When Katie from Katherines Corner put out the call to bloggers over 50 for her new feature series, Between the Lines, it came at exactly the perfect time for me.
What a great idea! Most bloggers over 50 get very little recognition. We don't even know where to find each other to/for support!
Finally someone who wants to CELEBRATE the wisdom and creativity of bloggers over 50! Thank you Katie!! The series will run for 10 weeks featuring a different group of bloggers every Tues. I hope you all will check out the bloggers and follow their stories. You will find their links at the end of this post.
For this feature series Katie asked us to share our feelings about blogging in the second half of life.
“Retire to something, not just from something,”
I will retire from the corporate world at the end of this week, after having worked for 45 years. My 66th birthday comes up in about 2 weeks on May 8th and I'm moving to Costa Rica on May 31st!
I started blogging in 2009 at the age of 59. I started with a little blog called "I'm Just Sayin" and later added several more blogs reflecting other personal interests of mine. They include travel, holistic wellness, my non profit projects in Africa and fashion/lifestyle.
Life is all about change and I am enjoying writing about all the changes in my life.
The biggest challenge for me (I hate to say it) unfortunately has been my age. This is mostly apparent with my fashion blog. Although I stay fit and keep current with fashion, there just hasn't been a huge number of readers over 50 (and let's not even talk about the over 65 crowd)! Of course readership is growing and has come a long way -- but ageism still exists.
When I first started this blog 2 years ago, I posted fashion shoots of myself several times a week. Since I modeled my own clothing, eventually I exhausted my wardrobe -- so I decided to change direction and include more topics on lifestyle. I have found this change to be much more rewarding and allows me to include posts on many other topics as well.
I've always enjoyed writing. I find it therapeutic. I don't write to count the number of readers or followers that I have. I write because I have a point of view and because I believe that each of us is unique and has something special to share with the world.
"If I don't do me, no one else will"
Along with fashion, I also LOVE to travel and have taken up travel blogging. I have a new website Itchy Feet which debuts on June 1st. At the same time I will launch my new youtube channel Itchy Feet TV where people can follow our journey and our new life in Costa Rica!!
(this will be my first time vlogging). Hope you will check me out.
The Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica
I appreciate you stopping by my blog today and hope that you will subscribe and come back often. I'm pretty sure that my fellow bloggers over 50
would also appreciate your support of their efforts as well.
Please take the time to visit each of their sites below.
Hi Devon...it's so nice to meet you through "between the lines".
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the older women and getting them interested in fashion on the computer! But I'm still trying!!
Good luck on your move and I'm glad I discovered your blog!
jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Hi Jodie
DeleteThank you for the comment. I think part of the problem with fashion and us "women of a certain age" is that advertising and the media leaves us out. We are no longer the target market so therefore we are irrelevant. Women have no idea where to find fashionable clothing that fits their age and lifestyle. This is exactly why we need more fashion bloggers over 50, 60 and beyond!! :)
Devon, so glad to meet you and be introduced to your blog! I look forward to reading more especially about your new adventures in Costa Rica! I'm really enjoying meeting the there bloggers in this series!
ReplyDelete- Nancy (Nancy On The Home Front)
We are super excited about our upcoming move!!! Itchy Feet is my first "official" website. I worked with a designer and she did a great job! I will also post updates on this blog as well or at least let folks know that I have posted over on Itchy Feet. Hope you will enjoy our journey right along with us. Thanks for your comment and support
DeleteReally lovely to "meet you" and what an amazing blog. It si so beautiful and you're enthusiasm for life shines out. Look forward to reading more form you.
ReplyDeleteCarol x
Thank you for the compliment. I decided to be very authentic in my postings here. I think it gets easier to do that as we get older! LOL
DeleteHope you will stop by often.
I actually think there are a lot of fashion bloggers over the age of fifty, but unfortunately only the same dozen or so keep getting recognized and get the readership. I am a lifestyle blogger, but I also do a fashion post twice weekly. Though I would agree with you that over fifty women interested in fashion is slim...most of my support comes from the 20 through 40 year old crowd. I love your style and your blog, and now that I know you exist through "Between the Lines" I will follow!
