So… this is my Third Act

Most mornings in the Third Act start the same way.

Coffee in my hand, the lake in front of me, and a dog beside me who has very strong opinions about how the rest of us should be running this household.

The lake is usually still enough to see my reflection.

Which is why coffee comes first. 

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Here you’ll find stories about life after the bell — retirement surprises, lake life, surviving cancer, making things, wandering thoughts, and the observations of one very opinionated Wonderdog named Sassy.

Before we go any further, I should probably be honest about something.

This is not a lifestyle blog where I pretend to have everything figured out.

For most of my life I was working, raising a family, chauffeuring kids all over creation, and doing all the things people do when they’re moving through the first and second acts of life.

Then one day the bell rang on all that.

I’m now a semi-retired two-time cancer survivor who is still trying to figure out what retirement actually means, how two people manage to be home all the time without driving each other crazy, and why the dog seems to be the only one in the house with a clear plan.

Most days I’m just writing down what happens next.

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Life has acts.

The first act is learning and exploring your world.

The second act is building careers, raising families, and generally running as fast as possible.

And hoping somebody is learning something.

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The third act is different.

It’s where you finally have time to look around and notice things — the lake in the morning, the dog at your feet, the creative side of yourself you finally have time to get back to, and stories that suddenly feel more important than they used to.

You might be somewhere in that act too.

This blog is about life after the bell.

I have a feeling there are quite a few adventures left to experience.

This is where I tell those stories.

Before I forget them. 

I’m glad you’re here.

Pull up a chair, watch the lake for a while, and see what happens next.

We might even raise a glass – or two. 

— Pattie

🐕 Sassy says if you stay long enough, treats should be involved.