What I Wish I Knew Before I Retired
What is 'SEO' and what is it doing to our writing? If you share your written work on-line (and care about anyone else ever reading it) you are probably quite familiar with the term SEO or 'Search Engine Optimization.' SEO ranks your posts based on what search engines consider most relevant to internet users. More… Continue reading For Whom the SEO Bells Toll
You know when you work and you can easily pop next door and have Madeleine or Muhammad (or their counterparts) help with your tech related problems? I so miss that-- especially when running a blog! An ongoing area of blogging frustration for me has been finding the best way to let readers know when I… Continue reading Blogging Frustrations
One of my favorite aspects of blogging is the connection and interaction with others. I love finding new blogs that share similar interests. I also love how one site often leads you to other great sites on related topics. Comment sections have provided me with engaging exchanges, provocative ideas, and new/renewed friendships. Through the Australian… Continue reading #FridayBookShare: Cutting for Stone
Last January 1st I made a single New Year's resolution. I resolved to begin a blog containing my reflections as I transitioned into retirement. When I first moved to Beijing in 2001, I started a small journal that I emailed to friends and family. I, unfortunately, didn't maintain that log for long, and always wished… Continue reading “It Always Seems Impossible Until it is Done” (Nelson Mandela)
I've been looking more closely at doors lately. Inspired by Montreal blogger, Norm Frampton, who hosts a weekly link up called Thursday Doors, I've begun to see the entrances to buildings in a brand new light. These shared posts, by bloggers from around the world, have taken me to new and intriguing places. They've also… Continue reading Thursday Doors: Christmas on Vancouver Island
I follow a delightful blog called "Dr. Sock Writes Here" by Gideon Sock Puppet. Immediately, I was intrigued by the name (which I never could figure out)! Once inside, I found intelligent and whimsical posts ranging on diverse topics of writing, painting, researching, teaching, skiing, gardening, cooking, hiking, literature and turning points...to name only a… Continue reading Meeting Gideon Sock Puppet
I initially began this post not to write a full entry, but simply to thank readers for so generously commenting on my last write-up. The personal stories and advice that you shared got right to the heart of the matter. Your words were deeply motivating. So much so, Richard and I went straight out to… Continue reading The Power of Comments
Why do your homework just once, when you can do it six times?! In my last post, I mentioned that this week's homework assignment, for Blogging Your Way, was to create a 'mood board' that best reflects the emotional side of our blogs. When first reading this task, I groaned. Artwork? Instagram? My comfort zone… Continue reading Mood Boarding
I've been striving to keep myself busy. Daily yoga, lots of time with friends and family, and my on-line blogging course have been key activities. I initially felt like an anomaly in my course, as all other participants were younger, and most were focused on design. Despite being totally out of my comfort zone, I… Continue reading What Do Retirement Bloggers Look Like?
When I first made the decision to begin blogging, I believed that it would be a great way for me to record my thoughts and experiences as I transitioned into retirement. I also hoped that it would help me to keep in touch with friends around the world, especially since I had just returned home… Continue reading Face-to-Face
Retirement Reflections 