Ex In The City

Ex in the City's NEW Project "SIXTY AND ME"

Hello everyone!

First of all, thanks so much for your support over the years! Well I am still an EX in the City (London) and excited to announce a brand new community I have just launched!

Meet Sixty and Me

A community for bold and fearless women (single, married, ex's) who are excited to be 60 years old and want to create a new lifestyle - independent, financially secure, healthy and informed.

Sixty and Me is a community of like minded women who don’t feel old, but who are passionate about living life, embracing change, trying new things, meeting new friends, and exploring new lifestyles.   

You are Invited to Join Us!

Website: www.sixtyandme.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sixtyandme

Twitter: www.twitter.com/sixtyandme

We have over 15,000 women now sharing experiences, life challenges and good hearted and spirited conversation.

You are very welcome!

Best as always

Margaret Manning 

margaret (at) sixtyandme (dot) com

EX Rated City Guides - Making the Journey to Extraordinary!

Ex in the City has evolved as I have. At first it was just about divorce and divorce and divorce. Lots of readers, lots of great sharing.  Exile was the first healing stage, but as I moved myself through the stages of "ex", explore became the next stage of growth.  I love to travel. It has always been my greatest energizing passion but traveling alone is a different experience. Expecially for a women as Tina Turner says "of a certain age" without the need or desire of a man by their side.  So, I reached out to a group of writers, offered a small payment and asked for women around the world to submit "EX" rated articles - outlining places for women to go in cities around the world when they were in Exile, Express, Exorcise, Explore or Exhale.

These mini city guides highlighting places from Singapore to Dallas, are written by authors from all around the world and offer ideas for cafes, gardens, hotels and activities for women making that exciting journey from EX to EXtraordinary.

In the articles, the authors provided ideas of where to go as you move from a breakup to a reinvention of a new you. Those in EXile, can learn about parks or secret gardens where women alone are safe and alone. For EXpress, find places that support expression and creativity - art museums, poetry readings or even knitting or kickboxing classes. EXplore guides you to internet cafes that allow pets, pottery classes for women only, dance halls or karaoke bars that don't require a partner, single cruises. Express may lead you to a country dance hall, or a karoake bar and Exhale a spa or special hotel that serves high tea. You get the idea. :-)

The EX-Rated City Guides you will see on www.exinthecity.com are written by incredible women authors from all over the world. It has been my huge pleasure to hear their stories. Talk about grace under pressure. From Singapore to Nashville,  the City Guides are not, I repeat NOT singles guides. They are places to go to enjoy being an EX on the road to EXtraordinary~ Today I have the following EX Rated City Guides for:

Amsterdam, Baltimore, Bangalore, Boston, Dallas, Delray Beach, Ft Lauderdale, Honduras Bay Islands, Houston, Indianapolis, Kuauai, Langkawi, Maldives, Montreal, Nashville, New York City, Newport Beach, Orlando, Penang, Pondicherry, Richmond, Sedona, Singapore, Puerta Valleta, Vancouver, Washington, DC.

Some have been featured - many more to come.

So.. if anyone reading is willing to "take on" a city anywhere in the world - and share its secrets with your Ex in the City girlfriends, please send to margaret (at) sixtyandme (dot) com. As I mentioned, there is a small payment offered, but the joy is hopefully in sharing YOUR special city with other women in transition after a sad divorce or breakup. You can also mention and promote your blog, website or other social media channel.  So hopefully its a win for everyone. 

Life goes on. Thank you for sharing it with us. 

Divorce Wisdom from the Doctor

Divorce, like most life challenges, can be very very complicated and it can also be simple. Depends on the way you think about it, your mental state.  Easy to say you say.  Well I have always loved  children's books and found that the truths buried in the simple language - remember Winnie the Pooh - how many Tiggers or Eyore's have you known in your life?  Simple.  Today, I was looking for a quote and came across one of my all time favorite writers - Dr Seuss - and this quote "Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple". Snap. So uif you are going through a breakup or divorce - read and enjoy these words of wisdom from the Doctor!

•I meant what I said and I said what I meant.
•The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.
•Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.
•You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.
•Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.
•From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere.
•Just tell yourself, Duckie, you’re really quite lucky!
•I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells.
•You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose.
•So you see! There’s no end to the thing you might know, depending how far beyond Zebra you go.
•Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try.
•Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.
•I do not like green eggs and ham, I do not like them Sam I am!
•You’re on your own, and you know what you know. And you will be the guy who’ll decide where you’ll go. Oh the places you’ll go.
•When you think things are bad, when you feel sour and blue, when you start to get mad… You should do what I do.

