The Author: I’m Ann Coleman, a woman in my late fifties who loves reading, writing, working with shelter dogs, working on my house and yard, and helping my extended family. My son and daughter are all grown up and married, so these days I share my home with my husband and a neurotic dog named Lucy. I’m still a little surprised to realize that I’m middle-aged (and then some), but I’m also learning that there is plenty of good in this stage of my life. Living a creatively and fully is not just for the young!
The Blog: This blog was originally intended to write about the issues of being middle-aged and coping with all that changes that this particular phase of life brings. But the focus soon evolved into recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of aging: a stronger sense of self, learning to overcome old fears, ditching at least a few of my bad habits, and most of all, realizing that there is still so much good in the world if we are only willing to look for it.

Thanks for following my blog…not much different than my own!
LikeLike
You’re welcome! I enjoy reading blogs on similar topics, and yours is very good!
LikeLike
Thank you for following Jacques’ Dog Blog! You have a neurotic dog, so you will totally understand the insanity that is Jacques. 🙂 I hope you enjoy his (mis)adventures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! I read some of your posts already, and found them quite entertaining!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I’ve read a few of your posts, and while I’m a few years away from “middle age,” I can absolutely relate. Things start falling apart in your 30s – and no one tells you that!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sadly, it only gets worse as you get older! Thanks for following my blog, and I look forward to reading more of your posts! Dogs really do make life better, don’t they?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ms Coleman, when you “like” a post at my site, and I appreciate that, and I then try to go to your site I reach a wordpress.com that says…”dcoleman1044.wordpress.com” is no longer available. Now this could be a system mistake or if you changed your blog name, you may want to go to your profile page and check your account settings to make sure your primary site and the web address you are leaving when interacting with another site is correct. No big deal but just wanted to let you know.
Regards,
Doug
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for letting me know! I’ll look into this right away. It might be a mistake I made when I was first trying to set up the blog, but I’ll find out. Thanks again!
LikeLike
I think the problem was that the I had mistakenly made the dcoleman1044.wordpress.com my website when I was first setting up the blog, and then realized that made it my blog’s name, so I deleted it. As far as I can remember, anyway. I saw that it was still listed as a website in my personal settings, and have now changed it to the website of my blog. I hope that fixes the problem! Thanks for letting me know, I really do appreciate it.
LikeLike
Ann, you have been nominated for the Liebster Award. For details, visit: https://fromfoodstampstoafuture.wordpress.com/2015/07/02/liebster-award/. You are not obligated to participate…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I will definitely check that out!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, I”m in the same boat..empty nest and a husband of 28 years in tow. No dogs, hubby is allergic to
every living thing. What I like about your blog is your theme. It’s
nice. I will visit you soon.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your kind words!
LikeLike
Ann -thanks for following Golden Kali. She’s a middle aged dog and I’m a middle aged man so I’m sure we will both find your perspectives and muddles of interest.
-Mike
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the follow, too! We middle agers stick together, both human and canine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Since I, too, am middle-aged with a neurotic puppy, I am compelled to follow your blog. Thank you for sharing your story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I checked out your blog, and now I’m following it, too. Your photos are beautiful and your posts are great!
LikeLike
Middle age is the New Youth, of course!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I like the way you think!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s the only way to go when you reach *cough* advanced middle age!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, as far as I’m concerned, middle age extends to exactly the age I am, and will for many years to come! Ha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Ann, I’m from Australia and feeling already like I can relate to you. Love what I have read so far on your blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I checked out your blog as well, and I relate to that! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. Nice to connect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ann, I enjoy reading your blog and have nominated you for a Blogger Recognition Award. Details are on my most recent post, if you’d like to participate!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I enjoy reading your blog, too!
LikeLike
Hi Ann,
I’ve nominated you for the 3 Days 3 Quotes Challenge! If you’d like to participate the details are here: https://danicapiche.wordpress.com/2015/12/05/3-days-3-quotes-challenge-the-music-edition/
Danica
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the nomination! I’m sorry, but I’m not going to be able to participate. I only post twice a week, so this would not work for my blog format. But thanks again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ann, I’ll keep this in mind for the futue. In the meatime, I hope that some new readers will click through to your blog. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Ann – just to let you know I’ve nominated you for a SUNSHINE BLOGGER AWARD.
