One of the most spectacular aspects of retirement is having the time and resources to explore one’s passions. Many Garlands members have mastered this aspect of “the fine art of retirement.” Some are literally studying and producing their own fine art . . . and inspiring Garlands staff to do the same. Their collective works… Continue Reading Mastering The Fine Art of Retirement® at The Garlands
By Garlands member, Bonnie I must say, even during the pandemic, I’m happy at in my Garlands home, and I never get bored. Up at 6:00AM and in bed at 10:00PM—the days FLY BY here at The Garlands. I’ve been able to carry on with a great number of things I’ve always done daily (or… Continue Reading My Garlands Home is My Castle!
During both her careers—initially as a technical writing professor and author at Iowa State University, and currently as a five-time published author of young-adult fantasy novels—Dorothy Winsor’s routines and writers’ groups have served as the beacons and buoys by which she steers her life as a writer. Since Dorothy and her husband Rich moved… Continue Reading The Garlands Resident Author Publishes Again!
At age 14, Garlands Member Anne Courter knitted her best friend Earle a pair of socks. When he went to college ahead of her, she knitted him a sweater. Fast forward several decades later and Anne has been knitting for their children (four), grandchildren (11), and great-grandchildren (18) ever since. Last year, she knitted an… Continue Reading Knitting a Family Even Closer
Research proves that being kind can regulate and boost your mood. If that’s the case, Garlands member Janet Fear must have moments of euphoria all day long! Janet, who grew up in Wales, saw a craft and thought, “THAT’s how you give a bottle of wine. How cheery.” A lifelong knitter, she dug… Continue Reading Getting Through COVID One Stitch at a Time
Garlands member, Marlene Peterson, once described as “a swan gliding across still waters,” is calm, thoughtful, kind-hearted and generous. What you see on the surface is a wonderful example of how beautiful a life of caring about others can be. What you don’t see is how fast those feet are paddling! Always a busy… Continue Reading A Glimpse Through the Window of a Beautiful Life
A pandemic is a fine time to read all the books on our wish lists. Never one to follow the crowd, Garlands member and artist Kathleen L. McCann took advantage of these past several months to write one! The Art of Kathleen L. McCann showcases many of Kathleen’s favorite or most meaningful paintings and the… Continue Reading The Fine Art of Writing (and Painting!)
When Garlands Member Peggy Clough retired after a 33-year career as an acute-care physical therapist (University of Michigan) and teacher (University of Wisconsin – Madison), she couldn’t wait to chase after all the intellectual topics she’d never had time to fully explore: The U.S. Constitution! Getting to the bottom of the question of women priests… Continue Reading Embracing the Opportunity to Learn MORE During COVID
Garlands members Oliver and Barb Mayes are no strangers to planning, organizing and multi-tasking. Oliver is a musician and former high school band director turned Vietnam Army pilot turned career United Airlines pilot who, together with his wife, Barb, simultaneously owned, operated and eventually sold a successful H & R Block franchise all while successfully raising two, now adult, children. So, in… Continue Reading Moving Made Easy . . . Even in a Pandemic
Veronica Potter is a Marine Veteran and artist who danced her way through life—literally teaching ballroom dancing and performing as a flamenco dancer. So, while most people find it hard to stay put these days, Veronica sees this time as an opportunity to soldier on, go with the flow and create more art. “I’ve made… Continue Reading Art Imitates Life
This Christmas, Garlands member Rem Stokes is mailing his family a collection of original essays that he wrote and had FedEx bind instead of the honey-baked hams he usually sends. Rem jokes that he’s the “real ham,” who likes to be the center of attention, but he rightfully deserves to be in the spotlight! Following an illustrious… Continue Reading Seeking Answers to Life’s Little Questions Leads to Big Existence
Garlands member Betty Schmidt, an accomplished artist and the one-time President of Oil Painters of America, accepted an important commission during the COVID-19 quarantine. The project allowed her to focus on the positive and fill her days with something she loves. In addition, Betty checked off a project she’d skirted her entire life: she… Continue Reading COVID Accomplishment: Painting – Betty Schmidt
Ron and Phyllis have what he calls “a good run” . . . that is to say, Phyllis kept him running since they met as high school freshmen! After 65 years, she is still the love of his life. Ron says, “We came to the Garlands three years ago when I knew Phyllis might… Continue Reading COVID Accomplishment: Gone Fishin’ . . . for Love – Ron and Phyllis Goldenstern!
One of the maxims Garlands Member Joyce Carlson lives by – pandemic or not—is: “Be grateful for small things, big things, and everything in between. Count your blessings, not your problems.” Upon moving into The Garlands eleven years ago, Joyce thought, “I’m starting a new phase of my life. Now I’ll have time to… Continue Reading COVID Accomplishment: Choosing Gratitude (and Getting the Job Done) – Joyce Carlson
Garlands Member, Harriet Ahr, chooses to have a wonderful day every day. A key component of her daily attitude adjustment is movement. Harriet walks outdoors and indoors, takes fitness classes, exercises in The Garlands Fitness Center, and works out virtually with The Garlands trainers. She’s at it every day and says that exercise is what… Continue Reading COVID Accomplishment: Choosing a Great Attitude – Harriet Ahr
Garlands member Barbara Seaman, who, under other circumstances performs with her acting troupe, The Garlands Playreaders, took her show off-stage during the COVID 19. Now she writes haikus in measured syllables to remember good times, cope with the pandemic, and exercise her creativity. Take a peek, count her lined beats, and enjoy her… Continue Reading COVID Accomplishment: Writing Haikus – Barb Seaman
Garlands gardener Cathy Nardo holds a lemon verbena, “Herb of Enchantment,” that holds a wonderful lemon scent when dried for use in teas, perfumes and other scented products. As much as she enjoys growing herbs, Garlands member Cathy Nardo’s passion really blossoms when talking about herbs. “Every herb has a story!” says Cathy.… Continue Reading Spilling the Tea on Herbs – Cathy Nardo
With pen in hand, Garlands member, Vivian O’Neill, 93, took a leap of faith during COVID-19 and entered a poetry contest sponsored by Barrington’s White House on the topic of “House and Home.” She hadn’t written poetry before but, in the spirit of ever-growing and learning, she thought “Why not?!” Vivian scored a spot… Continue Reading COVID Accomplishment: Writing – Vivian O’Neill
Garlands member, Charlie Foos’s grandfather built a workbench to house the magnificent wood-carving tools he curated over a lifetime. Upon his passing, the workbench went to the only family member who showed the slightest interest: high-school student Charlie, whose only qualification was that he had taken a shop class once. The workbench remained untouched… Continue Reading COVID Accomplishment: Charlie Foos – Carving
Photographic Exhibit at The Gallery at The Garlands Garlands member Bill Lawton got his first camera in junior high, and he hasn’t stopped taking photos since! “There is hardly a day that goes by that I don’t take a photo of something,” says Bill. “If I haven’t taken a picture, it hasn’t been a… Continue Reading Through the Lens of Garlands Member and Professional Photographer Bill Lawton