I am away on a blogging-social media break until the end of the month; I will be back for the What's Been On Your Calendar and Wellness Reimagined linkups. I look forward to seeing you there!
Author: Retirement Reflections
Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.
What’s On Your Bookshelf – May 2025
Over the past month, my bookshelf has seen a little bit of everything—book club selections, short reads, chunky novels, timeless classics, fresh non-fiction and a captivating beta read. How about you? My cohosts and I would love for you to join the conversation—drop a comment or link up with us through InLinkz below. And don’t… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf – May 2025
What’s Been On Your Calendar – May 2025?
After the rapid pace of April, I had hoped that April would be a quiet, stay-at-hone month. Spoiler alert: It wasn't. Not remotely!There were: Homemade lunch then theatre (Harvey) with Deb, book club at my house (the snacks were my only photo), online book club (same book - Oliver Twist), Mother's Day Flowers, Mother's Day… Continue reading What’s Been On Your Calendar – May 2025?
Use It or Lose It!
In her April 8 blog post, Ally, who writes at The Spectacled Bean, posed some thought-provoking questions—including, “What’s your favourite mantra?” (link). Without hesitation, I replied, “Use it or lose it.” This phrase has become more relevant to me with each passing year. If I was asked to name my all-time best wellness tip, it… Continue reading Use It or Lose It!
One Beautiful Thing Each Day
"Experience one beautiful thing a day. However small. However trivial. Read a poem. Play a favourite song. Laugh with a friend. Gaze at the sky just before the sun's final tumble toward night. Watch a classic movie. Eat a slice of lemon drizzle cake. Whatever. Just give yourself one simple reminder that the world is… Continue reading One Beautiful Thing Each Day
What’s On Your Bookshelf: One-Sitting Reads
I mentioned in a previous post that I’ve been attempting to clear my brain of stress and overwhelm by reaching for a short read or novella before bed. In doing so, I’ve quickly discovered the many advantages of one-sitting reads. Not only have they pulled me away from doomscrolling at night, but finishing a story… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf: One-Sitting Reads
Wellness Reimagined: Maintaining Balance in Turbulent Times
Over the past couple of months, I’ve been trying to stay informed about attacks on our country’s sovereignty and the responses of our political leaders—without letting stress, exhaustion, or constant anger take over. At the same time, I have tried to avoid the opposite extreme of shutting down entirely. This has been no easy balancing… Continue reading Wellness Reimagined: Maintaining Balance in Turbulent Times
What’s Been On Your Calendar? Montreal and Quebec City
Regular readers know that Richard and I decided to spend our vacation dollars in our own country, Canada. For a 12-day March break, we headed to Montreal and Quebec City. Although the weather was even colder than we had imagined it would be, the incredible sights and experiences more than made up for it. Getting… Continue reading What’s Been On Your Calendar? Montreal and Quebec City
What’s On Your Bookshelf – March 2025?
March has been filled with travel, family, friends, and good food. I’ve been reading more news and travel guides (not included in this post), but I still managed to sneak in some excellent books. I’ve saved my two most recent reads to share next month to prevent this post from being too long—and your eyes… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf – March 2025?
Wellness Reimagined – March 2025
I’ve mentioned previously that I’m not much of a journal writer or list maker—except possibly when packing. What I personally love about this link-up is that it helps me take stock of the many different aspects of wellness and provides a brief record of what my wellness has looked like over the past month. While… Continue reading Wellness Reimagined – March 2025
Retirement Reflections 