And a thought for the day – Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way

EX Rated Barcelona

With its many wonderful neighborhoods, you have a chance to Explore in Barcelona. Begin with the Gothic Quarter, a unique medieval area in the heart of town, still intact, where you will lose yourself in history. No map necessary (it does not help anyway), as every 14th Century archway will inevitably bring you back to the present.

A celebrated example of Gothic architecture is the Cathedral of Barcelona, built at the end of the 13th Century; admission is free and if in need to Express yourself, join the groups of people who gather at the entrance and join hands to dance Sardana, a part of Catalonian folk tradition. For a wow Experience visit Sagrada Familia (Holy Family), Architect Gaudi’s incomplete masterpiece cathedral, (begun in 1882), depicting the entire bible carved in stone described by some as Art Nouveau run wild. Go to www.sagradafamilia.org for information on tours, events, donations and more.

If this is too much Expressing for you, head to the Picasso Museum housed in two palaces on a Medieval street. It contains most of Picasso’s works arranged in chronological order giving you a sense of the development of his ideas and trends.

Looking for Excitement, a funicular will take you across the port up to Montjuic from where you will have uncomparable views of the city and perhaps a photo or two to make your ex.... jealous!!! While in the area, visit Pueblo Español or Spanish Town, built for the 1929 World Fair, it is a re-creation of the different villages that make up Spain.

If you are still in a period of Exile the promenade along the marina old port, will give you the privacy you crave while dining al fresco in one of the many restaurants. Order the tender broiled seabass, perfumed with olive oil and served with Aioli potatoes. It is a Catalonian specialty.

The rest of the day why not Exorcise. Trendy designer boutiques line the streets of the elegant Passeig De Grácia. Get yourself a new wardrobe or perhaps a new look. Everyone needs a special something for their self-esteem.

After all the adventures, it is time to Exhale. Cathedrals are not the only landmarks in the city; head to a xampanyeria or champagne bar to savor on the Spanish version, Cava. It is bubbly and even considered as good as its French counterpart.

Though there is so much more to see and Experience, what makes Barcelona so special is its people. Whether you want to be alone and regroup, or you want to be part of the magic of the city, you will find the right atmosphere just for you. You will go home Exorcised, and with a new outlook on life.

Sheila Keller - Co-wrote a book and with  passion for travel decided to get into travel writing. Accepted to write travel postcards for International Living as well as a column in a Barcelona publication. Accomplished my first dream, now working on the second one: travel writing.

Attitude is Everything

A person's self esteem usually takes a beating during the divorce process. To help rebuild your self confidence, you need to focus on your attitude.  Attitude is simply a state of mind.  By focusing on the positives in your life, you can begin to feel better about yourself and life in general.

Affirming What's Good - When your self esteem is in the dumps, it's easy to beat yourself up and think of yourself as a failure.  Replace all those self-defeating thoughts with affirmations of the person you want to be. List the things that you are good at, recount your past successes, and remember what people have said about you that makes your self esteem soar. Use words like "happy, strong, smart, resilient, ambitious" or whatever image that you would like to see yourself as. Review this list often to build your self esteem. Remember......... “As you think, so shall you be”.

Thinking Positively - Along these same lines, replace your negative inner dialog of words such as “I can’t do it” or “I’m just no good” with self esteem building statements like “I can do it”, “I am successful”, or “I have what it takes”. It may feel funny at first, but if you make these affirmations every morning to yourself, your mind will start to focus on them and start believing them to be true.

Letting Go Of The Past - Put past mistakes into perspective. You can’t change the outcome, so try to see it as a learning exercise. Make any amends that you need to, and then vow to handle things differently in the future. When you make mistakes in the future, don’t blow things out of proportion. Just because the boss snaps at you don't let your self esteem take a hit.  Realize that other people have bad days, and let it go. Choose to focus on what is positive in your life.

Letting Go Of Perfection - By thinking that you need to do everything perfectly, you let your self esteem take a beating.  You end up with a list of imagined “shoulds” and “musts” in order to meet your vision of perfection.  Instead, decide what things are fine just the way they are, and quit worrying about them.  What ever you decide to change should be because you  “want to” or “choose to”.  By allowing yourself to not be perfect, your self esteem grows as you accept the true you.

