She's All That - Anita Rivera

Name: Anita Rivera

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota

A brief history of your fabulous self: I am a 51 year old former dancer and actress turned French teacher and harpist. Cinderella is my favorite fairytale and it has inspired me from childhood to "transform" not only myself, but to look at the possibilities of others, artwork, you name it! Everything I have achieved in life, I started late in life. Being a late bloomer has given me more energy, purpose and focus and capacity to reach what most people at my age or younger would consider unattainable. I have achieved most of what I have aimed for, and there is no stopping me yet. I plan to write children's stories, polish my drawing skills, learn and play the beautiful but very difficult Clair de Lune on the harp, and to take dance classes again. Too old you say? 51 is just a number as they say!

Thoughts on the Fab 50s: I love being more "mature." There have been moments when I realize that I have finally grown up. I used to worry about whether or not I could do something; lack of self-esteem, I guess. I realize now there is no time to waste worrying; just do it. Worrying gets you nowhere. But you don't know that when you are in your 20s, 30s or even 40s. Maybe for some women, but even in this category, I have been a late bloomer, but maybe that is what keeps me young!

What’s on your To Do List: Finish my Master's degree, write children's books, go to France again.

We never would have guessed: That I would be a fluent French speaker, become a teacher and have a Master's degree

Special projects or causes: Every year in my fourth grade class, we put on a play in French. Is that all, you might ask? It is a big event for my students. It is literally a life-changing and memorable even for all of us.

How has your fashion/beauty sense evolved: I weigh less now than I did when I was in my fabulous 20s….I have been lifting weights consistently for over 25 years and I am lean, defined but most of all, healthy and happy at 51. I finally made peace with my not so perfect body and desire to be energetic and healthy instead of always wanting what other women have. Start taking care of yourselves NOW. Don't wait to start taking care of your skin, eating healthy, exercising, stop smoking...when you are in your 30s, 40s or 50s; do it now in your 20s. You will see the difference when you are in your 50s. Be consistent and take care of yourself."

What would you tell your 20 year old self: GO TO SCHOOL AND STICK IT OUT. Don't waste your time on trying to find a husband. In good timing, it will happen. (AND IT DID!)

Anita and Ruben Rivera

If you'd like to learn a little more about Anita you can visit her very creative blog at Castles, Crowns and Cottages. Anita is hosting her second virtual play in which you get to write the fourth and final act. Hurry, the deadline to enter is this Saturday the 5th.