Bebe

After retiring twice, I am preparing to retire once again. Being a journalist was one of my most joyful positions, albeit for small print presses which felt the hit of decreasing ad revenue pushing me to change careers after a decade. During those years I had an opportunity to hone my skills as a photographer combining visual with written storytelling as a feature editor and weekly columnist.

After floundering and working simply to pay the bills I found myself ready to stop working and directed my attention to publishing a book of poems and art. It was fun to read my work aloud to a small audience and sell art prints. Making a connection performing was another level of intimacy that touched me.

I returned to supplementing my income with various part-time jobs right up to accepting a position managing a small very low-income housing facility for seniors which turned into eight years, a surprise even to me. From a colleague I learned what it means to be of service to others. He is one of 17 children. He and his sisters are service oriented to the max. They give of themselves above and beyond what is expected in any situation. They have taught me the value of service. As a result, working there has been gratifying beyond words, and sometimes frustrating, but never dull.

Growing up in Seattle where saltwater and freshwater bodies abound, I have missed the sights, sounds and fragrance. In 2015, I returned to my hometown observing the explosion of people, progress, and highways of change in the intervening years of my absence.

Considering moving back home, the adage, “You can’t go back” rang true. Looking forward I searched for a similar climate to Tennessee yet surrounded by water. Virginia caught my attention first, then this choice gave way to southern Maryland.

A cottage on saltwater with tides going in and out and grazing land across the road for Jack and Bebe, my equine pals, to rent or lease in a quiet community, much like the one I am leaving is my focus.

There are two tiny homes to sell, then packing, and physically moving.

Once relocated, registering to vote is high on my list of priorities. I want to touch the Lincoln Memorial. Holding undergraduate degrees in English as a poet and political science I will finally be able to observe firsthand the machinations of the federal government.

During my formative years a social studies teacher organized both a mock Political Convention and a model United Nations. Participating in both piqued my interest in political science.

Democracy in the U.S. is being challenged like no other time in history, except for the Civil War. With whatever time left there is for me in the physical, I want to contribute. So, I have chosen to move, to start fresh and give of myself to advance our democracy.

Jack