Tackling a Bucket List in Retirement
We’ve all done it. Put off a dream vacation or another bucket list item until we had more time, more money or simply more motivation. But what if the goal that was being put off was actually the very thing that could provide you fulfillment, a sense of purpose and could also be shared to bring your loved ones joy? How would you even know the weight this one bucket list item could have on your life if you never had the opportunity to try?
Linda Gomach always thought of herself as an artist – should she ever have the time. Raising three children as a single parent, while often working more than one job, didn’t always allow for a lot of personal fulfillment time. Her family always knew her to have a creative eye, especially when it came to thrifting or antique shopping. Linda always found treasures that may have otherwise been overlooked by a less discerning eye. Her passion for textiles, photography, paintings and pottery is evident by the curated collections in her home.
Up until April 18th, 2014, Linda was a Wisconsin State Correctional Officer – a far cry from the artist that was patiently waiting on the back burner in her mind. After 14 years, three months and 18 days (not that anyone was counting) she retired and the relentless voice in the back of her head finally had the chance to start creating.
And start creating she did. It started innocently enough; take a class at the Oshkosh Senior Center and learn how to make a pair of traditional, hand-crafted Ojibwa snowshoes to gift her son at Christmas. No biggie. Next, sign up to take a bird carving class. Why? Why not! Linda soon found that carving a bird is no easy task. In fact, it takes about six months, working one day each week, to complete a detailed bird. With the help of a knowledgeable and supportive network of carving enthusiasts in the senior center’s wood shop, Linda is learning technical skills and applying her creativity to create beautifully carved birds. In fact, she will be starting on her fourth bird this September.
But hand-carved birds are only the tip of the iceberg. Since entering retirement, Linda has taken many classes at the senior center. Since her first class in January 2015, Linda has woven numerous baskets, carved wooden serving spoons, built a jewelry box, designed gorgeous wood inlay serving trays and cutting boards and painted numerous artworks on canvas.
Her longtime bucket list item of providing her family of three children and six grandchildren with all homemade gifts for Christmas was accomplished last year. Linda says she’s on-track for a two-peat this holiday season.
It’s never too late to do something you’ve always wanted to do. Check out our Bucket List board on Pinterest for some inspiration or check out our weekly Facebook Bucket List post!