146. From Retirement to Reinvention: How One Woman Unlocked Her Hidden Creativity | Conversation with Kathi Holzer

What if the best part of your life was still ahead of you?

In this inspiring conversation, Laurie sits down with Kathi Holzer—a 67-year-old retiree who stumbled into painting after retirement and is now an award-winning artist. Kathi shares how she went from never having painted to creating pieces that now hang in homes across the country. This episode is a powerful reminder that your creativity doesn’t expire with age—and your next act could be your most fulfilling one yet.

Kathi gets real about:

• Feeling creatively “late to the game”… and doing it anyway
• How retirement can be the start of something, not the end
• Why she followed a nudge of curiosity—and how it changed everything
• What midlife women need to hear about starting new things later in life

Whether you’re standing on the edge of a new idea or feeling like your time has passed, this episode will remind you: it’s never too late to surprise yourself.

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Transcript

[00:00:00] 

In her sixties and recently retired looking for a new hobby, Kathi Holzer decided to buy a small starter kit of water colors and a single paintbrush. She dabbled in painting for a while, and in the process she discovered a version of herself she didn't even know existed. In today's episode. Kathi is sharing with us how she followed a whisper of curiosity, turned it into a second act, and became an award-winning artist in the process.

If you've ever felt like it's too late to start something new, this episode will light a fire under you. It is so inspirational. I couldn't be more excited to introduce you to the amazing Kathi Holzer. Please enjoy this conversation.

Welcome to the School of Midlife podcast. I'm your host, Laurie Reynoldson.

This is the podcast for the midlife woman who starting to ask herself big life questions. Like, what do I want? Is it too late for me? And what's my legacy beyond my family [00:01:00] and my work. Each week we're answering these questions and more. At the School of Midlife, we're learning all of the life lessons they didn't teach us in school and we're figuring out finally what it is we want to be when we grow up. Let's make midlife your best life. 

Laurie: Kathi, I am so excited to have you back at the School of Midlife podcast. I cannot wait for our listeners to hear this episode. I say back at the School of Midlife podcast because Kathi and I actually recorded an episode a couple of months ago, and then we had some technical difficulties, so you never actually heard it.

But Kathi has an incredibly inspiring story, and I am so, so excited to actually get into this conversation and introduce you to our listeners. So high level, can you just introduce yourself, tell us what you do, and then we'll get into all of the goodness.

Kathi: Okay. My name's Kathi Holzer [00:02:00] and I, um, my husband and I moved here in 2012 from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We lived there and were PE teachers and coaches for 32 years in Jackson, and our daughter and grandkids live here, so we ended up moving to Boise to be closer to them. 

I might also, I guess I didn't tell you that, um, after life as a PE teacher, uh, about five years ago, I became an artist, and that is kind of my new gig in my sixties.

Laurie: and that's what I want to talk about because you had a career. You raised a family. You, you've got grandkids. And then in your sixties you start a brand new career as a painter, as an artist, which is incredible. How did that come to be?

Kathi: well, we've always been super physically active, so, um, never had trouble, you know, using up the time we had after retirement. We were super busy. We [00:03:00] always have been and still are with mountain biking, um, water skiing, snow skiing, hiking. And, um, it wasn't that it wasn't enough. I just felt like, and I think maybe women in my age group do this, you realize that you, don't have as much time left at all as what you've lived already. So you just wanna make the most of it. And that's, that's kind of where I was at. And I thought, um, I should maybe try the piano because I played for about 10 years when I was a kid. So my husband bought me a keyboard, and I did that for a couple of weeks.

And then for whatever reason, I decided I should also try some painting. So I went to one of our local art stores, grabbed a little watercolor set and one paintbrush and started painting. And I realized I really probably could do that better than the keyboard because you can take your art wherever you go. [00:04:00] It's kind of hard to take a piano. And, um, so then it just turned into kind of one thing after another.

The universe telling me I should keep going. And, um, that's, that's kind of the gist of how it started.

Laurie: Do you remember the first thing that you painted with that very first watercolor set?

Kathi: I do, I painted these two birds on a wire, uh, with kind of like, um, a sunset around them. And my husband still has it by the side of our bed. He just

Laurie: so sweet.

