launa d. romoff Mixed Media Collage |
Meet Launa D. romoff
September 22,2023 Alright - so today we've got the honor of introducing you to Launa D. Romoff. We think you'll enjoy our conversation, we've shared it below. Launa D. , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it's something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from? As children we learn from example. I had a grandfather that, even though he escaped from the Pogroms to this country, always looked at things positively. He would take us for long walks when we were very young (he died when I was 5 yrs. old) and point out the beauty of nature and discarded objects we saw along the walk. He always had something nice to say about people and people in the neighborhood loved him. I feel that gave me a lens to look though most of my life. I am a artist/model/actress. I started my art career when I was 50 years old and my model/actress when I was 68 years old. I am a two-time cancer survivor, stage 4 lymphoma and lung cancer. I never thought I was going to die or poor me. I looked at it as what is my lesson and what do I need to learn from this. That way of looking at things has gotten me through life and helped me learn a lot about myself. For I feel when you can really look at yourself honestly, you can change. Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself? I am a artist/model/actress. I started my art career when I was 50 years old and my model/actress when I was 68 years old. I'm still humbled that I have done well in both ventures. I am so very grateful for both of these careers and especially so because I started late in life. I had no expectations and just followed my passions and did what made me happy. I feel with age you are kinder to yourself, take more risks, and why not. I am very curious and love adventure both of these careers have given me that. For me, at this age, it's not about rejection in not getting a part or a piece doesn't sell. For me it's about that I put myself out there, When making piece of art it's all about the process that feeds my soul. You will like my art, or you won't. You will want me for your project, or I am not the right person for it. None of that takes away from me and who I am. When a piece of art sells and or when I am chosen for a roll. Inside of me there is a giggle and a wow! If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most? I feel curiosity is my driving force. There were times when I was afraid to ask a question for, I thought it would make me look silly or stupid. Then I realized that lots of people feel that way and never ask questions. To me life is a journey, why let others stop or derail you by their judgments, not everyone is going to like me, and I don't like everyone that's part of life. What is important to me is kindness, graciousness and thoughtfulness. I truly feel we are an example to others. People, strangers, children watch us all the time. It is important to be an example. Thank you and please go a long way. So does a smile! Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you? When I was young, I was always told that when you get older you have to give back. This has always stayed with me and as a consequence I would volunteer when I could. For me volunteering is incredibly satisfying, when you see the difference, it makes in people there is nothing better. Several years ago, I remember visiting a friend's mother in a nursing home. There was an older woman. who was going about helping others with a purpose and smile on her face. I asked about her that they said she was a resident there and she volunteered helping others there. Have you ever been to a nursing home? Many people just sit there look off in the
distance and are vacant. This woman had a purpose, and that purpose gave her life and energy. You
never know what a difference you can make in some one's life.
For the people who say they don't have time or it's too big of a commitment. You can volunteer in small ways. When someone one asks for help with something - anything and you say yes, you have helped you have volunteered! And it is my way of giving back for all of the generosity I have received from people throughout my life. Image Credits Image of me Photograph by Ron Cooper |
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