About Julia
I’m Julia & live in the South West with my wonderful husband. I retired as the Headteacher of a primary school in July 2008.
The first 6 months were very hard as I had lost my purpose. However, I discovered Twitter and social media and now here you are reading my blog.
This blog is a chance for me to share my experience of getting that balance between work and life. Even as a retired person you still work so I write about my adventures with travel, food, routines, finding a role and hopefully giving others ideas of how to strike that balance whether you are in paid work or not.
This blog is for all, whether young in age or just in heart, who want to share their adventures.
I have another persona on social media and that is ‘The Head’s Office’. As you might imagine it has an education focus and in the past included 100 Word Challenge which was a writing project for pupils across the world.
Since closing that, I have started Listening Ear which is just what it says on the tin. Check it out here
So that’s me! If you want to know more, hire me, or tell me about you, do get in touch as I’d love to hear from you. I really enjoy reading comments and feedback. Please tell me what you think.
I’m happy to consider PR opportunities that complement this blog (see Working with Me). I have written for a number of magazines and journals so can be hired to write elsewhere.
Hi Julia- how strange life can be? I worked in education like you and after retiring in the summer decided to start a blog. Today I discovered yours and realised we share similar titles. I shall read your posts with interest.
Hi John & welcome to blogging. I’m sure you’ll have fun!
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Julia, it has been so wonderful reading your posts through the 30-Day Blogging Challenge. You are a terrific writer and an extremely enjoyable woman. I’m looking forward to reading many more of your thoughts and musings. Thank you for stopping by and following me on my blogging adventure! http://www.whoisfunnyleg.wordpress.com
So glad you enjoy your visits here Julie!
Hi, Julia. I was wondering what has happened to your 100-Word Challenge for Grownups. I’ve looked all over your blog for a link to it, but nothing takes me there. I’ve been too swamped to take part in many writing challenges for the past few months, but I came over to see if I could get involved with your challenge again now. Can’t seem to get connected with that particular section. I see the badge in your sidebar, so I figured you still have the challenge going somewhere. Am I missing something obvious??? Thanks for the help.
Sandra
Hi Sandra,
Thanks Sandra. I’ll check those links. It hasn’t been around for a few months but I posted on Tuesday. It is the prompt Brexit
I do hope you’ll join again.
YES! Great Name for your blog! Retired but Not Retiring… reminds me of the movie Senior Internship with Anne Hathaway.
Not seen it. Must seek it out!
I love that ‘retired but not retiring’. That’s such an inspiration – I shall pass it round my friends who are all a bit twitchy about that ‘retired’ label. We’re all in the age bracket but not the aged bracket! 🙂 All the best
Great to hear from you Ross. Don’t be a stranger!
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Whew, I made it to a blank comment. Love your 100 word challenge, that you’re retired and finding a way to produce, and that you “muse” just like me. I retired in 2006.
Welocme! So lovely to have your company!
Hey Julia,
I am far from retired and like following your blog. I’ve added it to my Liebster Award list. It’s Laura (from Team 100 and Forest Bird 100WCGU link-ups) and am doing it through my running blog. You can ‘accept’ the award here, though surely you’ve been nominated already?! http://mandmrunningclub.wordpress.com/2013/11/13/passing-the-baton-liebster-award/
Keep up the good work and awesome 100WC-ness!
I’m extremely pleased to find this great site. I wanted to thank you for ones time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to check out new stuff on your website.
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I have nominated you for a blog award. Enjoy! 🙂
http://mindblur.wordpress.com/2013/07/01/trophy-closet/
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Hey! I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Blog Award! Congrats!
Check it out !
http://glynisrankin.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/the-liebster-blog-award/
I wanted to let you know that I’ve nominated you for the Super Sweet Blogger Award (http://aprobertsstories.wordpress.com/awards/super-sweet/). I’ve linked to your site and posted a short review as well.
I nominated you for the versatile blogger award! Best Wishes.