Kathi: So yeah, it's pretty funny. And you probably should keep your first one, right, because then you have hopefully some growth along the way and you can see where you started and where you are, and hopefully where you're headed.

Laurie: Were you immediately hooked?

Kathi: I was, yes. I, I, I was so hooked and enjoyed it so much. And I think part of the reason is when you grow up doing [00:05:00] sports and, um, competing. If you're kind of a type A person like I am, winning is pretty fun. And it's also kind of, uh, the ultimate result that you're shooting for. And in art, I think you just get to be. You don't, there's, there's no, um, there can be competition, but for me it, it was much more about the process and, uh, the joy that I got from creating.

Laurie: You, you talk about this background in sports and this background in competition. Was it hard to start out as a beginner in art, you know, in, in this new creative endeavor, was it hard for you to just let yourself play and practice and, and not be great at something right out of the gate?

Kathi: Well, that's the funny part, and my husband noticed that as well. [00:06:00] He commented on, um, he really liked this new me because, um, I, he could see that I didn't have to to be perfect. And, I think women in general, we, we just think that we have to be a certain way. Whether it's culture or, um, you know, our norms.

But I feel like art for me was joyful right from the beginning because I didn't know anything and was basically learning as I went. It was so much fun to see. What I could create. And then my brain really had a hard time stopping. Like when I first started, I would paint until two or three in the morning.

My husband's like, are you ever coming to bed again? And, uh, it got better. Now I go to bed at 10 o'clock again, but, you know, for a really long time, I think I just couldn't believe. What a cool [00:07:00] thing this was. This art gig thing that I had going, so, um, it was okay. It was okay to make mistakes and not worry about, uh, what other people thought.

I don't think that's, um, art at all. I think art is I what you have to share with your world.

Laurie: When did you decide that you could make a business out of this?

Kathi: well, I pretty soon into it, um, I applied for a grant through the Alexa Rose Foundation and I received one of 74 grants that, um, people, 350 people I think applied. And this was pretty close to when I had started, so maybe four or five months into it. And I think anytime something like that happens, it's validation that you might be onto something.

And so that's what it felt like to me. And um, the grant is [00:08:00] really a great one.

Laurie: What was that application process? I mean, did, was it, was it something

Kathi: that was scary.

Laurie: Talk to us about why you, you see this grant application or this, this potential grant. What called you to apply to it and maybe walk us through the process. I mean, it's great that you ended up with it, but what was your thought process going into it?

Kathi: I can't remember who told me about it, but some, a fellow artist that I had met, um, mentioned it and I thought I should give it a go. What is so funny about, um, this art scene is you have to have things like an artist statement and a bio, and I had none of that. I didn't even know what an artist statement was.

I maybe still don't really, I

Laurie: That's okay.

Kathi: learning. Yeah, now they have AI and it's really great. It can help you [00:09:00] get where you need to be. But um, you know, these are all things that no clue. And so you had to have. Um, some good answers to the questions, including examples of your work. So I had to learn how to send the correct format in for a picture.

Um, a, a reason why I felt worthy of getting a scholarship from this foundation. And, you know, it kind of your typical, what I still do now when I'm applying for, um, like a gallery or some kind of, art competition. But at the time I knew nothing. And I think that's, uh, you know, such a good lesson too, is you just pretend like you know what you're doing and you figured out along the way. Versus, um, knowing everything you know, who does, I don't know.

But at my age it was a little intimidating.

Laurie: One of my favorite [00:10:00] Tina Fey quotes is Say yes and figure it out afterwards. Because you know, there's this whole idea that women, particularly high achieving women, they're not going to apply for something or put themselves out there unless they meet almost a hundred percent of the criteria that's being asked of them.

Whereas men on the other hand, if, if they meet 60%, they put their hand, they throw their hand in the ring. I think it's interesting that one of the questions was, um, tell us why you're worthy of getting a scholarship. How did that make you feel? I mean, were you in a position where, yes, I understand that this is playful.

I really like this, but it's a competition and I'm just starting. Can, was there any of that doubt or concern that, that, you know, maybe you, you didn't have what it take to apply for it?

Kathi: I think the one thing that's great, , at my age, I, you know, you've just lived through so many things that I ask myself, what is the worst [00:11:00] thing that could happen? And it would be that they say no. But you know, if I don't try, I will never know if I, um, could actually get the scholarship or not. And um, for women our age, I feel like it's, also you, you're able to say to someone, look, I just started this.

