For my first blog post on my own space, I decided to come out of the age closet and fess up publicly to my actual age. Not that I ever lied about it, but since I feel much younger than my actual years and believe there are negative perceptions about aging, I just didn’t want to share before. But now I am ready. OK – here it goes: I am 65 years old.

Take it in, because I have spent time doing just that. Sixty-five years old has the taint of old age and reduced functionality. However, that is not the reality. NOPE!! I am blessed with good health and great genes. My mother is 91 years old, lives alone and still hits the casino at least twice a month.   Aunt Sarah was volunteering in a senior center into her 80s, helping to take care of the “old folks”. And, I can chase my grand kids around both on land and in the pool with them getting tired first. Yes, I am truly fortunate.

Why am I doing my own blog space now? This space is more than just about accepting my aging. It is about having my own online space to write what I want and say whatever it is I choose to say. Honestly, it is a reflection of my personal being that I want to make public. I have lots to say and talk about and hope that there will be those who actually want to read what I write.

Thank you BlogHer!! BlogHer was my first entre into the blogging world and I have learned so much because of my association with them.  That and their continued support has helped enhance my confidence as a blogger. As if that wasn’t enough, I have BlogHer friends that I believe will be with me for the rest of my life. I intend to cross post on BlogHer and look at them as my favored neighbor though no longer my boarding house. Also, I plan to expand where I cross post and hope to acquire fame and fortune. Actually, the fame and fortune thing is not really where I am at right now, but still it sounds kind of fun and I believe I can handle that should it poke its head on my blog.

Elaine Griffin Designs is RAD! Actually, that is how Elaine Griffin describes herself and I truly agree. http://www.elainegriffindesigns.com/ She has worked patiently with me to create a space that I feel reflects who I am. Just as Elaine says, she is a team player, problem solver and people person. That, and her expertise as a creator of beautiful, mobile, responsive websites and freelance WordPress designer makes me quite thankful that she has designed my space and even more thankful that she is a trusted friend. I met Elaine through BlogHer and have followed her work and progression as a designer for several years. THANK YOU ELAINE GRIFFIN!!

Welcome to my space and please come on back y’all– as we say in North Carolina.