Retired IT consultant. Retired Hockey Mom. Retired Base Brat and Military wife. Lifelong learner. Writer.
One way I am happier in retirement – I blow money on things. I’ve worked for money to support myself and my family since babysitting money from Friday nights paid for my Saturday mall outings. I progressed, scrimping and saving for univerity and college as a lifeguard while my young husband (young then!) joined the … More Retirement Lesson, Year 4. Spend (More) Money.
I like lists. I like making lists, and categorizing. As an independent author in retirement, I’ve done many book signings, at many different kinds of venues : large chain bookstores (the Indigo family here in Canada), independent bookstores (like those in my own town of Aylmer, Quebec), fairs and showcases where I may have to … More Book Buyers of Camp Follower
Here’s a post that few people will admit they can relate to. It’s about (one of many) problems I’m experiencing with growing older. No, not that my body hurts in the morning until after coffee, nor that young people find me invisible, nor that I can’t (don’t wanna) bungee-jump, or stay up past midnight. This … More Look – Don’t Act – Your Age
A military child remains one all her life, for good or ill, right into senior citizenship. Those who follow this blog know I am usually upbeat and content with my life, and for good reason – I’ve been blessed with health, enough prosperity to retire from my former career to become a successful (as defined … More Elderly Care: One Army Brat’s Regret
This is a confusing time for me. I’ve been watching documentaries all week about the space race and missions, and especially the moon landing of 50 years ago. What an exciting, inspiring era I grew up in! But today, July 15, marks an unhappy family anniversary. It was on this day 20 years ago that … More My Mother; The Moon Landing: July 1969; July 1999
I’ve always wanted to write what I myself would like to read. I like fiction. But my first book, Camp Follower One Army Brat’s Story turned into a non-fiction memoir about my life as an army kid, air Force wife, hockey mom, and now retiree to my kids’ hometown of Aylmer, Quebec. It was fun … More Writer Dilemma
Originally posted on Stevie Szabad, Author:
Wow, published this 2 years go. It still reflects my feelings of being a lucky Canadian. Hope you enjoy the repeat post. Many years ago, when I was young, I asked,“Grandma, weren’t there native Americans already living on your land when you homesteaded it?” “Well, sure, I guess, but…
As a military kid then spouse, I can’t remember how many times I’ve crossed the country by car. It seems all the postings were from East to West or vice versa. I won’t bore you here with the wheres to wheres – If you read my book Camp Follower One Army Brat’s Story by Michele … More Travel : Road Trip 2019, Northern Ontario
Who reads cookbooks? Why? I’ve never owned a cookbook, at least one that I’ve kept. Sometimes I’ve been given one as a gift but I can’t remember ever reading one. I have my old recipe binder that my mother created, but again, I don’t read it or use it for the recipes, I just look … More Who Reads Cookbooks?
So just returned from my first ever “Writer’s Retreat”, organized by the ottawaindependentwriters.com. What is a writer’s retreat? I didn’t know, but assumed it was a quiet place away from home where a writer could write. Well, yes, it was. First, it was away from home. In quaint little Westport, Ontario, nestled on a lake … More Writer’s Retreat : Westport
Stevie Szabad, Author 