Hi, folks,

I have reached a major transition in my life. Today, at 58 years old & after 18 years as a public school teacher/librarian, I retired. It was not a particularly happy decision, since I hadn't attained the age & service years to maximize my pension, but, after trying to do the job of two people for the past two years, it was time. Ironically, after I filed for retirement, I discovered they planned to eliminate my position at the end of the year, anyway. My district will be going to one librarian next year for grades K-12. Oh, well. On the bright side, I just sold my first photo, to be used in a birdwatching book from Rodale this summer. In addition to taking pictures, I'm considering the feasibility of becoming a photo researcher. Could be happy times ahead! After 20 years of someone else setting my schedule, it should be fun to figure it out on my own!

best,

Barbara