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree there are quite a few bloggers over 50 but how many over 65? LOL The # gets pretty slim.
DeleteYou are so right about the recognition too. I think there should be a separate category for the 65+ then maybe my blog would pop up! I know a lot of 40 year olds that don't know what a blog is and could never write one so kudos to us older gals that give it a shot!!
Thanks for your comment. Hope you'll keep em comin!!!
You are GORGEOUS!!! I love your style, and I am thrilled to have met you. I hope you have a blast in Coasta Rica! Maybe I will come visit one day. Haha
ReplyDeleteHi 50 is not old
DeleteYou are sooo right!!!
Hi Devon. I'm so glad that I found the linkup on Katherine's blog. I had no idea how to find bloggers my age. This series is perfect, I will now be able to find and follow bloggers my age. It's nice to meet you. I'm a newly retired grandmother of 2 who loves to garden, travel and empower others. I'm looking forward to reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda
DeleteI know, isn't this a great idea. We now have an entire list of people our age to communicate with!
Looks like we like some of the same things too. I will check out your blogs as well!!!
Thanks for stopping by
Hi Devon. I'm coming by to check out your website. What exciting changes you are about to encounter! I will be anxious to see your new site, "Itchy Feet" when it's live. - Amy
ReplyDeletewww.stylingrannymama.com
Hi Amy
DeleteThank you for stopping by. Itchy Feet goes LIVE on June 1 but most of the site is up now. Hope you'll check it out.
Wish me luck with my you tubing LOL
Hi Devon, I saw you on the Between the Lines Blogger Series. I'm so happy to see so many bloggers "our age." I love to travel too! I've been many places around the world but haven't made it to Costa Rico yet! What an exciting journey you're on. I hope all goes well! I look forward to meeting you!
ReplyDeleteCarla a.k.a. Mrs. R
Mrs R
DeleteI am really happy to find some people in my own age group as well. I wondered where we all went! LOL
Thank you for your comment
Hello Devon! I am glad to meet you. You live an interesting life. I am so glad you have shared it. I look forward to reading your posts. Congratulations on your upcoming retirement. Enjoy your new life! Blessings, Kathi
ReplyDeleteKathi
DeleteThank you. I will check out your blog as well.
Hi Devon, wow 45 years coming to a close and I bet you're counting the sleeps. How exciting to have the courage to change it up and follow your dreams with beautiful new locale to enjoy your retirement years. It's great meeting other bloggers from the Nifty Fifty and beyond Club in this series. Looking forward to following your adventures!
ReplyDeleteMarie, The Interior Frugalista
Marie B
DeleteThanks I will follow your blog as well. Happy to meet you and thank you for your comment
Stopping by from Turnips 2 Tangerines to say "hi"
ReplyDeleteSo nice to meet you from Between the Lines Series.
Lynn
Hi Lynn
DeleteHi back and Thanks for the check in! I checked out your blog as well.
Hi Marilyn
ReplyDeleteVery nice to meet you. I checked out your site as well.
Also Thanks for the FB like!!
Amazing that so many of us started blogging in 2009. I had no idea where I was going and still plodding along.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful you are and fun to have shared fashions. Its always fun to branch out into other areas, make for great reading.
So nice to meet you. Following on FB and Pinterest.
Wishing you a great week!
Karren
Yes, I noticed the 2009 date as well. Like minds I guess :) I am still plodding along as well. I've had no connections with the bloggers who get a lot the publicity so I am pretty much "on my own" It's Ok though,I love doing my thing and saying what I want. When I add my youtube channel for Itchy Feet I am going to try my hand at make up and fashion tutorials on this site as well.