I, I don't know where it's going, but I feel like I can be a good example to people my age. Uh, that says, you know, you're never too old and it's never too late. So I think I felt okay about applying. I wasn't too intimidated, just because I'd never done it before and I felt like it was okay. It was okay if they said no, and if I got it, it'd be unbelievable.

And another step to that validation that we talked about.

Laurie: I love all of that. I think that as women in particular, it's [00:12:00] really hard to adopt that mindset of what's the worst that could happen. I mean, yeah, they say no, or I tried something and I didn't get it, and I at least I know a little bit more and I can try again. And I love the idea that you, you can be an example of having this incredible life up until now and still trying new things along the way.

And it, that can happen at any age. You know, you, you could do something in your thirties that you haven't done before or in your forties, fifties, sixties, beyond. I mean, it's, it's, it's so wonderful. So you get this grant and then what happens?

Kathi: so you get, you get the grant and I applied for a workshop. Um, and then I also applied for a lot of art supplies. Art supplies are so expensive. And when, when I first started out, I was afraid to purchase too much because I really didn't know if it would [00:13:00] continue, and it seemed like it could be a bit of a waste of money.

If, if it turned out to not be a thing. So it was really neat to be allowed um, this allocated money for pieces of, art and art supplies that would normally be, you know, really expensive. So I was super grateful for that opportunity.

The gal that I actually went and had a workshop with, her name is Bonnie Griffith, and she has truly become a friend and mentor and is an incredible artist. Lives here in the valley, and um, I. She really, I would say, helped me get my start to what I do today. She's taught me so much, so it's been great to have a mentor. She's also in my age group, which is helpful, but she's been doing art her whole life.

So, uh, you know, that's another lesson: is just grabbing onto those people who know more than you [00:14:00] do and not being afraid to ask for help.

Laurie: You've talked a couple of times about friends and community and mentors, and how important has that been to surround yourself with mentors and a supportive community as you have been initially dipping your toe into this new exciting adventure? To getting to the point where you are now, where you an you are an award-winning artist who makes a living, selling her, creating and selling her art?

Kathi: Yeah, mentors are so important. I think because I was a coach my whole life, I know the value of being coached. And I actually really, um desire, having someone who can gimme feedback and constructive criticism and also teach me new things. And that really is the role of a coach. So, um, grabbing people that are kind of in the coach world. And then also just surrounding [00:15:00] yourself with friends and family that are supportive of what you're doing. Mentors can be all ages, all walks of life. Male, female. It's, um, I think it's so important to have people to look up to that, you can aspire to. Do what they do or try to do what they do.

Your mentors don't always have to be people you personally know. They can also be, uh, people that you follow on Instagram and, um, just Google. You know, there's a lot of people that I will never meet along the way that have inspired me to do my art.

Laurie: That is such an important point, which is, you know, this whole idea that you are the cumulation of the five people that you spend the most time with. But they don't have to be people around you. They can be it like you are inspiring people just listening to this podcast today, and people may, they may never meet you, but listening to your story,

you are setting an example of what [00:16:00] is possible, which is incredible. I, and I love the, the whole idea of the value of being coached and I Yes, yes. To all of it.

Kathi: Um, you know, something else,

 um, being coached, it's also, it goes the other way too. And I think because I was a teacher, I love teaching people. And, and I really focus now on latching onto some of the younger people that, you know, follow me on Instagram or will ask me a question like, how did you do this?

That's the other side of it is the giving back piece. And I love, I love that too. That's, you know, that's all part of the relationships that you, um, cultivate along the way.

Laurie: Beautifully said. Thank you for adding that. Okay, so let's go back to the art journey, because I, I'm so fascinated by it. You start with a small one brush, watercolor, tiny little [00:17:00] set. You win this grant. Then when do you decide that instead of this just being a hobby, that maybe I want to see if, if, like, did you get a commission up front or did you start hanging art in a coffee shop?

Or how did this hobby, this thing that was keeping you up until two o'clock or three o'clock in the morning because you were just in the flow and you loved it so much, how did that become a business for you?

