There are places to sit, and contemplate, if a chair is needed. There is always time to change and view life from a different angle. Today, is one of those days. Here, in my new- easy-to-cultivate garden, something my parents who grew food for a living would never have imagined, here I say my goodbyes to sixtyfivewhatnow.
Looking from this vantage point spoils us.
Making ourselves suffer less weakens our resolve in some ways.
We expect that life will forever get easier, for everyone.
I've counted over six hundred posts since January 2008, and over 800 followers. By tonight, I will have voted for two presidential elections, and my posts have been vocal about my leanings.
We have seen a financial collapse, the beginning and ending of two wars, half a decade of changes that included hurricanes, tsunami, drought, floods, oil spills, record heat waves, a sweeping change in the Arab World, financial and social changes in Europe, and melting of the ice caps.
Here at home, we have battled many issues, including the most painful of all, losing our son Brian in 2011. We are not over that tsunami event.
After five years of chronicling life after retirement, I'm ready to do something else. I have a couple of other blogs that will allow me the opportunity to continue to communicate with the blogging world, a world that has opened up many friendships, a world beyond my town and my country.
I want to thank you all, for your kindness, your generosity, your friendship. Do drop me an email if you'd like to remain in touch. If you like, join me on Facebook. Better yet, if you plan on travelling to this part of the world, know that there is room for you under this roof, and always a warm meal to share.
May your days be bright.
May your dreams be within your reach.
Rosaria
62 comments:
I'm sorry to see you go, but I understand new chapters. I've enjoyed your writing so much!
I so love your writing and your insights that I hate to see this chapter close, Rosaria! But I do understand the need for growth and change. I'd love to follow any new blogs you have and also to keep in touch. May you have many wonderful adventures!
i hope that no matter what tomorrow brings, you travel well...thanks for sharing the road with me thus far...smiles.
Oh, we know where to find you Ms. Rosaria! I do understand the need for endings and new beginnings ... hoping for a good election result tonight!!
Oh Darn! You were one of the first blogs about retirement that I discovered when I started this adventure. I appreciate your experience and your insight...and you've influenced what I cook too! One of these days I expect our RV will be in your neighborhood and I look forward to having l unch with you.
we know where to find your wisdom
...I have sat at your feet...learning
....God bless you Rosaria
I'm so sorry to hear this but only you know what you must do. I have so enjoyed your writings. I hope to be able to stay in touch but in the event......I wish you well for the rest of your life. Hugs.
aaah will miss your wit, but will still see glimpses of that on Facebook. I know the tsunami and wish you all the best in riding out those waves rolling afterwards. All good things come to an end, they say.
Dear Rosaria, It was through this blog that I met you and while I do understand you turning the page to other chapters, I admit to feeling a loss. Thank you for all the experience, strength and hope you shared in your "pages!" We will stay in touch through your other blogs.
I am sorry, I'll try to follow you in your others blog
I don't love facebook
ciao from Italy
Oh gosh, and I was just getting to know you. But I wish you well on your continuing journey.
Perhaps I'll look for you on facebook.
Rosaria,
I have followed quietly for some time now and enjoy your posts, all that you have offered. I also enjoy the community comments - so much wisdom in one place!
Best wishes on your next chapter. I will keep peeking to see if something new here or on your other blogs.
Stay well....
Kitty
I am sorry to see you go. I know that the last couple of years have been hard on you. That is an understatement. I think I have you on my Facebook page so I'll see you over there. All the best, I will miss your blog but I get it..........
Thanks for all you've shared. I've enjoyed coming here to visit with you. I hope your new direction is a fulfilling one for you.
I am saddened Rosaria.
Rosaria, this is oceangirl and I have made a request for friendship at FB. The avatar is the same.
I will miss your blog, but the best of luck with new endeavors. Will follow another of our blogs.
G'day Rosaria. I am sorry to see your blog finish, but I wish you everything good that may come your way in the future. If you ever get the chance to visit Australia, there is always a warm welcome waiting for you at my home. Keep well, be happy, all the very best. Take care. Liz...xx
I too am sorry to see you go from this blog site as I feel I am just getting to know you. I have enjoyed your writing and hope I might be able to follow you on your new blog. Enjoy your next adventure and thanks for being part of my life too.
