Women Who Inspire Us!

Carrie Redwine, Atlanta, GA.

By Asst. Editor,
Dee Thompson

"I always say that I feel like a hottie despite the fact that I'm not a size 2!" ~~Carrie Redwine

As I’ve gone through life I have been blessed to encounter some ladies who inspire me, because their inner beauty and qualities always shine through. I met my friend Carrie Redwine when my son started playing on the tennis team with her son Clay. Carrie is a tall, Rubenesque lady who has an indefatigable warmth and a generosity of spirit that makes her a delight to be around.

An artist and mom, she has three children, works in marketing, and has a lovely home that is always a warm and welcoming place. She makes the best macaroni and cheese in America!

Carrie always says she feels like a hottie despite the fact she isn’t a size 2, which is a great attitude. I was delighted that Carrie agreed to share some of her wisdom with us.

Tell me a little about where you were born, and your early life.

 I was born in Athens, Georgia at St. Mary’s hospital.  I am an only child.  My parents had both been married previously when they met.  My mother was told in her early 20’s that she would never be able to bear children, and she was married to her first husband for 10 years and never used contraceptives, and never got pregnant.  She and my father married in their mid-30’s, and were talking about adopting when she found out she was pregnant with me!  My mother had to undergo an emergency hysterectomy when I was born, and almost died.  At the time (1961), I was written up in several medical journals of the day as a “miracle baby”.

My mother was one of the few career women of the 1960’s, holding down a position at The Institute of Government at the University of Georgia for 20+ years.  My father was a salesman and traveled all over the southeast. 

My parents were not the types to sit on the floor with me and play a game, go camping, or take me for a walk in the park – I was expected to “entertain myself”.  I’ve always loved drawing, even from an early age, and art became my favorite activity.  My father built me a large desk in my room, with shelves to accommodate my art supplies and give me a place I could use for my projects.  In elementary school I excelled in art, my fourth grade teacher even framed a clown I painted and it graced the walls of her classroom for decades. 

Tell us a little about your life now.

I’ve been married for 24 years to a wonderful man.  We have 3 beautiful children, twins Claire and Carly (17) and Clayton (14).  I never wanted an only child, and God blessed me with the twins right off the starter line.  My kids are truly the best thing that ever happened to me!

My husband, Stan, is a successful video engineer.  I work part-time in marketing.  I enjoy having time during the week to spend with the kids, and we love going places and doing things.  I have always been very active at my children’s schools, and when they were in elementary school, in 3 separate classes, I always went up on Halloween and carved 3 big jack o’lanterns for the 3 classes.  I have always been very teary-eyed and sad with every stage that passes with the kids, it has gone by so fast, and I have loved every minute!  With my parents deceased and my husband’s parents deceased, we are a very close little family.  I have so much I am looking forward to – college and weddings and grandchildren!

What do you feel is your best quality?

I’d have to say personality and confidence. [I can second that – Carrie has never met a stranger and she is always an interesting and lively conversationalist!]

How do you want your daughters to feel about their bodies as they mature into young women?

I have always struggled with my weight.  In high school and college I starved myself to be thin and remember being dizzy from not eating.  It was not until my mid-20’s that I accepted myself and embraced my natural body type.  My daughters are naturally thin and have their father’s metabolism so it is extremely doubtful that they will be overweight.  I have always encouraged them to be their own person and look their best and be confident, and most of all have self respect and treat others well.

What does it mean to you to be sexy?

To me being sexy is feeling pretty and exuding that to the world!

Do you feel the media puts a lot of pressure on women to be unnaturally thin?

Yes!   The media has turned many people into superficial assholes, judging people on how they look, rather than what the person has to offer, intellectually or otherwise.  There is beauty in every single one of us!

You’ve been married for a long time – what’s the secret?!

I get asked this a lot.  The answer will surprise you.  TOLERANCE!

What’s your passion in life?

Creating a loving home for my family.  I love and cherish my children more than words could express.  I also get great satisfaction out of doing for others – as an only child, I have always loved doing nice things for other people, it is very satisfying.

Who inspired you, growing up?

My mentor from the 3^rd grade until now – my art teacher Michael Pitts in Watkinsville, Georgia. 

How does your art influence your life?

My art IS my life really.  I live my life in an aesthetic way from the way I arrange my home, from the jewelry I wear, to the landscaping in my back yard.  I am very detail oriented in many regards.  My best friend always comments on my style as “successorized”.

If you could say anything you want to the women in America, what would it be?

Be confident in who you are and present yourself as the beautiful woman you want everyone else to notice.

Is there a woman that you know who inspires YOU? We would love to hear all about it & possibly feature her in an article or have YOU tell us Herstory! Please contact us at talkthattalk@live.com.

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