Three weeks into retirement and I’ve settled into it nicely thank you very much! My days have naturally evolved a schedule of their own which I’m feeling pretty pleased with. I was beginning to panic a little before the big R date what with all the plans and projects I had in the pipeline. Some time during the last 3 weeks I gave the pipe a bit of a flush and have been a whole lot more relaxed since then ( no metaphors intented there!)
So how do I fill my days? I get up when I please which is usually fairly early – but how nice it is to occaissonaly sleep in without any pangs of guilt at all that wasted time. I shower, breakfast and do a spot of spiritual contemplation to start the day. Next comes a quick check on Etsy and followup on any commission queries. Now The Writer gets some time and we usually head off for a morning walk along the beachside walking track at Blackman’s Bay. The water views are changeable but always beautiful . There’s a bit of an incline both ends of the walk – after 3 weeks l can already climb the cliff path faster.
Home for a morning paint, or a sewing session and then lunch by the pool at noon. I do some more work in the studio till 2’ish and then it’s a swim and a read in the deck chair. This is when I catch up on my art books- just choosing one at random and dipping into it can trigger off some new ideas.
At 3pm I head inside and back to the studio for another session. The Writer and I share the cooking so if he’s on chef duty I’ll work through till dinner. The evening is family time , playing a board game, reading, watching a movie or catching up on computer based stuff.
The most wonderful thing about this evolved routine is it’s not really a schedule! If my niece needs a hand I can head off to help her, if I want to visit my Mum there’s no reason not to , if my sister drops by we can swim and chat for an hour without me thinking of all the things I should be doing and if I want to spend an hour leafing through a cook book that’s just what I do. There’s time for some gardening, a visit to my local art shop or a trip to the recycle centre. Of course somewhere in between all this good stuff I do a bit of housework and the odd spot of grocery shopping but that’s just a great counterpoint to emphasise the absolute joy of my daily pleasures.
The best part is that I’ve reclaimed art as a leisurely pursuit instead of something to be squeezed and squashed in between my working life and my family time!
Lindy Whitton Studio 
Isn’t it wonderful to be retired? I enjoyed reading about what your day is like. I always love hearing what other artist do in their typical day and yours sounds like heaven. I wanted to take a closer peak at your paintings though! Isn’t a slower life grand?
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Am loving it Margaret! Will get some more paintings up soon.
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Dear Lindy,
I stumbled across your You Tube site two weeks before your retirement. Thank you so much for the valuable information you so freely give. I have been Retired for close on 24 years, until the last 3 years was able to attend watercolour classes Then tried my hand at beautiful clear pastels not very well so I was very pleased to find You on You Tube and downloading your great newsletter.
Unfortunately I am confined to staying home as my dearest has developed Lewy Body Dementia, which requires me to be with him 24/7, we have been married 62 years this Coming April After reading this mornings newsletter I must say I was awfully disappointed when you Mentioned that you had time for that dreadful chore to me, housework! But I will Forgive you. Hahaha
Please keep sending lovely newsletters and You Tubes,I just love your vibrant work
Yours Sincerely Marcia Storey
Sent from my iPad
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Dear Marcia,
My, 62 years is a long marriage! I have only made 31 so really still a baby at it. I’m sorry to hear your dearest has developed dementia – it’s a difficult illness for both you and him. I am gld though that my art newsletters and You Tube videos can give you some pleasure whilst you’re confined to home. Pastels are lovely to work with so do persist- I find them much easier than watercolour which I never really mastered. I will keep doing the videos while people are interested so I will have a new one out this week.
Bless you and your dearest.
Lindy
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Sounds like you are taking to things quite nicely. Good for you!
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Sounds like you’ve got your happiness sorted out, you certainly deserve it after all that hard work – but oh, the envy. 🙂
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Just don’t read any for a while – they’ll all be full of happiness!
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Oh, I like them – I’m savouring the happiness 🙂
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First off, congratulations on your retirement Lindy – if I haven’t told you already. I’m sure it has been well earned on your part. 🙂 Also, I’m so happy for this fluid routine that’s found you. You sound so relaxed and happy and that’s great to hear. Have a great retirement filled with creating art because you love it.
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Thanks so much for your kind wishes.
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Beautiful Beach Scenes. I too like diving into art books. I want to get a new book on composition and layout of paintings.
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I’m impressed …. to have nailed the new freeform day and evolved it into a form that works for you in a mere three weeks is worthy of a high-five. For so many, retirement and its lack of strictures brings real anxiety. I think you should write a book on how to do it well!
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