@IndianaScott Thank you for your kind words...I am a solitary person and like writing and playing with my paint brushes and pencils. I at one time read a lot and now find I am not so interested in reading-mayhap, I have read so much in my life that finding some thing new and/or interesting...meh. Not much of a people person as it drains me to be around others...

So, just how is it you mentor??? By no means a snide question.

Hi again @parus First I'll say I enjoyed seeing your artwork! I appreciate you attaching it. I have no artistic ability, which leads me to enjoy seeing what others can accomplish in that area of life. Personally my favorites have been the works of Van Gough (sp?) and Monet. One of my favorite books as a result was 'Letters to Theo' from Vincent and his brother.

No need to even think your question was snide. I didn't take it that way at all. The Mentors on Connect are some of the volunteers who are committed to helping Mayo with their efforts to reach out into the communities. I found Connect while I was incredibly isolated by the caregiving demands of my wife's war with brain cancer. I was her caregiver for 14+ years and the last five literally 24/7/365 after I lost my dream job to a new boss who didn't want an employee who 'had something other than his job on his mind'. Connect allowed me to interact with folks during what was a time of very erratic availability on my part. Plus my wife received wonderful neuro-oncological care by a truly amazing doctor there.

My outreach to old friends is 90% electronic or on the phone. I have only connected face-to-face with two and both of them I felt a huge need to thank for sticking with me during the darkest days of my depression over my wife's disease and ultimate loss of her.

I, too, have been a voracious reader for years. I came late to my love of reading. In 4th grade my teacher told me what I liked to tead (the Tom Swift series) wasn't 'real' reading in front of the class. I didn't pick up a book for enjoymet reading until I was a junior in college! I still remember it was'Mila 18' by Leon Uris. I saw it at a junk sale for a dime and recalled my folks had spoken of one of his books so I plunked down my dime and was greatly rewarded. As a result I am on a few notification lists for when a favorite author has a new release coming. I also decided to take up a new hobby so that opened up new reading and learning opportunities as well. I also joined Instagram and I try and take one interesting photo a day. I just use my phone and most of my photos are right in my home/yard.

Sorry for the long winded response 🙂

Maybe we could exchange favorite authors or type of book? Who do you especially like?

Peace & Strength

@parus, absolutely beautiful...

Great! I'm in the same situation but I keep busy with my dog or reading and many other things. Keep occupied the pain is there and won't go away. I have lower back pain and RA.

Meditation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy have helped me. I too feel lonely,disengaged and frustrated due to chronic pain. I have been trying to get back to work and it is difficult at 65 with 3 years missing due to achalesia and chronic pain. I am going to see if I can do part time work. Had to reschedule my interview Monday. Too sick and only 4 hours sleep
It is viscous cucle
My ideal would be something from home but can't find anything.Try something to keep you mpving- walk or yoga....
Trying to hold out hope I can make.it back to pronect management in construction and development.

I am repeating a response I did further down
It was really meant as a response to your situation. I try to do things with friends unfortunately most of them are not close.and work. My wife also works full.time and Meditation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy have helped me. I too feel lonely,disengaged and frustrated due to chronic pain. I have been trying to get back to work and it is difficult at 65 with 3 years missing due to achalesia and chronic pain. I am going to see if I can do part time work. Had to reschedule my interview Monday. Too sick and only 4 hours sleep
It is viscous cucle
My ideal would be something from home but can't find anything.Try something to keep you moving- walk or yoga....
Trying to hold out hope I can make it back to project management in construction and development.

@ed32 - I surely hope something turns up for you. I suppose it's a hard time of year to find a job in construction. When I was painting, most of my work was seasonal, but it helped supplement my income as a pastor of a small rural church.

Do you have any deadline for when you need to start work? Have you noticed any hesitation by employers because of your age? Keep forging ahead with your goals.

Jim

Have you looked into working online?

@gracea..you ate very brave. And an inspiration to us all.

@Parus have you read any books by Fern Michael's? She has a great imagination and writes very well A series on the sisterhood a bunch of women vigilantes that go after the man who treats the women wrong ,like money hungry lawyers who put a women in the poor house and didn't win the case well the sisterhood tarred and feathered him .Just an example Her books keep you wanting more