Exploring My Passions Connects Me With Others – Part 2
Finding connection through storytelling
Writing Is Part of My Daily Life
I write every day. Some days more, some days less — but every single day, I write.
Most of the time, I write about what’s happening in my life. What I’m doing, where I’m going, or something that caught my eye. I also write stories about rescue animals to help raise money for Lanta Animal Welfare. But I’ll save that topic for my next newsletter.
A Trip to a Local Museum
If I hear about something interesting, I usually go check it out. If I enjoy it, I write about it.
One day, just after I’d moved into Happy Cat Villa, I heard about a museum here on Koh Lanta. It shares the island’s history, from the earliest settlers right up to modern times. I found out where it was and went for a visit. A Thai gentleman was running it and gave me a personal tour. His knowledge was amazing. He didn’t just share facts — he told stories that brought history to life.
Afterwards, my head was swimming. I had to unload all the info buzzing around in my brain. So, I wrote an article. And to my surprise, it was a hit! Lots of people reached out asking how to visit the museum or what else I’d discovered on the island.
Check out the article on my Website: Time Well Spent on Koh Lanta
Restaurant Reviews and Local Life
Since I moved here over ten years ago, I’ve written about many local restaurants. I often go alone so that I can be completely honest. I write about simple places and fancy ones too. I enjoy every part of it — the food, the atmosphere, the experience of just being there.
Then I share my articles on my website, The Happy Cat, and on local Facebook groups for Koh Lanta. These groups help tourists and newcomers stay up to date with what’s happening on the island.
Check out my other articles about Koh Lanta. I know you’ll enjoy them!
A Lifelong Love of Words
Honestly, I’ve been like this most of my life. It started when I learned the alphabet at age three. My mom, not knowing what to do with an only child, shared her love of reading with me.
I had my own library card at three and had read all the children’s books by the time I was five. Then came Nancy Drew, and I was hooked.
That’s when I realized I could write stories too, and not just fiction. But real stories about everyday life. So I did. And I still do.
Childhood Stories and Lessons
Back then, I wrote about my week, my friends, my cat (of course) and my weekend plans and how they turned out. I wrote about my friends and my family. And anything special that was happening.
My mom loved reading my stories. She gave helpful tips, suggesting ways to make them more fun, or a little less harsh when I poked fun at people. Like my Aunt Ruth with her candy-apple red hair. Or my dad, who polished his shoes daily. Or even my mom, who often boiled eggs until the water was gone, and they exploded all over the ceiling!
She taught me something important. If you don’t have anything kind to say, it’s better to say nothing at all. That’s a lesson I still carry with me.
Writing Opens Doors
Here on Koh Lanta, writing continues to connect me with others, both locals and expats.
I’ve posted dozens of restaurant reviews and shared them in the local Facebook groups. Owners often reach out, wondering who recommended their restaurant. “Who said we had the best view from the table on the left?” “Where did someone read about our signature dish?”
They track me down, thank me, and ask why I did it. I tell them: I did it because I loved it. No tricks. No hidden agenda. Just sharing something good.
Over the years I’ve written many articles for Sixty and Me, a Website with a huge following of older women. It’s founder has been posting articles and providing a daily video/email for ever. Her audience continues to grow internationally and her site has a wealth of articles on a wide range of topics.
Avoiding the Crowds
Some people find it strange, but I tend to avoid the crowds during high season. When the tourists take over, restaurants get loud and busy. The staff are rushed, and honestly, I’d rather stay home.
But now that the season is winding down, the island is getting its peaceful charm back. I’m starting to explore again.
Earlier this week, I had lunch at Lazy Days on Relax Bay. The view was stunning, and the food delicious. Will I write about it? Probably. I can already feel an article forming in my mind.
The view was as good as the food. It’s so tranquil and peaceful there. I think I’ll bring my Mac there one morning. It’s only a 5 minute walk from Happy Cat Villa.
Writing Brings Me Closer to Others
Looking back, I realize I don’t write to connect with people. But writing always ends up connecting me with others anyway.
That’s the beauty of sharing stories. When I write about life, I end up touching other lives too.
I’m never really alone. If I ever feel lonely, I go out, do something new, and write about it.
I went for a walk one day to feed these stray cats nearby and it turned into an adventure. Of course, when I got home I wrote about it. Here’s a link to the article.
My writing keeps me connected. It helps me live in the moment. And for me, that’s the best place to be.
