12 CHARMS OF RETIREMENT

 

I became an orphan June 2023 aged 62. 

As a result l spent time with the brother, l rarely see even though he lives an hour away from me, forced together to clear up, settle Mums affairs, sell her & Dads home, reminisce over itinary that we came across. Both gaining inheritance amongst other things Mum had left behind. For which l hasten to add l will be forever grateful.

My said inheritance felt like a lottery win to me having spent my entire adult life working for minimum wage, l made it work, raising my 4 now adult children, fed, clothed and housed them. Took them on adventures, created memories.

With my newly found wealth l did many sensible things, paid off cards, loan, catologues.  I then enjoyed it!! 

I bought my youngest's wedding dress- because if Mum had still been here she would've done that, so the day after my "winnings " hit my account l bought the dress.  Then l started buying jewellery because l could. Because I'd always loved rings and bling but could never wear it in work for health and safety reasons. I made up for lost years of none bling. I've bought rings with meaning behind them, like  my tattoos years before. There is meaning behind every one. 

The wish bone wheat germ ring represents and is a nod to my ancestors who were agriculture farmers many years ago, the females were straw plaiters. 

I bought a pair of designer ankle boots which will last me a lifetime- l felt like a lottery winner walking home with those boots- never in my lifetime have l spent so much on footwear in just one hit. 

Then we move onto the bracelet and the charms, the last of which arrived just yesterday. Thats when l realised l'd done full circle. 

Charm 1- Family is where love grows- have l mentioned l have 4 adult children, 12 beautiful grandbabies so our love continues.

Charm 2- Glow in the dark Pumpkin - as l retired, gave up work in Octoner 2024 after 22 years with the same employer, thats unheard of these days. But when they started making you feel like you dont matter its time to leave and thanks to my "winnings" l was able to put an end to the mental pain and early dark morning winter walks to work. 

Charm 3- a kitten on a ball of yarn - bless when l began this chapter of my life l had 3 fur babies, l'd had a 4th actually a dog, staffy called Maddie who sadly passed a few years previous. I digress, l had 3 fur babies Ozzy fat cat, Bam and Tia. Sadly l had to say goodbye to Ozzy who became, blind, deaf & nuts. So now there is 2- sadly Bam now 19 is too becoming a grumpy, thin, old man.  But he's my little shadow sits next to me always, sleeps next to me always, loves me being retired. And finally Miss Tia our little diva cat, demands cuddles by climbing onto my chest or lap and pushing her way to cuddles. And the yarn, l spend much of my time knitting and crocheting.

Charm 4- Father Christmas my first Christmas waking up alone before l enjoyed the chaos and excitement of my off spring and grandbabies.

Charm 5- Aries horns my sun sign representation.  According to google- courageous, confident, enthusiastic, impatient, short tempered!!, impulsive.Likes comfortable clothes and leadership. Mmm some say courageous as l travel alone and have travelled abroad alone. Confident  not always anxiety stops alot of that. Impatient - yes, like things done yesterday!! No longer short tempered think thats an age thing. Impulsive again not so much these days.  Love comfys .

Charm 6 -Heart with an eternity knot bought by my daughter. My children whom lm forever attached too and love unconditionally.

Charm 7- Hamza hand spiritual good luck and protection from my no.3 daughter. My spirituality has grown immeasurably in the last year. I worship and follow the guidance of the divine that is the Moon.

Charm 8 - Dragonfly represents Mum, my late Mum, whom lm forever grateful for as she made all this happen. We didn't have a great relationship but l learned a lot from her. And l do miss her.

Charm 9- A painting palette- l discovered diamond art and have become addicted to doing it. 19 completed pictures already, no l lie 20 because l did a largeish one as a wedding present. And there are a few pending!! I've also painted a few paint-by-number scenes only able to be done with the right light days and seasons.  All of which keeps me calm and busy with my brain occupied, usually listening to podcasts whilst doing.

Charm 10- Hot air balloon with a house because l've been able to buy my flat outright. Never did l think l'd be a homeowner. But l am now. I've secured my future, stop paying rent, set up my grandbabies' inheritance as the adults dont want it. But thats ok. I've refurbed the bathroom into a safe shower room for my "old age", had lovely soft easy clean flooring laid and lovely light glass clad doors installed. 

Charm 11- Sunflower represents Maddie the dog l lost 6 years ago in the August, also the hot summer we've had this year, with the many, many day trips l went on to all new places with all new people. Having all new experiences. Because l could. Always doing things lve never done before. Because l can.

Charm 12- A Christmas wreath- whilst reorganising and decluttering my "Xmas "cupboard, l came across a project bag Mum had made me many years ago in which l found a canvas cushion kit. Basically cotton printed design of a wreath. Back in the day, Mum a needlewoman all her adult life. Used to buy canvas/ cotton dolls cut them out, stitch them and embellish them before selling them or gifting them. The wreath canvas I am in the process of stitching together and embellishing in her honour. It will be made into a doughnut-shaped cushion only to make itself known every Christmas from now on in.

And there you have it. My 12 charms of retirement so far. Watch this space, there is more to come. Without being morbid, l'm now nigh on 65, not "officially" retired in the eyes of the government. And Mum was nigh on 96 when she passed. So l have probably 30 years of life left to fill.  What's the plan going forward l don't know really??   More trips, more crafting at home. More writing on here, who knows but Me, Myself and l will carry on, living on intuition and what's left of the inheritance (not a lot of that left to be honest)!! 

Thanks for reading - See ya. xx