The Versatile Blogger Award acceptance rules:
1). Thank the person who nominated you
2). Link back to their blog
3). Nominate up to 15 people for the award (let them know they have been nominated)
4). Share seven things about yourself
Thank you SO much. I’m very touched by your kindness. Life is manic at the moment so it will take me a while to respond but thank you!
My pleasure, I try to participate in your 100 word challenges ass often as I can so I am truly a fan of your site.
Hi Julia, I have awarded you with the Versatile Bloggers Award and tagged you as well. Thank you.
http://theseeker57.wordpress.com/2013/04/13/re-giftingor-white-elephantor/
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There’s an award for you on my blog – http://www.mandyevebarnett.com Have fun!
Just the past couple of weeks I’ve found the time (or made the time) to get involved in the 100 Word Challenge for Grown Ups. It’s so much fun. But I thought I’d hop around here and get to know the host better. Sounds like you have a lot to look forward to in your “retirement.” Blogging can be a very real tool in connecting and interacting with the world. I used to think otherwise — thought it provided merely surface chatter. But since I’ve been doing the blogs, I’ve learned that there truly are REAL people out there who want to know what I think and feel and who want to share their thoughts and feelings with me. I have made a number of new friends from all over the world, and my life is much richer for it. I hope you find it the same. I have been a teacher all my life, as well as an author and a minister of the Gospel. I’m finding avenues of relationships in all of those venues through the blogging. ( I now have six — but two are strictly for ministry purposes.) I’m looking forward to visiting your “Head’s Office” blog.
It is good to have you on board Sandra! Welcome!
“Retired but not retiring”? What a wonderful motto to live by!
Thank you. I’m hoping it gives me permission to be silly!
Thank you for a beautiful comment that made me happy!
And, as I’m a teacher too, and thinking of retiring, I like to visit people who are at least on their way to retiring to see what it’s like…I’m also an Anglophil (e?) and simply love everything English. This means I will go rambling about your posts and just enjoy!
That’s what it is there for!
Hiya! I’ve just done a 100 word thingy wotsit for Limebird Writers (I’m LimebirdCat on there, but I do have my own blog ‘Continuous Strings’). Have just started to get into them which is ace! Wonderful blog and so glad you’re going something so inspiring and postitive with retirement. I’ve got another 40 or so years to go (unless I win the lottery of course), so please live that dream for me! 😀
C x
Thank you so much for your kind words. It all happened by accident really!
I’ll try!
an award coming your way – http://itsjennythewren.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/the-booker-award/
Many thanks Jenny!
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All done correctly. As I’m also @theheadsoffice, have a sticker for excellent work!
I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog award. 😀 Here is the post with all the info: http://dreampunkgeek.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/one-lovely-blog-award/
Thank you SO much!
Wonderful blog! Congrats on Freshly Pressed!
I have anxiety as well (very bad for a while, better now). You prove that we can do anything!
Well, I don’t know about ‘anything’ but you have to try! Thnk you!
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I love the challenges-received an entry from a blogger I follow and decided to try it myself-I don’t see it on your site, I’m not sure how that works-I used 100WCGU as a tag, Check your’ home pqage and see if I did it right.Thanks. beebeesworld
you have to click where it says ‘Click here’. That takes you to another page where you enter the link of your post. I then transfer it to the front page later. I have done yours for you but give me a shout if you get stuck next time! 😉
I probably never took the time to tell you, how much your work means to me. I have nominated you for being an inspiration all along…
http://reeflections.wordpress.com/2012/07/30/my-picks-awards-and-me/
Regards
BC
To let you know that I have named your site as one that I enjoy visiting. I hope you get some new traffic to your site as a result. Don’t feel you have to, but if you wish to participate in these awards visit http://lynneayersbeyondthebrush.wordpress.com/2012/06/19/appreciation-and-inspiration/#more-1833 for the rules and regs. And you are entitled to display the icon for the Kreativ Blogger Award and the Very Inspiring Blogger Award on your site … if you aren’t already doing so.
Hi there! This is just to let you know that because I regularly enjoy your posts, I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. I hope you’ll consider this good news – but even if you aren’t interested in accepting, I hope you may see some increased traffic as a result! The acceptance rules are at: http://theretiringsort.com/2012/06/14/in-accordance-with-award-rules-the-nominees-are/
All the best!
