Interviews

A Closer Look: Featuring Michele Walton
By Paul V. Scholl

Michele Walton, who graces our cover with this issue, was introduced to us through Clymer’s and Company of Sacramento. We were seeking women who have been through divorce or separation and who had successfully made the transition and gotten their lives moving back in the direction they wanted to go. By reading this interview you will find that Michele is a wonderful example to women moving through the tough times of divorce.

We had chosen to meet at a quiet little sidewalk cafe just a few blocks away from the capitol mall. In mid-October, this was a beautiful cool California early evening at 75 degrees, so waiting for Michele, who was running a little late, allowed time to enjoy the mild music in the background. It was an assortment of Frank Sinatra, some light jazz, then tunes from the ’40s and ’50s.

Traffic was a bit busier than normal on this two way street, making parking difficult for someone looking for this restaurant for the first time. Sitting along the wrought iron outer fence under the blue, green, red and yellow awning and maple trees, I admired the changes in season. The yellow-brown, leaves establishing their first pile this autumn, reminded me of the seasons everyone who goes through divorce or separation must also go through to rebuild their lives.

Once Michele arrived, we got comfortable through our introductions, chose our dinners, then began the interview.

Born in St. Louis, Michele moved to California with her mother while in high school. She confessed to being a bit of "rebel" when younger, but also driven enough to have won medals for gymnastics and diving while attending Davis High School. She expressed that the toughest challenge moving from the Midwest to the west coast was the different lifestyle. She no longer had to be exposed to the "hill-billy" way of life, the outhouses and lack of other comforts many take for granted. In her earlier years she worked operating a catering truck and she joked about some of the experiences, and reasoning why to build a new career. She married first in 1972, but it only lasted a few short years. She married again, this time for thirteen years, divorcing only two years ago. Having four children, an older daughter, a thirteen year old daughter and twins now eleven, a boy and a girl, she lives a busy life. Through these times she managed to graduate from Sawyer’s Business College, which has allowed her to expand her career from an assistant clerk in the state offices to her current position of Human Resources Manager.

Single Again: With four children, a full time job, and pursuing a modeling career, what do you do to have fun just for Michele?

Michele: I do take the time to just swim in my pool. It relaxes me a great deal. Horseback riding is something I’d like to do more of, and finding the time to travel. Sewing, for the sake of its artistry, not just sewing things to fix them. There is an art to it, a creating, that brings me a certain pleasure.

Single Again: Tell me more about your exciting moments in your modeling career. When did you feel you had made it a reality for yourself?

Michele: I attended a New York City Modeling Exposition in 1995, winning the Star Character Actress of the Year Award in the thirty-five and older group. I had just gone for the experience, not really expecting to win anything, just to learn from it. I was so surprised, but felt validated in my choice to go. I was able to learn a great deal from the process, as well as have a lot of fun meeting other models. The people were just wonderful and supportive. I knew then this was something I really had to pursue.

Single Again: What has been your driving force going through this transition of divorce? Michele: Having a dream, having a goal, and having the new focus to go for it. It has been very tough at times, but that definition of my goal, the purpose has always kept me going.

Single Again: Would you call that your "passion"?

Michele: My passion is doing it for me. I would be very unhappy in life if I didn’t accomplish this dream. I had thought about it for a long time, but now I’m doing it. This is a sense of growing that I need, and I believe everyone needs a sense of growing in their lives.

Single Again: How do you feel this provides an example to others, especially women, who may be having a very difficult time picking up the pieces of their lives after a divorce?

Michele: With this choice of being more focused, both on the job and with my family, it helps me to show the importance to others of keeping occupied with doing those things in life one really enjoys. You have to find what you love, then do it. Also, I feel that through the sacrifices made in my life I have gained my own identity, a sense of security in living well.

Single Again: Through the difficulties you’ve experienced how has your spirituality helped you in your life?

Michele: As long as I believe in God I believe I’m O.K. Being raised a Presperterian I received some early religious training that has been very important in my life. My children are now in private catholic school because strong religious training remains important today. Spiritual disciplines just aren’t learned in the public schools, and although I’m not catholic I trust what my children are learning. Understanding and a belief in God has helped me with dealing with my ex-husband, in our having to work together towards the common goal of raising them and doing it right.

Single Again: Are there particular goals or desires for your life you can describe as your priorities today?

Michele: I’d like to spend more quality time enjoying my children, retire from my job by fifty-five, and I’d love to get a top agent for my modeling career. I guess I could say I don’t want to die not doing what I love to do, enjoying life.

Single Again: Your oldest daughter is now twenty-three. What do you express to her about life, being a woman, and dealing with her own goals and desires?

Michele: I just try to tell her that she can survive in this world, no matter how tough it may get, without really depending on someone else. I tell her she can make it on her own, stay away from the negativity, and just go out and do it.

Single Again: If you could have anything else in life, if you could paint the picture for yourself of your future, what would it be like? Michele: I would eventually like to work for myself, sharing that experience with a man who loves me, and being in a wonderful relationship. Eliminating the worries of money, having a chance to be home with the children when they get out of school at three, and sharing the entire experience of life while growing in a warm and loving environment.

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