jennyarntzen.project

  I had tea with the estimable Debra Powell yesterday to talk about building a team and support network for women over sixty who are re-inventing their lives. We talked about the myriad projects and passions we have developed over the years and our need for structure and camaraderie as we work on these various interests. I shared my frustration searching for employment and not being able to find any work that fits my experience, education, and skillset. At the same time, I have projects (currently inadequately funded) that need attention and will contribute to building strength in our communities: caregiving, truth and reconciliation, music, art, creativity, dogs.  What I need is professional infrastructure to give me the inter-personal, relational dynamic of shared purpose, shared mission, collaboration, goal setting, problem solving, and celebrating the wins. I want to read and write more about the successes of women over sixty re-inventing their lives. Taking their hard-ear...

As I invent my new career at the age of 67, I take heart that I may have another 30 years to put this next collection of works together. Toward that purpose, I have decided to consolidate my writings from my various blogging and discussion forum initiatives - it turns out I have written about education, social and cultural formations with digital technologies, project management and project management design, residential renovations, and bringing rescue dogs home. Not to mention my collections of drawings and portraits that go back to the 1980s.   I have envied the linear career path, "I worked at such and such for 30 years and now I am retiring."   However, at the same time, I would not trade my lifetime of adventures and friends for anything in the world.

Ok - here we go. 

 

  My working dog. Research assistant, writing partner, exercise coach, guardian.

 My last morning on the farm. I woke up to 2 inches of snow. I am just starting to get familiar with the animal routines, which means I am able to set us up for success rather than setting us up for reactivity and problems. One thing I remember as part of my instructions was that the donkeys like to grab a mouthful of hay as you come out of the feed bin, and once they have it, they will follow you to the feeder and not try to break into the feed stall behind your back. I forgot that instruction and was trying to figure out how to lock the feed stall gate as I came out with both arms full of hay. When I remembered, I just let the donkeys get their mouthful and then we all made our way to the feeder together. There were no donkeys left behind trying to get into the feed stall for their mouthful. Much easier to manage in harmony with the donkey's routine instead of trying to impose a fruitless discipline that actually doesn't improve the process.

 It takes time to adjust to new circumstances.  Last Tuesday I arrived at midday to the farm. I had driven almost 8 hours, including crossing an international border. I had followed Google Map to get me to my destination.  After I arrived, I was being introduced to the farm animals and the farm itself. It was my first time visiting. These introductions included meeting the chickens, ducks, dogs and donkeys. All of these encounters were new to me. After 3 days I was left to look after the farm animals with on-call support. I was processing an avalanche of new information, here is a preliminary sample of information and activities to learn about the big guardian dogs: THE BIG DOGS Don't let the big dogs out of the barnyard without their harness and leash Only take out one dog at a time Put the harness on the dog with the coloured strap on top and the buckle on the port side of the dog The dogs are still learning to be relaxed around the chickens and ducks Let them get close...