Her first eight years of school were highly influenced by the nuns who taught her. “They certainly left a lasting impression as I can still remember all of my teachers names.” Her childhood memories are filled with thoughts of good friends, her family and the many adventures she experienced in her youthful years.
One memory wasn’t a pleasant experience, but it probably changed the direction of her life. “ I wanted to attend Our Lady of the Sea High School in San Francisco. You had to take a battery of tests for admission. I was nervous but thought I was prepared as I had studied endlessly. The first test was a math test. I whizzed through it and finished long before my classmates. Thinking something was wrong, I reviewed it and reviewed it again. Finally time was called and the English test was passed out. English was a favorite subject, so I thought it was going to be a breeze. To my surprise, when I opened the test, it was all spelling…my very worst subject. I received a 92% on the math test and flunked the English test, which meant I didn’t qualify for admission. I went to a public co-ed school instead. It gave me a whole different view of the world.”
Barbara has lived a very interesting life. Because she’s open and responsive to any and every opportunity, she’s experienced some fun adventures. “ In 1973, I interviewed and auditioned for the 49ers Football Team and was accepted as one of twenty girls to represent the 49ers as a Public Relations Girl. We were not cheerleaders. We mostly sang and danced a little at all the home games at half time and also performed at many functions to promote the team. We were featured in Sports Illustrated as a unique group of women unlike the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. We also cut an album that year. I felt very privileged being a part of the organization.”
Tell me a bit about your career. I’ve had a few careers. I started at Wells Fargo Bank as a clerk in the Credit Card Division and worked my way up to Secretary for Special Agents. Then I became a Flight Attendant for Trans International Airlines. Next came a stint doing Public Relations and secretarial work for an oil company. I also dabbled in a little modeling and while I was at college I became a DJ, (Babs Brooklin) at a college radio station. For the past ten years, I’ve owned Corporate Concepts, a company specializing in unique corporate gifts and awards programs.
What’s important in your life? To live life to its’ fullest. For me it’s important to be healthy, happy, giving, being involved, seeing my family, working, loving and caring.
What’s in your future? I don’t know. I live for each day, a day at a time. I really don’t look too far ahead in my life. That’s not to say I don’t have dreams. Dreams are my motivation.
What are your volunteer activities? I volunteer for the Littleton Kiwanis, working with children and elderly and for two years I chaired their Valor Award Dinner. I’ve helped on fundraising efforts for many non-profits and have served on committees for the Colorado Symphony’s Cinderella Ball and the Littleton Public School’s Spirit Dinner.
Favorite Social Event? I like all social events
Favorite Restaurant? I like so many restaurants that I really don’t have a favorite, but if I were forced to name one, I would say The Bee Hive is at the top of my list
Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? I met many celebrities during my time with the 49ers, but the celebrity that was most memorable was President Ronald Reagan. I really felt this man’s power and a sense of humility and kindness. He spoke very quietly and always had a smile on his face.
Do you have any pets? I have two loving cats, LuLu and Mammie
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner about you? This woman lived very clean, neat and with style, love and a warm appreciation for flowers and plants
What word describes you best? I would say, sassy
How would you like others to describe you? Sassy
What was your first job? Babysitting. My first real job was to sit in a room and make calls after the dinner hour to sell exercise packages. I was a shameful solicitor. I did so well at that job, I was moved to the other side of the room to sell Arthur Murray dance lessons.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Perfectionism. I am getting better at letting things go and try not to sweat the small stuff so much.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Laziness
What is the best gift you have ever given? The greatest gift given or received is love
What or who is the greatest love in your life? A man I met a year and a half ago. He is fun loving, kind, sharing and most of all allows me to be myself. We laugh all the time and connect very well. I can see myself with him for the rest of my life.
What is your current state of mind? Restless. I have not attained everything I want to accomplish. I’m not feeling completely successful in my business yet. I would like to grow up and be a philanthropist.
What’s your greatest achievement? I haven’t achieved it yet
What is your most treasured possession? My sister Diane. Although I don’t possess her I truly treasure her enormously.
What is the quality you most like in a man? A sense of humor
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Class
Favorite books/writers? Memories of a Geisha, Life and Death in Shanghai, The Poisonwood Bible and the early books written by Stephen King
If you could come back in another lifetime, what/who would you like to be? And Why? An entertainer. I would love to have a beautiful voice, play the piano and give to my audience pleasure and love. I would also give workshops to children and volunteer to entertain troops wherever they are in the world.
What are your hobbies? Other interests? I have a special adoration for the ocean and enjoy diving, fishing, swimming and water skiing. I also enjoy the out doors for hiking, biking and photography. Oh, and I like to cook and entertain fun friends.
Who is your mentor? My mentor of late has been my brother-in-law Chris. I love this man deeply because he is honest, forthright, and intelligent and will not hold back in telling me the truth or to give advice. Chris is like the brother I never had.
What would you most like to be remembered for? My sense of humor and caring of my human connections
If you could go anywhere and do anything, what would it be? I would choose to go into space on the space shuttle and partake in activities with the other astronauts. I don’t know why, but I imagine it is as close to God as you could get.
What do you like best about the town you live in? I love living in Littleton because of its beauty in landscape and the people. I also find the same in Denver.
