Staying Curious and Connected in Retirement
 |
| Tranquil Trout Lake with Autumn Trees |
Yesterday, a lovely lady around my age came to collect a few handmade pumpkins I listed on Facebook. We instantly connected and ended up having a wonderful conversation. Like me, she’s retired and enjoys her time at home—but she admitted there are weeks when she doesn’t leave the house at all.
My handmade fabric pumpkins
My handmade lace and fabric pumpkin has been sold
She loves her hobbies but wishes to be more active, and I completely understood that feeling. We both agreed that at our age, with so much time on our hands, it’s important to stay curious, keep learning, remain physically active, and find ways to cope with challenges such as loneliness.
Sadly, we both know people who are struggling with isolation, often abandoned or forgotten by friends and family. It’s heartbreaking, but also a reminder that staying in touch—sending a message, making a call, or simply showing up—matters so much.
Over the years, I’ve also experienced disappointment and distance from some people I cared about. But I’ve learned not to torture myself with why. As the saying goes, “You can take a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” If genuine kindness or love is missing, there’s not much I can do but continue to live my life with peace and gratitude.
Finding Joy in Everyday Living
Of course, I have my low days too. We all do. But when that feeling creeps in, I remind myself to get out of the house—even for a short walk or a few hours in nature. It always helps me reset my mood and perspective.
Here are some of the things that keep me active, happy, and fulfilled in my retirement:
Cooking at home – preparing rice balls
Cooking at home – preparing my own meals saves money and makes me feel grounded
- Daily routines – keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm.
- Cooking at home – preparing my own meals saves money and makes me feel grounded.
- Creative hobbies – I love painting, crafting, and making DIY projects that bring both joy and a bit of extra income.
- Getting out twice a week – beyond errands and daily walks, I explore new places or meet someone for a chat.
- Lifelong learning – YouTube is my classroom! I love keeping up with new skills and technology.
- Art and photography – I’m currently uploading my many photos to Fine Art America to sell as prints.
- Content creation – I enjoy filming and sharing my slow-living journey on my YouTube channel and blog.
- Personal care – I’m not a fashionista, but I take pride in my appearance. Even at home, I wear a little makeup, modest jewelry, and comfortable yet nice clothes. After all, what’s the point of keeping beautiful things hidden in the closet or china cabinet?
- Decluttering gently – I’m not a minimalist, but I’m slowly letting go of things I no longer use, embracing the calm simplicity of “quiet luxury.”
Embracing the calm simplicity of “quiet luxury”
Each step is a step forward
Each step is a step forward, just keep taking them
Keeping my home organized and cozy
Keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm
Embracing This Season of Life
Retirement is not the end of purpose—it’s the beginning of living more intentionally. By staying curious, nurturing our passions, and reaching out to others, we can fill our days with meaning and joy.
Spending time in Nature
If you’re retired or living alone, I encourage you to do something small each day that lifts your spirit—step outside, create something beautiful, or reconnect with someone you miss.
Thrifted candleholders needed some love.
Thrifted candleholders got some love
Thrifted cutting board in a teapot shape needed some love
Farmhouse cutting board in a teapot shape turned into serving tray
Using my fabric scraps by making a Teapot Cozy
Work in progress, making a Teapot Cozy
Work in progress, making a Teapot Cozy
Teapot Cozy done!
Beautiful tea serving tray with tea and Madeline cookies
“The line is busy” I love creating surreal art, collages
Piano, a Birthday present! My Surreal artwork,
Every season of life offers new chances to grow, learn, and shine.
Let’s Shine, grow learn and thrive together!
Let’s Shine, grow learn and thrive together!
This blog may contain a few carefully placed ads between paragraphs to support my work. Thank you for reading and supporting this space!
| Yesterday, a lovely lady around my age came to collect a few handmade pumpkins I listed on Facebook. We instantly connected and ended up having a wonderful conversation. Like me, she’s retired and enjoys her time at home—but she admitted there are weeks when she doesn’t leave the house at all. |
 |
| My handmade fabric pumpkins |
 |
| My handmade lace and fabric pumpkin has been sold |
She loves her hobbies but wishes to be more active, and I completely understood that feeling. We both agreed that at our age, with so much time on our hands, it’s important to stay curious, keep learning, remain physically active, and find ways to cope with challenges such as loneliness.
Sadly, we both know people who are struggling with isolation, often abandoned or forgotten by friends and family. It’s heartbreaking, but also a reminder that staying in touch—sending a message, making a call, or simply showing up—matters so much.
Over the years, I’ve also experienced disappointment and distance from some people I cared about. But I’ve learned not to torture myself with why. As the saying goes, “You can take a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” If genuine kindness or love is missing, there’s not much I can do but continue to live my life with peace and gratitude.
Finding Joy in Everyday Living
Of course, I have my low days too. We all do. But when that feeling creeps in, I remind myself to get out of the house—even for a short walk or a few hours in nature. It always helps me reset my mood and perspective.
Here are some of the things that keep me active, happy, and fulfilled in my retirement:
 |
| Cooking at home – preparing rice balls |
 |
| Cooking at home – preparing my own meals saves money and makes me feel grounded |
- Daily routines – keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm.