DeleteWish me luck!!! LOL
Thanks for following
Hi Devon, it is so nice to meet you. Wow you have so much going on! Congratulations on your retirement and good luck with your move. When I think of Costa Rica I think of the beach. I look forward to seeing your photos.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen Midlife Blvd.? I think you would like it and the Facebook group, The Women of Midlife. The group has over 1000 members, it's own conference and so much inspiration.
Hi Doreen
DeleteThank you so much for the tip. I had not heard of that group. That's what I like about networking, you learn so much from other people. I went to the site. Am following now and also Liked the FB page.
Thanks again!!!
Oh and stay tuned there will be LOTS of Costa Rica pictures although in the beginning we are settling in the Central Valley but...the beach is only about an hr and a half away.
Hi Devon! So nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving all that is going on in your life! Wow, its so inspirational and I'm looking forward to learning more about your Costa Rica adventures.
Hi Liz
DeleteI really enjoy traveling (its in my bloods) and I cannot wait to get on the move without being hindered by going back to a job. It will certainly be different.
I will share lots of Costa Rica on this blog and for more info be sure to follow Itchy Feet.
Thank you for writing
You are stylish and sassy! Love it all. Costa Rica, one of my students moved there in December and looks like a beautiful place. Nice to meet you from Katherine's Corner.
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle
DeleteI am tickled pink with all the comments I am getting from the series so thank you so much for commenting and thanks also for the compliment.
Lots of people are moving or have moved to Costa Rica. I have not heard anyone come back from there and have anything negative - which was one of the reasons we decided to move there.
It is beautiful without words and our house is going to have a kick ass 360 view (excuse my French) LOL
Hi Devon, I just found your blog via "Between the Lines" and am excited to follow your journey. Will Itchy Feet be your main blog? Heck, I may even try to watch a You Tube video! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteHi Kim
DeleteThank you for writing. Itchy Feet will be my main blog for everything Costa Rica because it will follow our journey and day to day life. I will still post periodically here on Changing Direction but not exclusively.
And YES PLEEZ check out my youtube channel!! Go there and hit the subscribe button now. LOL Then don't be shy about commenting. We need more over 50 you tubers most of the vloggers are twenty somethings. We need to represent!!!
I welcome comments
Thanks again.
Hi Devon, I am excited to discover your blog! I am 63 and so many blogs do not contain anything relevant to a person my age. I don't want to look and act like I am in my 30's, nor do I want to look and act like I am 80!I am so looking forward to following you on your journey! Patty
ReplyDeleteHi Patty
DeleteI hear you, I feel the same way. That's why I had a problem in the beginning with this blog (as far as fashion trends go). I am almost 66 so I won't be sporting any short shorts or 6 inch heels (which are en vogue) Many styles I can wear (meaning they make it in my size) but my motto is "just because something comes in your size doesn't mean you should wear it"
I try very hard to keep it real by taking into consideration the appropriateness of given fashion trends. I think we can wear the same things that are en vogue but with some modifications.
Hope you will continue to follow and comment often.
Thank you for the comment.
Hi Devon from a fellow Between the Lines Blogger. What a happy post and I love your smile. I'm only a fairly newbie blogger just over a year but it is great to connect with so many other midlife bloggers - we get each other. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteHi Sue
DeleteThank you and thank you for stopping by. Yes, we do get each other. Ain't that grand? LOL
First time to your blog and wish I had been here sooner. I am looking forward to reading about your escapades in Costa Rica and love your style. Soon I will be 65 and love to travel. Talk soon. .
ReplyDeletehttp://www.madamtoomuch.com
Hi Mz Lady
DeleteThank you so much for your comment. I went over to you site and love your graphics!!!I will be following you as well. Maybe we can chat some about travel and the Caribe life and things! I will email you.
Hello from a fellow Between the Lines participant! LOVE. YOUR. BLOG. And your style -- #wardrobegoals! And your adventurous spirit! And this quote: “Retire to something, not just from something." Okay, basically I wish I had found you a long time ago! :) I'm looking forward to following your adventure to Costa Rica (WOW!), and congratulations on your retirement, your move, and all your great ventures!
