Sharry Miller

Life Began at 37

At some point in time as we chatted while hiking Crow Pass, I mentioned to Jenny that I hadn’t been active for all that many years. It was only as a middle-aged adult that I started being more athletic. I knew what event precipitated the whole odyssey, but I wasn’t sure exactly when. This evening, I was sorting through some old journals, which I really only keep when I’m traveling, and found the one for... Read more →

Gainful Unemployment

I am counting today as my first day of "gainful unemployment." I made up that phrase because I'm too young to retire, I am no longer working a regular job, and I have no intention of sitting around doing nothing of utility, whether to me or others. So, I am not retired, I am gainfully unemployed. Technically, my last day of work was December 19, 2017, but since we immediately went to Hawaii for Rowan's... Read more →

Self-(mis)Perception

Let me start with a simple fact, and, yes, I'm bragging a little. I'm very proud of myself for having lost a solid 25 pounds since the beginning of February. I now weigh less than I have in over 15 years. It's only a small portion of what I need to lose, but it's still huge. I feel much better, and I'm better able to do the activities I want to do. My muddy leg... Read more →

Say it Now, Not Later

I am debating writing this post, even as I type the words. I feel as if I'm taking advantage of someone else's tragedy to expound upon my personal thoughts, but apparently I'm saying, "so be it." I had the misfortune-pleasure-honor of attending a memorial service last night for the first time in over 11 years. The last was for my father-in-law who died after a long illness in his mid-60s. Last night's celebration of life... Read more →

Old Friends, New Lives, and Guilt

High school friends having a mid-winter indoor beach party in Alaska. That's me in the black and white polka dots. Pretty scary, huh? Thane leaned over to me and whispered, "Isn't that..." while subtly leaning his head to left. I glanced down the bleachers and nodded. "Yes," I whispered back, "that's L." He scooted down the bench and starting talking to the woman while I walked over to her other side. I saw the light... Read more →

46!

It doesn't seem quite possible that I'm closer to 50 than 40. I'm pretty sure I should still be in my early 30s. I know, I know - quit whining. We all have the same lament as we age. Nonetheless, it's my birthday, and it seems like a good time to take stock and see where I'm at in life. I've never been one to set one-month goals, let alone 5 or 10-year goals. I... Read more →

Passions

I remember it so well. The surge of adrenaline that doesn't fade until after you collapse into bed. The excitement that spikes and spikes again higher. The pure joy of being surrounded by friends who all share your passion, and who, just for a night or two, are all riding the same high you are. You're all manic and silly and loud and alive! I feel the rush again as I watch my daughter ride... Read more →

Be Gentle, Self

Rather than another picture of my bike in the snow, I thought I'd share a reminder that spring does exist. Five miles out, five miles back. The same five miles I've been riding since the beginning of the month. You'd think it would be getting easier, but it isn't. It was partly sunny and 40 degrees this afternoon - I couldn't wait to ride. Despite the eight inches of snow we got yesterday, today looked... Read more →

Thoughtful Gifts

Wendy gave me a thoughtful birthday gift today. I was so touched that not only did she give me a gift, but she showed that she pays attention to this silly blog of mine. Some time ago, I wrote a post (which I can't seem to find now or I'd link to it) about keeping a perpetual calendar on recipe cards. The idea is that you have a card for each day of the year,... Read more →

Old?

My friend Miriam, who was 90 at the time, said to me, "There is a great misconception about aging. People think that other people become more wise with age. It's not true at all! They just become more of whatever they are. If they're crabby, they just become a crabbier old person, or boring, or whatever!" - SARK, Living Juicy - Daily Morsels for Your Creative Soul Unfortunately, I think, despite popular misconceptions, that I... Read more →