tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post5688219532177346482..comments2024-03-19T08:35:01.699+00:00Comments on Love my life: Create your own lifeMeanqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-67474619765857154092017-07-01T10:24:57.346+01:002017-07-01T10:24:57.346+01:00I believe the that everyone can be creative in th...I believe the that everyone can be creative in their own way. This is not something I always thought. I believed that there were creative people and the rest were....... .<br />I thought that I fell into that second category until later in life when people, friends and collegues called me creative. I have come to understand that creativity has a wider breath than I once thought: a meal made from leftover, a small vignette created in my home, a display in my classroom, some knitted dishcloths, an arrangement picked from my garden or an afternoon tea hosted by me. The things that give use joy, things that delight that's creativity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-59527802617484813612017-06-29T07:43:01.943+01:002017-06-29T07:43:01.943+01:00As others have already said , an inspiring post th...As others have already said , an inspiring post that got me thinking about creativity. I am in awe of anyone who can draw, paint and have a creative bent in that area , as I don't ! My creativity comes in a musical form, playing Irish wooden flute ( self taught when I was 30 ish) . I find that it recharges my batteries and makes me feel like a child again , as well as giving me a great sense of achievement when I finally master a difficult tune ! Likewise in the garden my creativity comes to the fore , doesn't matter if it doesn't all work out ,I just give it a go and enjoy the experience......I think this relaxed attitude has come with age, one of the many benefits of maturity. Shelly Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17849461150570092349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-89592666934535712582017-06-28T10:06:11.576+01:002017-06-28T10:06:11.576+01:00I think you are more intrepid than me, Ilona, I am...I think you are more intrepid than me, Ilona, I am in awe of the long distances you cover! I do recommend Hampstead Heath for walking, it is a beautiful place and the views across London are breathtaking. Yes, I always find I've got ideas for things to do or make, or bits of DIY to tackle at home. I really want to keep fit and active for as long as I possibly can. I think some of it is just down to luck and DNA at the end of the day, though trying to keep physically active is very important I think.kateonthecoasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08891902076668283146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-91039381228663973552017-06-28T09:42:11.724+01:002017-06-28T09:42:11.724+01:00I just think that your outlook is so sensible and ...I just think that your outlook is so sensible and so perceptive, that you might be just what the country needs. I think you have a very clever and interesting way of seeing things, Ilona. You have certainly made me think a bit differently about some things, esp. growing older and maybe what life is really about, in the short time I have been reading your blog.<br />Kind regards, Eilidh xAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-23345710819306136772017-06-28T08:51:48.845+01:002017-06-28T08:51:48.845+01:00I only want to live forever if I can use my hands ...I only want to live forever if I can use my hands and talk sensible. There is so many interesting things to do. Of to my craft group this morning, taking my garden quilt to show them.<br />Have a good day everyone,<br />Hazel c uk<br />hazel c UK https://www.blogger.com/profile/01638654030434369177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-31209103493044010882017-06-28T08:33:16.953+01:002017-06-28T08:33:16.953+01:00I agree!!I agree!!Linda Kennedyhttp://www.elliekennedywriter.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-53677540734125092902017-06-28T08:06:20.260+01:002017-06-28T08:06:20.260+01:00We sound very much alike, Kate. I often think so m...We sound very much alike, Kate. I often think so much to do and not enough time left. I want it to go on forever. Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-45504318743167418052017-06-28T07:25:25.267+01:002017-06-28T07:25:25.267+01:00This is what I keep trying to impress on my four k...This is what I keep trying to impress on my four kids. Two are with it the other two not so much. Freedom to live as we want is the best way to live.Wendy @ The contented Cavernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12997397522566070661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-49443359983056234462017-06-28T06:53:25.352+01:002017-06-28T06:53:25.352+01:00Love the repurposed lampshade. Those shadows are ...Love the repurposed lampshade. Those shadows are so cool!! xxlovelygreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03864666054403517265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-72538425267497505952017-06-28T00:29:29.915+01:002017-06-28T00:29:29.915+01:00Sounds