Muddling Through My Middle Age by Ann

Can’t really remember when I first found Ann’s blog but her gentle manner struck a strong chord. She shares various life issues using herself as the example in a self-depreciating manner. Her humbleness is endearing but sadly she puts herself down far too often … she is very human.

Tell us about your life: where you were raised, your family, education, etc.
I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and have lived in the Midwest my whole life. When I was seven my father decided to become a minister so we moved to the seminary in the suburbs of St. Louis and then after he graduated we moved to a small town in Kansas where he served his first church. Looking back I feel fortunate to have experienced city, suburb and country life while I was growing up because they were so different and gave me a better perspective than I would have had otherwise.

I went to Cornell College in Iowa where I met my husband. After graduation we moved back to the city of St. Louis and later bought our first house just four blocks from the house I lived when young. So in a way I have come full circle.  I have a son and a daughter, both married and living nearby, so we are lucky enough to see them often. Although the Midwest will always be our home, I love to travel and visit new places both in and outside of the US. For a relaxing get away I always head for Sanibel Island in Florida.

Ann with the friend who encouraged her to start blogging with the earrings

How did you begin blogging?
After toying with the idea for almost a year I eventually began blogging in December of 2014. I’ve always loved writing and have worked as a free-lance writer for local magazines and newspapers. I really wanted a career as a children’s book writer but only managed to sell one book and that was to an educational publisher. The books that are dearest to my heart are still in my files, unsold. I think fear of failure is why I delayed starting my blog. I’m not sure I would have ever published it if a dear friend hadn’t kept urging me to do it and I’ll always be grateful to her for that.

Originally my blog was going to be about the middle years when we find ourselves dealing with empty nests, elderly parents who need our care and bodies that are changing and not in a good way. But it soon expanded to other areas and I now write about a variety of subjects. My only rule is to try very hard to make my posts worth the time it takes someone to read them. I know life can be difficult so I want my blog to offer some sort of entertainment, hope, insight, or anything that can help make someone’s day just a little bit brighter.

What is your favourite post?
 Traveling Light probably because it sums up my philosophy on life.

What is your most popular post?
My most popular post in terms of views is Lessons from a Small Town and I think that’s because it struck a chord with people who live in small towns.

What is something funky about yourself that most people don’t know?
When I was about fifteen I discovered that I could put my arms behind my back, clasp my hands together and bring them up over my head to the front without letting go. I don’t do it anymore (I can’t imagine that’s good for my joints) but when I was young I used to win a lot of bets with that particular “skill.”