RESOURCES

BOOKS

On The Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity & Getting Old (Parker J. Palmer)

This book of essays and reflections is one I return to time and again. I was first introduced to Palmer’s work when I attended my first Courage and Renewal retreat. His wisdom, views on aging, and belief that we all have an inner wisdom guides my writing and my life.

Women Rowing North: Nourishing Life’s Currents and Flourishing as We Age (Mary Pipher)

My copy of this book is full of post-it notes and scribblings; another book I return to regularly. I will be forever grateful that Pipher has allowed me to Women Rowing North as the tagline for my life story writing workshops.

The Second Half of Life: Opening the Eight Gates of Wisdom (Angeles Arrien)

As I delve into this book again, at the age of 64, fifteen years after I took a workshop based on the book’s reflections and practices, I am aware how much I have changed and grown over that time. I wonder what I will think of Arrien’s writings in another fifteen years?

The Lioness in Winter: Writing An Old Woman’s Life (Ann Burack-Weiss)

This is another book I read several years ago that I have just dusted off and started reading again. Weiss, a social work practitioners who worked in gerontology for many years, analyzes the late-life work of women authors, many who hold a special place in my hears - including Mary Oliver, May Sarton, Florida Scott Maxwell, and Maya Angelou.

You Look Good For Your Age: An Anthology (Rona Altrows)

I love hearing women’s stories - that’s one of the reasons why I facilitate life story writing workshops! This is a book about women and ageism. Twenty-nine contributing writers share their opinions, impressions, and speculations on aging and ageism and their own growth as people.

Psychology of Positive Aging (Ellen Heuven)

This book, by Dutch researcher Ellen Heuven, links the life stories of twenty women from around the globe with scientific insights with a focus on the life skills, the conditions that support well-being in aging.

Solo Travel

Every few years I grab my backpack, say goodbye to my husband and head off on a 6-8 week solitary adventure. My travel motto is the same one I tell my girls every time they travel - be safe, make wise choices and have fun! Here are some companies I would recommend if you enjoy travelling solo!

Intrepid Travel. I have cycled the country roads of Chiang Mai and danced under the stars in the Sahara Desert with Intrepid Travel. They deliver a great travel experience - small groups, like-minded people and affordable. I always opt for a single supplement!

Portugal Green Walks. Three years ago I left Porto to walk the 259 kilometre Portuguese Coastal Camino - all by my lonesome. Portugal Green Walks booked me into clean, comfortable hotels; transported my backpack from hotel to hotel; and, they were only a phone call away had I needed any help.

Spanish Steps. For years I dreamed of attending a yoga and hiking retreat hosted by Spanish Steps at their quaint 8-room hotel in the Asturian Mountains in north-western Spain. Dreams do come true! The scenery is spectacular; our daily 10-15 kilometre hikes were book-ended with sunrise yoga and evening restorative yoga; and our meals cooked with local ingredients by Juan Carlos were delicious!

In October 2023, I spent some solo time in Sintra, Portugal for some R&R before setting off on a two-month adventure with my husband to explore Portugal and Spain. The crowds of tourists were still crazy in October and I would love to go back when there are no line-ups so I can explore some more.

Next on my solitary travel bucket list? I’d also love to go trekking in Jordan and rent a cottage in County Cork for a month. What’s on your travel bucket list?