I’m 67 years old and am now an orphan. I guess. My father recently joined my mother this year in their family plot, in the small prairie town where they both grew up, married, then left for their lifetimes as a military family. In retirement, after four children cast off along the way, they circled … More Grief. Again. Always.
Hard to introduce this essay, as it intersects with so many facets of my life. I originally wrote it for a story call about military children and their military generational traditions, but soon realized that it was about how military children fit in a bit sideways growing up in wider non-military families. I also noticed … More My (Non) Military Grandmother
You know you’re a military brat when… There are many ways to finish this thought. One way that I experienced this past week with my husband (and former brat himself, now a retired military veteran) while on a couple days getaway, is this. You are travelling, sight-seeing in a new area about a day’s drive … More You Know You’re a Military Brat when…
Yes, I am still writing stories. No, I haven’t been very prolific for awhile. You know, life and all. But today I was pleased to find my short story, “I am Ken’s Beer Stein” published in the Ottawa Independent Writer’s group yearly anthology, “Connections”. And more than pleased to discover that the first review of … More I Am (Still) an Author
An Author Experiment 2023 is more than half over. Now in my mid-60s, my own life is more than half over. No regrets, just surprise sometimes as I contemplate that. Like most of you, the past few years have been challenging, but again, like most of you, (hopefully), I’ve come through and am enjoying the … More Book Sales Direct
I’ve been retired for long enough that I no longer think of myself as retired. I’m simply living my life. My first years of retirement were busy establishing that new life, a life filled with hopes and dreams collected over the previous working lifetime, a life I was eager to achieve. I became a published … More Retirement Musings Year 6
So cliché, but seriously, where did the summer go? I must have said this before, but September feels like the start of a new year. And September 2022 finds me ready for a new start. Isn’t that just like life, starting over and over and over again? It’s not a bad thing, but it sure … More September : Time to Restart
I turned 64 today. May 2-4, always a long weekend, and usually great weather, and a great time. But today I feel… not melancholy, not sad, but…reflective is the probably the best word. Suddenly, without my noticing, I’m in my mid-60s. Not elderly, but, let’s say, if I wasn’t already retired, I would be soon … More Another Turn Around the Sun
Today is Februrary 28, 2022. It’s been 2 years ago today that my, our, world changed. Here is an excerpt from my book “Lost Year. A Pandemic Diary 2020”, which documents my own journey through the first of these past 2 years. It’s not a long book, unlike the year. Enjoy and remember with me. … More Pandemic Anniversary 2022
“Music—soother of the teenage beast. If I had to give a one-word answer to describe the most important part of early teenage years, it would be music.” So begins this excerpt from “Camp Follower One Army Brat’s Story” by Michele Sabad. Here’s some more from my Base Teen Town years – may it bring a … More Music : CAMP FOLLOWER Excerpt
Stevie Szabad, Author 