June of 2022 I officially retired as a United Methodist Elder in Full Connection. The funny thing is I've had the opportunity to preach more in retirement than when I was "active". lol I love it. Funny how different life is when you truly get to do what you want to do.
I learned, over my 30 years in "active" ministry to take care of me. Now, I truly do take care of me and what a difference it makes. My "retired" ministry is very ... ahem ... active but in a way that allows me to do what I need to do for me. I definitely get my down time during which I've rediscovered embroidery. Oh how I love it. The picture above is a honeybee brooch I embroidered recently. Now I'm writing up the instructions for others to make it and submitting it to an amazing embroidery magazine. I hope they'll "take the bait". lol Regardless I will be adding the Mrs. Honey Bee kit to my Etsy embroidery and crochet shop. My embroidery also utilizes my sketching ability which my wonderful nephew has helped me develop. He's only 10 years old but wow! He's got some amazing sketching skills. We enjoy spending time together drawing.
I've also continued my teaching music and drama to the ESE classes of the Upper Keys schools. However invigorating and exhausting at the same time. My students are precious and absolutely amazing. The things they come up with really demonstrates their creative spirits. I love helping them learn how to express that creativity in helpful ways.
My Living Waters Rx Project has received a request from the local hospital to help not only with Rx but also transportation for medical appointments. And they also have provided $10,000 to do exactly that! I love being able to create and facilitate ways for people to access health care. Our community is largely below federal poverty and resources are few so I'm glad to add this possibility to increase access.
And then we have my sweet Woofie. Woofie is my scruffy lovable loyal 4 legged owner of the house. She and I are buds and do everything together.
Retirement is life changing and in order for it to be good, the retiree needs to be open to new possibilities. I'm loving it and never felt more alive.
