About Good Woman

imageI strive to be a good person and I happen to be a woman.  Thus “Good Woman” is what I aspire to be and that became the name of my blog.  But what makes a person good? To answer that, I quote from a poster that once hung in my daughter’s room: “I want to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.”

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, I thought that when I grew up I would be in control of my life.  How naive I was!   At age 60 plus, I now realize that I will never be in charge.  I certainly made decisions that influenced what happened to me, but life itself took control. I know now that is OK.  I am approaching retirement and I am trying to figure out to the extent that is up to me, what will be next, how I will spend my time and my resources,  what will give my life meaning, how I hope to live my life to continue becoming the good person I strive to be.  I will explore where I am, how I got here, what I will continue doing, what I prefer to cut out of my life, what new things I want to try, what is important to me. Meanwhile I hope that I have learned the skills that will help me to deal with the unexpected.  This blog is intended to cover my journey.  There won’t be a specific structure.  I have had enough of that in my career.  The topics will be wide and varied.  They might seem random and eclectic.  I will write what I want to write about.  Nothing will be off-limits.

In so many ways I feel like I am a teenager again as I try to figure out what life is all about. I hope I have a lot more wisdom and a lot less angst.  I know I have a lot more freedom.  I earned that. Perhaps what I long for the most is freedom to stay in pajamas all day if I want to and to be a little quirky and even eccentric.  That seems to be a privilege reserved for older people and I might try that on for a while.

I will admit that I am a little scared about retirement.   So much of my identity comes from my job and when I no longer have that will I be psychologically ok?  I should be–I spent 20 years being a wife and when I became a widow, as time passed, I  dealt with that.  I spent 25 plus years being a mom and although I am still a mom, the child is now an adult and thankfully does not need me in the same way.  Will I have a new specific title or role, or will I be the quintessential good woman?  This blog will help me figure out what I want to do next.   And who knows, if this goes well, maybe blogging will be a major focus of the rest of my life.

Click here if you are curious about why Good Woman is the name of this blog.

67 thoughts on “About Good Woman”

  1. Rich Armstrong January 14, 2015 / 3:08 pm

    Good woman, do not fear retirement, I’m retired and enjoying everyday of it. You no longer are assigned duties and are free. You are a good writer, keep it up. Rich

    Liked by 2 people

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    • Helen Elizabeth January 14, 2015 / 6:09 pm

      Thank you for your kind words. Many of my colleagues count down the days until they are eligible to retire. I have been eligible for 2 years and have no definite plan. People don’t understand why I am still working. But I have always enjoyed my job. My fear is not finding something to fill the gap when I am no longer working.

      Liked by 2 people

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  3. Helen Elizabeth January 16, 2015 / 2:49 am

    Thank you for sharing that link with me. Although she says she’s retiring it seems like she will be working very hard, just at something different. It seems that she will never be bored, which is something I hope for in my own retirement.

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  4. Donna George January 18, 2015 / 4:15 am

    Dear Good Woman

    One day at a time, that’s my productivity flow these days. I left the corporate world after 30 years, almost two years ago and the freedom drove me to my blog name – Beyond Extraordinary Days. It will all fall into place for you, mainly because you’re a good woman (I can tell). Great about page, genius and true :)>
    Happy Trails,
    Donna

    Liked by 2 people

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  5. Helen Elizabeth January 19, 2015 / 12:18 am

    Thanks for reading my blog and for your comment. I do have a small bit of faith that things will work out and that I will be ok but I don’t want to head into it blindly.

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    • Helen Elizabeth January 23, 2015 / 1:03 am

      Thank you so much. I feel honored. I can accept but you have presented a new challenge to me. Being a new blogger I am going to have to learn how to follow the directions to successfully accept the award. Fortunately I think I am up to the challenge.

      Liked by 1 person

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  7. thatssojacob January 25, 2015 / 1:28 am

    Hello Helen! I’ve decided to read and follow 15 interesting and new blogs a day every day for the first month of 2015, and yours is today’s #10! Feel free to come visit me when you can at http://www.thatssojacob.wordpress.com, and follow if you like what you read. Happy new year and happy blogging!

