A Second Act for Boomers

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One of the best things about blogging and being involved in social media is meeting so many people who I never would have had the chance to know in real life (or IRL, in social media speak). I realize that for people who aren’t involved in social media the idea of “meeting” someone via email, twitter and the like seems a little…wrong. I can assure you that it isn’t wrong at all. No, I may not actually shake hands or sit down for a cup of coffee with these “virtual” friends, but I can still get to know them fairly well.

In two weeks I will be heading to Blogher ’12 in New York City, the largest blogging conference in the world. Attendance is expected to be 4500, and the list of sponsors and advertisers who will be there is miles long and includes Kimberly Clark, Johnson and Johnson, Verizon Wireless and more. Obviously we women bloggers have a little bit of power…Oh, and the keynote speakers? Just Martha Stewart and Katie Couric. Not too shabby. When I get to Blogher ’12 I will have the chance to meet dozens of women IRL who I have talked with on Twitter and Facebook. It’s so exciting and I’m looking forward to connecting with them all. This is my first blogger conference, and though I will be among the minority as a midlife blogger (most of the women going are quite a bit younger than I am – many “Mommy Bloggers”) I don’t care. I’m just glad to be part of the blogging community.

One of my favorite things about blogging is doing giveaways. Since beginning my giveaway program on my blog, I have connected with lots of talented, creative crafters. Most of the crafters are small, home-based businesses, turning out the most interesting and beautiful pieces of art, bath oils, purses, and more. Check here to see the list of creative folks I’ve worked with so far – and there are still many more to come! I so enjoy giving away these items, both because it brings readers to my blog and because I am helping to promote small businesses.

I was fortunate to find Michele Kowalski and David DeLand of Tapestry Arabian Farms, who have reinvented their boomer selves as crafters. Michele, who used to train horses for a living, found herself in search of a new career a few years back. One afternoon while watching HGTV, Michele was inspired to try a craft project involving wire, baby food jars, and costume jewelry. Using what she had (marbles instead of jewelry) and upcycling old telephone and electrical insulators, Michele began creating unusual and beautiful items, including windchimes. After a relative invited her to share a tent at a local crafts fair at The Rust Belt Market in the metro Detroit area, a career was born and Michele hasn’t looked back. David helps with the business by doing anything that involves a power tool. Not only that, but Michele and David’s home, which is in the country, has over the years become something of a no-kill shelter for abandoned and lost animals…that in itself is enough to make anyone love them!

Michele Kowalski and David DeLand

Michele, who says that the four major food groups for a crafter under pressure include “caffeine, sugar, Motrin and Tums,” is a great example of Boomers finding new ways to live their lives – doing what they love and making a living doing it. I too have found a way to do what I love – blogging – and it’s more fun than I ever expected, in part because I get to meet people like Michele – even if it’s only virtually. How else would I ever have come to know a couple like this, who live on a farm in the country outside of Detroit? Sometimes, virtual can be as good as IRL.