Kathi: Right after I got the grant, then I, um, had an acquaintance get ahold of me. She's an interior designer and was doing a project at, uh, The Tavern in Bown Crossing. And she asked me if, um, I would be interested in doing a commission. And honestly, I had no idea what that looked like either. And I of course said yes.

Not knowing really what I was getting into. You know, I've been, I was [00:18:00] working on little tiny pieces, and this piece was supposed to be three feet by four feet, which is pretty large. Uh, for a lot of people. It's still large. I actually love working on big pieces now, but at the time it was really intimidating. And there was no criteria I could paint what I wanted.

Um, so that, that was the moment I think that I realized like, wow, people actually make money doing this. This is crazy. And um, that piece is still hanging in the stairway of The Tavern, which is a place that we go to often and I always love to walk up the stairs and just look at it and think, wow, that was my first piece.

I've come a long ways.

Laurie: Does it inspire the same kind of awe in you every time you walk up those stairs and see it like, wow, look at this. I did

Kathi: It does, it does. And my family and friends still mention it too, which I think is, [00:19:00] I think because they, they know me and know that this was never a thing I would've. Even dreamed of doing, you know, I, I was not a person who doodled on their paper. I'm sure I was thinking about my next tennis match or something, normally.

And so, um, the, the whole art thing was just so foreign. So I, we, my husband and I always walk up the stairway and just look at it for a minute and think, wow. And I still like the piece too. That's fun because, um, you know, sometimes when you're just getting started, there's. Even now, there's pieces that I just do and I'm like, oh my gosh, that is so terrible.

Um, and I can throw it away no problem. But it's not the kind of thing, just because I think it's terrible. It doesn't discourage me. It's just more like data, like, oh, I need to work on that technique a little more to get it where it needs to [00:20:00] be.

Laurie: Did you have any, you know, you could, 'cause you said you could essentially paint whatever you wanted for the commission, did she give you any idea of, we wanted to be an animal or we wanted to be in these colors, or was it literally a blank page for you to create something on? Or was there some criteria given to you?

Kathi: Well, she did tell me the color scheme and what she was planning to do in other parts of the restaurant, so that was helpful. Uh, they just happened to kind of go with my colors as well. Um, what I enjoyed painting, so that was helpful. But it was pretty much a blank canvas and I did, um, do a couple sketches and get her approval ahead of time and then just went from there.

Laurie: And remind me what the piece ultimately ended up being. Is it a horse? Am I remembering that

Kathi: a horse.

Laurie: Okay.

Kathi: Yes, you are. Yeah.

Laurie: Well, you're very well known. You're [00:21:00] very well known for your horses, and they have changed a little over time. Can you talk a little bit about when you are creating your horse pieces, where that inspiration comes from, where the color palette comes from, has, you know, has that changed over time?

You have a very unique style that is almost instantly recognizable.

Kathi: You know, growing up in Wyoming with all kinds of, um, wildlife right outside of our door, especially horses, I think I've just always been drawn to them. When I was a young girl, I would write notes to my parents, I really want a horse is what I would write them. And then I'd put like on one column all the pros and then the other column cons.

And I eventually talked them into letting me lease a horse when I was in the eighth grade. And um, I had to go every day and, you know, clean the stall out and all of that. But, um, then we moved. Um, to a different [00:22:00] state and horses just weren't in the picture. But it was, it was great that I got to do that one time dream that I think a lot of little girls have is there's just nothing cooler than being a kid who can ride a horse.

And then we rode horses in Jackson. Um, we had a lot of friends with horses, so it's always just been a love of mine.

Um. I am not a realist painter. I am much more impressionistic. And I think that's maybe where my style came from.

I think what you're referring to are the, um, horses with the long, skinny legs,

Laurie: I love them so much.

Kathi: something I really enjoy doing. Yeah, I do too. But I've been branching out. I love painting people so, so much. And, um, right now I'm working on a series with, um, some Native Americans that are really fun and, um, yeah, I, [00:23:00] I, it's partly I don't know what I wanted to do or be when I grow up, and so I just keep experimenting.

Laurie: Incredible. I love the idea, you know, that you can always be experimenting and trying new things and, and you're still trying to figure out what you wanna be when you grow up because there's no, there's no timeline. I mean, it's just do what is playful and fun, and don't limit yourself.

Most of your paintings that I have seen anyway, have a fairly muted color palette.