Making Changes - If there is something that you would like to change, stop procrastinating, and do something about it.  Worrying and rehashing your troubles all the time brings you down. Decide what needs to change, and break it down into small chunks. Daily manageable goals that you can accomplish will give you a sense of purpose, a continuous feeling of success, and improved self-confidence. You can see yourself moving in a positive direction and won’t be over-whelmed.

Interacting With Others - It is also a good idea to spend time with friends that have positive self esteem. They can boost your mood and give you a different perspective on your situation. True friends always see the best side of you.   When they give you a compliment, believe them.  In return, don’t be afraid to compliment or do something nice for someone else. Doing for others can boost your self esteem by focusing outside yourself, knowing that you brought happiness to someone else.

Most of all, realize that you have choices in life. You can choose to be content with who you are now. Your inner peace, self esteem, and confidence in who you are determines your success, not what others think about you. Remember that you are a worthwhile person just as you are.

©Tracy Achen 2001 
At WomansDivorce.com we have one focus - helping women survive their divorce and rebuild their lives.
(This article may be freely reproduced provided it is unaltered and the above information is included.)

Surviving a Breakup

The dangers of drug and alcohol abuse after a divorce breakup are well documented. Being dumped or abandoned is a painful and devastating event and the natural response to hurt is to just stop it!! Pain hurts, drugs and alcohol give temporary relief. But care for yourself and know the danger signs.

This article by Delphine Hirsch, author of a fantastic book called The Girls Guide to Surviving a Break-up is so right on!

" Now that we have squared away how to get some peace and quiet for yourself, and whom to contact and how, let's move on to the brass tacks of dealing with an initial breakup. You are not yet ready to do a lot of loving things for yourself that will make you feel better and help you inch back toward your prebreakup level of self-esteem or better. You are probably feeling selfdestructive. That's normal. This section is about passing some time safely.

Drugs And Alcohol

You know your limits better than I do, but we both know that your judgment probably isn't at its best right now. For myself, having several cocktails a few nights in a row in the wake of a breakup has been perfectly fine, even great. For you, this might be reckless or worse. So I'm outlining some don'ts and some general ideas that I hope will make you pause and think if you are making decisions about drugs and alcohol use.

Whatever choices you make, remember that it is completely normal for you to be in a lot of pain right now. Also keep in mind that in order to get through the pain, you have to feel it. This is NOT-thank god-an active process. Your brain is at work processing and accepting your heartbreak even as you are lying on the couch crying. But if you numb your brain with mind-altering substances for the next month, it won't perform its usual functions and you won't get any closer to feeling better.

Drugs
* Don't get behind the wheel of a car unless you are stonecold sober. Even then, you are probably tired and blurry-eyed, so I recommend having someone else who is not in the middle of personal trauma chauffeur you around for a little while. Or take a cab.

* Don't take any drugs that have sketchy origins. You don't know what is really in there. You could be risking your life here. I can't say it firmly enough. This is totally unacceptable under any circumstances.

* Don't take any drugs you haven't tried before. This is not the time for experimenting.

* Don't take more than the recommended doses of any prescription drugs or any over-the-counter medicine you have around. As with any serious thoughts of suicide, if you feel yourself heading this way, take action NOW. You need to get professional help right away (see appendix). This is not the time to concern yourself with what other people might think or whether you yourself hold the ignorant belief that getting professional help makes you "crazy" or any less of a person. It doesn't matter. The most important thing is that when you are feeling horrible, you get yourself help. You will find later that it means that you are brave and smart and love yourself.

* Don't take any drugs if you have a history of drug abuse. You know this better than I do.

* Don't take any drugs when you are alone.

The Hard Stuff

Obviously there are a lot of different drugs out there that do different things. You may do none of them. You may do some of them but would never ever touch others. You may have tried many of them. What I'm saying is this: Don't do them now. What felt good when you were feeling good will most likely feel dramatically different when you are feeling terrible. And by different, I mean completely f- king horrible, horrible when you are on the drug, horrible when you are coming down, and potentially horrible for days after. If you have drugs around and you are concerned about taking them, give them away ASAP or literally flush them down the toilet immediately.

Alcohol

* Don't drive if you've had anything to drink, and probably don't drive anyway.

