It’s official. I’m retiring in 168 more school days. I set up a benefit & pension meeting at the end of September, but regardless of the news I receive I’m ready for my swan dive. Hopefully it will be into the deep end of the ocean and not a shallow pond. I’ve been calculating my pension and various retirement funds for the last decade. The financial advisor in my mind (played by Bill Nighy) assures me that my financial house if imperfect, is at least not built of straw or sticks and that I have a better than average chance of solvency through my 90’s provided I can avoid any catastrophes, natural disasters, identity theft, investment scams, or pyramid schemes. I’m not sure what to make of his late-night advice, yet it comforts me. Somewhat.
Either way, I will join the ranks of the other working stiffs on their morning commutes no more. While I’m still young enough and mobile enough to enjoy not working, I shall do so!
Also, I made sangria for the first time and it was delicious.
My cobbled together recipe. I made 2 pitchers in a week and in one I put berries, and in another apples. Not much lime in either. I find it gets better with age!
When I retire I will plant sunflowers and begin to tame the wild ruckus of garden. Someday a bench will be added to the very bottom behind the olive tree so I can sit under the darkening sky and be a quiet observer of the birds settling. Watch the spiders crocheting their silk nets.
But since I will be observing more than tending, it will remain a jumble. Maybe I will finally have time to remove the spider webs from various ornamental hanging things. Or not.
The middle-aged mammmals Art Camp by the Sea where we all live in single-wides with decks and gingham curtains swaying in the salty ocean air will have to wait for a bit, but I have not forgotten.
First I need to spend more time at Moss Cottage in the state of not working. I will not schedule my days as that is not my way. Instead I will drift from one patch of sunshine to the next, like Otto & Iris. Mostly I will enjoy not performing child care. I will leave that to future generations of teachers and parents. Mind your own children! My days of task mastering, solving problems, working in small groups, grading papers, testing, being observed and monitored, attending faculty meetings, and being a referee will be over.
I will live in a state of unknowing. The next step will reveal itself slowly. I’ll wait for the transmissions to come across the wires and when they are received I will act! But only then.
on my bookshelf
I continue in my theme of vintage reads that I began in August. I enjoyed The Bookshop so much that I found 2 more thrifted titles by Penelope Fitzgerald. If I like them, I’ll share on an upcoming post. The Enchanted Barn was written in 1917 and is a feel-good story about a poor family who move into a barn. I found it absorbing. The ease with which I read it helped to propel me out of a reading rut. No comparison of course to The Bookshop which was shortlisted for a Booker prize, but had a v.v.v. unsatisfactory ending. Still, I loved it! If you catch the movie on Apple TV it is very fine indeed and the ending is ten thousand times better. There is a small quiet scene between Florence and Mr. Brundish that is exquisite.
The Los Angeles Book was written in the 50’s and chronicles a young, expanding city. Fascinating! I should have included photos (next time).
This vase from a local flower shop almost ended up in the recycle bin, but in the end I decided it would make a great container for some of my shore finds.
It’s Crepe Myrtle season in LA. There is no end to inspiring walks in gardens. The Huntington palms cast long shadows late in the afternoon and under the fan canopies are mysterious dark shadows where one can linger.
Keep me posted on your whereabouts and whatabouts. I’ll just be here on the porch with the fan and a book. I’m all ears on your retirement or relocation stories and dreams. And if you’ve ever stayed at the El Tovar lodge on the rim of the Grand Canyon let me know.
“The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.”
-Bertrand Russell
Instead of a classroom wish list you can make a retirement wish list!!
Will you now be having meet and greets? We could all meet at Descanso gardens and paint!!
Love reading your posts. I’ve commented before… I live in Salinas and teach 3rd grade public school (just moved down from 5th – couldn’t handle the attitudes any longer). It’s fun to read about your retirement progress. I’ve decided to take advantage of the Willie Brown Reduced Workload, but have to wait until next school year when I’m 55. I’m so looking forward to a life with less craziness. I’ll have to do something to supplement my income for that 50% less pay, but it will be something not related to teaching. Hope you have a good, last year. Take Care,
Why hello, MAM! I saw your question about the El Tovar and so have read through all the comments to see what others shared. So many lovely comments and well wishes! You all make me wish I was on the cusp of retiring as well, but I still have a bit to do in the business world… and probably not the savings to make retirement feasible for some time yet. I aim to just enjoy life as I go then! Lol Which brings me back to El Tovar, as I noted there wasn’t much said. Yes, I’ve stayed there. Quite enjoyed it! There’s just something so charming about staying in these old Grande Dame national park lodges, even of it takes all our shiniest pennies to do it. Now then, what questions do you have and what would you like to know? Email me and ask away! Always happy to chat. I’ve stayed at some of the other in-park facilities at GCNP as well.