Is that by design? Um, talk about how you chose the, the colors, because it is a more muted palette. Are you, do you, uh, experiment with more color in the different, pieces that you're doing now or is that a choice?

Kathi: I think the reason I started with the muted colors is because, um, you know, if you're going to art school, you are learning color theory and the color wheel and how [00:24:00] everything goes together and, um, transparency and opaqueness. And I still to this day am like, I'm learning, but it is, um, it's difficult for me.

So, um, that was one of the reasons. Another reason is my entire war wardrobe is definitely, um, black and white. And, uh, maybe every once in a while I throw in a color. I don't know. I'm just drawn to it for

Laurie: Yeah, it

Kathi: then I really love texture, so I've, it does, and I've um, experimented a lot with different kinds of things that create texture.

For instance, Venetian plaster. And, um, one of the paint companies that I get a lot of my paint from, they just have tons and tons of texture products that, uh, make you want to touch the painting when you are looking at it. And so [00:25:00] that. Has always been something I've been drawn to as well.

Just this week I took a class from, uh, another artist friend, Sue Martin, and she did a whole class on cold wax and oil, which also creates amazing texture, but she loves color.

And so I actually painted, um, a view that we have from our cabin looking out, at the West Mountains and, um, it involved a lot of color. And I told her, I go, oh my gosh, this gives me so much anxiety. So, um, it was fun. It was fun and I, and I liked what I created, so maybe I'll do more colors.

Laurie: Given your background as coaching and teaching, do you yourself teach art classes?

Kathi: I do, um, not, not very often, but I, um, I love inspiring women to, you know, try [00:26:00] a creative practice. And I taught all different kinds of things. Mostly my, um, like system, which I'm sure is different than other artists. When you are self-taught, you know, perhaps you're teaching people the, uh, similar things, um, and the ways that you learned how to do what you do.

So that's kind of my vibe.

I don't have a ton of time for that. We have grandkids in town and kids, and then we go to our cabin and Cascade every single week for at least three or four days. So we are on the go and, um. I love teaching classes, but if, um, you know, someone wants them, all they have to do is get ahold of me and we'll make it happen.

Laurie: But it sounds like you are plenty busy with just doing life, which is great, and creating your own art [00:27:00] that, you know, it'd be great if, if there were more hours in the week, but there aren't.

Are you pretty busy with creating. Is it commission pieces that you're mainly doing right now, or are you, are you trying to create pieces that are going to hang on galleries? Or what is, what is your art life look like right now?

Kathi: right now I'm, I actually took a couple months off from the gallery that I'm in, which is Idaho Art Gallery, and, um, just spent some time creating. It's so hard when people want you to either do commissions or like, they just have a criteria that you need to come up with certain pieces and I do better when I'm not under that pressure.

So the last couple months I have been really experimenting and doing quite a bit of new work.

I work with hot beeswax and oil, and that's called encaustic. And those pieces are so much fun. [00:28:00] And then, um, I've been really experimenting with, like I said, the Native American themed pieces. And so right now that's kind of what I'm doing.

I, um, occasionally for a shop called Robert and Wallace will teach a class there. So that's, that's how you can kind of get ahold of me. And I'm teaching. Again in January for Robert and Wallace and also, um, Dwell out in Eagle. And those are fun classes because it's a great space. You know, you're in this beautiful shop and, um, women really enjoy that.

So women and men, we had a man at our last class and he did great. So it's not just limited to women, but um, mostly women, I would say.

Laurie: Did his wife bring him?

Kathi: His wife did not come, but she was the one who signed him up. And he was actually really good. And, um, he was, [00:29:00] he was great and we enjoyed having him in class. It was, it was really fun.

So right now I'm just focusing on trying to get more of an inventory. I do have a couple of things, um, coming up, in next spring and then in of next year.

And that is what's so crazy too, is in the art world, you have to think about a year ahead. Including like what you apply for. Um, I applied for this design conference that's happening next August, and I've known about it and got in quite a while ago. So in the back of my mind, that's another piece to the creative puzzle is I need to get.

Plenty of pieces, uh, because it's a four day event in Bozeman, Montana. So, so much to do, Laurie.

Laurie: So for that event, because I know nothing about creating art, I love it. I, you know, it, it is a little bit of a pastime of mine as well at certain different [00:30:00] points in my life, but, you've got a four day event in Bozeman. What does that mean as far as how much you actually have to paint to get ready for that?