- Cooking at home – preparing my own meals saves money and makes me feel grounded.
- Creative hobbies – I love painting, crafting, and making DIY projects that bring both joy and a bit of extra income.
- Getting out twice a week – beyond errands and daily walks, I explore new places or meet someone for a chat.
- Lifelong learning – YouTube is my classroom! I love keeping up with new skills and technology.
- Art and photography – I’m currently uploading my many photos to Fine Art America to sell as prints.
- Content creation – I enjoy filming and sharing my slow-living journey on my YouTube channel and blog.
- Personal care – I’m not a fashionista, but I take pride in my appearance. Even at home, I wear a little makeup, modest jewelry, and comfortable yet nice clothes. After all, what’s the point of keeping beautiful things hidden in the closet or china cabinet?
- Decluttering gently – I’m not a minimalist, but I’m slowly letting go of things I no longer use, embracing the calm simplicity of “quiet luxury.”
 |
| Embracing the calm simplicity of “quiet luxury” |
 |
| Each step is a step forward |
 |
| Each step is a step forward, just keep taking them |
 |
| Keeping my home organized and cozy |
 |
| Keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm |
Embracing This Season of Life
Retirement is not the end of purpose—it’s the beginning of living more intentionally. By staying curious, nurturing our passions, and reaching out to others, we can fill our days with meaning and joy.
 |
| Spending time in Nature |
If you’re retired or living alone, I encourage you to do something small each day that lifts your spirit—step outside, create something beautiful, or reconnect with someone you miss.
 |
| Thrifted candleholders needed some love. |
 |
| Thrifted candleholders got some love |
 |
| Thrifted cutting board in a teapot shape needed some love |
 |
| Farmhouse cutting board in a teapot shape turned into serving tray |
 |
| Using my fabric scraps by making a Teapot Cozy |
 |
| Work in progress, making a Teapot Cozy |
 |
| Work in progress, making a Teapot Cozy |
 |
| Teapot Cozy done! |
 |
| Beautiful tea serving tray with tea and Madeline cookies |
 |
| “The line is busy” I love creating surreal art, collages |
 |
| Piano, a Birthday present! My Surreal artwork, |
Every season of life offers new chances to grow, learn, and shine.
 |
| Let’s Shine, grow learn and thrive together! |
 | |
|
Staying Curious and Connected in Retirement
|
| Tranquil Trout Lake with Autumn Trees |
Yesterday, a lovely lady around my age came to collect a few handmade pumpkins I listed on Facebook. We instantly connected and ended up having a wonderful conversation. Like me, she’s retired and enjoys her time at home—but she admitted there are weeks when she doesn’t leave the house at all.
My handmade fabric pumpkins
My handmade lace and fabric pumpkin has been sold
She loves her hobbies but wishes to be more active, and I completely understood that feeling. We both agreed that at our age, with so much time on our hands, it’s important to stay curious, keep learning, remain physically active, and find ways to cope with challenges such as loneliness.
Sadly, we both know people who are struggling with isolation, often abandoned or forgotten by friends and family. It’s heartbreaking, but also a reminder that staying in touch—sending a message, making a call, or simply showing up—matters so much.
Over the years, I’ve also experienced disappointment and distance from some people I cared about. But I’ve learned not to torture myself with why. As the saying goes, “You can take a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” If genuine kindness or love is missing, there’s not much I can do but continue to live my life with peace and gratitude.
Finding Joy in Everyday Living
Of course, I have my low days too. We all do. But when that feeling creeps in, I remind myself to get out of the house—even for a short walk or a few hours in nature. It always helps me reset my mood and perspective.
Here are some of the things that keep me active, happy, and fulfilled in my retirement:
Cooking at home – preparing rice balls
Cooking at home – preparing my own meals saves money and makes me feel grounded
- Daily routines – keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm.
- Cooking at home – preparing my own meals saves money and makes me feel grounded.
- Creative hobbies – I love painting, crafting, and making DIY projects that bring both joy and a bit of extra income.
- Getting out twice a week – beyond errands and daily walks, I explore new places or meet someone for a chat.
- Lifelong learning – YouTube is my classroom! I love keeping up with new skills and technology.
- Art and photography – I’m currently uploading my many photos to Fine Art America to sell as prints.
- Content creation – I enjoy filming and sharing my slow-living journey on my YouTube channel and blog.
- Personal care – I’m not a fashionista, but I take pride in my appearance. Even at home, I wear a little makeup, modest jewelry, and comfortable yet nice clothes. After all, what’s the point of keeping beautiful things hidden in the closet or china cabinet?
- Decluttering gently – I’m not a minimalist, but I’m slowly letting go of things I no longer use, embracing the calm simplicity of “quiet luxury.”
Embracing the calm simplicity of “quiet luxury”
Each step is a step forward
Each step is a step forward, just keep taking them
Keeping my home organized and cozy
Keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm
Embracing This Season of Life
Retirement is not the end of purpose—it’s the beginning of living more intentionally. By staying curious, nurturing our passions, and reaching out to others, we can fill our days with meaning and joy.
