Bay Shore NY
6-23-2026 7:20pm

Turning Back Time

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

The picture of me here was taken around the time I began working at Farmingdale State College, sometime around 2015. We were going to see a friend perform with her band. We had spent most of the day at the beach, went home, showered and hopped into our Jeep and headed to the gig. That was a great day.

The years since I moved back to my hometown in 2012 have been like a pilgrimage. I was determined to make this new chapter in my life one of purpose. I wanted to be closer to my brother to help him after my mother passed away. I'm still here by his side.

I remember standing in my Brooklyn apartment with arms stretched wide like a cross. I asked God for three things: a job (I was freelancing at the time), a home, and a partner. The trinity. Within one year, my prayers were answered. I packed my bags and moved back to Long Island to work for an on-line radio station. Another freelance gig. And then I received a letter from New York State to interview at my Alma mater. I got the job.

As I let go of freelancing to take a civil service position, I felt a sense of security come over me. I knew I was very lucky to land this type of employment. I was coming full circle. I graduated FSC in 1978 and now I was working there at the end of my career. 

I had spent all of my working life, before freelancing, in art and design and media and entertainment. My two passions. These were corporate jobs. Never once did I think I'd ever work in civil service. I didn't think it would pay enough. It turned out to be the best gig in town. The benefits are incredible. Anyone who commits to working for at least 10 years gets lifetime medical insurance when you retire. It's not free, but it's very affordable, and it's some of the very best insurance around. You also get a pension and an investment account. It's a great way to build back your life as I did.

When I moved back home, I was looking to start over. My relationship had ended, and the financial crisis hit the job market hard in 2008. By 2010, I was broke. And then my beloved mother passed away. I decided that I wanted to leave the city. I saw these turn of events as an opportunity to start over. I see adversity as a door flying wide open. I had a 10-year plan. 

I was 57 when I started working at FSC, and I just retired at 68 years old. I wanted to go in December of 2025 and changed my mind. That was a mistake. What a hellish winter. But my boyfriend has been supporting me and cheering me on through all of it, especially on those frigid mornings when I dreaded getting out of bed. 

There's no time like the present. Turning back time isn't possible, but it feels like I'm graduating high school again. I haven't had a summer off since 1976. My 50th high school reunion is this weekend. I'm on the planning committee. It's been great to be on a team with other classmates that I was close to in school. They have become my friends. These past 50 years have been packed with experiences that I am so grateful to have lived. Happiness and heartbreak, blessings and disappointments, joy and pain. Love and loss. But most importantly, I'm happy. And I'm grateful. I feel very lucky to reach this time in my life. My family has been so amazing. They threw me a garden party. I would not be where I am without them. I am deeply loved. 

We might not be able to turn back time, but we can reflect on how very fortunate we are to still be here living this miraculous life. To be continued.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and beyond, we need a good support system with people who love us.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

My pick of the week jazz by The Lean Machine at Brookside Park in Sayville this Sunday at 1:00pm. It's free. Brookside is the headquarters of the Great South Bay Audubon Society. I'm a member. We go birdwatching. There are some gorgeous parks on Long Island. Check out www.greatsouthbayaudubonsociety.org.

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

Retirement feels like I flew the coop!

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

To anyone who is retired!

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

May the latest news about Nancy Guthrie bring law enforcement closer to solving this devastating crime. Amen.

SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: Have a wonderful vacation in Milan, girl!

Italian: Buona vacanza a Milano, ragazza!

SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

I recently discovered Homeworthy. This is a company that two former writers for ABC news created. Alison Kenworthy and Michael Koenigs are a married couple from Manhattan who walked away from their jobs to create this amazing brand that takes a look inside some of the most beautiful homes in the world.

Here's one of my favorites.

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Check out www.homeworthy.com and www.worthymediallc.com. "We believe every home has a story."

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Where would you want to live if you decided to move?

Please put your answer in the Comment section under this post. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK

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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

FOLLOW ME:

Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!

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