It’s absolutely up to you whether you accept it, but hope you will.
Cheers! Rosie (La Tour Abolie)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Rosie! I really appreciate your thinking of me! Unfortunately, I won’t be able to participate this time. I only post twice a week, and so I tend to keep the content kind of similar to my theme. I answered the questions about me for the Creative Blogger Award, and don’t have anything new to add (sad, but true). But I do appreciate the nomination, and really enjoy your blog. Your writing is very honest and interesting, which is why I follow it and read it! Thanks again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ann, thank you so much for the follow today. Happy to return the kindness & share experiences in this thing call middle+ age! Cheers!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for following mine as well! I stumbled across your blog on Jodi’s site, I think, and really liked it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ann,
My name is Ashlee. I’m co-founder of the Youshare Project, with the mission to connect people around the world through true, personal stories. I recently stumbled across your blog and read several of your posts, including “No One Told Me.” It’s so honest, beautifully written and compelling. As you mention, this is a topic that few people talk about, especially in mainstream media, but is something that does or will affect us all. That’s why I think it would make a wonderful Youshare.
If this sounds interesting to you, I would love to email you directly with more information and formally invite you to share your story with the project. You have my email address and website. I hope to hear from you soon.
Best,
Ashlee
http://www.youshareproject.com
[email protected]
LikeLike
You have a wonderful sense of humor!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that you said trying to live your life positively! And I love that you are an open person willing to put your self out there! You have a follower here!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for the kind words and the follow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey! Another blogger I follow posted about another bloggers “Meet and Greet” post. In it you can meet other bloggers and post a link to a favorite blog post from this past week. Thought you would like to know I posted one of your blog articles. While my comment is awaiting moderation, here is the link to it if you want to see what I’m talking about. 🙂 Oh! I shared Pass It On with them. Hope that is okay!
https://therichnessofasimplelife.wordpress.com/2016/03/04/weekend-meet-greet-4/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course it’s okay! Thank you for sharing it!
LikeLike
You are welcome!
LikeLike
Ann, I’m so glad to find your blog and look forward to following you. “Muddling” is exactly the right word for navigating through middle age. It’s great to meet a kindred spirit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! And I’m glad I found your blog as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
WoW! Hi Ann. Thank you for stopping by my blog. http://thrivingbeyond55.wordpress.com
I feel honored. And in perusing yours. I am kind of taken by a lot of our similarities. Great blog you have here. I particularly enjoyed the post on TMI. LAUGH! I could have written it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I really enjoy your blog as well!
LikeLike
Hi Ann! I’d like to say “thanks for the follow” like everybody else, but darn it sounds too.. formal.
So i’ll say it’s a pleasure to meet you, Ann. I’m far from middle-aged but who says I can’t enjoy some MA humour and life? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m pleased to meet you, too! And I’m glad that I’ve found your blog…you write very well about a variety of issues, and I appreciate your insights.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am re-following you Ann. I don’t know what happened, because I certainly didn’t hit unfollow–not intentionally anyway. I feel so bad to have missed some posts. I will try to get caught up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, please don’t give it a second thought! I had the same thing happen with another follower, so it may be some kind of glitch in my blog. And then I wonder about blogs I am following when I don’t see a post for a long time, and I wonder if I’ve unintentionally unfollowed them as well! I’m just glad you were nice enough to follow again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your blog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, thank you! And I love your blog as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLike
Liking your style and your approach to ‘middle age’. If this is so then you will be 110 at the end – yay! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m 53, with an empty nest of my own, a border collie and a German Shepherd, so I can totally relate. I’m looking forward to these years. It’s finally my time to write. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! That’s how I feel, too. I’ve never had this much time (or freedom) to write before. And I’m really enjoying it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Ann. This resonates with me very much. I read your post about anger and I felt it could have been written by me. After escaping a particularly nasty road rage incident last year, I was overwhelmed with a sense of “What are we DOING to each other?” feeling. I also have to say that only after completing my master’s in Aging Studies did I feel any bit at ease (or at least a little more so) about getting older than I did before completing that work. I, too, am mid-fifties, and am learning as I go. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad that it spoke to you! The anger seems to be getting out of control, and it’s kind of scary! And dealing with middle age can sometimes be overwhelming, which is why I am always glad to hear from other people who are coping as well. Loved your blog, too, and am now following!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, very true about the anger. It took me a while to realize that when people act out, when they bully, it is usually about them, not you. Hard to detach in the moment and not take personally, and, I don’t believe in letting people off the hook because they are “going through a rough time.” We all experience rough times; it’s no excuse for bad behavior. You expressed what I’ve been noticing about anger very, very well. I’ll be back to read more. And, thanks for the follow as well. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree! Going through a rough time is an excuse to be a bit quiet, not to bully others. And thanks for the compliment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Helpful comments and suggestions about middle age are always welcome!”