* Don't drink if you are a recovering alcoholic. Call your sponsor. You know this better than I do.

* Don't drink more than you usually do when alone. It can be dangerous.

* Don't mix your drinks. It's just never a good call.

For many reasons, even if you are not much of a drinker, you may feel moved to tie one on under the circumstances. Just keep in mind that your body isn't used to it. You will get the spins and very likely throw up. Even if you are a regular drinker, if you consume more alcohol than usual, you are going to get sick. I recommend not exceeding what you might do on any old Saturday night. You don't want to make yourself feel worse than you do ordinarily.

DELPHINE HIRSH is a veteran of many break ups and is also a consultant to heartbroken friends nationwide. A thirty-two-year-old native New Yorker and a graduate of Princeton University, Hirsch has spent most of her adult life working at non-profits, including a six-year position in fundraising at the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and is at work on a novel. The Girls' Guide to Surviving a Break-up is her first book

em.pow.er.ment (em pou'er)

  em · pow · er · ment ( ěm pou´er )

1. The act of investing oneself with power
2. To enable or permit oneself the right to succeed
3. The ability to be in control of one's own destiny
4. The strength to make the most of one's potential
5. To define life by one's own terms

Empowerment4Women.org is a free webzine dedicated to bringing 3rd wave feminism to women and men of all ages and backgrounds.

Here is how Carly Hope, the Editor and Publisher of empowerment4women.org describes their mission

"Our belief is that every human has the ability for greatness.

Our hope is that one day every woman will be given the opportunity and the courage to discover her own sense of empowerment.

Our promise is to do our best to demystify what it means to be a feminist. We are simply a group of women and men who support a woman's equal place in society. We have the equal right to vote. Now we want that same right to our bodies, our schools, our careers, and our families.

Empowerment is within each of us. Tap into your power. Reach your full potential. And above all else, do what makes you happy."

You should check out the site - its really quite fabulous, inspiring and worth investigating. They feature and review books. television, products and people - a roadmap for women on the journey from EX to EXtraordinary. Fascintatng biographies and features. There are comprehensive lists for support, shopping and spiritual support.

www.empowerment4women.org

Ex Rated Johannesburg

By Petro Koze

"All that is gold does not glitter, not all those that wander are lost," J. R. R. Tolkien mused in the Fellowship of the Rings. Unbeknownst to Tolkien, his statement is not only an apt description of South Africa's biggest city, but a suitable portrayal of the myriad of people who pass through it every day.

Johannesburg is the biggest city in the hot, southern tip of Africa, and acts as the commercial centre for South Africa's gold and diamond industries. For this reason, it is referred to as the city of gold. At first glance it's hard to identify the hair-rising traffic and smudged skyline with such a pure and valuable metal. But, those who take the time to wander around will inevitably find rich reward in the mélange of cultural events, social activities and variety of shops on offer.

Like a diamond in the rough, Johannesburg will reveal a treasure cove of activities to keep a woman in every stage of EX occupied and fulfilled. Once the city's surface has been scratched, it can, like the women who walk through its busy streets, reveal a heady set of possibilities andendless potential for pleasure.To begin with, those in the stage of Exile can exit the humdrum ofeveryday life and escape into tranquil surroundings.

Spend a day at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens where women can wander around and pass some well-deserved quiet time in a safe environment, surrounded by a beautiful collection of South Africa's indigenous plant-life. When darkness falls, head to the Johannesburg Observatory which opens for public viewing on the last Friday of every month. Here, a night out under a starry sky includes a short, informative presentation before the telescope is opened. With some tea and biscuits to boot, you can sit back while the universe unfolds before your eyes.

For an even more relaxed approach, pack some comfort food, scroll your windows down and park your car for a night out at the Top Star Drive-In. Enjoy the benefits of life in a hot climate while you happily lounge in your car, under the cool night-sky with a breeze in your hair. For more information, plus an updated list of the shows, click here.

On the other hand, some of us might prefer a complete new world, insteadof just different surroundings. If you feel like escaping to foreign countries, extraordinary stories and exotic settings, head towards the Cinema Nouveau in Rosebank Mall for the selection of art house films. Visit the Moviesite beforehand for listings.

When you ready to enter the social arena again, EXpress yourself in an explosion of passion and sensations.Flaunt your sexuality wrapped in silver and chiffon, at the Jewels of the Nile belly-dancing school in Johannesburg.

