Angela Brumbaugh is a Texas-based writer who has penned nearly a dozen books for children under the name Angela Winegar. The books vary in theme, but there are life lessons cleverly hidden inside each and every story. When not writing for children, Brumbaugh puts her creative story-telling to use as a lyricist and songwriter, and has worked with numerous artists in the United States and Canada. One of the first songs she wrote, “Between Black and White,” was selected to be added to Celeste Savoie’s album titled Exposed just last year. In addition to her songwriting, Brumbaugh’s poems have been featured in several blogs and magazines, as well as presented as gifts to distinguished community leaders. For the last nine years she has also enjoyed working as a part-time actress and model with the Kim Dawson Agency in Dallas. She has appeared in numerous commercials, TV/film and documentary projects, along with various print campaigns.
In her early years, Brumbaugh loved to dance and she has yet to put away her dancing shoes. She figured since she loves to inspire people and working out, it was only natural to become an aerobics instructor. So, she got certified to teach Zumba in May and now teaches four classes a week at LA Fitness. In what time she has left, she loves playing the guitar, reading, writing, drawing, and spending time with her husband, son, dog, and rabbit.
Angela graciously took the time to answer our famous five:
If we peeked in your purse right now what would we find?
Twenty-four hour lipstick — that surprisingly needs to be reapplied every fews hours, concealer, and powder, though I can’t remember the last time I used either while running errands, a guitar pick (because you never know when you might get to play), business cards from everyone I meet, a hairbrush, a wallet, and last but not least, a doodle pad to draw on and write down song ideas.
Why do you call Cowtown home?
Cowtown is home for one reason, the people! We love the southern hospitality and good-hearted nature of the people in this area.
What’s been the greatest joy of motherhood?
The greatest joy of motherhood has definitely been the journey, not the destination. Most describe motherhood as raising a child, but it’s so much more to me. To me it’s about two people growing up in very different ways. One is navigating his or her new life and growing both mentally and physically, while the other is growing a great deal in his or her adult life. As a mom, it took a while for me to see my journey wasn’t all that different from my 17-year-old son’s journey. Both of us had to learn to trust, ask for help, face our fears, make new friends, learn new skills, dance with frustration, cry till we fell asleep, fall down and get back up, and above all be true to ourselves no matter what.
What’s been the greatest challenge of motherhood?
The greatest challenge for me throughout motherhood has been letting go. I still remember how hard it was leaving him alone in his crib the first night. I didn’t sleep a wink. I would love to say as he grew up, letting go got easier, but that’s just not the case. The only thing that got easier was my ability to cope with letting go and accepting what I can and can’t control.
How do you hope your life influences and/or inspires other women?
I hope my life inspires others by not only my words, but my actions. I want people to see who I am, not just who I want to portray for the moment. It’s not always easy to be honest about our struggles and insecurities, but I feel it’s essential and even beautiful to connect on a deeper level. I would rather be an open book with the pages torn and the cover missing, than a coffee table book no one ever cares to read.
Fort Worth Favorites
Date Night: Dinner at Thai Select or Firehouse Subs
Dessert: Mckinley’s Bakery
Entertainment: Anywhere with great music makes me happy!
Shopping (clothing for you): Dillard’s if I’m going to the mall. If not, anywhere you can buy food and clothes at the time time . . . I’m looking at you, Target!
Relaxation: The Botanical Gardens, the Japanese Gardens are my favorite.
