Hi, I’m Judy Gibson (Flashing Diva). My title comes from the fact that I love to take pictures and always have a camera in my hands, usually so I don’t have to be in the picture. My collection of pictures has led me to scrapbooking which has become another passion.

I was born in Galion , Ohio on March 28, 1945 . My father was serving in the army in Germany during World War II and didn’t get home until I was  a year old. My mom and I lived with my grandma until my father returned home. I grew up on a farm and started driving a tractor when I was ten years old. I loved working outside with my dad. To this day I’m still a weekend farmer. I still drive a tractor and plant a big garden when I visit my mom. She is 87 and still mows grass with her riding mower. My dad has passed on, but worked until he was in his 70’s. I have two brothers who live in Galion with their families. I have four nieces, one nephew, and three great nephews.

I never left the state of Ohio until I graduated from high school. My first trip was to Boston to visit my aunt and uncle (who was in the army and stationed there). When they were sent to Spain, I spent two months with them. What an adventure. Traveling has become another passion. I’ve been to just about every state and spent three weeks in Germany . I love to go on cruises. My first was to Alaska , then Hawaii, Caribbean Panama Canal and a 36 day cruise around South America .

I moved to Columbus in 1969 to work at Western Electric.  I worked there 32 years going through all the name changes,  AT&T, Lucent, and Celestia.  I retired in 2001 when they closed their doors.  

In retirement new doors have opened. More traveling, the Red Hat Society, and two new roommates. Charlie, a big black fuzzy cat who likes to sit with me in my recliner and keeps me warm year round. He came with my niece who stayed with me for a year while she worked here in Columbus . She has since moved to Florida , but she knew how attached I became to him, so she left him here. Next came Daisy, a gray, white and yellow calico, who was small enough to fit in my shoe. Just a little orphan who needed a home. She is my wild child, she bounces off the walls, and doesn’t like to be held. She will sit on my lap when the notion strikes her.  

I have always been quiet and shy, but since the Red Hats have come into my life, I have transformed into a social butterfly. When I put my red hat on, there are no strangers, no boundaries, and no holding back. I’ve always been a kid at heart, but now there are other kids to play dress up with. Thanks to my sisters of the Victorian Bouquets.