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Off Track

Friday, 16 October 2015
Meryll
Jewish Luck Blog
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Leslie is not only my one and only forever sister, she has become my very astute editor.Last week I dashed off a blog that as Leslie said, was a mish mash of topics vaguely connected because they all flowed from my train of thought.These days my train doesn't run on evenly laid tracks across a prairie, but rocks from side to side on switchback tracks.  Non-fatal derailments are common.


I admire Leslie's single-minded and highly focused blogs.I used to be like that.Leslie's critique diverted my focus even more when she tossed out a new suggestion. "You should write about retirement.I'm worried about what I'll do and a lot of my friends are worried as well."


Leslie, this blog responds to both issues—why I have trouble with a focused article and a bit about the reality of retirement for me.


Working life for me was complete immersion.I lived and breathed history [or whatever other subject I happened to be teaching that year], teaching, and students. Outside of work, most of my time was devoted to my family and a small group of friends.Retirement stripped me of my hyper-focus which was both frightening and exhilarating somewhat like participating in an extreme sport.At first I structured my time, studiously plugging study, social, volunteer, and physical activities into the week.As I enter my sixth year of retirement, I have jettisoned the distribution requirements for retirement and entered a phase of embracing paths that seem interesting, challenging, or intriguing. Like Tootle the Train rambling among the daisies in the meadow before he learned to "stay on the rails no matter what," I'm rambling through life.

But, I promise Leslie and our readers that rambling is for life experiences, not for blogs.

Young trains and retirees share some common traits.
Tags:
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The Glam World of Retirement, Hip Replacement and ...
How Do We Know What We Know? (TOK)

About the author

Meryll

Meryll

  http://morejewishluck.com
View author's profile More posts from author
Meryll Levine Page is a retired high school history teacher with a special interest in women’s history. She taught extensively about the Soviet Union and its break-up. Currently she co-facilitates the Minneapolis Jewish Artists’ Lab.
Author's recent posts
Friday, 09 April 2021 Jewish on the Down Low
Sunday, 02 July 2017 Hack Attack
Sunday, 02 July 2017 July Book of the Month: Bloodlines by Neville Frankel
Sunday, 11 June 2017 Haunted by the Past; Family Pictures, Part II
Friday, 26 May 2017 What happened to Meryll's blogs?

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Invite Us To Speak

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We were featured speakers at Hadassah Brandeis Institute and Levy Summer Series. Our speaking engagements include JCCs, synagogues, libraries, book groups, retirement communities, schools, and organizations (e.g. ORT, Hadassah, and Women's League). References are available. 

Invite Us To Speak
 

Talk Review

"I was very fortunate to be able to hear Meryll and Leslie speak at a Hadassah event in Israel. Each of the ~50 participants really enjoyed the event because Meryll and Leslie were so engaging. While they had a natural rapport with the audience, you could also tell they had prepared well so they could connect with our particular group's interests. I learned a lot from listening to them, and I found their sisterly interaction unique and fun. If you want an enlightening and uplifting experience, attend one of their book talks."
Lisa Shimoni, Modiin Israel

Book Review

"Truly, you have written a story that makes accessible the reality of existence in Russia, through the eyes of individuals who lived through the various regimes and dictates.  It is fascinating and very well told.  As I read Vera and Alla's story, I learned more Russian history than I had known from a textbook.  That's a big deal, women!  You tell the tale with vivid detail and hook us on the two women and their stories, then weave in the history to illuminate their journeys. It is such a necessary book.  I am thrilled that the two of you collaborated, as I can see the uniqueness of your personalities come through in the stories, and that, too, makes the book a gem."
Margaret Leibfried, Danielson Group consultant

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