After a year and a half retreat from the world of a small town newspaper, it is time to pick up the pen again. I poured out my deepest thoughts each week in my column, unaware of who actually read them, who thought I was crazy, or even who thought I was a blithering idiot.

For 18 years, the words fell onto the page from my screen, through my keyboard, and  out of my head. Sometimes my heart. Until there weren’t any words. Anymore.

I had no more words to share. If I was thinking them, they were private; words that belonged to me, and me alone. I had drawn upon a reservoir of knowledge of who I was and how the world worked, until I found myself discovering new territory. And in this new territory, I had no words of wisdom, insightful observations, or humorous anecdotes.

It was like the big farm pickups that had run empty on tank one and needed to switch to tank two.

I have since turned 50 in these last 18 months In the last three months actually. Not anything I feared or dreaded, but rather following suit with every decade that I have approached, I embrace it with gratitude. Gratitude for the lessons I have learned along the way, and anticipation for the lessons (albeit some painful) yet to come.

At this point in time, I am about to celebrate my 8th anniversary with my best friend, soulmate, and the love of my life. Between us we have six children, ages 37-23. I inherited four grandchildren when we married, and have since welcomed one birth and one bonus grandchild.

As I said, I spent 18 years as owner, publisher and editor of a small town weekly newspaper. You know, the kind that puts Boy Scouts on the front, makes sure every last football player gets a picture or a mention before the season is over, and features what I like to call “Sunday Chicken Dinner News.”

The last eight of those years, and through today, I also work as the marketing analyst and communications specialist at a small insurance company. The kind of insurance company that has underwriters and actuaries and entire claims departments. We’re no Progressive or Geico, but we protect homes and cars and businesses and farms.

I am currently studying for my CPCU designation…a feat I am taking on to complete in less that 15 months. My goal is to finish this, start and finish my bachelors, pay off my house, take control of my health, and leave a legacy to my children.

Join me on this journey if you like. I am setting out to make thenext50 better than the first. Maybe I can share some of my life lessons, and I would live to hear yours.

Blessing and cheers.