Interviews

Interview With: Taylor Lynne Smith
By Paul V. Scholl

As I walked into the photographers' studio, they had already begun to shoot for this issue's cover. Taylor was having a wonderful time, filling up the entire studio with her vivacious character and sparkling good look electric teal outfit and gold accessories were only outshone by the aura she projected for the session. It was obvious by watching the photographer and Taylor work together that she was truly in her element, under the lights, being center stage, and performing for something she believed in. Her quick wit and sense of humor were quite enjoyable. The session ran a little long, so we agreed to meet later at her home that evening for the interview.

I was pleasantly greeted at the door by beautiful eleven year old daughter Kylah, the last of four children living at home. She escorted me into the living room, which had a wide view of the back entrance-way and the oak trees surrounding their home. It was more of a feeling of a sanctuary than a home really, as it was set back in a development that allowed wildlife to roam as it may, without fences or walls, and with a sense that your neighbors really were your neighbors.

Taylor came in just a few moments we sat on the adjacent couches facing the view. She wore a white pleated skirt, and a blue and white blouse, which brought one's attention more to her eyes than her smile. Our time was limited for the interview as she had a PTA meeting in just over an hour.

"I felt out of place being born in Oklahoma City, feeling very young that I really belonged in California," she said. "I lived in Denver for many years, then moved to San Jose in 1969. Three years ago I found this home in Sacramento, and I absolutely love it." She told me how each morning she gets up to go for a "power-walk" throughout the grounds, enjoying the wildlife and the oaks.

She even claimed to be a "tree-hugger", as they need our love too.

She explained how her coming to California, then to Sacramento, helped her to center her spiritual life. She found Christ Unity Church, founded by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore.

"After all my searching, I found the first true God in this church," she stated, then went on to explain in great detail how her personal transformation has helped her to become a spiritual and relationship counselor through her training. As she elaborated, she displayed that she is not some woman "under glass," but rather one who is consciously stepping out in front to set a wonderful spiritual example, projecting an energy of certainty and faith in her teaching and counseling.

"I remember a time when I had a long stare into a mirror a few years ago, then waking up to my need and purpose of empowering other men and women. It was then I decided to become what I am today, a teacher of unconditional love," Taylor said. She then quoted verbatim from the Living Bible, 1 Corinthians 20:21, which states, "So what about these wise men, these scholars, these brilliant debaters of this world's affairs? God has taken their wisdom and shown it to be useless nonsense. For God in His wisdom saw to it that the world would never find God through human brilliance." She claimed that this quote cured her from looking for God in all the wrong places. Now, through her continuous study of the Bible and her spirituality, and an expanding use and understanding of astrology, she enhances the lives of those around her.

"What was the toughest life's lesson you had to learn?' I asked. After a few moments of quite debate, she offered "Re-experiencing my mother's and father's marriage through my own relationships, and choosing not to do that any longer. I have chosen to be truly happy being single, to be truly happy being alone. I enjoy the time I have to just be."

We spoke more about the transitions of past relationships, the forgiveness that is needed both of oneself and the other. She now seemed to have accepted those changes and transitions in her past as one's roof accepts falling autumn leaves. Her deeply passionate lifestyle has now become a testament of happiness to those looking towards the other side of being divorced.

"I like the wisdom that comes with getting older, and with being alone," she said, with a conviction not ordinarily found. Taylor's newest endeavors include becoming an interviewer for her local church television station and expanding her modeling career into new areas. She also offers her professional relationship and spiritual counseling to both individuals and couples.