HER STORY

My favorite way of engaging with art is when I’m wandering through cities discovering new murals. Stumbling upon vibrant, larger-than-life images feels like a personal discovery, as if the art was waiting for me to find it.

Next, more through luck than planning, the holiday company needed a leader in Bologna, Italy. As I had all my "work" clothes with me anyway, they flew me straight from Paris to Bologna! I'm a 64-year-old pensioner with a miserable pension, so I'm amazed by the opportunities I still have to explore the world.

I had a revelation while standing on this narrow spit of land, gazing out to sea. I would navigate the entire coastline of Kent! I acquired maps and set off. Then I continued into neighboring East and West Sussex and then more inland, eager to explore more.

We had many surfing trips to Tofino and became known as the Surf Sistas. Sharing those days with women, who trusted me, who shared laughs, stories, and feelings over wine, good food, and walks on the beach, was the start of a sisterhood that is still strong today. 

I realized that this trip was a journey through time, into my mother's past and into my future, that our lives are interconnected, and I've become more like my Mom than I ever thought possible.

I discovered Forest Therapy as I was going through menopause. It has helped me weather the storm of my changing body and find inspiration for the years ahead.

Through the thrilling, scary, frustrating, and lovely moments with my family, I am constantly learning about myself. Reflecting on what my parents went through in raising such a free spirit often leaves me breathless.

I found purpose after retirement by combining my passion for the arts with my fundraising skills. I lucked into finding something meaningful to devote my time to that has given me so much in return.

Why did going in the ocean in the winter become a thing for me? I don't have an answer to those questions except that it brings me joy … along with the shivers. It makes me feel good even when I'm freezing. I never dread it. If a dip is planned, I just go.

I was raised in a pragmatic family who didn’t talk about “airy-fairy” things. So, when I had a vivid dream about being lost and felt panicked and then saw my “connection” in the distance and calmed down…. I finally knew what my tattoo would be.

Is searching the internet for the perfect job or the perfect mate really that different? In my experience, it's not! I suspect any woman who's experienced either of these journeys knows what I mean. For the rest of you, let me explain.

The best antidote to despair is to take positive action. This signals to ourselves and the universe that we have not given up and won’t surrender to the darkness. The world doesn’t need more despair, negativity, and guilt. It requires those of us who CAN do something positive to DO something positive.

I have wanted a motorhome since I was ten, and now, at 60, I finally do. And I purchased it solo after my husband passed. To me, the motorhome symbolizes freedom and travel

I'm not a risk taker, but my husband is, so we balance each other out and do things our friends say are brave, and others say are crazy. We've had a wild ride these last few years, but we've come out on top.

A vital part of aging and movement, as you all so generously share here, is the ability to move widely and unimpeded. Keeping our feet healthy will enable us to do this as long as possible.

Other great additions are macadamia nuts, peanut butter pretzels, dried cranberries, yogurt-covered raisins, royal nut mix, dried mangos … whatever captures your fancy. I like to pay special attention to the chocolate content!

When she left, the house became eerily quiet. The silence was a constant reminder of the loss I was mourning. As the months crept on it did get easier. Although getting to that point proved to be challenging.

My dad didn't mind my mom was hiking as long as dinner waiting for him when he got home! Although most of my mom's hikes were on Wednesdays, eventually, her day hikes turned into epic hiking trips a few times a year all around the world. 

From your basic crackers-and-cheese plate to those impressive works of art with salami that looks like a rose, Charcuterie boards are universally loved. Portable though? Not so much. Enter the Snacklebox with all the benefits of a charcuterie board with the added bonus of being carried in a pack to the outdoors.

The amateur musicians on the stage broke into Alberta Bound, and everyone in the room sang along and smiled at us. This memory visits me often. The love in that little inn in the middle of nowhere Virginia was palpable. The fact that it was coupled with the music I grew up listening to still makes me emotional.

Odin is a huge dog who will only live a few more years. I don't want want to wish his life away, but I'm looking to the future without a dog. This midlife and beyond woman is ready to dog-sit her grand puppies and go on happy rambles with no worries about who'll care for my dog.