Hey! I just wanted to let you know I have nominated you for the VERY INSPIRING BLOGGER AWARD!!! (Details on my blog)
Julia, I’ve put you up for a blog award.
http://shannonhowell.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/crazy-days-things-to-celebrate/
Hi Julia! I have been absent for a while (Busy Season) but I am due back in your challenge again very soon. Meanwhile, I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger award. Have a visit to my page and see your nomination. Also, visit the award page and see if you are up for it. There is a little bit of writing involved but I thought you might like it. http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/
Many many thanks! Life is manic at the moment but I will try to get to it asap! Thank you again!
Hi
love your blog! I am not quite retired – a sprint chicken at 52 🙂 but have recently cut back on my teaching hours to do more of the things I love and write about them! Will dip and see you again.
Alvina
Thank you so much for stopping by. Glad you like what you see!
hi.
just fort id drop by and say this.But did you get my blog THE DTAGON SLOWLY STIRREDD.
I’ve nominated you for a Beautiful Blogger award. Check out http://www.bluegrassnotes.wordpress.com to see details.
Hi, Julia! Did I miss 100WCGU this week? I don’t want to miss any of them.
Hey Julia, are you into the blogging ventures that go around if so then I say consider yourself tagged. for more info please follow the link and enjoy…http://wp.me/1j16x
Hi Julia!
Well there is no grass growing under your feet! You are quite ambitious in your endeavors and clearly have many interests. Cool!
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a lovely comment today. Hope to see you again real soon!
Congratulations! I’ve named your blog and you the Versatile Blogger Award. Come to http://diabeticredemption.com/2012/03/15/the-versatile-blog-award/ to see who else got it, and what you’re supposed to do. Of course, if you’ve done this before, or if you don’t feel like meeting all the requirements, please do as you wish, and no worries. Yay, You!
Hi just wanted to say it’s so lovely to hear from an energetic and fun ex-head. Without realising it you have kept me going and inspired me as I race towards headship! Found you through twitter and your 100wc which I have shared with my staff. Keep up your optimistic tweets – thank you for your rays of sunshine in the world of education 🙂
That is such a wonderful comment. Thank you SO much! What is your twitter id then?
http://lucidgypsy.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/tag-youre-it/
I love your blog! I’ve nominated you for the ABC Award. If you’ve already received one, just know I think you deserve another. You can go here to accept it! http://moonlightenedshelves.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/the-abc-award-and-a-big-thank-you/
Hi Julia- the awards are rolling! I’ve nominated you for a hug! http://restlessjo.wordpress.com/2012/02/06/a-hug-a-day/
Thank you so much! That is so kind of you!
It is nice to have another English blogger to add to my list. I come from a family of teachers, I will look forward to reading more from you. Thanks for the like on my recent post. I hope you will come back again.
I enjoy and have selected your blog to award The One Lovely Blog Award. Follow this link to collect your award and see the rules. If you’ve already received this award, just know I think you deserve another one!
http://moonlightenedshelves.wordpress.com/2012/02/06/one-lovely-surprise-one-lovely-blog-award/
Hi Julia,
I’ve nominated you for a Sunshine Award. There is no obligation to respond or participate, unless you want to.
Warmest wishes,
Kim
Thank you so much Kim. I am saving them & will get to them later in the week. Thank you for thinking of me!
Hi there, good to find another blogger who is 40 again!
Hope you had a great birthday and enjoy this new chapter
Love your blog and will be following
With best wishes
Dee 🙂
Thank you SOOOoo much! Makes me feel better!
Hi,
I just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for a Liebster Blog Award: http://themirthofdespair.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/liebster-blog-award/
Hi Julia
I’ve just come across your blog (still not quite sure how, probably following 100 word story inks) and I’m so glad I did. I’m looking forward to joining in the fun of the 100 Word Challenge for grown ups.