to me that you have a good life Kate.When I...Sounds to me that you have a good life Kate.When I was young I would have loved to have been a window dresser but for some reason I never did anything about it.My parents passed on when they were 56 years,which is younger than I am now.I remember my mum always said to me-I don't mind what you do as long as you're happy-so that's how I try to be.I worry sometimes about aging,as I'm almost 58,but I'm sure everything will be just fine.I've never been to Hampstead Heath,I expect you have taken some lovely photos xflisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-56130901000840697122017-06-28T00:23:54.615+01:002017-06-28T00:23:54.615+01:00Such an interesting question Ilona. I think I fel...Such an interesting question Ilona. I think I fell into my life rather than planned it. I wouldn't describe myself as artistic but I think I am creative in my own way.<br />Life is in transition again as I enter retirement (forced rather than planned) but hoping to get a fresh start with part-time work soon. I have to be practical when it comes to finances but I have learned to let go of a lot of things (both physical things and otherwise) and I don't worry now what others think the way that I used to.<br />I am creative in my small apt. - moving furniture around, finding new uses for what I already own and learning new skills along the way.<br />I'm learning to be more creative when it comes to my time - I'm exploring my own city, finding low and no cost things to do - trying out new activities (yoga) and appreciating small treats rather than always spending money. Thanks for this topic.Margie from Torontohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10103835021764804099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-36975928791449383382017-06-27T23:29:00.724+01:002017-06-27T23:29:00.724+01:00A lot of older men do seem to become very controll...A lot of older men do seem to become very controlling and demanding! I just couldn't be bothered now, I don't want to have to pander to someone else.kateonthecoasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08891902076668283146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-60118761433506058362017-06-27T23:20:40.862+01:002017-06-27T23:20:40.862+01:00I was always a creative type, much better at art a...I was always a creative type, much better at art and making things as opposed to academic skills. I drifted through my earlier years, wasted a lot of time doing office work and other jobs I hated, basically because I needed to pay the bills and didn't have the confidence to pursue any other path. Following the break up of a relationship and the death of my mother in an accident, I began to see that life is very short, none of knows what lies ahead, and we have to try and make the very most of each day that is given to us. I went back to art college as a mature student and to cut a long story short, I ended up as a window dresser in a large department store for 16 years. I absolutely loved this job, which was perfect for me, loved the store and made many friends there. However following the recession it all changed, shareholders took over what had been a family business. All the creativity went from the job, the hours got difficult, the management became aggressive and some health issues meant I couldn't cope with it physically any more. I took the risk of early retirement and have never regretted it. I absolutely love having time to draw, paint, take photographs, do DIY around my home and so on. I worry about money a lot, but basically I am managing and my freedom means everything to me. I have been holidaying on my own in London every year now for 15 years, I go walking and exploring on my own, last week I walked all over Hampstead Heath. I don't worry about being single these days, I like it. I nursed my father through cancer and I know it sounds horribly selfish but I don't want to have to look after an elderly husband. So many of my married friends are completely bogged down with responsibilities and worries and I don't envy them at all. I think I was meant to be quite a solitary person - I love friends and socialising but also need time to myself. I am never bored, I worry I will die before I have seen and done all I want to do. I don't think I've been particularly pro active, it's more that I acted when I was forced into it, sink or swim etc. My mother's death had a huge effect on me, I still live with the fear that terrible things can happen to us at any moment and I don't want to waste my days. I have a lot of regrets, I feel there is so much more I could have done when I was young, had a better career and so on, but I just had no confidence in myself - I think a lot of young women now are much more confident than my generation were. I just want to keep going now, I am terrified of cancer and other diseases, and old age in general. I hope I'm still out and about walking in my later years but who knows. Really interesting post Ilona.kateonthecoasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08891902076668283146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-72041201018639499942017-06-27T22:22:17.600+01:002017-06-27T22:22:17.600+01:00That chitchat would bore me as well. My shower pac...That chitchat would bore me as well. My shower packed up several years ago, I'm happy with a bath. Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-20256311720148266362017-06-27T22:17:54.368+01:002017-06-27T22:17:54.368+01:00Your quilts are very nice. Your quilts are very nice. Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-82180765366574548892017-06-27T22:14:58.019+01:002017-06-27T22:14:58.019+01:00Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, Tracy,...Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, Tracy, your life is for you to live it the way you want. Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-25369665756679090102017-06-27T22:12:36.395+01:002017-06-27T22:12:36.395+01:00Thank you for the link. You have been very creativ...Thank you for the link. You have been very creative in making the life you wanted for yourself and family. Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-45211793956135876182017-06-27T22:04:57.895+01:002017-06-27T22:04:57.895+01:00Ha ha, that made me laugh. I might consider a youn...Ha ha, that made me laugh. I might consider a young one thank you. Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-13929358747007848552017-06-27T22:02:45.042+01:002017-06-27T22:02:45.042+01:00Hazel, I am sorry that you lost your husband at su...Hazel, I am sorry that you lost your husband at such a young age, but your resilience has been commendable, how you pulled your life together again. I am thrilled that you are moving to a new place, you sound so full of hope. May you have many more years to share with your daughter. Yes, your DH would indeed be very proud. Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-74875541557065609382017-06-27T21:56:01.767+01:002017-06-27T21:56:01.767+01:00Not a job for me, Eilidh. I think Mrs May will be ...Not a job for me, Eilidh. I think Mrs May will be there for a while longer. Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-12272328102159225162017-06-27T21:53:59.969+01:002017-06-27T21:53:59.969+01:00I was a very shy child, I would always hide at the...I was a very shy child, I would always hide at the back rather than push myself forward. I was bullied at school which damaged my confidence and was the start of many years of BDD. My teenage years were hell, but I managed to build a new life in another town when I left home. That wasn't luck, that was my will, my first steps to independence. Characters can be changed. <br /><br />I felt I would have had more luck if I had been born with a pretty face, but I wasn't so I had to make my own luck. Circumstances can be changed, we have the freedom to move about, education is there for those who want it. Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-37756008498173672452017-06-27T21:51:06.161+01:002017-06-27T21:51:06.161+01:00I only work 15 hours a week now as I'm almost ...I only work 15 hours a week now as I'm almost 65. I enjoy my two working days but find it tedious to hear others in the office incessantly going on about new kitchens, bathrooms, manicures, holidays etc. I'm happy with a very small home with. 60s kitchen and a bathroom without a shower. Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18281954570227946708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-47745677121379677132017-06-27T21:32:48.276+01:002017-06-27T21:32:48.276+01:00Good for you Mina. It's refreshing to see a tw...Good for you Mina. It's refreshing to see a twenty something with a plan. You seem pretty determined that it will happen, good luck. Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-71686608974768643272017-06-27T21:14:57.724+01:002017-06-27T21:14:57.724+01:00Interesting post certainly made me think. You are ...Interesting post certainly made me think. You are an inspiration ��Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-88812031145312163602017-06-27T21:14:41.389+01:002017-06-27T21:14:41.389+01:00I knew I wanted out of England because growing up ...I knew I wanted out of England because growing up on a council estate in Birmingham will do that for you. And I HATED the weather. So I knew I wanted to get an education and get out. I studied languages (to be a translator) and got a job offer in Switzerland at 21 and never looked back. I've lived in Switzerland, Australia, the US and have been living in France for the last 28 years and I love it. That first move was really a question of putting my money where my mouth is but after that it became easier. I reckon I need to work another 3 years and then retirement beckons and I can't wait. Not that I hate my job, I'm just sick of the commute. Then I hope to really challenge myself and not get stuck in the same old rut. Who knows. I did it once so here's hoping I can do it again.Treadershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08613671137557939083noreply@blogger.com