Self-Learning

Was Ben Franklin A Late Bloomer?

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Franklin’s achievements still electrify. He was a printer, statesman, activist, inventor and diplomat. By 26, he was a best-selling author. So could he also be a late bloomer?

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Grandma Moses: The Importance of Keeping Busy

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“Painting’s not important. The important thing is keeping busy.” Words of wisdom from 101 years of living. Grandma Moses painted to the end, but didn’t start until age 76!

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Heinrich Schliemann & The Truth About Troy, Part 2

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Heinrich Schliemann–discoverer of Homer’s Troy, self-taught polyglot, self-made man. Admirable accomplishments. But did he go too far with Agamemnon’s mask?

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Mrs. Somerville: First Scientist

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The United Kingdom’s first recognized scientist was a self-educated Scots woman who lived during the 19th century!

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Later Bloomers Free On Kindle For Solstice!

In their honor and yours, I’ve released my first blog anthology on Kindle. Later Bloomers: 35 Folks Over Age 35 Who Found Their Passion And Purpose is free through December 24th.

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Book Review: Is Talent Overrated?

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Does talent even exist? Can it be acquired? Geoff Colvin explores these provocative questions in his book, which I review for late bloomers.

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Ina Garten: The Barefoot Late Bloomer

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She’s neither barefoot, nor a contessa, nor even Italian for that matter. But she was a nuclear power analyst. Ina Garten’s delicious story.

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Randy Cooper Sculpts Sweetness And Sea Cows

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Randy Cooper took his first sculpture class in his 40s and knew he’d found his life’s work. Since then, he’s become famous for his wire mesh creations, which include human torsos, a chocolate dress and yes, a sea cow!

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Why Are Some People Late Bloomers? Part 1

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“A good garden may have some weeds.” ~Thomas Fuller Does an article about yet another twenty-something internet millionaire make you wonder where you went wrong? Does a story about a grandma who ran her first marathon at 86 make your day? Don’t worry. If you’re a late-blooming adult, you’re not alone. You’ve got some remarkable company. According [...]

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You’re A Technical Wonder

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In 1986, I built my first computer, a 286 with a 20 megabyte internal hard drive. (Remember disk swapping?) I got the parts through an employee special purchase, probably because they were almost absolete, though I didn’t know it. That PC 286 cost $1200, with discount. Twice the average of today’s laptop. I was 27 [...]

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