After jiggling and strutting your stuff for hours at a time, annihilate that last bit of pent up anger at The Big Time Taverna. At this Greek restaurant you will not only be wined and dined, but allowed to vent your anger on the crockery. For more information on how, where and when to zorba the night away at this Johannesburg restaurant, visit www.dining-out.co.za

Now, you are ready to eliminate all remaining negative feelings. You can EXorcise and exercise simultaneously at The Satyam School of Yoga in Johannesburg.

For a rejuvenated and exalted woman, it is now time to EXplore new  possibilities in familiar surroundings. Become a member of the Red Hat Society and cheerfully trample all over societal rules with groups of other fantastic females. Don a red hat and purple outfit and join the Johannesburg chapter to fulfill their sole purpose of having fun in different locations all over the city.

Expand your horizons further than just the borders of the city, and indulge yourself in the cultural melting pot of Soweto. Long gone are the days when the thoughts of visiting this burgeoning suburb invoked looks of horror and wide eyed wonder. Contact a tourism agency for a guided insider's view of the best spots. Wander past massive mansions and cramped shanty houses. Enjoy a traditional, spicy African lunch and end the day sipping cool beer in a shebeen (a local drinking spot).

Finally, EXhale, and let yourself go in a complete fit of self-indulgence.Lose yourself in Johannesburg's offering of shopping paraphernalia, sprinkled like precious stones over the city.

On weekends and public holidays, you can mosey around the myriad of stalls and precious finds in Rosebank's rooftop market, arguably, the country's best. For every other day of the week, the Oriental Plaza offers a rich display of exotic materials wrapped in a deep, spicy aroma of samoesas and musky incense.

After a hard day's shopping, visit Terenzo's Hairdressers (info: +27 (0)11 7267607) in Melville - well-known South African celebrity hangout. As you walk down the street to a pamper session deluxe, you will find yourself in one of the most famous streets in Johannesburg -location of the popular local soap opera '7de Laan' (seventh lane). Cappuccino in hand, prepare yourself for your eventual exit looking gorgeous, feeling relaxed and ready to enjoy the heady atmosphere of Melville at night.

Lastly, after a myriad of new experiences, it is sensible thinking that, like the diamonds this city founded itself on, Johannesburg can be a girl's best friend.

Petro Kotzé is a freelance travel writer, and, self-admittedly, a women obsessed with the quest to keep on moving. Currently located in South Africa, she is happily typing away at stories ranging from scrapie in the Shetland Islands to Muti markets in South
Africa.

Ex Rated Warsaw

  By Anna J. Kutor

There comes a time in your ex-life when you want everything to be enjoyable, exciting and interesting. Warsaw, the main Polish metropolitan, will fulfill all your EXisting desires. Rising from the ashes of World War II, where 85% of the city was destroyed, Warsaw now is a mosaic of parks, museums, majestic monuments, a flourishing nightlife scene and an up-and-coming futuristic skyline, forming a truly cosmopolitan city.

What Warsaw lacks in terms of beauty and luxury, it more than makes up for in cozy hidden havens: cafés, pastry shops, restaurants, bars and clubs which provide a perfect place for those in EXile. Start your day at the Tender Barbarian, a comforting café-bookshop-gallery combo – named after a book by Czech author Bohumil Hrabal –, an unpretentious cultural institution. Sample the creamy coffee collection and peruse an English-language art book nestled in a soft sofa. If you’re still seeking some refuge, head to Moonsfera, a captivating rooftop restaurant overlooking the city. The appealing ambiance and the clever concoctions of fusion food will warm year healing heart.

EXorcise your toxic emotions and unwanted aggression by dancing the night away at neighboring Balsam, Pruderia  and New Deep (www.newdeep.pl) clubs. Situated in Fort Mokotów’s genuine military fortifications, the always-heaving bar and club complex serves up an eclectic clientele and music mix. Take it step by step. First absorb the new atmosphere by indulging in some people-watching from a comfortable armchair. Then try a variety of famous Polish vodka’s (Żubrówka, Goldwasser, Sobieski and Gorzka Żołądkowa to name a few) to loosen up a bit. Finally, get in the groove and rock the night away!

