I live in a house in the woods on a narrow dirt road. Since 1981 almost to the day, I have been commuting long distances to bustling places of commerce. I have been involved in both the financing and the bricks and mortar of commercial real estate projects around New England. I have lived in my car in “Big Dig” traffic. I have been a “deal junkie.” I closed that chapter of my life this week.
Friendships with colleagues will move from daily kibbitzing to the “we really must catch up soon” category. The ties will hold. The ropes will be longer. This new chapter is the proverbial blank page. One of the good things about having been on the planet a while (with the weight of all of those dog-eared pages in your psychic backpack) is that a blank page looks pretty good.
I will once again write letters from these woods. The last time was for a newspaper. This time will be the computer equivalent of putting a note in a bottle and throwing it into the bay. Putting the paper in the bottle and giving it the heave-ho is what it’s all about. My current motto is, ” You never know. . .” Not knowing is exciting. Who would have thought?
Brava!!!
Love you – jas
Congratulations and welcome to the blogosphere! [Clicking through from Jill's blog]
Hooray for next chapters and blank pages!
Congratulations on putting the finishing touches on one big aspect of your life and being excited about what comes next, I’ll be looking to see what comes next!
Aunt Carol! I miss you a whole lot and am so glad to hear of your new “status.” Congratulations and I hope this means I might see you with all of your free time! Can’t wait to read more from the woods…..
Wow, Jill wasn’t kidding – even this short little entry shows what a flair you have with words.
“dog-eared pages in your psychic backpack” – please keep writing!
Congratulations! I can’t wait to keep reading about your adventures in retirement. No one deserves it more than you. And on October 3rd, 2007 I could have sworn that I heard “the sigh of relief that issued forth from the diva’s mouth (was) SO loud that it was mistaken by some to be the early onset of the Sciroccan Winds, which would often roll through the Schwarzwald with a vengance!”
Best of luck on your retirement. Love you.
Joe Berry
Thanks to Joe for telling me about this. You are right, the ties WILL hold. I miss you already. Keep writing so I can feel like I am listening to you in person. Love, Gayle
Though I live not far from the Woods and actually have a few large trees on the property, I am so envious of this new chapter in your life. I will see you off and on as the months go by, who knows maybe even a sewing day in the Woods. Enjoy the rest and relaxation now forI know the time will fill up with things you have been hoping to find the time to do. Remember, Boomer could always use a walk. I’ll do the comute for you fr a while longer. See you soon.
Thanks to Gayle for telling me about your blog. It makes sense that you had a newspaper column, because you are a great story teller. I always enjoyed listening to your stories in work and will miss them and you greatly. I have set your blog page as one of my favorties, and look forward to vicariously sharing your experiences and adventures. Please write about your cat and any and all other animals you may encounter since you’re “from the woods”. Enjoy your Retirement, You Deserve It ! xoxo, Maureen
Welcome to blogging!
(One of Jill’s friends)
Breakfast aint the same when the eggs are from more than 10 feet away and the sausage does not have a first name. -mec