Happy sailing Rosaria. I will keep in touch, from time to time by Email.
This not adieu but au revoir.
Arrivederci,
Paul
Best of luck, we'll miss you!
Tried to friend you on facebook but could not figure it out.
You have shared so much of yourself, Rosaria! I am grateful I could be part of your experiences, insights and wise discernments.
All the best to you and your family in all endeavors, and good health to you all.
Rosaria, I'm hoping you're share with me your other websites. I will miss this one greatly, but certainly understand the need to move on. I've been thinking of doing much the same myself. I truly will miss hearing of your latest projects, thoughts, and philosophy. Vaya con Dios. :)
Time passes and the river flows downstream. I'll see you in the ether.
Oh.. I did not expect this. I'm sorry you are closing down your wonderful blog. I will indeed miss you. I'm not a fan of Facebook but I hope you will share your other blog address with me. Hugs to you, Rosaria.
thesmittenimage@gmail.com
Bless YOU!!!!!!
Dear Rosaria, I've enjoyed your wisdom and insight in the aging process. I looked forward to all your posts. I understand your wanting to move on but I will sure miss you. I've often hesitated when referring to people I've met through blogging as "real friends" since we've never met, but I do feel like I'm saying goodbye to a dear friend. I wish you all the best of health and happiness. I will try to follow on your other blogs. I don't do facebook but if I ever do, I'll look for you. Take care!
Hi Rosaria .. life does move on - and you've had some real challenges to meet as time has aged us ... be at peace and enjoy what you do - giving you time to reflect and open up new ideas and opportunities - with many thoughts - Hilary
Aww. This news saddens me. We'll miss your inspiring words and insights. But I understand that you need change. Change is the only permanent thing in this world.
AQTF
Boodhooram likes http://schoolnotes-rosaria.blogspot.in/ too. ---- Boodhooram Ignoramus
I understand your need to move on Rosaria. When I have nothing left to say on my blog, then it, too, will have had its day. God bless. x
Darling Rosaria, you radiate such intelligence, such inspiration and such joy in life, in spite of your difficult journey. For all that, you are much loved and will be much missed here in this place - I, for one, am delighted to be one of your fans on Facebook and with your writing about your dear son too.
Big hugs to you, and grateful thanks!
Fhina (also passing as Cblah Ablah on FB) x
So sorry to see you go, Rosaria. You've been with me since I began this blog and have been a faithful friend. I can keep up with you on Facebook, let's be friends?
sorry to see you go...but I understand the need to change gears sometimes...happy days to you...
I would love to keep in touch and I think you are on my FaceBook which I am not particularly fond of as some people don't seem to think carefully before they write.
Almost all my bloglist seems to be retiring. I have slowed down but I surely do understand and marvel you have held on so very long.
I'll miss your stories here, but I'll continue visiting you at your other blogs, and I've just added you on Facebook (Shannon Kenoyer-Lawrence). Happy travels!
Shannon at The Warrior Muse
Be Well both you and your old man Rosaria!
I will miss you! The blog world is changing.......
All the best.
Maggie X
Nuts in May
Dear Rosaria, I am sorry to hear that you are going. We understand. One needs a change and new adventures. We'll keep in touch in some way, although I try not to be too long on the web myself.
Ciao e auguri per tutto cara Rosaria!
rosaria, while i will miss sixtyfivewhatnow very much, i admire your decision to move on to doing other things that interest you. as you said, nothing lasts forever, and it is always best to stop something in an interesting place. this you most certainly have done here. your memoir blog (when i was your age) was one of the first blogs i ever read. your honesty, fluidity of self expression and tales of your childhood captivated me, so i naturally was drawn in to read whatever else you wrote, and i will continue to do so. i can't imagine the difficulty of this past year for you and am wishing you all the best as you move forward into new territories. you are brave and resilient and have my complete admiration. i look forward to keeping in touch.
with love and gratitude,
amanda
That's so sad. Whatever blog you're up to. I will still follow you. You left something that we really appreciate and that's your wonderful and one of a kind blog. Thanks a lot.
truck finance
I am trying to catch up – so many posts to read – yours are always so interesting that I don’t want to miss any. The comments to your posts are also fun to read.
