YANNI

I love the music created by YANNI as it truly feeds my soul. I was so fortunate to see him for the first time in 1995, but even more thrilling was meeting him. It's hard to believe, but I was actually rendered speechless!!

In 2009, when I heard he was appearing here in Denver, I immediately bought tickets. But I was very disappointed as he seemed to have 'sold out'. He didn't even look like YANNI as he had cut that gorgeous long black hair!! I didn't enjoy his concert as it had a very commercial edge to it and I was very offended by some of the sexually charged dance numbers.

So, when our local PBS channel recently announced that they were sponsoring a YANNI concert, I wasn't sure if it would be worth it. But, I'm so glad I went last Friday night as he once again delivered a mystical concert that left us begging for more. He played in the more intimate setting of the Wells Fargo Theater, which was a much better fit acoustically for his music.

Check out his website at http://www.yanni.com/ to find out if he's playing in your area! You won't be disappointed!!

Women and Aging 2011

Attention all Female Boomers

We face many unique aging issues -- everything from discrimination in getting a home loan to lower retirement pay to becoming the primary caregiver for our aging parents.

In an effort to open the dialogue on these and other issues related to female Boomers, the Volunteers of America Organization is excited to announce its third-annual discussion on aging issues on May 10, 2011 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.

The Women and Aging 2011: Implications for an Aging Population, is an in-depth discussion around the need for policy that addresses the cultural shift sparked by a rapidly aging population. This year's panel will be moderated by Dr. Bob Arnot and feature Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post, Debra Ness of the National Partnership for Women and Families.

You can read more about the event and their work on women's aging issues at:
http://www.voa.org/bloggers

CHANGE!!

Have you ever heard that expression --The only person who likes "change" is a wet baby?

We all know how true that is and most of us will do anything to avoid a major life change. Yet, here I am at 63 willingly taking on one of life's most stressful changes -- moving!

See, I've had that nagging sense of wanderlust for quite awhile since I currently spend 3 to 4 months a year either in Summit County or St. Louis and feel like I've been using my home as nothing more than a crash pad for the past few years.

So, last week I put my house up for sale and have now started that dreaded process of cleaning and giving away or pitching most of my stuff, because my new retirement lifestyle does not include owning a big home. I'm creating my dream retirement lifesytle around what I love most --4 months in the mountains, 4 at the beach and 4 in St. Louis with my family and friends.

OK -- I know you're probably thinking that I've gone off the deep end, but "WHY NOT?" After all, at age 40 I took a huge leap of faith by moving to Germany and leaving behind all my family and friends. At that time, I had never lived anywhere but St. Louis, so it was really difficult at first. I didn't know anyone, didn't speak the language, and felt very lonely and depressed for a few months, but it turned out to be the best adventure of my life.

Are you a Boomer who's afraid to follow your dream because 'fear of change' is holding you back? If so, and you really want to make a major change in your life, then check out the book "Take the Risk" by world-renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. Ben Carson.

http://www.amazon.com/Take-Risk-Learning-Identify-Acceptable/dp/0310259738

I'll keep you posted and would love to hear from you about any dare-devil life changes you've made since retiring or are working on!

Am I crazy or what?

Most of you know I love the mountains.

Did you know that I hate....and I mean truly hate, being cold?

I keep my house so warm that most of my friends compare it to sitting in a sauna and come over in the dead of winter in shorts!

Yet, I love to ski.....it feeds my soul and brings me joy like no other activity. There's just something so exciting about flying down the hill on a beautiful sunny day.

But, last week Mother Nature truly tested my love affair with skiing when the temperatures in Frisco, CO. where I'm staying hit minus 40 WITHOUT the chill factor.

I couldn't believe it! I've skied for over 42 years and have never experienced such bitter cold. Usually, on the slopes I look as fat as the Pillsbury Dough Boy because I wear a ski suit 2 sizes too big with 6 layers of clothing and that's when it's 15 to 20 degrees outside.

So, there was no way I could hit the slopes last week. Even if I wore everything I owned, I would not have stayed warm.

Yet, I still feel passionate about skiing and can't wait to hit the slopes later this week when the temperature gets above 10 and there's fresh powder carpeting the mountain.

What's that got to do with you and retirement?

Well, what are you passionate about?

What makes your soul sing?

If you don't know.....then start looking now, because being passionate about something will make you feel years younger than your chronological age!!