“ The days are long , but the years are short .”
After another stint of teaching public school music , Connie retired and was really enjoying the freedom , but one day her son sent her an email that sparked an interest . He attached an article about travel writing and included this note , “ Mom , you love to travel and are the undisputed Queen of Questions . I think you should check this out .” She was immediately hooked on the idea . What could be more fun than visiting a new place , eating great food , meeting passionate store owners and artists , touring the attractions , staying in historic B & Bs or luxury hotels and then writing about it ? It was time to launch her fourth career . She started her blog , ThereGoesConnie . com , in May of 2015 ( at age 65 ), and flew to Denver for a concentrated travel writing course in September . Since she returned from that training , Connie has written close to 300 articles that have been published in more than 25 print and online magazines and websites . She is a regular contributor to Trip101 . com which has more than 2 million monthly viewers , The Alabama Baptist newspaper with 200,000 weekly readers , and others such as TravelingMom . com and TravelAwaits . com . Her second book , 100 Things to Do in Huntsville and North Alabama Before You Die is scheduled for release by Reedy Press on April 1 , 2022 . Cullman is well represented in the book .
Connie , now 71 , has learned several valuable life lessons . 1 ) When God changes the course of your life , it is because His plan is best . He wants us to live abundant lives , and He gives good gifts
Connie is having afternoon tea at The Plaza in New York City . This particular event was a Christmas gift from her husband .
to His children . Be flexible , open , and willing for Him to direct you . 2 ) God does not waste any of your life experiences . From living on a children ’ s home campus to living in the Andes Mountains , from being a mom of busy teenagers to being the grandmother of 15 , from eating crudely prepared guinea pig to dining on multi-course , chef-prepared meals , from teaching the “ Hokey Pokey ” to elementary kids in Alabama to teaching the “ Hokey Pokey ” to Quichua children wanting to learn English , from being attracted to Mr . Good Smile to celebrating 50 years of marriage to him , God has orchestrated every step . Connie is so grateful for her life and looks forward to the years ahead .
42 | SPRING 2022 CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE