As life shifted between major milestones, unexpected changes, and even a few uninvited guests, this summer truly became a masterclass in transitions, milestones and mice.
Ambitions and Adjustments
At the beginning of the year, I planned to write a monthly blog post. Since the last one came out after our holiday in June and it is now early October, you might have been wondering whether you would ever hear from me again. To catch you up and to go some way to explaining the deviation from my planned schedule, I’m going to attempt a summary of the highlights of the summer.
I had hoped to dedicate July and August to writing the novel, after delivering a wonderful talk on Play to the Switch Senior Female leaders Network at Wilton & Bain’s offices in the City. What I hadn’t allowed for was the podcast. I underestimated the time and energy needed to edit and produce the next season which launched in mid-September. And then to top it all, I began preparation for a new writing project, more on which later. So, with work stacking up, I had to adjust my expectations and re-evaluate what was possible, especially in light of other changes happening at home.
Family Milestones and Letting Go
It really has been a time of transition, with many milestones and shifting norms. My daughter finished her degree, turned 21, returned home, and then we headed down for her graduation. Only to bounce back the following week to help move her out of her student house. What a time of limbo for her. She must have felt like a yo-yo! I felt the whole gamut of emotions: nostalgia for my own university era, relief after a difficult and stressful final 6 months for her, and immense pride. We definitely all experienced a sense of letting go of one chapter and on to another.
Celebrations and New Chapters
At the same time, another page was turning. My husband and I both turned sixty within six weeks of each other! We’re planning a big celebration next year, which will also be our 10th Wedding anniversary. There really wasn’t enough space to arrange a party this year, especially as half our family are in Oz. Instead, we organised two wonderful special days.
We experienced another Michelin restaurant, the third in as many months. I wouldn’t want describe them as clichéd buses, because they were all unique, but still… Then we were lucky enough to get tickets to the new Suzie Miller play, Inter Alia, starring Rosamund Pike. And, I had a surprise bucket list stay at The Savoy.
Embracing a New Decade
It’s funny. To use another cliché, I don’t feel any different, although it is a little weird to be eligible for a seniors rail card now! When I turned fifty, I let it pass without any particular significance. I think I was in denial about being in my fifties until about half way through that decade. This time, I feel like I’m just getting started! As Eleanor Mills founder of Noon and author of ‘Much More to Come‘ says, “The old map may have run out but there is so much more life still to come.”
Uninvited Guests: The Mice Saga
Now, when Eleanor talks about ‘much more to come’, I don’t think she’s talking about mice. But for anyone with an old house who’s had a mouse family take up residence, you’ll know this phrase could apply if you don’t take swift action. Last winter, mice arrived to have their own party in the loft. The pest control team recommended emptying the space completely, boards and all and treating it to prevent their return.
This meant clearing everything out into a storage unit. It wasn’t quite as bad as an episode of ‘Sort Your Life Out‘ but was still a huge amount. Five carloads to recycling, 2 to charity shops (especially books!) We’ve been sorting through mementos and photos, sharing past selves with the family of “before you were born”. We should thank the mice really. The whole exercise has given us the opportunity to relocate the loft hatch, insulate and reboard the space. Our significantly reduced and labelled boxes are almost ready to return from the lock up to their newly prepared home.
A New Creative Venture: The Bold Types
And speaking of preparation, podcast listeners will know I am gearing up to write a new publication called The Bold Types. Unusually for me, I’ve been taking time to really think about what I will write and how I will structure it. I wanted a separate place to investigate the questions and ideas sparked by the podcast in more depth. This is where I’ll be exploring and documenting the art and science of creative living. It’s on a platform called Substack which will both give me complete editorial control, and you an opportunity to support my creative work through subscriptions for the first time. I’m excited to see where this creative project will take me as we shift into autumn.
Settling Into Autumn
There are no ‘back to school’ or ‘new term’ activities in our household this year but I still feel the collective energy it brings here in the northern hemisphere anyhow. I’m ready for chunky jumpers and bright crisp mornings. As the leaves turn and we all settle into our new routines, I’m ready to wrap warm against the weather, get back to my knitting project and spend cosy evenings in.
Reflections on Creative Flow
Thinking on all that has changed or is changing, I’m not surprised there has been a gap in the blog posts. On reflection, all I’ve been doing is following my philosophy of ‘creating freely’. It makes for a packed post but has taught me that it’s ok to have a structured plan AND to allow flexibility for creative flow. A few years ago a fellow coach suggested to me that exploring multiple creative expressions is completely ok, but that you can’t focus on them all at the same time. I know you have heard it before, but once the final episodes of the podcast are produced, I’ll be settling in to my writing again, in all its forms. The novel will take priority from December into the new year and I am genuinely looking forward to getting on with it!
Nikki Vallance © 2025