Thanks for stopping by my blog. My name is Barbie Dallmann, and I am an advocate of authentic personal expression, not just “being different,” but reaching deep inside to discover and follow the passions of the heart and the longings of the soul. I hope you’ll join me on my journey for a while and that you’ll be entertained, inspired, and encouraged to step into a world of your own untapped personal possibility!
As for me, I am a secretary turned business owner turned resume writer turned bookkeeper turned life coach. I will always be turning.
Since 1981 I have been married to the good-natured, easy-going love of my life, Dannie Walker. We live in a suburban forest in West Virginia with a one-eyed shoulder-riding Tonkinese cat and an exceedingly active 57-pound Lab-Greyhound rescue puppy named Ika Rose. Our only child, Britain, resides with his amazing wife Mel and equally amazing son Campbell in Billings, Montana.
I’m one of those people who loves a good challenge. And maybe since I was an only child, raised in the Midwest, spending a good deal of time alone – I am primarily creating my own challenges. I like to try new things (like new business ventures or completing a 5K distance walk barefoot), travel to interesting places (like Russia, the Grand Canyon, Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii, and the catwalk under the New River Gorge Bridge), observe people (especially at restaurants), and develop new perspectives and different ways of seeing myself and the world.
I love photography, reading, writing, and painting (which I discovered late in life). I especially love going for long walks on cool, sunny April mornings, breathing in the aromas of spring and listening to the birds. I run sometimes; I ride my bike sometimes; I swim sometimes. But I walk ALL the time, wherever I am, nearly every day and nearly always with a dog at my side.
I work a lot, too. I’ve been self-employed since 1984. I’m disciplined, organized, efficient, and I love what I do. Sometimes I work too much. Balance is an ongoing challenge. So is making the journey from my logical left-brained introspective world into the realm of art, music, intuition, and feelings. Ah, yes, the domain of the right-brained, creative, and spontaneous. I’ve challenged myself there a lot lately with my ever-changing art (sample above), blogging, meditation, and the aforementioned spontaneity.
I’m passionate about learning, growing, discovering, and sharing my revelations and insights with others. That’s why I blog. It’s my way of “thinking out loud.”
(Update September 2, 2017: Although I haven’t been blogging much lately, I still refer people here to get a glimpse of who I am. I’ve been painting more … a LOT more … and writing has taken a backseat. I’ll be back to blogging one of these days (or not). It’s all part of the journey, and it’s all good!)
(Update September 20, 2023: Post Pandemic. I don’t work as much as I used to, and I’ve been meditating nearly every day for four years. I’m now in the last year of my seventh decade, contemplating how I will use my final chapter. I feel a longing to remembered as “The girl who saved her best for last!”)
Barbie,
I enjoyed reading your blog. It was very authentic and flowed nicely. I learned about you, your family and what you represent. I am happy you shared it with us and I look forward to hearing more about you and where you are going, what you are learning and where you are landing in the days/weeks ahead.
Sending you love and inspiration to continue on your journey, allowing others to continue on theirs. Life is Grand, we can create dreams come true…
Have a great Fall Season. And by the way, your art piece is cool. I thought you simply took a picture of a piece of artwork you liked. It is very creative and I am very proud of you.
Bravo…..
Debora Bradley
Thanks, Debora, for all your lovely support. Becoming a an integrative coach opened so many doors for me … and I know it did for you, too! Since the age of 6, I believed I “couldn’t draw” and was “not artistic.” They were such ingrained, limiting beliefs, I never thought to question them until I did the Blueprint training. That’s when I decided to try painting. I just love what happens when we challenge those old beliefs.
I feel so blessed to have you (and so many others like you!) in my life.
With love – Barbie
Simply just so real and authentic. Your radiance flows through all your words. Love it!
Barbie,
What a great blog. So Authentic! You have maintained your weight loss! good for you! You are blossoming. Lots of hugs….
Nice blog you have here,very inspirational.