Kathi: I would like to have like at least 10 big pieces. You know, big art for a lot of designers and homes that are in places like bozeman, Montana, Big Sky, Montana, Jackson Hole, those areas, um, you know, those are million, multimillion dollar homes with really big ceilings, walls, so they love big art. And so yeah, big walls.

So that's what I'm, that's what I'm working on right now is at least 10 big pieces. And then that creates an issue because where do you put all these things? Um, so it's.

Laurie: where do you store it?

Kathi: it's, it's hard. Yeah. Yeah. Luckily we have a cabin with a huge, um, shop building and I [00:31:00] do have a place to store it, but, you know, it's just a, you need to plan ahead for things like that.

Always thinking ahead. So I've kind of stopped my commission work. I, um, people, you know, would often call and say, will you paint this for me? And I'm trying to limit that a little to just more art that I create, that is kind of what I want to do.

Laurie: Yes. Love that. Big art is how big. How big is a big art piece?

Kathi: I mean, my four feet by five feet, so

Laurie: Uh

Kathi: by 60 is a pretty good piece of art.

Laurie: Yeah. Yeah. And does, is there a certain amount of time that each of those take you, or does it completely vary?

Kathi: it really varies. Um, depends on how good my idea is. So sometimes. I will wake up in the middle of the night and see [00:32:00] this visual picture in my head, and that's all I can do not to hop out of bed and paint it at two in the morning, but I try to stay in bed. And sometimes I have, I have a little notepad by my, um, bed stand and I'll like wake up and write it down so I don't forget and then go back to sleep. But, um, it can take, you know, it can take six weeks to or more to paint something.

Sometimes I'll get it started and then I have to look at it for a while and think about it. Which could be four weeks later, I'm like, oh yeah, I know what to do now. And then the rest of it just flows. It just, it just varies.

Laurie: And you mentioned encaustic work and creating texture. So the process of that is, do you paint and then you add the, the wax and then you paint again? Or, don't, I don't completely understand that process.

Kathi: [00:33:00] So you, you must work on wood like a board and, um, I use this company in Eugene, Oregon, a cute young couple, and they hand make all their panels. And they are absolutely gorgeous. They're like pieces of art in themselves, and you can either get 'em so that there's a frame around them or not, and they're about two inches deep.

So you put a layer of what's called gesso on it first. And then you melt beeswax on like a griddle that you would use in your kitchen. And paint that on one layer at a time. So after the first layer, you use a torch and you heat it up so that it kind of melts consistently, and then you put your next layer of wax on.

Eventually you will get to where, uh, it could turn into something that, uh, looks more real or it could be really [00:34:00] abstract, but it involves oil. But it can also, uh, your drawing could be pastel, um, ink. Those are all things that work with the wax. You could never use anything that is water based. So it's all oil based and each layer, you light the torch, which is really super fun.

And then, um, burn. You, but you're not trying to burn it. You're melting the, the top layer into the bottom layers. And sometimes you could have 10 layers before you feel like it's done. I like, I like lots of layers because it just creates such yummy texture.

Laurie: Thank you for explaining that and thank, thank the listeners for indulging me as I definitely go down the rabbit hole on on and get in the weeds on how this is produced. I think it's so fascinating though. No, I love it. I, it's so interesting to me because whether, you know, you're [00:35:00] painting or your medium is cooking, or you're writing a book or whatever creative outlet we have, there are just always so many different steps that go into it. And I love the idea that you have a notepad by your bed because whether it is, you know, my medium is more writing, but I, I know people who cook and and art, and it's the same. Inspiration idea of, oh my gosh, I, that happened in the middle of the night, or it happened when I was in the shower, and I have to write that down because I don't wanna forget that.

And it's lovely to know that regardless of the medium, the process is very similar.

Kathi: Right. And I think too, you know, the layers of wax as a metaphor can kind of, uh, represent the layers of your life. And I think that's another piece that I really love about art. But like you said, it could be writing [00:36:00] or any creative endeavor. It, it can remind you of where you've been. Uh, where you are and where you're headed.

And, and I think that maybe is why I like all that texture in art is it's just, it's satisfying that you, um, can create something with, with a lot of different layers. Which is our life, you know, basically.

