For years, I’ve wanted to know the answer to this question. What would I do with all my free time once I no longer had deadlines and commitments? Would I go “totally ’round the bend” as my Australian friend, Bernice, used to say. Would I diligently take up one of the many causes I am drawn to and make it my life’s work? Would I start a business, write another novel, or just flake out and start sleeping 12 to 14 hours a day? Possibly all of the above?
On 2/29/24 I leapt into my future, joining the ranks of the recently retired. I can’t say I’ve fully embraced my newfound freedom yet. I still retain a lot of the ticks and knee-jerk reactions resulting from full-time employment — y’all who are still hitting the snooze button every morning know what I mean — but I’m a list-maker, perhaps my single greatest strength, and if I put it on the list there’s an extremely high likelihood it’s going to happen. So off I go to make a series of lists, today, next month, next year, next decade — my “Where to?” lists — because the act of writing it down is the only way I can assure myself that my Act 3 will be worth writing home about.
I’m starting here on my blog — oh, honey, you’ve been too long in the shadows! — where I can flex and stretch my writing muscles. After that, who knows?
If you want to read more about the band Celestial, you can do so here. I love the combination of East meets West that seems present in all their music. Perfect for daydreaming. Give it a listen and let me know your answer to “Where to?”
Thanks for stopping by.
Pam Lazos – 3.19.24 — Spring Equinox
Green Life Blue Water 
wishing you the best dear – we’re here if you want to come back & play 🙂
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Kudos to you! Making lists is a valuable skill. It feels so good to cross off the accomplishments. And exploring new areas is high on my list once I retire. Enjoy! ☀️
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You’ll love it!
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Congratulations! You’ll be amazed at how full your life will become…there will be time to spend with dear friends and family, part-time gigs and volunteer opportunities will come your way and lo, and behold, you’ll wonder how you missed that cool growth stage in a tree (for me it was a Japanese maple when I became self-employed and moved into semi-retirement that I only noticed on weekends!) as well as taking a deep dive into what you’ve accumulated over time (I’m still on a decluttering journey!). I’m a list maker too so I know you’ll embrace this exciting stage in your life and do well…
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I am certainly going to go with all those suggestions!!😘🩷
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It will be exciting!
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Beyond exciting!
I’ll check out that music soon! 💕🤍
ACT 3?
I think you’ll include ALL of the above 👆💗🦋
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Thanks, Ka! xo
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Of course! ☺️
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Congratulations! So excited to read about all the adventures you get to have in the future, and I can’t wait to see where your writing journey takes you. Best of luck!!
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Thanks 🙏 Damyanti! It’s dangerous work, stepping out your door, to paraphrase JRR Tolkien, but somebody’s got to do it as you well know. Keep you your own fabulous writing arc. I’ve learned things from your work that I would otherwise not know. 🙏🙏🙏
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You and JRR Tolkien are very correct, Pam! Taking risks are part of making progress. And thank you so much for the kind words — it’s wonderful to hear that my writing has helped you in some way or another. Thanks for adding a dose of positivity into my day!
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Of course, and I hope you keep up the fine writing!
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Congrats, Pam! Now you start a new chapter. Have fun and enjoy. I don’t know where I would be without my lists!
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Thank you 🙏 Michele!
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look out world, you’re completely free to rake it on now… congrats girlfriend! Can’t wait to see all the things that you’ll do! Big hugs!
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Thanks, Ang! And you know, I’m going to need a good lawyer! ;0)
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Congratulations Pam on Act 3 – you have had a busy life and now it is time to enjoy some “me time” and do what makes YOU happy. That is what I am telling myself as I will retire on the 29th of March. I was supposed to retire December 31st, but my boss moved our office and asked me to stay through the transition. He just turned 77 and wants to die with his boots on. Me … I am 67 (almost 68) and ready to enjoy life’s simple joys at my leisure, which will include lots of nature walks. I’m betting you will do the same.
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Aw, so nice of you to stay on and help him, Linda. I am sure you are going to be soooo happy with all your nature excursions. Perhaps it’s time to get out of the state now that you’ve retired and try some new locations. Last weekend I was in Cape May NJ where there are tons of preserved areas for nature-walking. Just fabulous.