P.S. Have you considered applying for an Artist-in-Residence program at a NP? I’ve been daydreaming about doing it and think it would be great fun! You should absolutely consider it. You’d be AMAZING.
Congratulations 🥳. The 164 (well less now) will be done before you know it. I’m looking forward to your adventures. I just have to hang on for a couple more years and I’ll be done myself. Can’t wait…
Mary Ann,
I am soooo happy for you! I’m sure 167 school days sounds like a lot but now that you’ve made the decision (and begin thinking about what lovely things you will do once not working – mind you, not a plan, only dreams… like the August “lie in” described above), it will go soo fast! I hope that your last group of children are wonderful and memorable so that you can go out with positive vibes (since it sounds like the boss… not so much). I am 64 days into retirement now and still trudging through the last bits of getting all my ducks in a row (pension, investing rollovers, etc.) but so far I highly recommend it. I love getting up when I feel like it and realizing that I don’t HAVE TO do anything I don’t really want to. I too, did not really have a “plan” and still don’t. I feel so grateful and content to wander through my days with a smile on my face. So far I have traveled to Berkeley for a week (because Houston was too hot) and I just returned from a month in Santa Fe (again avoiding the worst of Houston’s August heat onslaught). Both were glorious, especially realizing that all of my work was NOT piling up awaiting my return because now that is someone else’s problem!
I just know that you are going to LOVE retirement too. The best part of all is not having any one dictate how life is lived. That will all be up to you. You will be able to putter around your cottage playing with your kitties and napping at will. You can garden (or not) to your heart’s content. Just the simplest of the concept is to me what’s the best about it all. I wish you the speediest and best possible school year for your final one. I guarantee you that other than a few people you won’t miss it a bit!!!
And just as one of your other readers said, another MAM online course would be oh so welcomed!!
YAY YAY YOU!!! Let the COUNTDOWN BEGIN!!
Oh goodness, Susan, 64 days into being the master and commander of your own splendid vessel. I’ve never been to Santa Fe for an extended stay. Sounds lovely! And Berkeley! I shiver to think of where I might go. Where I might drive.
Thrilling xoxoxo
keep me posted on your retirement adventures, por favor.
I retired 4 months ago and fearfully jumped in my new van and camping (first time in my life) in Western US. Sold house, car, some possessions in a POD. Sept is for California so currently with redwoods. I am amazed at all of this beautiful country and so grateful for wise men who made national parks. I enjoy simple days and I’m slowly learning to slow down, stop rushing. Whew. It is glorious. I’m so excited for you!
goodness gracious, Peggy, what a journey you are on… sounds exciting!
Oh my darling Art Tsrt 2 -YOU, retiring!!! wandering off into the unkown – with courage and excitement. I love your beautiful words, and pictures and attitudes.
I’m reminded of Mary Oliver’s question “ Oh what do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’ I know your fresh agenda will carry you into fascinating new worlds. AT ninety I can report that each new decsde is full of surprises and opportunities to grow = to become more and more your essential self.
ON my wall hangs this quote: “YOU DISCOVER WHO YOU ARE BY ACTING NATURALLY” . . .
Scads of love. Art Tart 1
In less than a year I’ll be living the Life of Riley. Or at least not reporting in for child care duty. The big exhale is coming. Perhaps a visit to your island is in my future. xoxoxo
Congratulations, Mary Ann!! Let the countdown begin. I shall live vicariously through you until my last teaching day comes…in four years. I am looking forward to tending the garden, listening to the birds, and traveling too. Every day shall be Fun Friday! Have a great final school year!
We are almost there. I was just reading my old journal of 5 years ago where I was waxing on about retirement. And now it’s only 9 months away. You shall get there, Kristi!
