The Author: I’m Ann Coleman, a woman in my late fifties who loves reading, writing, working with shelter dogs, working on my house and yard, and helping my extended family. My son and daughter are all grown up and married, so these days I share my home with my husband and a neurotic dog named Lucy. I’m still a little surprised to realize that I’m middle-aged (and then some), but I’m also learning that there is plenty of good in this stage of my life. Living a creatively and fully is not just for the young!
The Blog: This blog was originally intended to write about the issues of being middle-aged and coping with all that changes that this particular phase of life brings. But the focus soon evolved into recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of aging: a stronger sense of self, learning to overcome old fears, ditching at least a few of my bad habits, and most of all, realizing that there is still so much good in the world if we are only willing to look for it.
Muddling Through My Middle Age 
Dear Ann,
I am very glad I discovered your blog. Your stories appreciate and celebrate the little joys that we often overlook in our busy, humdrum lives. Please keep writing more.
Best wishes!
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Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words!
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Love your blog so much! I’m in my late 40’s and I have a son and daughter as well my son is 17 and a senior , my daughter is 22 my husband and I have a lot more free time and it’s such a change to adapt to . So I can relatate .
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Thanks! It is an exciting time in life isn’t it?
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Yes it is ! Everything is changing all at once and I’m still adjusting to being not as needed by my kids but I know this is good that they are growing to be independent adults.
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It is good to know! And believe me, as they transition into independent adults, you’ll still be close. It will just be a new type of relationship. Different, but still very good!
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That’s good to know , I worry about that of us not being close . Am I starting to suffer from empty nest early? hahaha
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Ann, May your world be filled with warmth, joy and good cheer… Wishing you a Happy New Year 2018! Jo
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Thank you! And I wish the same for you! Happy New Year, Jo!
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Ann,
I am new to blogging and am sure glad i stumbled across your blogs. They are great! I am a 60 year old father, husband and grandpa and can relate to your subject about aging. I look forward to reading your blogs.
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Welcome! Thanks so much for your comment, and I’m glad that you can relate to my posts.
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Happy New Year, Ann
I enjoyed a few of your posts and continue to follow along. I love “By Any Other Name” and shared it on my FB page. You and I share similar perspective on life it seems. My “A Gram Blog” tries to focus on everyday ordinary moments as the real memories dear to us. I have 5 grandchildren, 2 of which I am parenting. It is a more and more common occurrence in today’s society that puts a new spin on grand parenting. I look forward to reading more of your work 🙂
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Thank you so much for the share, and the comment! I’m sorry, but for some reason I just saw this comment. I’d love to check out your blog, but wasn’t able to get to it from the gravitar. Can you share the link?
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It’s funny how we tend to approach our blogs with a certain plan only to find out that our blog will show us how it wants to be. ☺️
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That’s the truth! Thanks for the comment!
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Ann – I so enjoy this blog. Your writing and your attitude and your commitment to rescuing dogs always strike a chord in my heart. I would love to have my publisher send you a galley of my upcoming book, Another Good Dog for your thoughts and possible review. I’d be honored to hear your thoughts and welcome your help in spreading the message of dog rescue and fostering. Hope it’s okay to ask. No biggie if it’s not your thing. Thanks! Email me if you’d be interested- carasueachterberg @ gmail.com
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I’ll email you my address
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Hi Ann! I found you through Sarah at https://secretartexpedition.wordpress.com and I’m glad I did.
I also surprised myself one day to find that I have entered Middle Age, and surprised myself even more to realise there is a so much more to discover & experience!
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Yes, middle age does sneak up on us, doesn’t it? But I’m glad you discovered that it also brings some unique gifts. Aging can be hard, but there are also some real positives and I think it is wise to concentrate on those. Thanks for the comment, and I wanted you to know that I really like your blog, too!
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It’s wonderful to find like-minded people who are discovering the joy of life! Thank you for sharing in my thoughts and writing and for supporting my blog!
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You’re welcome…and thank you too!
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Ann, I was so surprised to see you had visited my blog. Thank you! I think it’s a nice, young-at-heart thing to be surprised by the littles of life. The other thing that struck me was when I saw the title of your blog… and realized, hey, I’m middle-aged too! I’ve been going through a few of your posts and will surely do more. I like the way you write, the truth and trueness of if.
Most of all, I like the ways you welcome life.
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I am very new to blogging, but I have so enjoyed your posts. I, too, am middle-aged, but like you, I am young at heart. I feel you touch on so many aspects of life that affect us all. Each stage of life has its own joys and difficulties. To age is a gift, and it is wonderful how you portray that in your writing…your ‘muddling’ is a celebration of life.
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Thank you! And welcome to the blogging community. I think you will find lots of support here, even from people in very different situations. I look forward to reading more of your posts!
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Thank you for sharing your experience with others!
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Ann-
I have a STL question for you. Can you contact me via my contact page? I will then private message you my question. Thanks- PJ from The Cedar Journal
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Sure!
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Hi Ann,
I was reading your latest post about hunting for some creative inspiration for your blog going forwards – and I have something that might (might?) help, if you’re interested. Can’t see a way to contact you, so any chance you could drop me a message via my contact page?
Cheers!
Mike
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Thanks, Mike! I don’t have a contact page, but you’re more than welcome to leave your suggestions here!
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Cool. 🙂 Well, I have a course I run that’s all about finding a good story for your blog. It’s here: https://feveredmutterings.com/storytelling-course If you think you’d find it useful, let me know – I’d be happy to give you access (this isn’t a sales pitch, I mean a free pass in this case – I’ve been following you a while and I like the way you write, so it would be an honour to help in any way I can). Let me know!
Cheers
Mike
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Thank you so much for your offer! Right now, I’m still deciding how I want to move forward, but I will let you know. And I really appreciate your kind words!
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Thank you for following my blog. I really appreciate that.
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Hi Ann 🙂 Seems we have much in common. Thanks so much for stopping by and it is really nice to connect! Hope 2021 is full of wonderful things for you and your family.
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Thanks, Lorrie! I’m so glad I found your blog, I really liked it! Happy New Year to you and yours!
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Ann, how can I reach you? I have a proposition.
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Does my email show up on my profile? I’d rather not put in the comments section, but I’ve had other bloggers email me, so there is a way to access it. Otherwise, if you’re comfortable giving me your email address, I’ll gladly answer you.
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Okay. I’ll look again 😬 I probably overlooked it.
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I don’t see it, soooo maybe you can email me and I’ll reply there? kayg523@yahoo.com
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I just sent you an email! If it doesn’t show up in your inbox, maybe check your spam. Thanks!
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