What I Wish I Knew Before I Retired
Inspired by the many Thanksgiving posts out there, I decided to make my own A - Z Gratitude List (of sorts). To do this, I went through my recent camera roll. Here's what I found: Books & Book Clubs Family Grandchildren Holiday Celebrations Mahjong Retirement Four years and four months ago, I took a leap… Continue reading Gratitude and My Camera Roll
Six years ago, when I was a Middle School Principal, I bought this ink drawing at a silent auction run by my school in Beijing. I didn't know the artist but knew that she went to our Elementary School. I immediately loved her work. The following year, I was visiting a second-grade classroom when I… Continue reading Aaliyah Annie
More memories than words can express. As we celebrate our 19th Wedding Anniversary. Immensely grateful. For those who prefer prose, here's a throwback post that remains 110% true. https://retirementreflections.com/2016/01/21/a-love-letter/.
Thank you to Janis from Retirementally Challenged for inviting me to Guest Host on her site. It is an honour to be part of her first Guest Host Series. Since the weather is good and Mother Nature is in all of her glory, why not join me for a Spring Garden Tour on Vancouver Island?… Continue reading Please Join Me at Retirementally Challenged
Thank you to all who have cast their votes for the Annual Bloggers Bash Awards (ABBAs). Voting closes tomorrow, April 30 (midnight BST, 4 pm in Vancouver). There are nine categories for awards: Best Overall Blogger, Funniest Blogger, Most Inspirational Blogger, Most Informative Blogger, Best Book Review Blog, Services to Bloggers, Hidden Gem, Newcomer Blogger… Continue reading Thank You For Your Vote
'X' is for 'Xièxie' (谢谢). Since I lived in Beijing for fourteen years, it seems only fitting (and shamelessly convenient) to share my gratitude in Mandarin. Although participating in this challenge kept me hopping, the benefits were extraordinary. Heartfelt appreciation to the the A - Z Team. Founder, Arlee Bird (Tossing it Out) and co-hosts,… Continue reading A to Z Challenge: Day Twenty-Four – “X”
'G' is for 'Gratitude'...and 'Gold Stars.' I have long-often joked about my enchantment with gold stars. I love how they symbolize our appreciation for each other. Yesterday morning, I awoke to an email (and then other social media messages) that said I had been nominated in the category of 'Best Overall Blogger' for The Annual… Continue reading A to Z Challenge: Day Seven – “G”
For fourteen years my husband and I lived and worked in Beijing, China. It was an incredible experience that enriched our lives in ways too numerous to mention. Being part of a large international school (me) and a global law firm (Richard), we were able to meet and form deep friendships with remarkable people from… Continue reading Returning Home
Earlier this week, I published a Guest Post by Anabel Marsh on ‘Hidden Histories.’ Her thoughtful, provocative post led to much reflection, including “Who does your town/city honour?’ It’s a great question. Vancouver Island, where I currently live, is home to influential and well-known actors, artists, athletes, journalists, musicians, philanthropists, politicians, Prime Ministers, scientists, Nobel… Continue reading A Local Hero in Our Midst
On a warm summer’s evening last June, Richard and I gathered at a nearby beachfront enjoying drinks and appetizers with others who had recently moved to Vancouver Island. The air vibrated with everyone's excitement with their new (or relatively new) surroundings. As most of us had finally reached retirement, the air was also filled with… Continue reading Seize Life
Retirement Reflections 