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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Meet Dr. Kathy McCoy!

Gosh I have missed you! Christmas was wonderful and thoughts of you were often. I was praying that you were enjoying your day as much as I enjoyed mine. Soon I hope I will sit down and load my pictures and share the day with you but today I have a very special lady I wanted you to meet.

My Plans were to have her post on here by the first of the week and here it is already Thursday. When are these weeks going to slow down. Anyway please take a moment to meet Dr. Kathy McCoy! She writes a blog too and one that certainly you will want to bookmark. You can find her site Living Fully in Midlife and Beyond by clicking HERE.

Welcome her as my last Blogazine Guest of 2011. Who will be my first guest for 2012? If you want it to be you just send me your story. This is my small way of helping you meet new friends. Plus I so love reading these delightful parts of your lifes. Like I have mentioned before everyone has a story to tell.



I'm an L.A. native who moved with my husband Bob and our three cats to rural Arizona in 2010, retiring from everything but writing.

Writing has been my first profession all my working life. I have two journalism degrees -- Bachelors and Masters -- from Northwestern University and spent the first  15 years of my career writing full-time -- first as an editor of 'TEEN Magazine, then writing for most of the national women's magazines like Redbook, Family Circle, Womans Day, Ladies Home Journal and Glamour as well as Readers Digest and wrote a column called "Sex and Your Body" for Seventeen Magazine during most of the Eighties. I've written a dozen books for major New York publishers including the award winning "The Teenage Body Book" and "Understanding Your Teenager's Depression." Because of my books, I've done a lot of national television, including two appearances on OPRAH and seven  on The TODAY SHOW.

Publishing started changing drastically in the Nineties -- when entertainment conglomerates started taking over publishing houses and celebrity blockbusters became the norm. I had always written in the areas of health and psychology. So I decided to go back to graduate school for degrees in psychology, ending up with a Master's in Clinical Psychology and a doctorate in Human Behavior. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist and worked both in psychiatric clinics and in my own private practice for 15 years before retirement. I loved working with patients and helping to make a difference in their lives. An unexpected bonus: how much I learned from my patients about courage and the resilience of the human spirit.

I've been married for 34 years to my husband Bob. Unfortunately, we don't have children but he was in the in the Big Brothers program for 23 years and mentored three boys during that time. The third one -- Ryan -- was matched with him at the age of 9. He is now 28 and will be getting his Master's degree in Psychology and Social Work (to become a psychotherapist) this coming May. He is like a son to us and we're so proud of him!



We're now living in an active adult community with great gym, swimming pools and lots of classes at an Arizona State University extension here on site.




I work out everyday -- hoping to lose all the weight I gained during the stress of working multiple jobs over the years -- and taught a class on blogging at ASU this fall. We've adjusted very happily to life in rural Arizona -- living halfway between Phoenix and Tucson. We don't miss L.A. traffic one bit!
I started my blog "Living Fully in Midlife and Beyond" in October 2010 to get an online presence (at my agent's urging) and to practice writing in the first person in preparation for a pair of memoirs I would like to do. But I quickly found that blogging is a pleasure in itself (rather simply a means to an end) and that there are many wonderful people with so much to say and share in the blogosphere. I enjoy reading everyone else's blogs at least as much as I like writing my own!
In my blog, I write about a lot of issues that come up in midlife and beyond. Sometimes I put on my therapist's hat and write about family issues -- finding a balance in one's relationship with adult children -- or helping one's marriage survive and thrive through the life changes that retirement can bring. And sometimes I write about my own life and what I've learned living through some very painful or joyous times. Quite often, these have something of a universal theme and sometimes they're deeply personal. In every case, I've been grateful for the frank, gracious and enlightening feedback from other bloggers. I feel that we're in a very close, loving community -- though some of us may live half a world apart!