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Pam, I am really looking forward to having more time to enjoy my long excursions, not needing to relegate them only to weekends and just slowing my pace a bit. I always feel like I am rushing around. That little jaunt to NJ sounds nice. I hope you will be blogging about it. Keep enjoying your retirement – you’ve earned it.
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Thanks, Lady Linda. I will do my best!
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Congratulations!
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Thanks 🙏 Ken!
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Hi Pam,
congratulations on your new found freedom. I suspect Act 3 will bring much reward. Continue to follow your passion. You inspire us all. –Kevin
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Aww, thanks, Kevin. I’ll see you in the field! ;0)
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Oh, my dear. I have been retired since May 2020 and am so happy about that. My job wasn’t a desired one for me, even though I had to do it now and then for my thin wallet! But I have time now to do the job that I wished for. I don’t know what job you have had; however, I believe there is no retirement for an artist. I recently wrote an article about this; if you might read it: Here!
Nevertheless, I wish you a great happy Easter holiday.💖🤗🦋🦉
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I love this – no retirement for an artist, Aladin! I did read your article but despite trying twice to comment on it, Worpress kept telling me I wasn’t logged in which I was. My comment was — GET TO THE DRUMS AND GUITAR NOW!! I think you already know that though. Boredom is not something art does well. 😘😂😂😂
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Sure!!😉 I follow your excellent advice, my dearest Pam. WP is crazy, I know. Thank you! 🙏🤗😘🤙
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🙌🙌🙌
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And happy Easter to you as well. 🌸
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Thank you, my lovely friend.💕💥🌞
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Retired?? Huh I doubt that. Just working unpaid (except having the satisfaction of a job well done!!). Believe you me now’s the time to embrace your inner Buzz Lightyear and go to infinity and beyond in all you do. It’ll be a blast. Try everything (except incest, folk dancing and fishing) and remain silly. Being silly eradicates any sliver of self importance. Looking forward to what you do.
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No folk dancing, eh? What about swing dancing? Line dancing? Break dancing? I think I have the silly part down already, but will definitely give Buzz Lightyear a go. 😂😂😂🙏
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I used folk as the saying in the UK is actually Morris dancing and I wasn’t sure if that particular form of group madness would resonate across the Pond.
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Yep, that would have landed like a lead balloon. 🎈 Who’s Morris?
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https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morris_dance
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Sounds a little, well, boring. ;0)
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My brother was member of a troupe so, yes, almost certainly.
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Because of the troupe or your brother?🥴😂
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I can only speak of my sibling…
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Ha!
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Hi Pam. You will create an excellent “retirement” for yourself, because you’re focused and have many worthy interests.
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Thanks for the vote of confidence, Neil. You are a good role model!
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Pam, welcome to the world beyond retirement!
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It’s a ripe time for adventure, Rose. 🤗😘
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My darling, ypou will be just fine actually. All of life is an adjustment. xxx
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Aye, and that it is, Lady Shey. Nothing that a good walk in nature can’t solve. 🤗😘
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It is all about getting the ‘noise’ of it all out of your head. So yeah. Nature is great. xxxxxx
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So much noise in my head!! 😱
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Don’t let the beggars grind you down. You will get there, I know you will. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Yes indeedy do, doll. ;0)
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Congrats on your retirement Pam! I’m still a working girl! Love the music… an east meets west vibe. I’m feeling very relaxed now. Is this what retirement feels like?
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Haha – only if you’re in the mood. I think retirement like all of life is a state of mind, Cath. 😘
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Pam, congratulations! So happy for you… You made it. Do what you want to do. Enjoy.
All the best,
Joel
Joel Burcat
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Thanks 🙏 Joel!
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Pam I am sad to see you go and I missed your retirement party :(
Each retirement (and there have been many) brings a sense of loss and wispy remembrances of good times. I am happy for you and your next phase in life which I am sure will be full of wonder and happiness!
I too will be asking “Where to” before long and hope I can find an answer.
Love Pete
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Ah, Pete, I’m sure we’ll see each other again far off in some wet, boggy field. Perhaps there’s a project in our future. 😂😘
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