Full Nest, Empty Nest: How Full is Your Glass?

When it comes to empty-nesting, I don’t consider it an either/or question. My glass is both half-empty AND half-full. And looking back, my whole parenting journey has been balancing the emptiness with the fullness.

Empty Nest, FaithLinda HanstraOctober 17, 2019Empty Nest, Friendships, Health, TimeComment

#Goals: What Riding and Writing have Taught Me (Part 2)

Two years ago my husband crushed his elbow in a biking accident. He was disappointed to miss out on what had become an annual tradition for us…the Michiana Ride for Hospice. While Tom, arm in sling, sat at the registration table, our son Seth took his place so I wouldn’t have to ride alone. (Truth be told, he was riding for the free beer at the after-party!)

Seth and I had a great time bonding through biking.

Empty Nest, Family, Biking, FaithLinda HanstraOctober 5, 2019Goals, Writing Prompts, Writing, Hope*WritersComment

#Goals: What Riding and Writing have Taught Me (Part 1)

Maybe it’s my Enneagram 7-ish-ness. Or the dreamer in me. But finding new things to start has never been the issue. It’s sticking it out to the finish that’s the real kicker.

I often start with gusto, but slowly lose steam as time goes on. It’s the way I do meal-planning, and gardening, and knitting, and several other pastimes. Self-discipline is hard. Stick-to-itiveness is not in my blood.

Empty Nest, Biking, FaithLinda HanstraSeptember 27, 2019Writing, Hope*Writers, Writing Prompts, GoalsComment

How to Combat the Silence of an Empty Nest with N.O.I.S.E.

The dog’s tags jingle. The cat saunters across the back of my chair, stretches out and purrs. These are the sounds I notice when the house is once again...too quiet…

…There’s no denying the Void. But rather than fill it with crazy-talk, I suggest we fill it with some NOISE!

Empty Nest, Travel, Family, Biking, FaithLinda HanstraSeptember 7, 2019Empty Nest, Biking, Podcasts, God TimeComment

Left to my own devices: the benefit/burden of technology

My cell phone and I are attached at the hip.

In a previous life, you would have found my babies there. Whether I was eating lunch, making dinner, or visiting with friends–I often carried a small child with me.

Now, when I leave the kitchen or my office at work, my hand instinctively taps my hip pocket to make sure my baby is still there. I seldom go anywhere without her.

Why am I so attached to this device? Is it wrong? Am I addicted?

Empty Nest, Family, FaithLinda HanstraAugust 31, 2019Technology, Cell PhoneComment

Turtles and Trails: a 3-Stage Approach to the Empty-Nest Years

So you say your youngest (or only) child is about to leave for college? Your nest will be empty? How are you feeling about it?

Two years ago, my husband and I were about to embark on this adventure. I recall looking forward to all the free time I would finally have. I was also terrified of all the free time I would finally have.

Empty Nest, BikingLinda HanstraJuly 29, 2019Empty Nest, Biking Comments

Robotic Earrings: on Handling the Unexpected

Could it be that my earring is robotic? I thought, as it magically released itself from my ear and latched on to me with the touch of a finger. Cool!

Empty Nest, Family, FaithLinda HanstraJuly 19, 2019Family, Empty Nest, Faith Comments

Filling every nook and cranny: family vacations at the lake

Dad filled every nook and cranny. If there was an empty space, he would stuff it with a shoe or flip-flop. Some years we had to help him by sitting on the trunk lid while he pushed everything in and out of the way, and then with a final “click”, it shut!

Empty Nest, TravelLinda HanstraJune 28, 2019Minnesota, Family Comments

Mighty Nesters on the move: biking Chicago's Lakefront Trail

…these two empty nesters are striving to be “mighty nesters.” We’re still catching on, but I think we’re learning the secrets to creating a mighty nest…Recently, we biked Chicago’s Lakefront Trail…

Empty Nest, Travel, BikingLinda HanstraJune 14, 2019Empty Nest, Mighty Nesters, Biking, Chicago Comments

Out of the garden and into the woods

“When do you want to retire?” the financial planner asks us, as she plugs our numbers into her retirement calculator…

…”Um. Well. I was thinking I’d like to retire at 62. But now, I’m not sure.” I shrug my shoulders, as a wave of uncertainty courses through me.

Empty NestLinda HanstraMay 9, 2019Gardening, Retirement Comments

Like riding a bike, or not

I’ve heard it said that routines are good, especially healthy ones like getting to bed on time, meditating, eating breakfast, and exercising. But there’s also something to be said for shaking up the routine, adding a little spice to your life, and trying new things.

Empty Nest, Travel, BikingLinda HanstraMarch 3, 2019Biking, Traverse City, WineriesComment