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    • Good Woman January 25, 2015 / 3:36 pm

      Thank you Jacob. As a new blogger, I appreciate any traffic that comes my way. I took a look at your blog and OMG! I am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–many years ago–and I still have family in the area. I have been to many of the places that you mention. I am now in the southwest–New Mexico not Texas–so some of the parallels are rather interesting.

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  8. WagginMaster (aka Jerry) January 26, 2015 / 4:32 am

    Retirement does not mean stepping into nothingness. It means stepping into something you’ve always wanted to do but never had time to do it because you were working.

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    • Good Woman January 26, 2015 / 4:44 am

      Part of me understands what you are saying. But then another part asks, “Do I want to do those things just because I never get a chance to? And when I have the opportunity will they not mean so much?” I am probably saying this to the wrong person because clearly you and your wife are doing very well with retirement.

      Liked by 1 person

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      • WagginMaster (aka Jerry) January 26, 2015 / 5:39 am

        We are enjoying what we do. It was a risk and very scary to sell it all for what we now have. We got thru the scary part by God’s grace.

        Liked by 1 person

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    • Good Woman January 27, 2015 / 8:01 pm

      Thank you so much Little Snowflake! It is going to take me a while to comply with the rules, especially determining the right blogs to nominate but I proudly accept.

      Liked by 1 person

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      • littlesnowflake January 28, 2015 / 7:54 pm

        Yay! Thanks for accepting it!
        Take your time no worries 😀

        Liked by 1 person

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  10. Clare February 1, 2015 / 4:44 am

    Hi Helen,

    I’ve also passed on to you The Versatile Blogger Award. You’ll find all the details on the following page of My Creative Cosmos: http://mycreativecosmos.com/the-versatile-blogger/ (Only accessed via the badge among the widgets on the left-hand side – for now anyway.) I’m sure it can piggyback in the nomination from Littlesnowflake.

    I hope you’ll accept it with the grace in which it is given. Who am I kidding? You deserve it.

    Clare

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    • Good Woman February 1, 2015 / 5:08 am

      Aren’t you a darling?? I have actually already posted my acceptance to Littlesnowflake so what do I do now? Edit that post so I can give you a pingback? I am working on an acceptance for another award nomination and I actually have you on my list of nominees for that award–stay tuned.

      Liked by 1 person

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      • Clare February 1, 2015 / 8:51 am

        Yes, I believe that is totally acceptable (and perhaps even politically correct 🙂 ) to edit the acceptance you have already written.

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    • Good Woman February 10, 2015 / 4:35 am

      Thank you very much. I did an acceptance for the Liebster award a couple weeks ago. It will take me some time as I now have another nomination for something else as well. But I believe this is a great way to build the blogging community so I shall see what I can do. I hope you can be patient.

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  12. passion through poetry February 22, 2015 / 9:15 pm

    I’m a bit younger, but always had the same thoughts, as my identity has been very much wrapped up in my corporate role. But blogging is a great time-filler, I finally realised I would love to write as much as I can (and learn more about photography), and there are so many blogging activities that can keep one busy. All the best! Good to meet you on my blog 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  13. Ellen Hawley February 23, 2015 / 12:38 pm

    I worried about retirement too, but to quote my partner, I don’t know how I ever found time to work. I write, I bake bread, I’m gotten involved in an effort to defend the National Health Service from privatization (I live in England, and we’ll probably lose the battle but it’s worth fighting anyway), I read, and I spend more time with friends than I ever could while I was working.

    Liked by 2 people

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    • Good Woman February 23, 2015 / 2:38 pm

      Thanks for reading and commenting. You are probably correct that I will be very busy. Part of my worry is that once I have adequate time to do the things that I currently never find time for, that I will no longer get as much enjoyment from them. That may be silly but I can’t help think that. I am really taking to blogging and that is helping to reduce those fears.

      Liked by 1 person

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      • Ellen Hawley March 26, 2015 / 9:42 am

        There’s something wonderful about stolen time–the time you steal from work to take a deep breath; the cup of coffee when you really should be doing something else. Without the surrounding pressure, they’re nothing special. That much, I find, is true. But the things I enjoy for themselves don’t lose their savor. In fact, I think I enjoy them more because I’m not rushing through them.

        Liked by 1 person

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        • Good Woman March 26, 2015 / 10:04 pm

          I can appreciate that if you actually have the time to do things at a leisurely pass, rather than having to rush everything, would be very enjoyable, and actually therapeutic.