Laurie: What a beautiful metaphor that the, the layers and the wax and it, it all reminds you of the same thing. That's, that's incredible. Is there something in the art world that you haven't tried yet, that you are interested in trying out or looking forward to? Or do you have a specific goal in mind on where you want your business to go, or you want to land in a certain show?

Or are you just enjoying the moment right now and just seeing what [00:37:00] comes?

Kathi: I am fascinated with the idea of galleries. But I also feel like for, you know, for whatever reason, you kind of have to earn your way to that step. It also involves a lot of vulnerability because you, um. I, I should say, I am trying to figure out the process of that. And some gallery owners, um, would want you to meet them in person.

Others don't want anything to do with that. They just want you to email in your information. So, you know, that's, that's always in the back of my mind. But I, I think just for me, um, when I think of my family and my kids and grandkids, really what my goal is at this stage of life is leaving a legacy. Um, and so I would say that's kind of the bigger picture for me, and that doesn't have to be [00:38:00] anything crazy.

It just, it feels good to know that you're being a role model for, the people who will follow along the way.

Laurie: And when you talk about leaving a legacy, is it that role modeling piece that you're speaking of?

Kathi: Yeah, I think so. Um, you know, kind of showing, um, showing people that it's, it's not about the money or, um, the, the status. It's, it's much more about, and especially in art, I think showing what the world looks like to you as an artist is the bigger picture.

Laurie: Love that. Love that. What, what does your husband do during the day to fill his time while you are creating all of this incredible art?

Kathi: Okay. Right now he's out [00:39:00] on a 20 mile bike ride and uh, he's like on this huge adventure. But oftentimes, um, to make our relationship work, I try to fit it all in. So, he'll ask me the night before, can you go on the 20 mile bike ride with me? And I have to figure out like, oh yeah, I think I can do that and get three hours of art in.

So he, um, he loves to read. He probably reads three books a week. It's just crazy and it's always nonfiction. So he loves to do that. And he loves projects. You know, we just built, a cabin in Cascade a couple years ago. Literally built it ourselves with our bare hands and, um, a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.

, That kind of activity keeps him super active and happy as well.

Laurie: And it sounds like he's very supportive of what you are doing. I mean, the fact [00:40:00] that he has your first ever painting by the bed is a beautiful reminder of how good it is to have a partner who is supportive of your dreams.

Kathi: that is so true. And I do feel really lucky. I tell him all the time. And then when I know like he's really helpful with things like framing my art, you know, he'll build a frame for me and I always tease him, i'm like, I can pay you for that if you want, because I feel like, um, and he just laughs. He's like, yeah.

I don't think so. But he is, he's a huge support. He built a space at our cabin in one of our garages just for my art studio up there. So I really can do art in both places, which is great.

Laurie: That is wonderful. That what a gift. We've covered a lot. Is there anything about trying new things, about getting into [00:41:00] art, about having a second career that you were not expecting. Anything else that we haven't touched on that you think the listener should know?

Kathi: One thing that we didn't talk about, and I do think this is an important piece, I think all the time about how when you meet somebody, you don't always know what their life has been like. And, and I think we're all really good at, you know, when someone says, how are you doing? And you say, fine.

When I was 40, I was diagnosed with Type one diabetes, and that, um, really threw me for a loop. I knew nothing about it, and, it was really life changing and it is in it of itself a 24 7 job. You know, I think it, it allows me to give people a lot of grace when I, um. Know they're going through something and maybe, I don't even know they're going through something, but you know, for whatever reason, you can just tell something's a little off it.

Um. [00:42:00] The thought of knowing that everyone is dealing with something you just don't often know what it is, is a really good lesson. And then about, well, it was, it's been over just a little over a year, our 7-year-old, at the time, granddaughter was also diagnosed with Type one diabetes. And so it's a huge, um.

It's a huge thing in our family and one that requires so much attention, especially when you're seven versus when you're 40 and you're diagnosed, it's just a different ball game. But, um, you know, there's a lot of people out there in the world hurting right now and, , able to have some empathy and understanding of what, um, what our community's going through, that's super important to me.

