Welcome to Life Images by Jill

Welcome to Life Images by Jill.........Stepping into the light and bringing together the images and stories of our world. I am a photographer, writer and multi-media artist.
Focussing mainly on Western Australia and Australia, I am seeking to preserve images and memories of the beautiful world in which we live and the people in it.

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Monday 20 February 2017

Being grateful for life in the retirement fast lane

 Whoever said life in retirement was boring certainly wasn't getting out and making the most of all there is to offer. Seriously? I was amazed when a retiree I knew advised me not to stop work because she was so bored in retirement she went back to work!  Like many other recent retirees I know, life for me has never been so busy, I haven't regretted retiring for a minute, and I don't know how I had time to work. Do any of my retiree readers feel like that? What do your retirement years look like?

When I was given redundancy back in April 2015, I took it as a positive and called it early retirement. An exciting new future had opened its doors for me where I could explore interests in my life which working had kept on the back burner. 

So because life is running so full at the moment, I only have time this week to bring you just a small snapshot of the last couple of months ....

Last week I was exploring Sydney - more pics and stories to come!



  Please click here to read more...



I am reading - Girl with a Pearl Earring - by Tracey Chevalier - the poignant story of the girl behind Johannes Vermeer's 1665 painting. History doesn't actually record who the girl in the pearl earring is. Tracey Chevalier did a lot of research before writing this book, which also contains photo plates and background to many other Vermeer paintings. 
 

I am listening to - Dami Im - singing classic Carpenters. The Carpenters were favourites of mine in the 1970's and this CD, a birthday gift late last year from my eldest son, brings those innocent days back to me. 

I watched the movie Lion - based on the non-fiction book A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley, tells the story of how five year old Saroo gets lost on a train in India, living on the streets until being adopted by an Australian couple. 25 years later, with a handful of memories, unwavering determination, and Google Earth, he searches for his home.

I am experimenting with - eco dyeing and creative stitchery with Jane Flower from Folios and Fibre


I prepared photos for the  - "the end of" photography topic for the photography group I belong to


I am contributing photos to - a new Ferguson Valley tourist map


I am sorting - Kimberley photos from last year. I really DO need to get that photo book done and some more magazine articles written.


I am writing - a submission for the 'Short and Twisted' anthology, I am preparing to run a couple of introductory photography workshops in our area, and I need to get back to sorting out some photos for an Australian mapping company.

I am enjoying -  a Food Photography Facebook closed group I joined late last year  - and in January I was preserving apricots and making apricot jam from the apricot tree in our garden. There is nothing like fresh picked stone fruit in summer. Our grapes are still a couple of weeks away, following a strange summer weather wise, and then I'll be into making grape jam. I am thinking of drying some this year to put on cheese platters. Have you ever dried them?


I am celebrating - with my daughter in law, who has just graduated from her Bachelor of Nursing studies, which she has studied part-time for the past five years. She won the award for the top student in the Edith Cowan University School of Nursing Midwifery for 2016. Jen also gave a wonderful speech on behalf of the Bunbury ECU graduates at the graduation, in which she remembered her Mum who passed away from Leukemia in 2008, and the huge contribution her husband Paul, and her two young sons, have made towards helping her achieve her goal. We are so proud of Jen and the way Paul has supported her over the past 5 years.

I am preparing to dance - at the Bunbury Multi-cultural Festival next weekend with Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Company. 


 I am excited - about my new photo greeting cards that have just arrived.....


And lastly, but by far not least, I am grateful for the love and support of my family, and for being blessed with the health and ability to enjoy all of these things in retirement. I know I am extremely lucky, and I am so grateful for that. There are many that do not have the opportunity or health to go out and explore this big beautiful world. 

And do you know what, writing this blog post has been a great little exercise for me. I have been down in the dumps the last few weeks because I have been suffering from a painful and reoccurring De-Quervains in my left hand (not my dominant hand thank goodness) and it has hampered some of my activities, particularly getting out with my camera.  So this little exercise of looking back at what I have been doing has actually helped me realise that I have still been busy, and that I have much to be grateful for. 

How does retirement look for you? Perhaps you would like to tell us in your comments. 

Thank you so much for stopping by. I value your comments and look forward to hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return. Have a wonderful week.

I am linking up to the link-ups below. Please click on the links to see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at its best!

