Lake watcher. Storyteller. Two-time cancer survivor figuring out the Third Act one day at a time.
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 life and where the rest of us fit into it.
I’m a semi-retired, two-time cancer survivor, lake watcher, kayaker, quilter, writer, reluctant gym member, and proud mother and grandmother — as well as the official dispenser of treats and brown rocks for Sassy, the most opinionated Wonderdog you’ll ever meet.
For most of my life, I was busy building careers, raising families, meeting deadlines, and doing all the things people do when they’re moving through the first and second acts of life.
Along the way, I also managed to be married four times, which either means I’m stubbornly optimistic or a very slow learner. The jury is still out.
Now my very patient fourth husband — proof that I strongly believe in multiple acts — and I have stepped into what I like to call the Third Act.
We’ve retired, we’re selling our “city” house, and we’re slowly moving toward living at the lake full time.
Some days involve kayaking, sewing projects, watching the water from the deck, or trying to convince myself that joining the gym was a good idea.
Other days involve listening to Sassy, who has strong opinions about nearly everything we do.
Along the way, I also learned that life doesn’t always go according to plan.
Cancer tried to interrupt my story — twice.
Both times, I learned something important.
I’m still here.
Somewhere overhead, there is often a little red bird keeping an eye on things.
I like to think that’s my mama — a three-time cancer warrior herself — reminding me to keep going, keep laughing, and keep telling the truth about what life is really like.
This blog is where I share stories from life after the bell — retirement surprises, lake life, wandering thoughts, creative projects, and the observations of one very watchful dog.
Also, in the interest of full disclosure…
I cannot draw. Even my stick figures are open to interpretation. I don’t paint, and I’ve never had the patience for anything that requires staying inside the lines. What I can do is describe what I’m imagining—and with a little help from AI, watch it become art.
Pull up a chair on the deck.
We’ll raise a glass.
The water’s sparkling, the dog has opinions… and this Third Act is just getting started.
A Few Quick Things About Me
🚣 Favorite place: the lake at sunrise
🐕 Household supervisor: Sassy the Wonderdog
🧵 Creative therapy: sewing and quilting
☕ Morning routine: coffee and watching the water
🏋️ Least favorite activity: the gym (still negotiating this relationship)
Third Act With Pattie 