Spending time in Nature
If you’re retired or living alone, I encourage you to do something small each day that lifts your spirit—step outside, create something beautiful, or reconnect with someone you miss.
Thrifted candleholders needed some love.
Thrifted candleholders got some love
Thrifted cutting board in a teapot shape needed some love
Farmhouse cutting board in a teapot shape turned into serving tray
Using my fabric scraps by making a Teapot Cozy
Work in progress, making a Teapot Cozy
Work in progress, making a Teapot Cozy
Teapot Cozy done!
Beautiful tea serving tray with tea and Madeline cookies
“The line is busy” I love creating surreal art, collages
Piano, a Birthday present! My Surreal artwork,
Every season of life offers new chances to grow, learn, and shine.
Let’s Shine, grow learn and thrive together!
Let’s Shine, grow learn and thrive together!
This blog may contain a few carefully placed ads between paragraphs to support my work. Thank you for reading and supporting this space!
| Yesterday, a lovely lady around my age came to collect a few handmade pumpkins I listed on Facebook. We instantly connected and ended up having a wonderful conversation. Like me, she’s retired and enjoys her time at home—but she admitted there are weeks when she doesn’t leave the house at all. |
|
| My handmade fabric pumpkins |
|
| My handmade lace and fabric pumpkin has been sold |
She loves her hobbies but wishes to be more active, and I completely understood that feeling. We both agreed that at our age, with so much time on our hands, it’s important to stay curious, keep learning, remain physically active, and find ways to cope with challenges such as loneliness.
Sadly, we both know people who are struggling with isolation, often abandoned or forgotten by friends and family. It’s heartbreaking, but also a reminder that staying in touch—sending a message, making a call, or simply showing up—matters so much.
Over the years, I’ve also experienced disappointment and distance from some people I cared about. But I’ve learned not to torture myself with why. As the saying goes, “You can take a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” If genuine kindness or love is missing, there’s not much I can do but continue to live my life with peace and gratitude.
Finding Joy in Everyday Living
Of course, I have my low days too. We all do. But when that feeling creeps in, I remind myself to get out of the house—even for a short walk or a few hours in nature. It always helps me reset my mood and perspective.
Here are some of the things that keep me active, happy, and fulfilled in my retirement:
|
| Cooking at home – preparing rice balls |
|
| Cooking at home – preparing my own meals saves money and makes me feel grounded |
- Daily routines – keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm.
- Cooking at home – preparing my own meals saves money and makes me feel grounded.
- Creative hobbies – I love painting, crafting, and making DIY projects that bring both joy and a bit of extra income.
- Getting out twice a week – beyond errands and daily walks, I explore new places or meet someone for a chat.
- Lifelong learning – YouTube is my classroom! I love keeping up with new skills and technology.
- Art and photography – I’m currently uploading my many photos to Fine Art America to sell as prints.
- Content creation – I enjoy filming and sharing my slow-living journey on my YouTube channel and blog.
- Personal care – I’m not a fashionista, but I take pride in my appearance. Even at home, I wear a little makeup, modest jewelry, and comfortable yet nice clothes. After all, what’s the point of keeping beautiful things hidden in the closet or china cabinet?
- Decluttering gently – I’m not a minimalist, but I’m slowly letting go of things I no longer use, embracing the calm simplicity of “quiet luxury.”
|
| Embracing the calm simplicity of “quiet luxury” |
|
| Each step is a step forward |
|
| Each step is a step forward, just keep taking them |
|
| Keeping my home organized and cozy |
|
| Keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm |
Embracing This Season of Life
Retirement is not the end of purpose—it’s the beginning of living more intentionally. By staying curious, nurturing our passions, and reaching out to others, we can fill our days with meaning and joy.
|
| Spending time in Nature |
If you’re retired or living alone, I encourage you to do something small each day that lifts your spirit—step outside, create something beautiful, or reconnect with someone you miss.
|
| Thrifted candleholders needed some love. |
|
| Thrifted candleholders got some love |
|
| Thrifted cutting board in a teapot shape needed some love |
|
| Farmhouse cutting board in a teapot shape turned into serving tray |
|
| Using my fabric scraps by making a Teapot Cozy |
|
| Work in progress, making a Teapot Cozy |
|
| Work in progress, making a Teapot Cozy |
|
| Teapot Cozy done! |
|
| Beautiful tea serving tray with tea and Madeline cookies |
|
| “The line is busy” I love creating surreal art, collages |
|
| Piano, a Birthday present! My Surreal artwork, |
Every season of life offers new chances to grow, learn, and shine.
|
| Let’s Shine, grow learn and thrive together! |
| |
|
I’m glad that I chose to read this today. I only have an hour of freedom before heading out to usher at a show in our theater district but feeling a bit low and had time to go close by to a nature park so I am headed out with my dog to take a walk before switching gears and heading out. I needed that boot!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog, much appreciated! Believe me I have my low days too but getting out of the house and spending time in nature lifts my spirit.
I hope your day brightens up and you feel better my friend.
Sending you lots of ❤️❤️🤗🤗🤗
Vera