What I Wish I Knew Before I Retired
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
On one of my most recent blog posts, a fellow blogger commented that she was struck by the numerous “soul-enhancing relationships” that she observed in my words and photos. Her comment stayed with me. It was absolutely true. My life is overflowing with ‘soul enhancing’ relationships. It’s the reason that I retired early (so that… Continue reading Cherished Blogfest: My Most Cherished Gifts
Day 32 - Arriving in Finisterre - 17 km. As we walked our final kilometers to Finisterre, we became poignantly aware of all of the lasts that we were experiencing. Our last morning in an auberge (desperately trying not to wake those around us), our final glimpses of stunning Camino scenery, and the end of… Continue reading The End of Our Camino Experience: Arriving in Finisterre
Our days on the Camino have been incredibly full, with reliable internet being rare and illusive. Once a week, whenever the internet gods are with me, I will attempt to post quick postcards of highlights for that week. Here's a sneak peek from Week One. Getting There - July 19 & 20: We had a… Continue reading Post Cards from the Camino Trail 2017 – Week One
As I mentioned in my last post, I recently wrote a guest article for Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond. I would love if you could drop by and visit this site and check out my post. While you're there, be sure to browse some of Sue's great articles. And, if you could leave a comment… Continue reading Meaningful Mondays: Happiness Revisited – Guest Post for Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
Retirement Reflections 