          Liked by 1 person

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  14. Pingback: Very Inspiring Blogger Award – The art of giving & receiving | Thoughts and things ...
  15. Trudy March 7, 2015 / 6:23 pm

    I love this description of yourself. It’s engaging and vulnerable. I’d like to find my voice the way that you have in your writing. And thank you again for visiting me .

    Liked by 3 people

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    • Good Woman March 10, 2015 / 2:33 am

      Thank you so much for your very nice comments. I think you do have a very strong voice. Thanks for checking out my blog.

      Liked by 1 person

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  16. Pingback: What a Ride It’s Been – Two Months in the Blogosphere – Good Woman
  17. Sewing Beside the Sea March 8, 2015 / 11:39 pm

    I’m a little way off retirement yet but I hope to carry on what I enjoy doing now, just doing more of it. That includes crafting beside the sea, The work can take a back seat for a change 🙂 I’m following to see what you decide to get up to when you take the plunge if not before.

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    • Good Woman March 13, 2015 / 7:47 pm

      Thanks. I am starting to formulate more plans in my mind of how I will spend my time, but I haven’t taken any definite action yet regarding retiring.

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  18. Carrie Rubin March 9, 2015 / 4:34 pm

    “I want to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.”—Such simple but wise words. The world would be a better place if we all strived to meet them.

    Life is a series of chapters, isn’t it? Good luck exploring your next one, and thank you for visiting my blog. Much appreciated!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Good Woman March 10, 2015 / 2:35 am

      It definitely is a series of chapters, some of which are easily embraced; others of which we wish we could avoid; and still others are real challenges. But we just need to handle each one and hope we come out better at the end. Thank you for visiting and commenting.

      Liked by 1 person

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  19. writing, writing, words words words. March 9, 2015 / 6:57 pm

    Hi! Hey thanks for the Follow! I know I’ve seen you on the Commons during Blog101. One of the times I can remember now is when you offered a solution to a drop-down menu, but thinking I had solved my problem, I declined. But actually I had *not* solved it, until a week or so ago. And wish I had taken your advice! Also, I just retired 6 months ago, and I’m floundering somewhat. I never knew how much of my identity was in work. I’m trying to figure out a routine that gets me out of the house everyday. That, and goals that make me want to get out of bed everyday! It’s been surprisingly challenging. I miss work lol. And, I’d posted that I’m taking a hiatus from blogging to research, study, and learn different kinds of writing like non-fiction, and ad copy. But screw it – I’m Following you. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  20. writing, writing, words words words. March 9, 2015 / 8:00 pm

    PS And we also talked about being introverts, I was just reminded, by peeking around your blog again. I could do a marathon read of your writing, and probably will. I really like your writing.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Good Woman March 10, 2015 / 2:39 am

      Thanks for sharing your retirement experience. What you describe as your retirement experience is what I am afraid of and what I am trying to avoid. I know people who were absolutely happy with retirement and others who have the struggles you describe. Obviously I hope for the happy experience. Thank you for your follow. And you are too kind.

      Liked by 1 person

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      • writing, writing, words words words. March 11, 2015 / 7:31 pm

        Yeah, I think it just takes putting a new schedule into place. One day I found myself watching Let’s Make a Deal and knew I was in trouble lol! I had a dark laugh at that so now I don’t turn on my TV until 5pm. So, it’s baby steps for me, the adjusting. I’m just glad I didn’t sink to watching Morry’s baby daddy/infidelity drama show, or Cops!! 😉

        Liked by 1 person

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        • Good Woman March 13, 2015 / 7:49 pm

          There certainly are some pretty non-constructive habits that you could fall into. I worry I might become a recluse and need to make sure that does not happen.

          Liked by 1 person

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          • writing, writing, words words words. March 13, 2015 / 11:19 pm

            Hey, You’re fine. Just look at your own heart. You’ve have everything you need. Fear not.

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    • Good Woman March 13, 2015 / 7:54 pm

      You are welcome. I am interested in the universe and whatever occurs to someone so it seemed natural to follow you.

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  22. Bette A. Stevens March 13, 2015 / 5:11 pm

    You’ll love retirement and you’re off to a great start with your blogging adventure. ENJOY!

