I was born in the Kentucky Bluegrass State on September 30, 1964 in a home in which my Mother was born… she thought she would keep the tradition in the family. My Mother traveled back home to have three of her five children at home with a midwife. She was a lot braver than I am.

I grew up with three brothers for the first 10 years of my life, which made me rough and tough. I could fight better and spit further than any girl in my school. I learned how to be very independent and self sufficient by watching my brothers and father work on cars and pore concrete driveways. At that time, I thought it was something all girls should learn to do and to this day, I like to tinker with cars. My sister came along when I was 10 and then I realized what motherhood was all about. My Mom was working full-time second shift at the time and I looked after my sister when I came home from school. When we were young, we weren’t that close due to the age difference, but now I look forward to spending time with her and kicking back.

When I was 13 a young man moved in across the street from me, and the story began. He was a little older than I was, but age never made a difference to me then and it doesn’t now. I fell head over heels for him and made him see that I was the best thing for him. I skipped my 11th grade in high school and graduated 1 year earlier to which I thought was to get on with my life. I married Anthony Biggs at age 17 and was on my way, to what I wasn’t sure, but thought I would figure it out.  I decided back then that I just wanted to be a mother and great wife. In June 07, Tony and I we will be married 25 years. I have three beautiful children, Tabatha, Tisha, and Troy and they are a daily blessing to me. As I look back and realize that as I was growing up and learning about life, I was able to share my experiences with my children and it became a learning experience for all of us.

Tabatha, now 23, is graduating in June 07 from Ohio State Marion with her K-3 teaching certificate and looking to attend the Masters program at Mt Vernon Nazarene in September 07. Tisha, now 21, will earn her Forensic degree in September 07, after completing her internship at the County Morgue over the summer. Lastly but not least, Troy, my son is age 19 and attending OSU Marion for Electrical Engineering. I think he is going to be the death of me. He is the most headstrong child I have ever met. I am very proud of my children and their accomplishments.

When the children started high school, I thought it was time for me to start my career. I tried to stay home with them as much as possible but always had micro mini jobs that helped with the finances. I figured it was time for me to start making some real money. I found a wonderful job and over the span of 10 years formed an extended family with my co-workers. When my children graduated from high school, I decided I wanted to go back to school and get my Accounting degree. Therefore, glutton for punishment I went to college with my children. I am currently attending college and often wonder what I got myself into as I struggle to keep up with my busy schedule.

I lost my job in December 2005 and found a new home in October 2006 working for the State of Ohio. God has never closed a door, without leaving at least a window for me to escape. He leads me through the valleys and at times over the mountain peaks. He has been my guiding light in many situations.

I appreciate the times I get to spend with my newfound friends at the Victorian Bouquets. I tell all my friends and those who ask that you all are teaching me how be bad in my older years!  Being in the Red Hat groups has given me a great opportunity to spend precious time with my Mother while the good Lord lets me. My mother, Alice Applegate, has become one of my best friends and I love being able to go new places with her and experience new adventures. I look forward to many years of hanging out with you wild women of mischief.

 Tonia Biggs, Mistress of the Bleeding Hearts