1. First and foremost, I am sorely disappointed that I have been alive for 50 years and I still don’t know how to pronounce “Worcestershire”. It is my secret shame. Well, not so secret anymore, I guess.

2. I figured I had a couple of options in the weeks leading up to this day…
A) I could go full rebellion of my new status…bungee jump, get a TikTok account, or go to the grocery store without coupons
B) I could go full cliche and start growing my own vegetables.

As you can see, I chose B. And boy am I glad I did because I am OBSESSED. I have spent the past several weeks pulling hundreds of weeds, hauling dirt in wheelbarrows and planting seeds. I fall into bed with sore muscles and a clear head. I run around announcing hourly updates to my family “One of my blueberries is ripe!” and “I have a pepper sprout! Come quick, you can see it with my magnifying glass!”

The other day I woke up to pouring rain and thunder and shouted, “OH NO, my crops!” “Your CROPS?” my family said, laughing. “You have six broccoli sprouts.”

Whatever, fam. But seriously, I felt like I should gather the neighbors like Caroline Ingalls to work together and save my farm.

Anyway, now I’m constantly Googling things like, “What does thinning carrots mean?” and “Why are there holes in my tomato leaves?”

Because at 50, I still have SO much to learn.

And at 50, I’m so much less concerned with what other people think of me. At 50, I find I can say “no” without guilt or excuses. Because I’ve learned the value of my time. At 50, I know that when it comes to friends, it’s quality over quantity. And I know that family…well, family is everything.

And finally, at 50, I just signed my very first contract with a book publisher.

So BRING IT, universe, cause at 50…I’m just getting started. 😊

Janene