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  23. Good Woman March 13, 2015 / 7:55 pm

    Thank you. I ended up being quite enamored of the blogging thing and it certainly might be a part of the rest of my life.

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  24. Helen C March 14, 2015 / 2:57 pm

    Hello, Helen (Helen, right?) Thanks for visiting my blog. OMG, are you my long lost twins? I understand everything you wrote here deeply 😉 And my Skype-ID has 1952 in it 😉 The only difference between us is I was so looking forward to the retirement days and now that I had retired, I can tell you that I really love it!!! I am busier than ever and I am doing what I love to do.

    I am glad to get to know you!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Good Woman March 16, 2015 / 8:49 pm

      Yes I am Helen. We can’t be twins because what parents would give both daughters the same name? I am getting closer to making a decision about retirement. Give me two bad days at work in a row and I might just make the decision.

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      • Helen C March 16, 2015 / 9:43 pm

        If you compare working days with retiring days, every working day is a bad day… 😉 I thought I would help you to make the decision. Ha .

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  25. Elizabeth March 15, 2015 / 7:38 am

    Hello, thanks for visiting my blogging! Your blog is lovely, I enjoy the way you organized your posts, Top Ten Tuesday and quotes are my favourites up to now, for sure I’ll follow you! Have a great Sunday!

    Liked by 1 person

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  26. Clare March 16, 2015 / 8:28 pm

    Hi Helen,

    I’m about to invite you to join in a challenge I recently accepted. Five Photos, Five Stories. I though this challenge could present you with an opportunity to showcase your beautiful cross stitches, or anything else for that matter.

    You are my day two person and the post will publish at midday tomorrow. (Australian time that is.)

    Here’s the link: http://mycreativecosmos.com/five-photos-five-stories/

    I’ll understand if you’re too busy to accept, but of cause, I’d be thrilled if you did.

    Clare

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    • Good Woman March 16, 2015 / 8:47 pm

      I wouldn’t mind doing it but I Just don’t feel that I have the time right now. Photography really is not my strength and it takes me forever to get a photo that I am satisfied with and I can’t work on that now. Sorry.

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  27. Phyllis March 21, 2015 / 4:55 pm

    I love your organizational style, and you write very well! Just do what you enjoy doing today, then tomorrow … every new step is just one step beyond your past. It’s just A journey (we get deluded when we look for THE journey!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Good Woman April 1, 2015 / 8:51 pm

      Thanks for reading and commenting and for the advice. It is a journey…and why am I so worried about taking the wrong step? In my better moments I know I will be just fine and will adjust readily.. But because I have always been very happy with my job, in my weaker moments I think why would I risk turning my back on that? .

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    • Good Woman April 1, 2015 / 8:56 pm

      That is so true that we are evolving. But do I want to evolve without my life’s work? Thanks for the vote of confidence. I will get it figured out.

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  29. Jane Lurie April 4, 2015 / 7:49 pm

    Hi Helen Elizabeth- Thank you for following my photography blog, Jane’s Lens. I hope you enjoy my work. I am enjoying reading your blog.

    Liked by 1 person

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  30. GolNaran April 5, 2015 / 9:06 pm

    Dear Helen Elizabeth,
    I am so happy to have journeyed into your lovely blog.
    Best wishes for you.
    Kind regards, ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Good Woman April 7, 2015 / 8:35 pm

      Thank you so much for visiting and for your follow.

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  31. joyezeka April 11, 2015 / 11:22 am

    I love the name of your blog- I also strive and work towards being a ‘Good Woman’ (a good wife and a good mother). Sometimes I fail terribly at it, sometimes I do good and sometimes I am neither here nor there. I look forward to interacting with you.

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  32. Chris White April 11, 2015 / 12:26 pm

    Hi. Good to meet you. Thanks for the follow. I’ve done same.
    Kris

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  33. married2arod April 11, 2015 / 8:18 pm

    I just found you on the blog party. I also am partying on Suzie’s blog party as well lol. Just snooping around 😉

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    • Good Woman April 12, 2015 / 10:49 pm

      I do hope you like what you see enough to come back and visit again.

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    • Good Woman April 12, 2015 / 10:44 pm

      Thank you for the nomination. I actually have a couple of other nominations that I have not gotten around to dealing with, so I am hesitant to commit myself one way or another. I do appreciate the thought and will keep it in mind.

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