Sister! Your patio looks so inviting. Mix up some more sangria, I am coming over with a bowl of popcorn with a few pretzels mixed in to keep it interesting. Maybe a peanut or two. Let’s draw that fantastic map of LA in our journals. See you around 3pm.
Sister!
Could you pick me up on the way? I just made some homemade Boursin from my garden herbs and have some almond crackers from Costco and a new bag of peanut m&m’s. I’ll be on the curb. (oh, wait, my street in Abq doesn’t have curbs and gutters) I’ll be in front of my gate waiting.
I Love Grace Livingston Hill books, I grew up in a bookstore pretty much most of my childhood and we always had her books in stock. I love the idea of an art camp by the sea. While you are planning your retirement, I am over here planning a big move with my family. My husband and I and our two 20 something daughters are packing to make the move from Georgia to north west Wyoming, to say I am not terrified and excited at the same time would be a n understatement. I have never lived more that 30 miles from where I was born and so this is a really big move. We are looking forward to the change in location and the start of a new adventure. I really have enjoyed following along with you over the years, and I glad that you are still blogging. I decided I wanted to get back to blogging so I am just starting back, as I have missed sharing this way, and have tired of all the fast pace of social media.
Katie, how wonderful that you are writing again on your blog. I’ve put your link on my roll if anyone looks they’ll see it. Maybe blogging will make a comeback someday, but of course for me it’s never ended. Good luck with your big move to Wyoming. I hope you’ll write about it and detail everything. Look forward to following along.
As always, I appreciate and enjoy your book recs, photos and general chatter. You have a great writing style. How exciting to be able to be heading to retirement! I am semi retired and looking longingly at full retirement. There comes a time when one must simply jump into the adventure. Best wishes.
Yes, Linda, my jump is planned and I cannot wait. Good to hear from you always. xo
I am so very excited for you!!! I know you will wear retirement so well!!! John and I have been playing in retirement waters for 18 months now. Other than some often vigorous parent care obligations, the wind tends to carry us in our Airstream to playgrounds, near and far. Doing a little celebration jig for you right this very minute! I am parched and contemplating a tall glass of Sangria! ❤️👏❤️💃
Pearlie, the sangria and I will await your visit on the porch. John is welcome too.
Many congrats! Very happy for you and will be even more so in 168 days! I’ve been retired a while and definitely recommend it! I am looking forward to hearing about your plans and non-plans as you ease gently into your new state of being.
That Los Angeles book is about my age (having been born in that city in 1950). Thanks for adding the LA map endpaper to your post. That’s the LA I remember as a kid, filling my skirt with crepe myrtle blossoms from the park in late summer, waking up to smudge pot smoke on winter days. Those blank areas on the map were mostly orange groves in the 50’s. It was a very different place. I’ve been up here on the Salish Sea for a long time now, with no desire to ever return to Los Angeles, but that map did bring back some nice memories.
And as for retirement…all I can say is that the very best day of my retirement was that day in late summer when school started, and I took a cup of tea and a book back to bed for a good lie-in.
The Salish Sea…ahhhh sounds blue and forested with great swatch of conifers and orcas and cool breezes. I am preparing for my lie-in mid August 2025.
Huzzah, you!
Congratulations on retirement- My retired librarian friends love it- I’m a public librarian. Looking forward to retirement in less than a decade. Hats off to you for teaching!
Oh boy, I am smiling and clapping to hear your retirement news!! Such an excellent idea to retire soon enough to have a lot of years to enjoy making no plans for your days. It’s a very good way to live.
My husband used to say when you retire you miss the money but not the work… soon you wont miss the money, as you have planned in advance.
Good to putter at Moss Cottage for as long as it feels like the right place to be. Yay!
Cynthia,
I can hardly believe my good fortune and wish the same for all the working stiffs of the world. May retirement from work come soon for us all.
Fully inspired! I don’t know if I’m retired or on hiatus but I have let it all unfold for a while and I feel all the better knowing you’ll do the same. I don’t enjoy the “what’s the plan?” thinking and prefer to wait a bit and decide what I really wish to be involved in. I’m admiring the Crepe Myrtles in our neighborhood. They seem to push summer along and I like it. I’m also noticing how much, with my delightful Dahlia garden, I’m loving the zinnias I tossed in at the last minute. Never ceasing to spring up with joyful faces, they are adding sweetness to vases. I love it. I think I’ll never let a summer pass without them again, ever. Seashells in jars and barbecue fragrance reminds me that in Southern California, summer doesn’t have to end until it does. And, it hasn’t. Peace.
