 

I thought I wanted to be an architect…but the idea of having to include the plumbing and wiring and placement of supporting beams in a structure bored me to tears.

I just liked the parts of houses you could see. And secret passageways.

But I'm not sure I'd ever heard of real estate agents back then. However, considering my obsession with houses and the list I made when I was ten of every single person I had ever met (my first "contacts" list!), it's obvious that (besides being a strange child) I would eventually grow up to be a Realtor, touring properties and reminding everyone I know that I can help them buy, sell, lease, or invest in it. 



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(There are also conventions!)

Why that didn't become obvious to me until I was 54 is a mystery, but I'm sure the journey to this place wasn't wasted, but was, instead, an invaluable trek to self-awareness.

Perhaps the midlife "reinvention" we talk about so often now is more about getting back in touch with who, or what,  you really are and what you enjoy than becoming something altogether new.

What do you think?

Have you experienced "reinvention"…or are you longing to? Share your story in the comments, and read the other GenFabbers' posts to hear more. If you're a blogger, join the blog hop!

(By the way, who do you know that needs to buy, sell, lease, or invest property…anywhere in the world? Contact me!)

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22 responses to “Reinvention”

  1. Wolf Pascoe Avatar

    “my boyfriend and I knocked on the door of a house I loved and asked for a tour…”
    I share this obsession, but never had the nerve to do that. Maybe if I’d dragged my girlfriend along . . .
    I hope you’re artully (as ever) photographing some of these houses and featuring the pictures on your real-estate blog.

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  2. Georgy Avatar
    Georgy

    Exceedingly Marvelous! Until this moment, I’ve never heard a person say they were meant to be a Realtor from the beginning. Golly, i like that. So, I’m agreeing, you are not “reinventing” – rather, becoming more – or a greater expression – of who you are.
    Happy Autumn!

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  3. Brenda Nowicke Avatar
    Brenda Nowicke

    You also used to design and build villages and houses all over the living room floor using the encyclopedias. I think they were for your Liddle Kiddles. You were a strange child!

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  4. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Well….I'm not sure I'd say I was meant to be a Realtor, although I guess that's what it sounds like. It's just that being a Realtor is a good way to do some of the things I have always loved doing. (And it pays more upfront than writing or photography!) Hope you have a beautiful autumn, Georgy!
     
    From: TypePad

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  5. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Yes, Liddle Kiddles and my Penny Bright doll. And then I would tell Mam-ma I was too tired to pick them up. She never bought it, though. hehe
     

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  6. lisleman Avatar

    All the best on the real estate biz. I know people often think it’s a piece of cake. You mentioned timing – well now is much better than had you jumped in back during 2008.
    Your interest in houses and floor plans could be combined with your photography skills by working for a home decorating publisher. Also there is a home staging business but I don’t know if that has picked up yet.
    Can you work your drum playing into this?

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  7. Marilyn Cave Avatar
    Marilyn Cave

    Great blog. I’m glad to be reinventing myself with you! The convention was a great experience!! Good luck my friend!!

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  8. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I might eventually do my own photography, but I have a friend who is much more gifted at the staging part, so I'll just hire her!
     

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  9. Gail Avatar

    I’m so glad you’ve figured out your life’s passion. It took me until age 47 to figure out I had a passion for photography–it just never seemed like a viable career, nor was it ever presented as a career choice. When we’re trying to raise a family it’s normal for mom to be pushed to the back burner. At least you figured it out and it does sound perfect for you!!! Wishing you all the best. ๐Ÿ™‚

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  10. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Ah, well, my passion for photography is alive and well, and if I could afford the initial expense to get started, that would be my first choice! But the good thing about real estate is I'll still be able to indulge my love of photography.
     
    From: TypePad

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  11. Connie McLeod Avatar

    I always say, our life makes sense in hindsight. Of course you we’re meant to be a realtor, it makes so much sense to you now! I’m glad you found your calling.

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  12. Walker Thornton Avatar

    Love that you’ve come full circle!
    I’ve changed paths many a time… it’s always a challenge, a little fearful but so far I’m still kicking!

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  13. Agnes Avatar

    I think it’s never too late for anything. And some things are meant-to-be ๐Ÿ™‚

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  14. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Wasn't it fun? I'm glad to be experiencing it with you, too! Who knew, years ago when we first met, that we'd be doing this?
     

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  15. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I agree and I agree!
     

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  16. Hilary Avatar

    Of course it’s reinvention. You reinvented the way to explore your passion. And I’d love you to sell my house for me. You’re just a wee bit too far away. ๐Ÿ™‚

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  17. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I like the way you defined that! And I wish you didn't live so far away for many reasons! (But then I wouldn't see your beautiful photos of that part of the world!)
     

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  18. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    That’s the key – have someone with you, so you can both blame the other person! I do plan to combine my photography and blogging with my real estate…eventually! First things first – leads and clients!

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  19. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I've changed paths – or hats – a dozen times, too. Some of them seem unrelated, but now I can see where they are all fitting together! It's pretty cool! And you are definitely kicking!
     

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  20. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I wish knowing it will make sense later would keep me from wondering and worrying about the future!
     

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  21. Karen D. Austin Avatar

    Hooray! I am very glad that you found a way to combine your passion with a paycheck. Woot woot.

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  22. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I am, too! And one that will allow me to indulge in my other passions of writing, photography, and blogging!
     

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