Gibsons artist Patricia Collier has just been published as the illustrator of a new book, Happily Retired: What works, what doesn't, by Ottawa writers Julie Chahal and Linda Lucas.
The book celebrates the opportunities and freedom of retirement while offering fresh insights on how to create a uniquely personal path through the unexpected challenges.
Retirement isn't what it used to be. Gone are the Norman Rockwell images of Grandpa in his rocking chair. Baby boomers now retiring are healthy, active, affluent (even in these interesting economic times) and eager to re-invent retirement.
Happily Retired provides a preview of what's ahead and gives a head start on preparing. For the newly-retired, this book provides perspective on the common pitfalls of the early years. For everyone, it provides practical advice, real-life examples, exercises and starting points to thrive in retirement.
"We wanted to add depth and charm to our words, while making it easy to browse," said Chahal. "Pat captured exactly the right balance of unpretentious simplicity, playfulness and authenticity."
Collier is known on the Sunshine Coast for her oil paintings and increasingly popular art classes. Being approached by the authors to illustrate a book was a new and initially daunting challenge.
"This is one of those great books that you can literally pick up and stop at any page and be informed and encouraged," Collier said. "I wanted to contribute to that. I have to say that it's a thrill I couldn't have predicted to see in real live print the drawings I worked on at home."
The book is available online and in select bookstores. See www.happily-retired.com.
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