 

Mosaic Monday 
Life Thru the Lens 

Our World Tuesday
Through My Lens 
Image-in-ing
Wednesday Around the World at Communal Global
Travel Photo Thursday
 
The Lovin' Life Team over at Lifestyle Fifty
The Weekly Postcard 
Sky Watch Friday

39 comments:

  1. Well Jill, after reading what you've been doing this past month I would suggest that you're not really retired because you're working so hard still! The best thing though is that you are working at things that bring you joy, affirmation and a feeling of well being that just emanates from your words.
    My retirement is nowhere near as busy as yours but we share some of the same interests - blogging, photography, cooking and travel to name but 4!
    Thank you for being a part of Mosaic Monday this week and sharing your "joie de vie" with us all.
    Maggie

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  2. What a great post with fabulous photos of Sydney etc. Your cards are so beautiful. I haven't read the book but have seen Vermeer's paintings in Amsterdam. Good luck with Sol y Sombra!

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    1. Oh I think you might enjoy the book Ritta. I really enjoyed it. I've just discovered I have the dvd, so I need to watch that now.

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  3. Hi Jill,

    So wonderful to see a post from you; I always enjoy your photography that so beautifully illustrates what you have been up to! I love the photo of the horses and the surrounding countryside, such a pretty, pastoral landscape. Your pic of your home grown apricots has a soft light to it that reminds me of the early morning light in my own kitchen, which is presently scented by a bouquet of almond blossoms.

    Congrats to your daughter-in-law and good luck with your dance presentation!

    Have a lovely week!
    Poppy

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    1. oh that early morning light in your kitchen and the scent of almond blossoms sounds delightful - I can sense it from here.

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  4. I think you need to retire from retirement! You are a busy lady. Congrats to your daughter-in-law. I feel like I need to go back to work. I seemed to get more done when I was working! Ha! Happy Monday!

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  5. Jill, I so glad for you that you can persue interests that make you happy. I have always enjoyed your photos and check this blog out regularly. The Lion is on my list to see with a friend.
    My early retirement has allowed me to take up some activities which I could not while I worked. I have always had a sewing machine as my Mom was a great seamstress. I have been enjoying making bags and tea cup coasters and there are a few others sewing project on my "let me try that list".
    Photography has always been a hobby I have pursued and make calendars every year. I am doing more reading as well.
    Another big thing for me is contemplating renovations in my home. My brain can finally work on that project. It will be some painting, replacing appliances and removing carpets for solid flooring of some kind. No moving of walls or anything that significant. While I worked I could not even think about it. I knew I would not be bored in retirement. Sylvia D.

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    1. it certainly sounds like you are keeping busy Sylvia. Happy renovating. We have been painting, and recarpeting. More than that I need to plan some more.

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  6. Oh My Goodness Jill, I do think that you must find a few more activities to get involved in during your recent retirement. It is so funny for I am asked so many times for a luncheon outing, or just a friendly gathering and I have to say, well, I am already committed, or I have to do this or that, nothing quite as exciting as what you have listed... However the time that we spend doing the things that we are most passionate about in our later years is so very rewarding and makes life feel like we have accomplished something as well. You my friend, are multi-talented and you seem to do everything with such grace and love and it shows in your artistic abilities way beyond anything that I could begin to imagine. Congratulations on so many different levels, sealed with hugs~

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    1. thank you so much for your very kind words Mary. I can't tell you what a difference they made to me today. Hugs x

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  7. Your photos are just gorgeous! I love Vermeer and have been meaning to read that book. I'm glad you nudged me again! Hope you have a good week.

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    1. I am sure you would love the book - I know I did.

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  8. I totally agree, I have never been busier than in retirement. For many of us it is the first time in life that we can truly do whatever we want. Sadly I think that is the problem for a lot of people, they just don't know what they want and so they drift into boredom and depression. Having a plan and staying motivated is so important. You are an inspiration.

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    1. thanks so much. I agree. I saw my Mum sink into depression despite what we tried to do, and her world shrink. I'm determined to not go down that path. Have a fabulous week.

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  9. Jill I'm about to retire in 2 weeks time from my part-time writing for hotel/resorts websites. Although I haven't worked outside of home for the past 3 years I found myself having too much on in 2016 and I felt burnt out. As well as running an Airbnb guest room and writing my own blog, I have picked up some nice freelance writing work over the past few months. I'm now hoping to focus on this a lot more. However I also want to concentrate on getting myself healthy as I have had a bad back for months and haven't been able to do too much physical activity. I guess like you, I've been a bit down about it. You have a tremendously busy and diversified life Jill. I agree totally: "who said retirement was going to be boring"? :)

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    1. sorry to hear you are having problems with your back Kathy. I hope it is on the improve. Having an injury is so debilitating physically and mentally. We need to keep healthy to enjoy our retirement years to the full! Sometimes I admit we need to scale down our activities and do what makes us happy.

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  10. I won't be retiring for a couple more years, I think, but from what I've seen of retirees, not many of them are bored at all. What a wonderful variety of activities you are involved in. Thanks for the great photos of Australia. Hope the heat isn't getting to you.