Like you I’m a retired primary school Head – I retired in July 2009 and I’m having a great time. In the first year I started a couple of blogs one about learning (hanging on to what I knew best!) and then one which was just ramblings called Random Thoughts. I now write very little on either because my 3rd blog, which I started a year ago, has taken over. This is where I write my short stories, poetry and generally have fun. http://mjshorts.wordpress.com/
I’m now off to explore your other blogs.
Mike
Hi Julia,
I have given you the 7×7 Award. You can read all about it on my website 4amWriter.com
Enjoy!
Kate
Hi! Thanks for dropping by my blog and taking the time to leave a comment, appreciated 🙂
http://www.4otomo.wordpress.com
Thank you!! And keep up the great work. If it helps, part of your new “job” was to make me smile today :). xx!!
You know, my mom retired in Sept of this past year and has really struggled with finding her footing. I try to do what I can to help with her anxiety but I wish there was more I could do. I hope she finds a way to look at things as a new adventure and redefine what she feels she is or what she needs as both she now looks at with less than rose colored glasses. I think I’ll start to hug her more and go from there.
Hugs are wonderful! It is very difficult to accept that you still have a role if you no longer have a’job’ and your children are grown up. I had a couple of panic attacks over Christmas so even this far from my retirement date I’ve still not cracked. Do feel free to put her in contact with me as we can support each other!!xx
Hi Julia,
Many thanks for your comments on my blog and for your support for a fellow “retiree”. I shall bookmark your blog and be following in the future.
Oh thank you! It’s my pleasure. After all we’re here to help each other!
Hi there, thanks for dropping by my site, I appreciate it. Have a great day! 🙂
Julia, love your blog! And I love your word challenges. I have mentioned you as a favorite on my own blog through the Leibster award game. Want to play? Feel free to accept and pass it along or not. I am just happy to share the love 🙂
http://radicalamazement.wordpress.com/2011/12/07/sharing-the-liebe/
I really liked the article, and the very cool blog
Thank you for providing genuine great posts!!
Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!
Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. My fav. so far to day has been yours! thanks for sharing.
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Hello Julia
Finally got round to clicking a few things – and found your blog. I’m now going to have a good read ….
Ellen
Great to see you here! Don’t forget to visit ‘The Head’s Office’ too! http://bit.ly/bl5mpB
Beautiful blog, Julia! Cheers from Romania 🙂
Love your post about Swanage, it makes me realise just how far away we are from the coast. I love the seaside, especially all the little coves in Cornwall, but we haven’t been for years, it’s such a long way! After reading your piece though I might make the effort.
Thank you! Glad you liked it. It has been a long time favourite & was on it’s best behaviour!
Don’t “retire.” “Re-inspire” is the name of a 6-week class I took recently, confirming the reason I blog. Exercising the mind and creating a sounding board for all kind of special causes, including a written record for some relative who may want to know what made this Child of the 60s still feel like a kid “in” his 60s.
+1
I am originally from the south west, near Dartmoor. Very pretty but I could never live there again!
OMG! You suffer from anxiety, yet you were the head of a primary school. ‘ What fresh hell is this’?!!!
I’m glad I found you
Don’t “retire.” “Re-inspire” is the name of a 6-week class I took recently, confirming the reason I blog. Exercising the mind and creating a sounding board for all kind of special causes, including a written record for some relative who may want to know what made this Child of the 60s still feel like a kid “in” his 60s.
Nice to have stumbled here. Hope to leave bread crumbs to insure I find my way back.
michael j
Thanks for dropping by! Will see you around I’m sure!
I love your “bread crumbs” antic-I will have to use that one myself-maybe suggest it to my dad…hope you will check out my blog, contoveros, and follow, I am trying to find, read and follow yours now! beebeesworld
not sure if i pressed the “notify” button in time, i will try again….
hi added you to my to follow. list . nice to see an english blogger
Thanks for that. What is your twitter ID? Button didn’t work. Is it possible to have email alerts to your blog?
Thanks so much for my lovely Secret Post pressie! And apologies for the late reply – life, work, a toddler, and terrible morning sickness all conspired to keep me from my email!!! Plus, I put your lovely card somewhere safe, then it took me a week to find it again!! xx