Wolf Socie 
Success continues for author Jane Burdiak
    Approaching retirement for most people is not without its fears and apprehension, and making the decision to take it is rarely taken lightly.
The Walk is a unique and optimistic look at life beyond retirement. Unlike some of those at apensionable age who look forward to sitting back and taking it easy, Jane Burdiak (pictured) sees it as a time of renewing and growing, to recapture passions and pleasures and to indulge in new ones. Jane's new book profiles the first year of her retirement. Beginning in the Spring, it reflects on her clamouring days as a teacher in a large comprehensive school which, although tremendously satisfying, was not for the faint-hearted. S h e loved it but, suddenly, the endless paperwork, the challenging pupils and the long grinding days were gone.
Quickly settling into her new way of life, Jane carefully describes what goes on in her day. Her keen observations bring the picture to life, and how she approaches a task is like a breath of fresh air. Her flowing lilt throws new light on chores, even waxing lyrically about removing the bathroom grout. Sandwiched between mundane domesticity, there are little accomplishments and precious glimpses of life which, when frantically working, are completely overlooked.
Then, of course, there are the numerous walks. Mainly taken around Newport Pagnell, they forge through the year. Many will recognize the winter scene depicted on the cover as Bury Common in 201 3 on one of Jane's many walks.
The subtle changes in the seasons, the light
and the weather create startling contrasts, with the slopping mud, the flapping umbrella and tingling cold. Her contentment at home is interspersed with bejewelled elephants, mud-larking and fish and chips. Throughout The Walk, which was just recently published on July 31, Jane's candid easy-going personality, her down-to-earth character and wry sense of humour are never far away.
Embracing her new found freedom, Jane's appetite for life does not lessen.
The author will be signing copies of her books at Newport Pagnell Library on Saturday August 1 6th, between 1 Oam and 1 2.30pm. Pop in and say hello.
Also by Jane Burdiak is Patchwork, Domestic Science, Between the Stars.
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THE WALK
JANE BURDIAK  ..
 Phonebox Magazine 47