After an exhilarating dance-filled evening, EXplore the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, packed with art galleries, antique shops, churches, and culinary establishments. Completely reconstructed after the war, the Old Town boasts the armed mermaid statue in the Market Square – the symbol of Warsaw -, the Royal Palace, Green Gallery  on the Crooked Circle Street, poster shop  and numerous amber jewelry stores.

Enjoy the many blessings of nature and delight in the grandeur of the Royal Łazienki Park, a 17th-century palace and garden group. Roam around the devious paths, discover the Baroque Belvedere annexes, the Palace on the Water, the Chopin statue and rose garden, and island-amphitheatre.

Bring some snacks, as the park is packed with freewheeling flashy peacocks, speedy squirrels, swans and ducks who always appreciate the free fare and care.

Continuing in an artistic frame of mind, EXpress yourself at the 17-century Ujazdów Castle housing the Centre for Contemporary Art , Kino. Lab Cinema, and the retro-funky Baumgart Café. The Centre’s swiftly-shifting expositions focus on spotlighting the raw, dynamic changes of Polish and international art in all its forms. If you opt for a more down-to-earth and edifying experience, visit the Warsaw Rising Museum, opened in 2005, dedicated to the heroes of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising. Housed in a former power station, the exhibition presents a meticulous documentation of the 63-day combat, a symbol of Polish strength and spirit.

Once you’re ready to EXhale and recuperate, you have a number of spas and wellness centers to choose from. Clarins Institute (www.clarins.pl, Polna Street 3), Dermika Spa & Salon (www.spasalon.pl, Gen. Józefa Zajączka Street 9a), Celebrity Beauty & Spa (www.celebrity.com.pl, Rondo ONZ 1) and Le Spa  all encompass a complete spectrum of cosmetic, therapeutic and medical treatments and services, providing both recreation and vitality. A day of proper pampering and you’ll continue on your EXpedition with new-found energy.

Anna J. Kutor is a roving freelance writer and photographer specializing in cultural, travel and social themes – currently residing in Warsaw. Check out her website at www.orangeimagery.com to view her photos from Warsaw and around the globe.

Divorce is a Numbers Game

Ok here is where my split personality kicks in. I do not have a warm and cuddly relationship with numbers. You'll hardly ever find me using them to support an argument but in certain circumstances data is power and I am getting better making friends with statistics.  I don't think there is any point in dwelling on this, but if you are interested I found a fascinating site that breaks down all the numbers around divorce...from surveys they have presumably done with all of you divorce statistics out there~

So if for example you are interested in the average age people who get divorced actually got married...here are those facts: Under 20 years old - women 37%, men 12%.  25 to 29 years old - women 37%, men 38%.  30 to 34 years old - women 16%, men 22%.  35-39 years old, women 5%, men 6% etc. 

Or perhaps you are interested in net worth after divorce, or how much adultery affected a divorce, or how cohabitation before marriage impacts divorce, or how many men say they want to be friends with their ex wife - (66% - more than I thought to be honest) check out the article here.

Divorce at 50

I just came across this blog called Divorce at 50 and just had to share.  I've just spent an hour reading through her stories and reliving so many of the experiences I have gone through myself. I love the tagline - Divorce at 50 - or how I survived the loss of my best friend of 32 years and landed on my feet.

There are fascinating posts ranging from very painful and personal - loss of a friend from an accidental overdose who was struggling with a divorce to pieces on eating solo to finding a job after 50 or a very interesting analysis of why men over 50 don't want women over 50.

Anyway, go check it out.  Here's the blurb on why this blogger decided to start writing about divorce...so similar to my own goals, I feel as though I've found a friend.  I like the bit about dignity and humor and a positive attitude -

I'm writing this blog for individuals who are going through the pain of divorce and who are seeking solace from someone who has gone through the same experience. Each of us has an individual story to share. I hope mine can help someone deal with their grief and loss. During the time of my divorce, books, advice columns, lawyers, counselors, movies, and some of my friends were of little help. I wanted to split amicably, with civility and HUMOR, and with my dignity intact. Besides, most self-help books target much younger people who face the challenges of raising small children and who (for the most part) have less income at their disposal. This was not my case. As in all divorces, my experience was painful. Hugely so, for I was losing my best friend - someone who had been part of my life for 32 years. In this blog I describe the steps I took to retain my sanity, nurture my inner self, and find the strength to move on and create a new life.

Whoever you are hope the journey is kind to you.