What I Wish I Knew Before I Retired
When I last wrote on this blog, a little over a month ago, I promised I’d return mid-September for our monthly What’s On Your Bookshelf post. And that’s partially true. I’m back—but this time to say goodbye. In early August, I took a break from blogging so my husband and I could fly to Hong… Continue reading The Farewell Post
Have You Heard About 'The Big Library Read' Initiative? Big Library Read (BLR) is a global reading program that connects readers from around the world with the same ebook at the same time without waitlists or holds. Initiated by OverDrive in 2013, BLR typically takes place three times a year, with each event lasting for… Continue reading What’s on Your Bookshelf? Big Library Read & More!
I didn't realize how much I love December until I began writing about it. It's not the glitter and the glamour but the much deeper offerings this month brings. December gives us a clean break from our routines. It invites us to reflect, to celebrate, and to close the cover on the past so that… Continue reading Reflections on December
Recently, the co-organizer of my local WordPress Meet Up Group asked if I would give a short presentation on encouraging online reader discussion. I immediately turned to Google. There I found many contradictory strategies . I have sifted through these suggestions, and have included the ones that have worked for me, along with my own… Continue reading Encouraging Online Reader Discussion
The Joys of Blogging So far on this site, I have written a fair amount about blogging. If you are passionate about on-line writing (either as a reader, a writer or both), you know how blogging can take hold of you and fill a void that you never realized you had. The real-time sharing of… Continue reading Summer Series: Favorite Retirement/Lifestyle Bloggers
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 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'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
This past week, I hit the one-year mark both of being officially retired and of living back in Canada. With a full year behind me, has it been all that I anticipated? Yes and no--in equal measures. I remember a conversation that I had with one of my daughter-in-laws the day that we arrived back… Continue reading Reflections on Retirement – One Year In
Retirement Reflections 