Becoming a blogger midlife was intentional- it’s the Free At 50 brand explained.

If you follow me on Instagram, you might know that my first blog was Free At 50. It’s not just a blog I created, but a lifestyle and a brand. When I was laid off during Covid, I knew I was over the traditional 9-5 life. I was 49 and KNEW I was headed into a new chapter. One where I might need to help out my parents for random and extended bits of time.

Now is that time. Fortunately, my one-way ticket purchased to Palm Springs looks to be more short-term than long-term.

Thank God! That said, the flexibility of not having a boss to report to, or a work schedule that impacts others- and so on- means scheduling that flight and preparing to visit was less stressful.

Here I am, truly Free At (and now beyond) 50. For more, read my first post here.

Disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.

View before landing in Palm Springs, December 2024

Packing list for a history blogger on a one-way ticket.

Reading.

1) Christmas was two days before I left – and I got a book on my wish-list! Thomas Jefferson’s Garden book. Link here for my related post (and yes, there’ll be a link to purchase it yourself).

2) My Kindle account is pure gold and is with me. Years ago, I started packing lighter. More books, less weight in the suitcase.

Currently on my Kindle is Sarah Vowell’s book: Lafayette in the Somewhat United States, 1666 by Lora Chilton- a recommendation I picked up at the Pocahontas Reframed event (click here to learn more) and on deck: Never Whistle At Night- an anthology recommended by Max of Colonial Williamsburg’s American Indian Initiative.

Tools.

• My blog planner. Because for obvious reasons I need this along for the ride. It includes my blog calendar, branding details, etc. etc.
• My laptop. I’m not one of those techy types that can do everything on a tiny screen, nope. Not me. And actually I’m ok with that!
• My red composition book. Brain dumps (ideas, lists etc.) and notes including how to format certain types of blog posts, quotes, and book citations- it’s a must to have on the road.
• My affiliate marketing file. I’m really working on making this blog a business and have goals and plans. Specifically for the two new partners I’ve got: History Unboxed and Explore Here. Check out what they’re about in this post.
• My Explore Here app. It’s downloaded (the PRO version I mention in that post about my affiliate partnerships linked above!) Why? Because I can use it both on- and offline to find history anywhere I am, including in Palm Springs and throughout the Coachella Valley. Use this link to get it!

Back cover of my copy of Thomas Jefferson's Garden Book

How blogging from Palm Desert will be different than from Virginia, specifically the History Triangle.

California is younger, but only in terms of the English Colonies and our now United States.

Not “young” to Native Americans. Using my Explore Here app, I figured out quickly I’m on Cahuilla land. And my last visit to the Palm Desert Historical Society (details in this post) gave me insight into the Cahuilla people of what's now the Coachella Valley my parents reside in.

Not “young” to the Spanish. While it’s often “joked” about that California is an island on some 18^th century maps, the truth is that the Spanish knew what was up out west. In the 16^th century, multiple expeditions took place by the Spanish. If you want to dig deeper, click here to open a new window leading to the Library of Congress’ website!

California’s United States history.

California became a state in September of 1850. You can get a fantastic run-down of how the Gold Rush impacted the timing and a few facts about the Golden State by clicking here.

A few notes about California:

• The first capital of California was San Jose, not the current city of Sacramento. More here.
• California claimed independence from Mexico in June of 1846, prior to it becoming part our nation. Read about the Bear Flag Revolt on the History Channel’s site by clicking here.
• Like the eastern part of the United States, Californians were split (and almost literally did split) over slavery. This is a book I may dig into for more on the topic.

This blog is heavily focused on early American history, pre- and post-Revolutionary War. But although there are reasons I’ve done this, it’s important to me in the context of my Mission Statement to always learn, explore, and take advantage of opportunities to share what happened later.

And if I’m going to be somewhere new, I’m digging in while I’m there!

RELATED: Read this post on putting this blog into context.

Also RELATED: Interested in unboxing the history of Missions in California? Click here.

View outside Palm Springs Art Museum - Palm Desert branch

How blogging from Palm Desert will be the same.

Research and format will be similar.

I created a list of sites to visit.

I’ve jumped on TripAdvisor as well as based my list on experience. From historical societies to museums, I’ve scratched out ideas. I’ll start there by either visiting or sending off emails to get face-to-face meetings. Maybe even behind-the-scenes tours.

Both of these approaches will lead me to history- of that I’m certain!

Using the Explore Here app.

You can read more about it here, but the bottom line is that by using this app, I can find historical markers near me. Those historical markers will lead me to bits of history and maybe: some rabbit holes to go down. Rabbit holes to learn more about topics, themes, and so on for any and all categories on this blog!

Rabbit holes – it’s all about digging deeper!

Whether the ideas I get or any places and people I discover are realized as blog posts during my time here or down the road, I’ll continue to dig deeper!

As with all the research I’ve been doing in Virginia, you may see something referenced back to this visit months down the road. Or you may see a post inspired in the moment, like with my visit to Stratford Hall.

Categories remain the same

It all circles back to the Mission Statement and the reasons I’ve created all the categories. Everything I research here will be aligned with both. From books and objects to historical sites and memorials- all of it.

RELATED: Read this post sharing the categories on the blog!

Desert Holocaust Memorial site, Palm Desert

Closing words from history

A true gem of an excerpt. Not only seeds and gardening but... inviting George Rogers Clark to explore as far as California. Not William Clark who ultimately went--this is his brother.

Here you go, the words of Thomas Jefferson. To read the letter in full, with citations, click here.

From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 4 December 1783

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There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.