I'm at an age where many people are downsizing and cleaning out their homes. Some folks are taking care of their parents' or older relatives' estates. At times, it's an overwhelming task, with so many decisions to make-- some items easy to discard and others with sentimental value that must be saved. As hard as … Continue reading Hidden Dreams: Hidden Selves
dancing
A Journey in Joy
Over the past few weeks, I've had rich conversations with several friends about finding the artist within. Since many in my age group are retired, it's natural that they have more time to focus on creativity. Sometimes people hesitate to speak of themselves as being "creatives"--- as if that's a designation for only a select … Continue reading A Journey in Joy
Planning Your Next Pilgrimage
For twenty years I was a school nurse. Though I've been retired from that position for over five years, I still find myself following the rhythm of the school year. By this time, with the holiday stretch from Thanksgiving through the MLK Holiday weekend, the reality of winter and the long road to Spring break … Continue reading Planning Your Next Pilgrimage
Riding a New Carousel
Stepping into the fog of this new year, things felt a bit off-kilter for me, like I couldn't quite settle down after my move and the holidays-- still thinking there's "one more thing" I need to get done. But the thing I most needed to do was spend time yesterday with my younger grandson, Parks. … Continue reading Riding a New Carousel
Opening the Door to a New Beginning
Last Thursday I took another step to move toward the next chapter of my life: I closed on a townhouse. I've never bought a home by myself. Unlocking the door for the first time, felt like having the golden key to my new kingdom. I was moving out of the muddy river of the in-between-time … Continue reading Opening the Door to a New Beginning
Seasons: Online Dating
I left in summer for Scotland and returned in fall--with the trees in the beginning of their autumnal hues and displays of pumpkins and mums in stores and on porches. How quickly life moves forward from day to day and season to season. It catches me by surprise--no matter how much I orient myself with … Continue reading Seasons: Online Dating
One Fun Night in Dublin
On September 8th, when Kim and I were waiting for our flight to Scotland at the Raleigh-Durham Airport, news came of Queen Elizabeth II's passing. The next days, as we walked through the historic cobblestone streets of Edinburgh, preparations had started for the arrival of her procession from Balmoral. What pageantry followed as Great Britain's … Continue reading One Fun Night in Dublin
Music: A Gift Over Time
When I was doing Life Coaching sessions, I had clients who were trying to find their true selves. They'd gotten bogged down in life, being the responsible adults they 'should be'; they'd lost who they were before adult responsibilities weighed them down. I'd suggest activities that would help them go back to what they loved … Continue reading Music: A Gift Over Time
Non-Negotiables: Online Dating
Over the past months as I've ventured further into the world of dating, I've been chewing on the concept of Non-Negotiables. With the online match sites, I've read hundreds of profiles since I joined almost two years ago. In those descriptions of what that person is like, what they're looking for, they begin outlining their … Continue reading Non-Negotiables: Online Dating
What do I need now?
Lately I've been thinking a lot about how to navigate this chapter of my life. As I mentioned in my post, Really Retired, I've finally ended my career as a nurse. Last week, I let go of taking care of my grandson two days a week which I've been doing for over three years. As … Continue reading What do I need now?
Connie Rosser Riddle 