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy
DeleteThank you for stopping by. It has been so gratifying to recieve all the nice comments from bloggers over 50.
I wish you had found me long ago too:) I have been trying to get noticed but it is super hard when you have no connections. So I am happy you have found me now!
Please keep following and comment often so I know you're out there.
Thanks
Hi Devon! First off, congratulations on your retirement! I guarantee that you'll love it! That's when I discovered my other life of writing and painting with watercolors. I'm visiting through Between The Lines and I have to say that we are somewhat close in age, with me being even older than you. I love your blog and I'm really looking forward to following along on your adventures in Costa Rica and wherever else you go. So very nice to meet you and I hope you have a fabulous weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Carol
DeleteI did not think any bloggers older than me existed LOL Nice to meet you and thanks for the comment. I am so looking forward to my new retired lifestyle. First thing I did was delete the 5:45am M-F alarm setting on my iPhone!
Now, on with LIFE. YES!!!
Please stay tuned I am happy to share our new journey.
Wow! Thank you for this post! I blog and I'm over 50. Yes, we may not have the look that most brands are seeking but we have life experiences that trump the latter. Congrats on your retiring. I will be boasting in your joy!
ReplyDeleteHi Marsha
DeleteThank you for your reply. How true it is!! We have so much wisdom but we are pretty much ignored as far as fashion goes. Still can't quite figure out how they get away with that LOL
I am hoping I can get some followers on my Itchy Feet TV channel and prove that it isn't only the youngsters that can vlog but us "wise ones" can do it too!!!
Thank again
You are so right there are not many over 50 bloggers out there much less we over 65 ones. Very nice meeting you and how wonderful to be taking a big step to Costa Rica.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI sure wish there were more of us! They do not know what they are missing!!! :)
I'm catching up (late) and wanting to go on vacation again after looking at your photos. Great to meet so many new people "between the lines."
ReplyDeleteHi Sheila - thanks for stopping by. Better late than never right? LOL I've been really happy meeting so many new people that I didn't know existed.
DeleteGetting away on vacation is always a good thing. Clears the mind and centers the spirit. A great prescription for a peaceful life!
I hope you will follow our journey too.
Thanks again!
Oh my. Costa Rica! I am so excited to follow you on this journey. I would have followed you anyway since I have found you, because I love fashion and it is obvious from reading just this one post that you are good at what you do. I hope to be a new friend. And happy retirement! :)
ReplyDeleteHey Nikki - Nice to meet you and a gal can never have too many friends!! LOL Thank you for following me. I have plans for all kinds of good stuff now that I have retired. Got a new camera for photos and video and moving to the most gorgeous setting anyone could wish for.
DeleteStay tuned!
Hello Devon, please accept my apology for falling behind in comments. It is such a pleasure to have you in my treasured blog family. I am happy to join you in celebrating a retirement well earned.Thank you for your participation in the series. xo
ReplyDeleteHi Katie - You are so busy right now with the series I am surprised you have time to make a comment :) Thank you for stopping by and believe me, participating in "Between the Lines" was a joy. The pleasure was all mine!
DeleteKeep in touch!!!
Hey sister - yes I'm turning 66 in about a month. Trying to read of the over fifty blogs because I think my turn is next week. I'm retired too.
ReplyDeleteKeep on writing. You look great!
Hey there - Yes, and I think we must be among some of the oldest ones! I see a lot in their 50's and a few in their early 60's but not any over 65 so far (but I hear there are some). I will be sure to stop by your site.
DeleteThank you for the comment too.
See you next week! :)
Visiting from the Between the Lines series! Glad to meet you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by! Nice to meet you as well
DeleteVisiting from week 8 of BTL! I love your blog and looking forward to stalking a bit! Fashions for over 50 don't always compliment the over 50 crowd but I'm slowly coming out of my comfort zone and finding ones that do. Moving to Costa Rica is going to be exciting for you and I'll be checking back for updates and posts on that!
ReplyDelete