So I started back enjoying all my reading then I came to this last post…a final post? I am going to miss your blog – you always make such good points and you have a great philosophy of life. But I understand your need for something new and know you will do well in any subject. Thanks for all the great posts you published.
Oh dear! This is a shock! But not really a surprise. I understand your feeling of need to move on. I sometimes feel it myself.
I shall miss your blog.This has been one of those "best blogs on the web" for me, and I have tried never to miss it, even though I don't always leave a comment.
Blessings and Bear hugs in your travels!
I know how you feel - I used to do three posts a day when I first started - bursting with stuff to share. That was six years ago. Now, I'm lucky if I can think of something once a week. I've really enjoyed your writing. Thank you so much. I'll check your profile to see what your other blogs are about.
I will miss you here. You offer wisdom in a humble voice that's easy to hear. You have soothed my heart at times. I wish you all good things in a world that is ever changing! I often move to things that interest me, but find my way back to blogging. At least you have some blogs for that outlet :).
xxamy
I feel so sad to hear that, this is the first time I've read your blog and it’s very adorable. Good luck on your new chapter.
Hello Rosaria,
I am new to blogging and just started my own a few days ago. I just started reading some of your entries and it is so easy for me to relate to so many things that you talk about.....especially to the title of your blog. How many times have I asked myself that same question since turning 65 myself.
You have such a beautiful way of talking about your life and your feelings. I have experienced so many of the same things that you have. I hope you will come and visit my blog and tell me what you think.
I have enjoyed following you, and best wishes on all new endeavors. I will see if I can find your other blogs, and leave me comments on mine if you are so inclined, so we can stay in touch.
You will be missed. I am sorry to see you go just when I am getting into my own retirement and could use a few of your tips. Best wishes for the future.
Rosario I truly understand. I will miss you but I understand how life brings about change and different opportunities. all the best in the future. hugs.
Rosaria,
I have loved reading your blog and feel honored to have accompanied you on your journey of life these past couple years - through both good times and bad.
I wish you nothing but the loveliest of days and know that I'm hugging you from Southern California. Best of luck to all that you put your mind to. :)
So much love,
Phoenix/Tracy
Sorry you are closing this one and hope we can keep in touch. Thank you for sharing so much with us. I feel for you in your loss and think of you often. I do mean that. Lots of love from Sicily. xx
I'll find you on face or on other two blogs. Sincerely Loredana
I'm so glad I spotted your name on a comment, and got the chance to attend the closing ceremony of this blog which afforded me many hours of pleasure when I first discovered it! I shall look for your new branches! ♥
Though I've been remiss in my visits with my long sojourns in India, I will miss this blog, Rosaria. I must keep up with you, however. That drive up the coast must happen one of these days.
Dear Rosaria,
Thank you for your lovely comment and I'm so happy to hear that you would like to follow my blog.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son, and yes somehow for those of us who have lost a child no matter what the circumstance, writing, at least for me, is very cathartic. For many years I have kept this all to myself and I've had many dark days. By starting this blog it's like finding myself again and expressing feelings that I've suppressed far too long. To be able to relate to others is such a blessing to me... it's hard to feel like you are alone.
Yes, you are right there was no counseling available and the strangest thing was that my job at the time this happened I was working with a grief counselor/psychologist as his secretary but those are boundaries that you cannot cross.
My situation was unique because with an Ectopic pregnancy there is nothing a mother can do to save the baby as I was hemorrhaging internally. It truly was and is the most traumatic life experience I have had.
I am sure you and I will form a friendship and a bond across the miles and thank you for you kind words about my daughter. Happy Holidays to you also Rosaria and I look forward to a new friendship.
Kathleen
So sorry you are closing down your blog, Rosaria. I did not visit as often as I would have liked but I always regarded you as one of my original bloggy pals and with affection.
My best wishes to you and your family ~ Eddie
This was just one outlet, my first foray in the world of writing personal essays. I'm now in a different place, looking for more inspirational outlets. Join me at my other blogs.
Thanks for all your support.
Rosaria
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