It's finally a reality...

"Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else."

                                    --- Fred Rogers

I officially retired on July 1, but I haven't had a chance to feel the full effect of it.

There were the farewells and the ending of the school year...but I've always had the summer vacation off...just like the children. My mind and body were used to relaxing during the summer months and then returning to work at the beginning of August.

That's why I didn't feel the full effect of retiring until today. All the children, including my grandchildren, started back to school today...and I didn't!!!

Now I'm finally realizing my retirement is a reality. So.... what's the first thing I did today after my grandchildren went to school? 

 

I sat down at my drawing table and sketched a picture of them on their first day of school.

I can do that now. I can devote more of my time to sketching, painting and writing. I think it might be time to create a new look on all my social media pages. 

After all....my time is now my own to use as I please..... I'm retired !!!!!!

It's Time...

 "It is always important to know when something has reached its end. Closing circles, shutting doors, finishing chapters, it doesn't matter what we call it; what matters is to leave in the past those moments in life that are over."

                                                     --- Paulo Coelho

I began my career in the library during a time when we had wooden card catalogs, "Due Date" stamps and the latest set of encyclopedias. I have now fast- forward to a modern library complete with an online computer catalog, Chromebooks checked out to every student, Distance Learning and Virtual Classrooms.

To be honest... I've enjoyed the challenges that a rapidly changing library of today has presented. It was a dream come true to work in the library. When you're doing what you love and having fun while doing it, the years go by fast.

My earlier years were filled with memories of the books that I read to the thousands of children and their families that I helped in some way in the library. Those memories continued on throughout the years...only now with their children.

I am grateful to be working in a career that I cherish. However, the time has come to embrace the next chapter of my life. After working 35 years in education... 28 of those years as a librarian... I have come to the decision that it is time for me to retire.

The thought of retirement is an exciting time in my life. I have worked hard all these years to build a career and I am able to step back and appreciate what I have accomplished and how far I have come. However, it's not only a time for reflection, it's also a time to look forward to future accomplishments and devoting time to the people I care about, doing the things I love.

So...even though I am sad to say goodbye, I am filled with anticipation of a new beginning!