I always cringe inside when some asks “So, what are you planning for your retirement?”
Your dahlias & zinnias sound divine.
Mam so happy to hear of your retirement plans. You already live your life so fully and beautifully I have no doubt it will only get richer for you.
Can’t wait to see what you get up to in your unscheduled days ahead. I hope you continue to share it all with us. I have been following you for many years and have enjoyed every post, photo, video and class you have shared. You have inspired me so much! Thank you!
Why thank you, Jessica. Kind of you to write. I too, can’t wait to see what the unscheduled days hold for me. Please let me know how life in your mobile home park is going.
Hi MaryAnn. Long time reader from Aus. here. I retired end of 2016 with almost the same circumstances and future projections as you describe and there has been no downside. Retirement is nothing like being on holidays. There is no pressure to do anything and no time constraints. Financially I find I am almost the same income wise as when I was working. I did a LOT of research and calculations like you and my expectations have been greatly surpassed with no signs of that changing. My body and mind were totally worn out and it took a long time to recover from work. I make no plans and take every day as it comes without judgement or expectations but a lot of gratitude for being able to be in this situation and in relatively good health. I thought I would downsize my home but when I got close to signing for a smaller abode I suddenly had very serious reservations and pulled out. Twice!! I belong here in the home and garden which so much reflect who I am and where I love to potter and continue to tweak every little aspect that has sustained me thru thick and thin over so many years. You will love your retirement and the kitties will also love having you around all the time. Today is the start of Spring here and I am now off out into the garden to continue to tidy up after winter.
Lovely and quite encouraging.
Oh Jen, how I love hearing from you. I too will exhale long and loud and need time to recover from decades working in a dysfunctional machine made particularly worse by my current principal who can’t see the forest through the trees. No one could be more ill suited for a job with human beings than her. But I am learning to let it go and focus on my last group of children.
How good it is to welcome spring xoxo
I am so so happy for you! It is ten years this year for me. I have let so much of my kindergarten years blur and fade and I have no regrets. Late summer, I occasionally pause a beat when school supplies are on sale but it is only a small beat. I do not miss most of it. “I will not schedule my days as that is not my way” Perfect!!! Excellent timing as well. YAY!!
I still can taste the enchiladas you made me at your house many moons ago and of course our wonderful meet-up on the bluffs of Mendocino with your son. Hurray for living the good life after long years in the classroom!
for supplemental income dare i suggest…an online course or two? we’re here for it!
When inspiration strikes I will be here to take notes and get busy! I hope you’re well in NYC xo
Now dear mam ,in 168 days the metamorphosis will begin BRING it on.
We’ve dined at the Lodge only. The food was meh!
I’m thinking the Bright Angel will be a lot less expensive but still on the rim. We’ll see. I’ll enjoy taking my sketchbook into the Tovar to draw people.
I loved the movie of The Bookshop so much! I know exactly what scene you mean, it was so perfect. I’ll have to get the book and read it. And watch the movie again…
I’m happy to hear that you only have 168 days left. It would be a shame to work longer if you’re ready to go.
I’m sure you’ll be fine.
Unless I receive dramatically different news than what I expect, my school marm days are numbered.
I am soooo happy for you MaryAnn!! Last year I went to working only 2 days a week and it is life changing! I can now draw every day and putter in my garden and I really don’t need much more. You so deserve this!
Yes, yes, yes! I am thinking I might sub 2 days per week. It would increase my income by 1/3 or so and might be tolerable. We’ll see!
Congratulations! I think your plan sounds great! My mom thought when she retired that she wanted to move to Florida. She sublet a condo in Fort Myers for 6 months and was very glad she did. She discovered that vacationing somewhere and living there are two different things! She ended up staying here in PA.
As for me, classes started last Monday. I’m grateful for a long weekend.
Sandra, I too am savoring the extra long weekend. Ahhhhhhh…
Squeeee! So happy for your retirement plan! More layers of richness for your life.
So, I’m two years out of retirement from LAUSD. Going back to work p/t in order to keep my brain working and also to pay for my art supplies. Working supervising new teacher for LACOE. Should be interesting…:
Will work for art supplies! LOL