Really means a lot. And then along with that is, uh, being an advocate for type one diabetes. That's huge for me. I donate my artwork to an organization here [00:43:00] in Boise called Hodia. Um, and our granddaughter was able to go to their camp last summer. There it is just amazing the connections in life that, um, allow you to live a full life.

So that I, I did wanna just touch on that a bit because it's just such an important part of my life.

Laurie: Uh, such a powerful reminder too, and it, it goes back to connection and community and supporting everyone. And the, this whole idea that none of us are just skating through life. We're all dealing with different things and, and being able to connect and support one another. So, so very important. Thank you so much for sharing that.

Kathi, we end the School of Midlife podcast with the same two questions every episode. Number one is: if you could go back with all of the experience that you've had so far, with all of the life lessons that you have learned, everything that [00:44:00] you know up until now, all the information that you've gathered, everything that you've lived, what advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Kathi: Ooh. I think just don't be afraid. Don't be afraid to, um, go for it, whatever that is.

Laurie: Because you never know, right? You, you might just decide that, that you're gonna turn a a hobby that maybe you didn't even know you liked into something incredible. And even if it didn't turn into a business, it sounds like it has brought you a lot of creative outlet and flow and a lot of enjoyment. Super important,

Kathi: Right, right. And then you just get to meet all these amazing people that maybe you wouldn't have met along the way either.

Laurie: Isn't that such a gift? Absolutely. I completely agree. And then the second question is, what do you like most about being a midlife woman?

Kathi: like most about being in the, oh, so many things. Like [00:45:00] I thi I wake every up every day and I'm so grateful for being alive. And then, um, thinking about I can just really do anything I want and I don't even care if people think it's weird or funny. So I feel like you just have a lot of opportunity that maybe you didn't have when you were younger or you didn't feel like you could have when you were younger?

Laurie: The freedom and the discernment. It's incredible, isn't it?

Kathi: It is. When I turned 60, I was so excited. I mean, I think, um some people just think it's the end of the world. And I remember, um, my husband threw a surprise party for me and people flew in from all over, which was also great. And I vowed on that day that I would live every day of that 60 if year, um, in celebration of 60.

And it was so fun. So that kind of helped me, [00:46:00] like with all of my then birthdays. I'm now 67 and I think, wow, every day is such a, it's such a gift. And um, if you look at it that way, I think that's helpful too.

Laurie: Love that. Couldn't love that more. You, you mentioned that you lived every day of that year as a, as a different celebration. What do you mean by that?

Kathi: So I really just said for 365 days, I'm gonna do something special every day. Even if it was like, okay, today I'm gonna go down, uh, to Bown Crossing and, and get coffee. You know, I really made an effort to celebrate that whole year. Because I just, I just know women that in their forties, they're so upset when they turn 40.

I'm like, oh my gosh, wait till you get to 60. It's the best.

Laurie: Yeah, bless your heart you're so upset about being 40.

Kathi: So that's what I did. I, I tried to just. [00:47:00] Yes. Bless your heart.

Laurie: Yeah. Um, do you still live like that each day? Do you, in, in, do you, are you intentional about creating a little celebration every day?

Kathi: I'm not, well, I do try to have a good day every day, but I don't, I don't do it as consciously as I did that year. I just kind of thought 60 was a, a great year that I, that, needed some celebrating. But, yeah, we still, I mean, I feel like we really try to do some kind of something at least once a week maybe, but not, I'm not as conscious about it.

I feel like maybe I should write it down in my calendar every day now that you mention it.

Laurie: W whatever works for you. Well, thank you so much for being here, Kathi. I loved this discussion. I know the listeners are just going to love you, and thank you are such an inspiration in the exact same way I do. I, I'm so inspired by everything that you're [00:48:00] doing, so thank you so much for your time and for being here.

Kathi: Thank you, and right back at you.

Laurie: Ah,

Kathi: Thanks for doing what you do. It's so important.

 Thank you so much for listening to the School of Midlife podcast. It means so much to have you here each week. If you enjoyed this episode, could you do me the biggest favor and help us spread the word to other midlife women? There are a couple of easy ways for you to do that first. And most importantly, if you're not already following the show, would you please subscribe? That helps you because you'll never miss an episode. And it helps us because you'll never miss an episode. Second, if you'd be so kind to leave us a five-star rating, that would be absolutely incredible. And finally, I personally read each and every one of your reviews. 

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