The Season of Awakening
It’s Easter week, and the last frost has passed here in the South. The soil is warming, and planting season has begun. But this time of year stirs more than just the earth—it stirs something deeper within us. As we prepare our homes and gardens for spring, perhaps it’s worth asking: What needs clearing in…
Live Your Life and Forget Your Age. Even if there are signs otherwise.
We’re becoming limited editions – increasingly valuable and slightly eccentric. Some days, we move like creaky antique chairs; other days, we feel like the life of the party (as long as the party ends by 8 PM). Aging isn’t for sissies, but it does come with some unexpected perks — like truly not caring what…
Are You Happy?
Are you happy right now — in this season of your life, this chapter, this very morning? Or have you gotten good at pushing through the daily grind, hoping that someday happiness will catch up with you? Most of us learn how to keep going and get things done. We smile when we’re expected to….
What Weight Do You Carry Around?
Have you ever felt like no matter how much you tried, you were still carrying too much weight — emotionally, mentally, or physically? Maybe it’s stress, regret, or the pressure to be everything to everyone — and it feels like no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to put it down. I get…
Clutter: A Relic of a Life You No Longer Live
Why Decluttering Became Necessary Last May, I set out to declutter my home — not just to create space but to clear my mind and invite new ideas. Somewhere along the way, I had crossed a line between collecting memories and being buried under them. They say we spend the first two-thirds of our lives…
How Will You Spend the Time You Have Left?
“Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes…” How do you measure a year? The song Seasons of Love asks a simple but profound question: How do you measure a year? Jonathan Larson, the creator of Rent, wrote it as a reminder that time isn’t measured in paychecks, deadlines, or accomplishments—it’s measured in love, in moments…
The Season of Awakening
It’s Easter week, and the last frost has passed here in the South. The soil is warming, and planting season has begun. But this time of year stirs more than just the earth—it stirs something deeper within us. As we prepare our homes and gardens for spring, perhaps it’s worth asking: What needs clearing in…
Are You Happy?
Are you happy right now — in this season of your life, this chapter, this very morning? Or have you gotten good at pushing through the daily grind, hoping that someday happiness will catch up with you? Most of us learn how to keep going and get things done. We smile when we’re expected to….
What Weight Do You Carry Around?
Have you ever felt like no matter how much you tried, you were still carrying too much weight — emotionally, mentally, or physically? Maybe it’s stress, regret, or the pressure to be everything to everyone — and it feels like no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to put it down. I get…
Have You Experienced a Setback?
Remember that time you thought everything was falling apart? What if it was falling into place? “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll. We’ve all heard that quote, right? While we can’t control what happens to us, we can control our attitude and response….
Rethinking Reinvention – The Quiet Power of Doing Nothing
A Shift in Perspective For the past year, I’ve been telling myself — and you — that as we age, we need to reinvent ourselves, find new purposes, and keep moving. But recently, I’ve started to wonder: What if that’s not the answer for everyone? What if real freedom comes from simply being? This shift…
Twelve Years Sober: The Truth No One Wants to Hear
Twelve years ago today, I hit rock bottom. Not the kind of “rock bottom” that comes with a warning label or some dramatic movie moment where you suddenly realize it’s time to change. No, mine was a slow, painful unraveling until one day—February 4th—I found myself with no more excuses. No more rationalizing. No more…
The Season of Awakening
It’s Easter week, and the last frost has passed here in the South. The soil is warming, and planting season has begun. But this time of year stirs more than just the earth—it stirs something deeper within us. As we prepare our homes and gardens for spring, perhaps it’s worth asking: What needs clearing in…
Live Your Life and Forget Your Age. Even if there are signs otherwise.
We’re becoming limited editions – increasingly valuable and slightly eccentric. Some days, we move like creaky antique chairs; other days, we feel like the life of the party (as long as the party ends by 8 PM). Aging isn’t for sissies, but it does come with some unexpected perks — like truly not caring what…
Are You Happy?
Are you happy right now — in this season of your life, this chapter, this very morning? Or have you gotten good at pushing through the daily grind, hoping that someday happiness will catch up with you? Most of us learn how to keep going and get things done. We smile when we’re expected to….
What Weight Do You Carry Around?
Have you ever felt like no matter how much you tried, you were still carrying too much weight — emotionally, mentally, or physically? Maybe it’s stress, regret, or the pressure to be everything to everyone — and it feels like no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to put it down. I get…
Clutter: A Relic of a Life You No Longer Live
Why Decluttering Became Necessary Last May, I set out to declutter my home — not just to create space but to clear my mind and invite new ideas. Somewhere along the way, I had crossed a line between collecting memories and being buried under them. They say we spend the first two-thirds of our lives…
How Will You Spend the Time You Have Left?
“Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes…” How do you measure a year? The song Seasons of Love asks a simple but profound question: How do you measure a year? Jonathan Larson, the creator of Rent, wrote it as a reminder that time isn’t measured in paychecks, deadlines, or accomplishments—it’s measured in love, in moments…
A Love-Hate Relationship with Cruising: My Mykonos Experience
Let’s get real for a moment—I have a love-hate relationship with cruising. I adore the convenience of unpacking just once, knowing that my cozy bed will be waiting for me each night. Room service with my morning coffee? Yes, please. Elegant teas and delicious dinners? Count me in. But, honestly, I hate that I only…
Safety When Traveling Abroad
The locations I’ve provided in a recent travel guide are generally considered safe for travelers, especially when basic travel safety precautions are observed. However, safety can vary based on several factors, including political stability, local laws, and cultural norms, especially for women traveling alone. Here’s a quick overview of considerations for some of the destinations…
Steps to Travel Safely in Today’s World
Travel and photography are two of my top priorities. As I mentioned last week, I am planning the next two years of travel. I do have concerns about potential global conflict in some regions, but I am planning anyway. In my years of personal travel, there has only been one time I felt unsafe and…
Exploring the World: Ideal Destinations for Women and the Best Times to Go
A 12-Month Calendar of Ideas When I set foot in Europe at 16 on a school trip, my love for travel and history was ignited. That three-week adventure across the continent opened my eyes to the wonders of the world, and I knew I was destined to explore its vast landscapes and cultures. Throughout my…
Introducing Kathy Kelley: Our New Travel Advisor
We are excited to introduce Kathy Kelley as our new travel advisor! With her extensive experience crafting unique travel experiences, Kathy is here to bring you the best in travel tours, many of which come with special pricing for solo travelers. Kathy Kelley and I are planning an exciting Tauck tour of Italy next year,…
Albuquerque for My 66th Birthday on Route 66
I love to travel, but I wouldn’t say I like to travel sometimes. I was excited to head to New Mexico to be with a good friend for my 66th birthday. My friend and I tried to calculate how many times I’d been to New Mexico to visit her over the past 16 years. It…
The Unspoken Exit Door: Revealing How Corporations Discriminate Against Older Workers in America
While society promotes diversity and inclusivity, a troubling issue persists: corporations unfairly targeting older employees. The silent discrimination of ageism not only impacts those directly affected but also shapes the overall makeup of our workforce. I faced this harsh reality when my senior vice president asked if I was taking a buyout as I was…
Losing Your Job
I know many people who lost their positions this past week. I feel for them, and I understand the anger, anxiety, and fear you’re feeling. I wrote a draft of the following blog post and checklist to publish later this month. I hope it helps and inspires some of you who are going through job…
From Corporate Job Loss to Joining the Gig Economy
Losing a corporate job can be a devastating experience, particularly for women over 60 who have dedicated years to their careers. However, in the face of this setback, many resilient women are discovering new opportunities in the gig economy. They are embracing the flexibility and autonomy of gig work to keep money flowing while searching…
Estate Planning for Women
When my husband died, I was in shock, saddened, and angry. Every emotion you can think of for someone who lost the love of her life. Following the funeral, the day will come when you must look at the business aspect of dying. That’s not meant to be cold-hearted; it’s a reality. I think my…
Confronting Financial Uncertainties as We Age
The thought of financial insecurity in our senior years is frightening. Honestly, my biggest fear is outliving my savings and compromising the lifestyle I enjoy. This image, perhaps as vivid as the lone woman with a shopping cart at a busy intersection, is not just a personal nightmare but a shared concern among us. In…
Protecting Yourself and Friends from Financial Scams
The rise of financial scams targeting older people is a growing concern that hits close to home for many of us. Whether through online deception, telephone fraud, or romance scams, the impact on victims is not just financial but deeply emotional. Sadly, I’ve witnessed older women in my community, once vibrant and independent, grappling with…
Roasted Tomato Sauce/Paste
The Surprising Reality of Roasting Tomatoes: A Journey from Garden to Table I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and garden. Sometimes, taking on a new project is fun, especially when it involves fresh produce from your garden or a generous neighbor’s harvest. But occasionally, the process can surprise you—and not always in the way you’d…
The Art of Cooking and Dining for One
Sometimes, tossing a frozen pizza into the oven is more accessible than cooking a healthy meal. I love to cook but don’t like to cook for myself. And here I am encouraging you to cook for yourself! Let’s face it: cooking for yourself is healthier, less expensive, probably more delicious, and we are worth cooking…
Batch Cooking
I love to cook. Food is my language; if I love you, I will feed you. While I love to cook, I also love to eat. Some days, I want to grab dinner from the freezer. I want to share several recipes that are usually in my freezer. Much of my batch cooking follows a…
