Janice Hyatt: Legendary Ladies Spotlight
In 2022, I completed a portrait project called Legendary Ladies which was all about celebrating women over 40. As I’ve started a new project, This is Me, I’ve been thinking back on the sessions from my first portrait project in my studio in Cisco, TX.
Over the next several weeks, I’ll be featuring each participant of the Legendary Ladies project on my blog. Follow along as I share these amazing women’s stories.
Today we’re spotlighting Janice Hyatt. She is a retired teacher. Through our conversations, I can tell that she is passionate about education. She gave me insight around loss, stepping out of your comfort zone, and following passion.
I’m so glad I got to know Janice more through this process. We’ve had several touch points since her shoot, and each time it seems that we make our way into a deep topic.
Get to Know Janice
“Education drives me, in all forms, in all approaches to better living. Reading was my early avenue into the classroom which was my favorite place. First, as a student, then a teacher, switching back and forth, until I was certified to teach in eight fields with a Master’s in Education as well as principal certification. My approach to teaching was inspiration, exciting the little gray cells of my students. My approach to learning was curiosity, satisfying the mental hunger. All experiences have led to learning from my jobs as teacher, librarian, secretary, kool-aid mom, Boy Scout leader, and much more in my 78 years. I have won an award as Upton County Best Baker, twice selected Teacher of the Year, and had a poem published when I was fifteen years old. I would like to think that my greatest accomplishment was the act of kindness I extended to all I met. Maybe their lives were richer for having known me.”
What advice would you give your younger self?
“My younger self was intensely driven to do it all, to prove it all, and to give all. To that sweet girl I would say, slow down, sit on your rock, think your thoughts, hold your babies, you are enough.”
How did your view on life change after turning 40?
“My older son, Gregory, was killed in a car accident days before I turned 40. My heart was ripped apart. Life for me changed at 40 in that I buried my son, my mother, and my marriage in the next three years. I became more focused in my work, too lenient with my only living child, more critical of my choices, and too generous with my time.”
What is one of the most rewarding things about aging?
“Grandchildren are God’s gift for aging. I have none but I know the importance of family. If one lives long enough, one’s family members as well as friends pass. The elderly know life’s blessings lie, not in the pursuit of material objects, but in the time spent with those you love and cherish, thanking God for every day spent in this life.”
Here’s what Janice had to say about her experience with us:
“Looking in the mirror during one of my molting stages, I saw me as some old girl who tends her plants and reads her books with no titles of sweetheart or grandmother to sweeten the day. What I needed was an affirmation, reminder of the woman living in my head. Tyler provided that experience with his photographic skills. Seeing you through his camera’s eye, he, along with the magic touch of Roz, captures your presence and presents it to you in form reminding you that you are special. It’s definitely worth the trip. Do it for yourself! Today!”
My new portrait project: This is Me, is accepting clients. This project is not age based, but is designed for women at all stages of their adult life to step into their highest self confidence. If you’re interested in learning more about the project, click here.
