We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Barbara Cairns a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Barbara, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Early on, in my small New England town, I thought of myself as the ugly duckling, having eye teeth that didn’t have room in my tiny mouth, so I referred to them as my fangs. Comparing myself to my younger sister who had a button-like nose, I had inherited my paternal grandfather’s more aquiline nose so always thought my nose was too large. But I was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and two loving parents who encouraged us to follow our dreams. As I grew older, I laughed a lot, despite the fact that sometimes my lip would catch on my right eye tooth. My personality blossomed and my desire to meet lots of interesting people led me to travel world -wide. During my first teaching assignment in Seattle, Washington, and after receiving my first paycheck, I had dental work done; the eyeteeth were removed and I wore braces for three months, having them tightened weekly so they’d be removed in time for my visit back home that summer. Hardly anyone noticed the change. Sometimes our inner thoughts about our outward appearance can destroy a person, but having a desire and determination to be the best we can be and to make others around us smile, definitely worked for me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
After graduation from college, I left Connecticut and taught in Seattle, Washington where I obtained a scholarship to get my masters degree at Columbia University and Lexington School for the Deaf in New York City. Obligated to teach the deaf for two years, I stayed in Seattle for seven years and then joined the Department of Defense Dependent Schools where I taught in Labrador, Canada; Bamberg, Germany; and the Canal Zone, Panama. I guess you could say I’m a risk taker. I’ve had many exciting adventures along the way. I soloed a Cessna 140 in Labrador, enjoyed riding in a glider plane in Bamberg, went hot air ballooning in Del Mar, California, became an elementary principal in the Canal Zone, walked a high suspension bridge in Alaska, and went zip lining in Vancouver, Canada.. For my 86th birthday, I had a thrilling time sky diving in Dunnellon, FL and this year for my 87th, I traveled alone to southern Africa for a safari. (This turned into a misadventure when I fell in Kasani, Botswana and ended up in a small hospital where a baboon came in the window the first night. After two days there, I was airlifted to Johannesburg, S.A. where I had my left hip replaced at a top notch trauma hospital. I took pictures of all my caregivers, including the bedpan folks and we shared lots of laughs together for nine days before I was accompanied back home with a sky nurse. First time ever flying First Class!
For over 20 years, I’ve been a volunteer at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park where I’m a docent in the Discovery Center and also provide early morning enrichment for our critters. I also tutor four-year-olds weekly at a local pre-school “Once a teacher, always a teacher.”
When I’m not volunteering or traveling, I write books. Since retirement, I’ve had twelve books published, ranging from picture books, middle grade novels, YA historical fiction and adult fiction. Mostly, I try to educate in all my books. My motto is ASPIRE TO INSPIRE BEFORE YOU EXPIRE!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
LIVE A LOT! Enjoy each day and treat it like an adventure.
LOVE A LOT! I was lucky to marry the love of my life, Ian, an Englishman I met at a beer fest in Germany. No matter who or what, give of yourself, whether it’s to your loved ones or to your pets.
LAUGH A LOT! Those future wrinkles can be called laugh lines instead. Remember to smile at everyone you see, See the funny side of life as you travel through it.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My dad was a farm worker and Mom worked for a few years in a factory when my sister and I entered high school. She was always there for us at home in our younger years. Although we didn’t have a lot of material things growing up, we always had lots of love. We were taught to be kind to others, to work hard, and to follow our dreams. They made sacrifices to insure that we got to play instruments in the school band and orchestra., and also to go on school field trips. They encouraged us in all our activities and attended our sports events. They allowed us to have numerous pets, including different species of wildlife where we learned to respect nature. And they pinched pennies to make sure I was the first in our family to attend college. My sister opted to stay in our hometown and provided Mom and Dad with grandchildren.
With their caring, love, and great sacrifices, I was able to move forward and fulfill my dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barbaracairns.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbara.cairns.92
- Other: [email protected]
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
