I have a fantasy of being a poet's muse!
Frankie 68 retired shop owner from London. Separated - no kids. About to start out on a new adventure.
How are you?
Absolutely brilliant having now retired. I shut the shop 18 months ago. I am in a reflective phase which I am finding very, very good. When I ran the shop no one tells you the truth. I had a realisation that Frankie in the shop is different to Frankie in the world. I am finally getting the hang of who I am without the scaffolding. (the shop keeper personae) I can do what I want, it’s very freeing - there are no rules. I’m now part of the masses. When I finally decided to close it was a huge relief. I was physically fatigued. All I wanted to do was get rid of everything. There was a vague feeling of missing people but ultimately an over riding feeling of - 'what can I do next?' I don’t ever go down the “I wish route”, things happen at the right time. Listen to your feminine instinct.
How do you feel about the weather?
So it’s happening. If you want to talk to me don’t start with the fucking weather!
How do you think other people see you?
People are drawn to me, they see me as open, but I can be rather impolite and then they get disappointed. People often think I’m a bossy old cow!
How do you see yourself?
I’m a cheerful optimist, I get terribly excited by things - I like starting afresh.
Where does all your energy go?
I get tired. I’m so emotional that my energy just evaporates - I run out of puff.
How do you see yourself?
I am irritatingly open! I think a little bit of mystery in a woman is a good thing. I often think “Today I will sit and be passive” but I never am! Half of me is fucking great and half of me is a fucking bore. I look in the mirror and my Mother is staring right back at me. I see her mannerisms and my voice has plummeted.
I am completely happy in myself right or wrong. I like all the things that other people think are potty! I require 100% or nothing. I love my own company and I love people but then I need to be on my own again.
Who or what inspires you?
People who are unconventional, not bound by conformity. I don’t like clones. I like creative people. I have a fantasy of being a poets muse!