image by corina ardeleanu on Unsplash
Writer · Speaker · Blogger
I am a senior who, in another life, was a Poison Information Specialist. It was fascinating work, and it gave me a lasting respect for the strange and unexpected ways people, plants, animals, medications, and everyday life can surprise us.
After I retired, I found myself asking the question many people ask at a turning point: Who am I now, and where am I going next? Fortunately, I live near the Canadian–U.S. border with two beaches close enough to run to whenever I need fresh air, perspective, or a good walk by the water.
Most importantly, I live with my husband and have children and grandchildren close by. We also have an Australian Shepherd we rescued. Now she is approximately eleven years old, very clever, and absolutely everyone’s favourite.
During my years with the BC Drug and Poison Centre, I frequently spoke to well-baby clinics, immigrant groups, and later, seniors’ groups. I loved giving those talks. After retirement, I realized I could still reach people by writing blog posts on Medium about staying healthy, living safely, and finding purpose and humour in the senior years.
My first book was a nonfiction book for crime writers called ‘25 Ways to Commit Murder Accurately, Volume 1: Plants. This is in a series. The next one will be on venomous animals that writers can use for their books. It will be followed by pharmaceuticals and finally street drugs.
I’m currently getting ready to publish my first novel. It is a cozy mystery with a senior, Abbey, as the protagonist. They say write what you know, and this novel is about friendships that have lasted a long time. Abbey, along with her four best friends from nursing school, helps solve a crime in their neighbourhood. When one is in danger, they all come together to help. This takes place in Crescent Beach, just a short drive from my home. There’s a budding romance, lots of humour, and good food.
I have already started on my next novel in the Senior Sleuths Series that will take place in East Vancouver. I will write more about that as I progress in that novel.
Retirement can take a person in some unexpected directions.
I have developed an interest in gardens, not gardening exactly, but gardens. My own garden is full of perennials, and I am slowly learning about plants, noticing them more closely, and occasionally writing about them. I now have several poisonous plants (out of the way from kids and dogs).
In the fall of 2026, I was planning to walk one of the Portuguese routes of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. I expected it would bring sore feet, good stories, and perhaps a few surprises. Life being what it is, I have had to postpone the walk. Perhaps in 2028 or 2029.
I also plan to write a monthly newsletter filled with inspiring stories and practical tools for staying well, happy, and engaged with life. You can subscribe here. It will also bring updates on my novel, both fiction and nonfiction.
Life can hand you surprises. I joined a poker club, and I had never played before. We play for nickels, and you can’t lose more than $5!! I’ve gotten to be the Poker Queen a few times now.
Life is busy, interesting, and often great fun in our third act. They say, ‘There are no boring times, just boring people,’ so join me in living our best lives.
My Poker Group Would Like to Add…
Lee-Anne is warm, funny, generous, and a great person to have at the poker table.
Just don’t drink anything she gives you.
