Celebrating Life!

On Tuesday, we were scheduled to head for the airport at 10:00 am for 10 days in Paris and the French Alps. Stephen was cleaning up the last things around our condo. He went out on our balcony to clean up a ceramic pot that was partially broken during a recent storm. As he lifted the remaining piece, it broke into a million pieces in his hands. One sharp fragment hit his wrist resulting in a severe laceration. Stephen takes coumadin so is a bleeder. He yelled for me to call 911.

Fast forward ... Stephen underwent emergency surgery where they successfully reattached five tendons, repaired the radial artery (was completed severed), and sewed the outer sheath of the medial nerve together. The shard had cut 1/2 to 2/3rds of the way through the nerve. The doctors believe he lost about 30% of his body's blood during the 4 hours from the accident until surgery. After 2.5 days in the hospital, we returned home yesterday. Yes, home sweet home.

Last night, we toasted life. Stephen believes that God wasn't quite ready for him yet (yes, he thought he was not going to make it). We are awaiting to find out what he has in store for our future. Celebrate each day. We never know when it will be our last.

I love this man more than life itself. I promise to demonstrate that love each remaining day we have together!


Joan

SECONDMENT

We were in Minneapolis on August 5th for a talk and book signing. As we visited with the principals of Navigate Forward (an executive development/transition consultancy), we learned about their intriguing leadership model. They felt that employees have three phases of leadership development: acquiring and developing leadership skills; using that knowledge and skills to drive business success; and, harvesting their leadership knowledge and skills through mentoring, consulting or other knowledge transfer methods. Baby boomers are at that third stage. The question that remains is how do we best impact other leaders to leverage our learnings.

We wrote an article recently on 'Secondment.' We proposed that 'secondment' is detachment from your full-time career position into a more fluid, flexible, non-traditional working arrangement. It is the 'fun' work we do after we officially retire. This work could take place with our previous employer, a new employer, or be a whole new career. Some 'secondment' work will actually involve starting or buying a business. Secondment is a new work phase that spans between our traditional career and 'old age.' With an average boomer life expectancy of 83, this 'secondment' phase might last from 10-25 years. Most 'retiring' boomers have the mental and physical vitality to make good use of these flexible, work options. Yes, boomers will want to control their 'work,' and balance it with other interests (e.g., relationships, leisure activities, wellness, spirituality, and new learning). We are in an 'age of choice.' Make the most of your choices.

Family Reunions

We survived (and thrived) during the recent Carter/Peabody family reunion. We held the gathering at Plymouth Rock which turned out to be a perfect location since we later discovered it is where the first Peabody (Frances) landed in 1635 aboard the Planter.

As a surprise, we hired someone to do genealogy research on Carters, Peabodys, and Taylors. Interestingly, all Stephen's first cousins (he's the youngest of 13 at age 65) claimed they had no family information. Once we called a couple of them with questions about family members, we discovered a few hidden gems that helped to fill in holes that the researcher had. At the reunion, we played 'cousin jeopardy' quizzing them on childhood memories (e.g., Grandma Carter's favorite cookie recipe), as well as genealogical information. When they were struggling to answer the family history questions, we pulled out the 143 page family tree document as gifts.

Amazingly, 70 relatives assembled for this event. The eldest, Charlotte, was 78 (almost 79), and the youngest was Emma, almost one. Fun was had by all. The whale watch produced great whale sitings. This New England family loved the lobster, clams, and barbecue chicken feast, as well as the other catered meals. Having time to share memories while creating new memories was priceless. Our deceased parents all smiled down upon us for making the effort to come together. Future generations of the Carter / Peabody clan will share in the family history that is now documented. Family makes life rich! Are you taking time to enjoy your extended family?

Joan & Stephen

Strategic Planning

We have enjoyed the last four days with friends doing strategic planning on our lanaii in Destin, Florida. Having a clear vision, mission, and strategic priorities provides a road map for growing a business. Similarly, having a strategic plan for the rest of your life allows you to navigate forward with less missteps and effort. Use the same approach with your life plan to get the best results. Failing to take the time to plan often leads to dissatisfaction during 'retirement years.'

Plan now to have the most fulfilling next chapter. Share your plan with others.

Joan

July 4th -- Independence Day

Life has many celebrations. Taking the time to enjoy each one is an admirable goal. At this life stage, we sometimes think we have seen it all. However, every year brings new nuances for important life events. Today, we are thinking and praying for all those serving this country in far away places as well as those stationed state side. Without their sacrifices, our independence and safety would be at risk.

As the fireworks begin, think about those proud servicemen and servicewomen. Let's celebrate their lives and those of their families. Yes, we are proud to be Americans. Let's think hard about what we can do to improve this nation for future generations. Our children's grandchildren deserve the best!

Sending you all the best on Independence Day!

Joan & Stephen

The Great Finale ... Rome

Rome was our last visit during a month's tour of France and Italy. What a fitting end to four weeks filled with culture, history, architecture, and wonderful people. The great foods and wines of France and Italy were thoroughly enjoyed which will result in much needed dieting. Every sip and morsel was worth it. At the end of the day, all we'll have are memories of life adventures ... and our precious relationships with loved ones.

I can't fully explain how much we were impacted by people we met along the way. I could tell you stories about Yvonne who helped at the villa in Tuscany, or the sweet neighbors that nodded and greeted us in Italian while out on our daily walks. How about Roberto who drove us around Rome bragging that he had been an outstanding driver for 35 years, then accidentally ran into a motorbike sending the man flying? We enjoyed 2 1/2 weeks of the trip with Valerie and Mike Thompson who proved to be great traveling companions sharing much of our interests in wine, food, and people. Sandy and Terry Bartow joined us for the week in Tuscany surprising us with their culinary expertise by creating marvelous lunches and dinners (all with local ingredients) at the villa. Spending time with new and old friends brought richness to our travels.

Most importantly, sharing this adventures with my soul mate, Stephen, was the best of all! We have been lucky to share so much of life together. The sharing part is what colors the experience. Do you have plans to share some life adventure with loved ones? It not, why not plan something special.

Joan

Making Memories

Spending a week cruising the Mediterranean from Nice to Rome was glorious.  Our tall ship held 280, with a Kosta Browne wine subgroup.  Our favorite stops included Portofino, Sardinia, and Elba.  The wine tastings in Bolgheri and onboard ship were memorable thanks to Dan Kosta..

Presently, we are spending a week in a villa bordering Tuscany and Umbria.  With our two couple friends, we are exploring cute towns like Assisi, Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano.  Of course, we are managing to fit in some great wine tastings at producers like Banfi, Barbi, and other Brunello makers. 

Life in Tuscan towns are filled with beautiful scenery, delicious foods, and superb wines.  Life could not be better.  What are you doing to create great memories at this life stage?