A New Project: Interviewing Expats
I’ve decided to start something new. I’m going to interview expats who chose Koh Lanta as their retirement home. My first interview was yesterday. Her name is Maureen, and I know you’ll enjoy her story.
We met for lunch at one of the island’s top resorts. We don’t see each other often, so when we do, we make it count. We had great food, a good chat, with plenty to catch up on.
You’ll find Maureen’s interview at the end of this newsletter. Think of it as a little bonus from me. And I’ll include more interviews in future issues.
What’s Next
In my next newsletter on May 17th, I’m going to look at my involvement with Lanta Animal Welfare, an animal rescue charity here on Koh Lanta. Not only does it give me the opportunity to combine my passions for cats and writing, it provides me with a way to use my expertise, for a noble cause, way out there.
Giving back is important for so many reasons, especially as we age. I’ll look at how I became involved and how it has evolved over the past decade. We can make retirement into anything we want, even if you live way out there on a remote island. It is up to each of us to mold and shape our lives, taking into account our limitations and restrictions, as we discover our possibilities.
It’s all good!
Cheers from Happy Cat Villa!
BONUS - INTERVIEWING LOCAL EXPATS
Retirement in Paradise: Meet Maureen Henderson
Age: 63
From: England
Retired from: Teaching
Living in: Southern Koh Lanta, Thailand
How She Got Here
Maureen Henderson first came to Thailand in 2010, visiting Koh Samui with her family. Like many, she was drawn to the beaches, culture, and warm weather. But it was the stray dogs that caught her attention. Seeing how many animals were suffering deeply affected her.
She heard about a new animal rescue charity on Koh Lanta that needed volunteers. So she came back. Not once, but three times during her school holidays. That experience left a mark. In 2013, she took early retirement, packed her bags, and moved to Koh Lanta volunteer at the charity and live a simpler, more meaningful life.
Her Little Piece of Heaven
Maureen now lives in a stilt house perched over the Andaman sea in a quiet village in the south of the island. “It feels like I’m living on a boat or in a private nature reserve,” she says. “The breeze flows through my living room from the three walls of glass sliding doors. I sit and watch eagles, herons, and all kinds of fish go by.”
Every now and then, she gets a front-row seat to something magical: hundreds of jellyfish floating past her home. “It’s hard to describe. It’s like watching a living river of glass,” she told me. I’ve seen it myself once, it really is breathtaking.
Maureen calls it the best view in the world and says she never wants to leave.
Daily Life with Dogs, Cats, and Chickens
Her days are full. She shares her home with two dogs, eleven cats, and over thirty chickens. Between cooking, feeding, and caring for them all, she stays busy, and happy.
Each morning starts with coffee and a view of the fishermen in their longtail boats. “They drive in circles and the fish just jump into their nets,” she laughs. Then, if the tide is low, she sometimes walks out across the seabed as the sun rises. “Being on the east side means I don’t get sunsets, but the sunrises are better. And the full moon rising from the sea is just spectacular.”
Staying Connected and Enjoying Quiet Time
Though far from family, Maureen keeps in touch. She uses social media and sets regular video calls with her granddaughter. The distance doesn’t feel so far when the conversations are just a click away.
In her downtime, she’s a gamer, and proud of it. “I’ve always loved games,” she says, “but these days I only play the nice ones. No shooting or killing. Just fun, creative games that keep me thinking.”
Simple Living, Healthy Choices
Maureen lives well on her teacher’s pension. She’s in great health and takes care of herself with a focus on clean eating. “I avoid chemicals, fatty foods, and processed stuff,” she says. “I stick to natural, organic ingredients as much as possible.”
She also raves about the health care in Thailand. “People worry about being away from their home system, but the care here is excellent. And some hospitals are like five-star hotels.”
Feeling Safe, Always Welcome
One of the biggest surprises for her? How safe she feels. “Even at night, I can walk along quiet roads or paths and never feel afraid. There’s no aggression here. It’s not in the Thai DNA.”
She loves living in a Thai village, even though not everyone speaks English. “The people are kind, gentle, and always willing to help,” she says. “They’re humble and warm. I’ve never once felt unsafe.”
Reflections from the Sea
“I feel so lucky,” Maureen tells me. “I had a good life in England. But here? I feel happier, healthier, and more relaxed than I’ve ever been.”
She gazes out at the sea and smiles. “This place is my heaven. I'm surrounded by animals, birds, fish, and nature. What more could I ask for?”
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