Don’t get any older! 😉
Hariod (someone who couldn’t take their own advice).
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s pretty good advice, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to follow it! LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As the author Chinua Achebe said: “Things Fall Apart”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the truth!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for following my blog. Your following is an honour. Ann, You have a very interesting blog which I would explore. Jo 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not in my middle age, yet, I love the way you write! 🙂 Thanks for sharing those beautiful articles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that you are doing this. Just reading your most recent blog, I can tell you have a lot of wisdom and thoughts to share. Keep it up and keep living it up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
a very interesting blog….congratulations!!!
hello Ann 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your bio. Thanks for visiting my blog. I am retired and I guess I am past middle age but never thought about it that way. You know how we still see the world through the same eyes and it is only how the world sees us that reminds us that we are of a more mature age!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I know exactly what you mean about “seeing the world through the same eyes” but you put it much more eloquently that I could have. And your blog is very good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ann.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ann, I am really enjoying your site. Thanks for your authenticity. I look forward to reading more in the future since your perspective on life has brought a smile to my face.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I am looking forward to reading more of your posts as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s true. You woke up and found yourself in Uncle Bardie Country. Now that you have followed Uncle Bardie, you may find yourself at that fork in the road that you have to take. With Uncle Bardie for a guide, you can be comforted that you may stub your toe on a pun, find you can’t resist laughing at those things you never thought funny, and wake up to wonder what Uncle Bardie is up to. It’s okay. That itch can be scratched. Simply tune in to the next Post, It could very well be a doozy or not. Either way it will be coming from the whacky mind of Uncle Bardie. So thanks for following Uncle Bardie’s Stories & Such. It beats bananas any day. Unless…but that’s a whole ‘nother thang. And one last thing. Have a great day (or night, depending on your perspective).
LikeLiked by 1 person
*My* middle age is hiding in a portrait in the attic 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a good place for it to me!
LikeLike
Wow, it sounds like we have a lot in common! Same place in life and the same family make up (husband, son and daughter) but we have a cat, no dogs here! Otherwise we might be interchangeable! I too am working my way through this life transition, one step at a time. Love your blog!
LikeLike
You’ve been nominated for the Versatile award. Love and reading your posts
LikeLike
Pingback: One Lovely Blog Award – Golden Kali
HI Ann. I’ve nominated you for The One Lovely Blog Award. Of course participation is optional but if you are interested you can get more information here on my recent post: https://goldenkali.com/2017/08/08/one-lovely-blog-award/
– Take care,
Mike and Kali
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for thinking of me, Mike! (and Kali)! If you don’t mind, I don’t think I’ll participate because I did an award a while ago, and figured that is about all anyone wants to hear about me. But I really, really appreciate your nomination and am flattered that you thought of me. It’s just that I don’t post very often, so have decided to keep the posts focused on my blog. Thanks again!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like how it went from coping to recognizing the positive. Plus once again … That tag line rocks!
LikeLike