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  11. What gorgeous shots! I really want to see the film Lion.

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  12. It looks like you have a busy 2017 ahead of you, gorgeous captures. Thanks for sharing in Shades of Winter

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  13. A retired friend and I meet regularly for coffee -- always very early in the day because we both have too much to do to schedule it any later. We chuckle over our endless 'to do' and 'have yet to do' and 'must do before I die' lists as you've said, way too many things to do in retirement and how did I ever find time to work. Loved this upbeat post as I have been feeling a bit sluggish the last week and thinking I really wasn't getting much accomplished. Maybe I did and don't know it?!

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    1. I have that many lists of things to do it is hard to keep up with them. But this was a good way to see what I actually have been doing! Happy days Jackie.

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  14. Lovely post filled with wonderfully creative photos ~ love your new photo cards ~ thanks,

    Wishing you a Happy Week ~ ^_^

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  15. I wish I could retire and do what you do. I cannot travel due to no money, but do local photography and as soon as physically well, will start taking hikes again! I enjoy your site.

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    1. There's always lots to photograph close to home too Rose, if we look, even in our own garden. But I do hope you are able to get out hiking again soon. cheers.

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  16. You are doing so many stuffs.. you are not retired at all .. you are still working... I can understand from your blog that you are a hard working person...

    Please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com

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  17. I see you are living life to the fullest! So many beautiful shots and projects. Thanks for encouraging us to follow our passions.

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  18. Hello Jill, you do sound very busy and loving retirement life. Your craft projects and photography are beautiful. I have enjoyed being able to read more too. Since I retire, Hubby and I became snowbirds and are living in Florida during the winter. We are traveling all around Florida on daytrips visiting all the great parks and beaches. I agree with you, I have never regretted retiring. Have a happy day and week ahead.

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    1. retreating to Florida for the winter definitely sounds the way to go Eileen. Enjoy the rest of your week.

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  19. Congratulations on making your retirement work so well for you! Your work is a delight for the eyes!! I retired 3 times. This time it's permanent. I had been a school principal who was forced into an early retirement at 52 due to over work in the job. I had about 15 months of recovering from that huge loss and then went back to a classroom teaching ESL to kids in a school run by a friend. That was part-time and I returned to Uni to train for ESL. I also cared for grandkids each week. I finished up from that teaching role aged 60. I continued with grandkids care (loved it) and then got into Uni teaching and more. However by age 65 I had run out of motivation and energy. So retired then. We have since moved to a new area, have no family around us and for the first time in our 46 year marriage it's just us. My hub does a bit of volunteer work but IBS (ill health) prevents me from committing to anything regularly. I am happy to go out solo to take pics and also to do art. I have discovered a creative side to me over the past 2 years I did not know I had!

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  20. My head is spinning after reading all that you've been up to - good for you! I had to look twice at that spotted horse, lol :) Your dyeing and stitching is gorgeous! As are your greeting cards. I do hope your hand improves soon so that you can get back to doing the things you love and sharing your adventures with us. You are blessed indeed!

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  21. Stunning pictures and I think it's very important to keep busy in retirement (or even when not working full-stop). So much of my sense of 'who I am' has been wrapped up in what I do and yet I've made major career changes on a number of occasions and took a redundancy a few years ago. Having said that I don't want to be TOO busy when I eventually retire. #teamlovinlife

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  22. Wow, glad to hear retirement's working out for you. I was going thru your post and there are so many things I want to say... First off, Dami Im --I love her! Such a beautiful voice. I really like the dye job you did on the scarf. Your cards are stunning! Lastly, De Quervain's (ugh!) - I hope you recover soon. I had it when my son was a baby and I had to wear a wrist brace for a period of time. No fun. Have a great weekend!

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  23. Oh bored in retired - there should be no such thing when we live in this beautiful country with so much to see and do ;) Well done to you I say for living your retirement!! I am going to get my hands on a copy of the A Long Way Home - sounds like a great read! I think you need to share your Apricot Jam recipe too? #watw #throughmylens

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  24. I think it all depends on your attitude--I find quite a lot to do in my 'retirement' since moving to New Zealand. I was never one to wander around by myself, but I think I would learn to travel alone if I didn't have a partner who loves to show me new things.

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  25. Eco dyeing sounds like fun.
    #TeamLovinLife

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  26. I so want to go see Lion! stragely you can't get apricots here were i live. Only in dried form.

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  27. My goodness, you have indeed been busy. Looks like life is treating you well and you have an abundance of activities going on. I've been meaning to see that Lion movie but haven't seem to have found the time.

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  28. You are one busy lady. I LOVE it. And, you forgot something in your life, which you happen to be really good at ;-)

    I hope to be you someday, enjoying the retired life.

    Lisa @ LTTL

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