When did you start writing on this topic?
I’ve written individual columns for The Transition Network (TTN), a national organization for women over fifty, since my first book, Second Blooming for Women: Growing a Life that Matters after Fifty, came out in 2010. Women’s Wisdom: Pass It On! contains many of those columns as well as other pieces I’ve written.

How long did it take to write Women’s Wisdom: Pass It On?
I actually started pulling everything together and organizing it into parts around September of 2014. I edited and updated every piece, added new ones, and developed a strong theme to make a coherent, purposeful whole.

How did you do research for your book?
As you’ll see in the book, many chapters were prompted by personal experiences. Others started as ideas for discussions at Angel’s Garden Gift Shop, here in Pensacola, which I’ve held since 2010. The shop’s owner, Deb Tracy, and I host the gatherings which have been very popular. I glean many real-life comments and observations for the chapters from the women, quickly jotting down notes that evening before I forget. I do regular research, too, reading many books and articles, and the internet is a great help, as well.

What makes this book different from others written for women?
While Second Blooming for Women focused on women over fifty, Women’s Wisdom is for all ages. My intent is to generate helpful conversations across generations so we can share lessons learned and wisdom gained. My goal is to build a supportive, caring community to which women can turn when they want help thinking about different issues they face. They can ask a question, seek advice, or offer their own wisdom.

Why do you continue using the gardening theme for this second book?
Flowers bloom in all sorts of shapes and colors and sizes and in different seasons. Each one is unique and beautiful, thriving in a variety of climates. Just like women!

What else have you written?
“What’s Good about Growing Older?” for Coming of Age: Lifestyle Magazine for Seniors (Summer 2014): 22-26.

“Are You Ready? Four Keys to a Healthy and Fulfilling Life after Fifty” for Council on Aging of West Florida’s Coming of Age: Lifestyle Magazine for Seniors (fall 2012): 20-21.

Second Blooming for Women: Growing a Life that Matters after Fifty, co-authored with Dr. Betsy Smith. It was published in 2010. 

“Second Blooming for Women: Cultivating a Life That Matters after Fifty” article with co-author E. L. (Betsy) Smith, Ph.D. Coming of Age: Lifestyle Magazine for Seniors (Summer 2008): 25-28.

I’ve also been published in Toastmasters Magazine and Naval Institute Proceedings. My article in Proceedings on “The Emotional Cycle of Deployment” was published in 1987 and continues to be used throughout the military services, by the U.S. State Department in preparing employees for overseas assignments, in England and Canada, and has been translated into several foreign languages.  

Have you won any awards?

Professional

2016 – “Bronze” in the 2016 National Mature Media Awards competition for my book Women’s Wisdom: Pass It On!  The contest honors “the best marketing, communications, educational materials, and programs for older adults.”

2016 – “Finalist” in the 2016 International Book Awards, Self-Help/Motivational category for Women’s Wisdom: Pass It On!

2013 – 2nd Honorable Mention, Writers-Editors Network International Writing Competition, for “History Sows the Seeds for Women’s Second Blooming,” Nonfiction/Previously Published category. Chapter 1 which I wrote in the book Second Blooming for Women: Growing a Life that Matters after Fifty published in 2010.

2012 – 3rd place, Writers-Editors Network International Writing Competition, for “Climate Map: Thrive in Your Natural Growing Zone.” Nonfiction/Previously Published category. Chapter 2 which I wrote in the book Second Blooming for Women: Growing a Life that Matters after Fifty published in 2010.

2012 – 9th Honorable Mention, Writers-Editors Network International Writing Competition, for unpublished article, “What Military People Wish You Knew about Their Family Life.”

2010 – “Merit” for the book Second Blooming for Women: Growing a Life that Matters after Fifty, written with co-author Betsy Smith, PhD, by National Mature Media Awards. Published  2010.

2009 – awarded “Bronze” by National Mature Media Awards for the article “Second Blooming for Women: Cultivating a Life that Matters after 50” written with co-author Betsy Smith, PhD. Published in West Florida Council on Aging’s Coming of Age: Lifestyle Magazine for Seniors, Summer 2008.

2007 – 1st Place, Division E, International Toastmasters Speech Contest for “Prime Time for Women.”

2005 – Honorable Mention, 74th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition, for “When Your Child Goes to War.” Feature Article category.

2004 – Honorable Mention in Writer’s Digest 73rd Annual Writing Competition for “Working Grief.” Feature Article category.

2004 – 1st Honorable Mention in CNW/FFWA Writing Competition for “Working Grief.” Nonfiction-Unpublished Article category.

Personal

2009 – honored with husband as “Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, West Florida Chapter.

2007 – recognized for “Distinguished Service” by BRACE (Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies) for volunteer service as Chairman, Resources Coordinating Committee, during hurricane recovery, 2005-2006.

2007 – honored with husband with the “Community Service Award” by United Way of Escambia County, Florida.

Do you also give presentations and conduct seminars?

Absolutely! This is the most rewarding aspect of what I do – connecting in person with women who want to keep growing. I’m a very active speaker for professional, civic, nonprofit, women’s, and church groups. Women have much to contribute and learn from each other. My goal is to facilitate those healthy, worthwhile conversations. I remain active in Toastmasters of Cordova.

To whom have you spoken?
Most recently, I was keynote speaker at the local Power of E3 Women’s Conference. I’ve spoken at a variety of places and organizations – businesses, hospitals, book clubs, conferences, professional groups, church women’s groups, financial managers, etc. I’ve been invited to such places as Chicago, Denver, Corpus Christi, Cary, NC, Orlando, etc. 

What did participants think of your contributions?
Comments have included: terrific information…encouraging…your book changed my life…you helped me get through a trying time in my life…excellent subject and handouts…great discussion…thought provoking topic and wonderful support materials

How can you be reached for more information?

Kathleen Vestal Logan, M.S., M.A. .
129 Chanteclaire Circle
Gulf Breeze, FL 32561
[email protected]
[email protected]
phone: 850-934-8056
fax: 850-916-1012

www.womenswisdompassiton.com
www.secondbloomingforwomen.com