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SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
I'll be on the beach if you need me this summer. I'm retired as of June 18, 2026. It took a long time, but I'm here. Thank you, God. I am eternally grateful.
Retirement means ceasing to work. But a lot of us have to still earn money in retirement. I'll get back to that later. Making the decision to retire is not easy. We are conditioned from a very young age to wake up early, take a shower, get dressed, and go to work. It's a routine that becomes comfortable over time. Until it isn't.
By the time I moved back to Long Island from the city, I had not been driving on a regular basis for more than 35 years. Now that's conditioning. So, getting back in a car and navigating highways was a bit daunting. Before the lockdown, the roads were not as overwhelmed with cars and trucks as they are now. People obeyed the rules of the road for the most part. Not anymore. Even the local roads are packed. It's a jungle out there.
COVID changed everything. People left crowded cities for suburban life. The problem is that now, the suburbs are overcrowded, too. There's more development everywhere as the need for housing has dramatically increased. That means there are a lot more people on the road. Beep! Beep!
One of the most dramatic shifts in this new reality are the insane maneuvers drivers are making. It feels like there are no rules. Red light? What's that? Stop sign? What's that? You have to be so careful now. And forget about the drivers behind you. So, not only do you have to have your eyes on the road in front of you, but you have to constantly check your rearview mirror. You quite literally have to have eyes in the back of your head! I wonder if we'll evolve to that.
It's all become too much for me, so I'm retiring. I must admit, I tormented myself and my family before finally making the final decision. It took about a year of mental torture. I went to the retirement fund last year planning to retire in December of 2025, and I didn't. It was one of the worst winters on record, and that's why I finally decided to call it quits. I promised myself I was not commuting through another winter. So, why work another summer! I haven't had a summer off since I graduated high school. We celebrate our 50th high school reunion this year the week after I retire. I feel like a teenager again. At least my mind does.
If you are having a hard time deciding to retire and you're in a position that you think you can, do it. Don't squander any more time. You'll have enough money. You planned for this, right? Trust me. You'll have enough. And there are so many options to work part-time if you have to, especially from home. You can even start a small business from your living room.
I've had the honor of working for New York State at Farmingdale State College for almost 11 years. But I will have a new boss now. My brother, Kev. It's another state job with the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Kev has Cerebral Palsy. My sisters and I take very good care of him. He has a lot of help with aides, too. I love taking him out to concerts, theatre, parks, pools, beaches, church, and so much more. Kev is social. He used to work. He's an independent man. He just needs some assistance now. This is my new part-time job. A labor of love. I get to spend quality time with my brother. I couldn't be prouder. The timing is perfect. God's timing.
Buona pensione dalla routine. Happy retirement from the grind.
Peace and Love,
Skylark
At 60 and Beyond, we have a chance to be free again. We've worked long enough. Don't be afraid to step out of the daily grind and find something new that's right for you.
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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK
My pick of the week is the 7th Annual SeaFest at the Bay Shore Marina. Admission is free! There will be music with two stages and four bands, food trucks, vendors, seafood, and a beer garden. The fun takes place this Saturday, June 13 from 2:00pm to 8:00pm. There's also a free shuttle!
Music Lineup:
2:00pm Penny Lane
3:30pm Let it Bleed
5:00pm Blink 180 Who
6:30 PM Milagro
Come on out with friends and family. Let's hope the sun is shining bright and the air is warm. I'll see you there.
SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
The highlight of the week was seeing Jupiter and Venus aligned. They are closer to each other, too. Make sure to step outside to see these heavenly bodies this June.
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SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Summer's coming!
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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Dear God,
Please help us pray for the investigators and police who are searching for answers in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. There might just be a new lead. Let us pray for all missing people to be returned to their families. Amen.
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SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK
English: Summertime is just around the corner.
Italian: L'estate è dietro l'angolo.
The Robert Moses Bridge at Sunset
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SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK
Exotic decor can make a room feel otherwordly. Whatever influences your style, go ahead and add it. Textures, colors, and patterns make for a beautiful home that is alluring.
SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Are you a minimalist or maximalist?
Please put your answer in the comment section of my post. I'd love to hear from you.
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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - WORKING 9 TO 5
Featured Artist
Here's my friend, Bobby Rozario, with his band, Rudra. He's gone on to do other things now, but I saw this concert live at the Rubin Museum years ago. It was unforgettable. Enjoy.
MY BRAND - SKYLARK LIVE
I created my brand, Skylark Live, when I turned 60 years old and noticed a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. I am open to conducting in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. To be continued.
Skylark Live Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark - Living Life Inside and Outside the Home, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, goals, motivation, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I'm open to ideas of what to write about, so let me know. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paid subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each week in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter! You can also become a paying subscriber.
Skylark Live Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog is a recap of the articles I've written in my newsletter throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. You can find some of my vlogs on my YouTube channel. I also post them on my social media platforms. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark
$UPPORT ME:
Patreon - www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive
Substack - https://substack.com/@christinelarkin1?
Personal Shopper for Interior Decorating Accessories - www.skylarklive.org
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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!
