Connie Baker

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
Waking up every day and being able to look back to see how truly blessed I have been. I have good health, a fantastic family, a wonderful job, a close group of friends, and the ability to travel.

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
Yes, my life is very enjoyable and comfortable. I have the ability to travel and have a beautiful little home waiting for my return.

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
I’ve always been fairly confident in speaking honestly, but now even more so as I walk with the Lord.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
My greatest joy is when I can bring joy to others, plan surprises, give special gifts, go on a trip together, or just listen.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
Faith is my superpower. Faith is knowing not all will be smooth sailing, but I’ll be fine.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
My greatest achievement, I believe is being a grandmother my grandchildren can always count on.

“My grandma has, and always will be, a rock-solid person, the one I can and have been able to count on. She has been there since the day I was born; even now, 26 years later, she picks up every time I call. She is the most reliable person in my life; I’m so blessed and grateful for her.”

– Jenac

My grandma is definitely somebody I can count on and always has been, whether it be as my confidante, travel buddy, mentor for cooking, a resource for new books/music, or anything in between. She fills the role. To say I can count on her doesn’t give enough justice. She is what I need on any day, and I need it, and I can’t thank her enough for it.”

– Cicely

“My grandmother is a very strong woman. One, I or any of her grandchildren can count on her to provide us a shoulder to cry on, a companion to travel with, or just to explore interesting thoughts. I love my grandma and wouldn’t ask for the role to be filed by anyone else.

– Rhett

“Anytime I’ve ever needed something, from a few dollars to help me get by to some much-needed advice to get through this journey we call life; she’s always been there to help guide me to success in becoming the best me I’m able to be.”

– Christian

“I can count on her because when times were tough, she was willing to provide a place for me to stay, put food in my belly, clothes on my back, and straighten me out. It’s a part of what makes me who I am to this day.”

– Stetson

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
Loving my family without end, through disappointment, trauma, grief, joy, happiness, growth, changes, and just life.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
I’m not too big on possessions, but if I have to pick a possession, it would be my books. I have quite a collection of cookbooks, spiritual and faith-based historical romance novels, and, of course, a beaucoup of trivia books. Great Expectations was the first I read cover to cover, and the love story of books began.          

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
I went to Ireland for two weeks to celebrate a friend’s father’s 80th birthday in Waterville. I got to tour Dublin and Waterford, visit the National Horse Breeding Farm, and many historic sights. And the highlight of going to the Guinness Brewery was the best.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
Happiness is an inside job, a joy and Peace that only comes from above.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
I don’t jump to conclusions, but I have a way of looking at the big picture and understanding it.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
I was in a car accident that put me in a wheelchair for some time. I broke my pelvis in three places, four vertebrae in my lower back, broken ribs, and punctured a lung. My attitude toward the ordinary things, bathing & dressing myself, picking up something dropped, and moving around freely, became overwhelming gratitude. My outlook on life has never been the same.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Stay on your chosen path, and be true to yourself.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
Do not judge your worth based on others’ opinions. It’s never too late; take one day at a time.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
Can’t…never could do anything.

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
We don’t have a demanding kind of relationship; we live our lives, meet together, talk, listen, encourage. I value their understanding as we all go through changes and growth.

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
I was somewhat of a rebel in my teenage years, thinking I knew everything. Then, as a mother, it was work, school activities, making a home, and what seemed like rushing continually. As an empty nester, I began to slow down and be in the present. The one constant has always been my love for music, any genre, old or new. I’ve continued to grow in knowledge, wisdom, and spirituality, to embrace change and never stop.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT
WOULD IT BE?
At times, I’m a bit of a procrastinator; I’d change that.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
I hope they have freedom of choice and Peace inside and out.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure of being part of this 40 over 40 Project.