Love
Kathy

Wow our Dr. Kathy has lead such a interesting life that each time I read this story I find something else about her that makes me wish I could meet her in person. I do feel like though as sweet as her emails are to me and belonging to her site that we have met. lol

Ok what is my wish for YOU for the New Year? Lot's of happiness comes to mind first. Care free days with sunshine so bright it warms your soul.  Healthier than you have ever been and your families too.
No fininacial worries for any of you. May you find joy and prosper in what your doing now and like me if you need a job I hope that comes the first week of the New Year. Of course I wish you LOVE and Peace with each new beautiful day and also Forgiveness to those that are causing you pain in your life.
Without forgiveness towards them you won't find these other wishes I have for you. (Yes I know that goes for me too and the Idiot)
Also lot's of wishes for a good year of Blogging and meeting new friends. Have I told you I have the best of the best in this world of blogging that come by often and leave me some of the funnest and sweetest comments you will find out here in Blogland. God am I Blessed with You as a friend.

Love to you and a Very Happy New Year
Maggie

39 comments:

Sonny G said...

Hi Dr. K.

nice to meet ya. I'm Sonny.
Love your story and I sure want to hear more so I'll be going to your blog to join up.


Thanks Maggie Mae for bringing such an interesting lady for us to get to know..

I know you've asked me a few times about telling my story but sweetie- I'm not sure folks are ready for it:) Maybe one of these days..

love ya bunches
Sonny

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Woohoo, what a wonderful post by one awesome lady. I totally enjoyed the read and meetin' Kathy!

Your the best to bring us all these interesting folks Maggie.

God bless ya and enjoy this wonderful December day sweetie!!! :o)

Carolyn said...

Loved this! Thanks.... ;)

Sybil said...

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful Kathy I will be popping along to visit her blog soon..
I also loved your New Year greeting to us all...
God Bless you dear Maggie and all those you love every day of the year.
Love Sybil xx

Sharon said...

First off Happy New Year to you also.
I really enjoyed reading all about Kathy and will have to go visit her.
I enjoyed the photos of you Christmas post also. I am catching up again.
Hugs to you.

yaya said...

Now there's an interesting lady! I hope I can be her when I grow up...or you if that doesn't work out! Have a very Happy New Year Maggie..I'm looking forward to a ton of funny, interesting, informative and I just must say it again..funny...posts in 2012..

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What a pleasure to meet Dr. Kathy!

I'm so glad you had a wonderful Christmas, Maggie! Happy New Year!

Olga said...

I have seen her comments before, but how nice to have this introduction. I will take a trip to her site.
I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed Christmas. Best wishes for the new year.

Sally Wessely said...

Since I have been following Dr. Kathy since she started her blog, I already knew her, but I was thrilled to see her featured on your blog.

I hope you have a very happy new year and continue to bless us with your blog.

Cherrie said...

I've met Dr. Kathy in blogland and she is pretty amazing!

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

That was an awesome guest post! What a fascinating woman.
Thanks for having her Maggie! I wonder what she thinks of Ms Pearl???

I hope you have wonderful New Year as well dear friend!

deb said...

Thank you so much for introducing us to Dr Kathy. Such an interesting post.

Wishing you only the best in the New Year!!
*hugs*deb

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

What a great post. I am off to visit Dr. Kathy's blog. Thanks for all your wonderful posts this year, some poignant and some absolutely hysterical. I can remember one where I laughed so long and so hard my dog got scared. Happy New friend!!

Draffin Bears said...

Happy New Year, to you dear Maggie.
I enjoyed reading the post from your friend Kathy, thanks for sharing.
Wishing you good health, love and prosperity for the new year.

Hugs
Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed your post with the "letter" from Dr. Kathy! Going over now to check out her blog!

Caddie said...

Wonderful to meet you, Dr. Kathy. I have you nailed in Favorites already; looking forward to reading all your posts.

Maggie, you introduce us to some great people. I bestow the "Hostess of the Year" award upon you. Real service to your kindred fellows. Thank you.

Arkansas Patti said...

I am all ready a follower of Dr. Kathy and always look forward to her posts.
Hope you have a much better year in 2012 Maggie. Only good things and great health for a fine lady.

Vicki/Jake said...

Wow, I feel I'm among fame this morning:) Great post Maggie, I'll go see her blog. And you? On to a much better year huh..Yep, just think positive thoughts:)

Hootin Anni said...

I loved this guest post dear lady. What a wonderful way to say goodbye to 2011 and ring in the new days of 2012!! Your choice of who to post about made for one fascinating read. And I must say, after reading it, I no miss our home in Arizona. LOL But it wouldn't be ASU for me tho, it would still have to be UofA all the way.



There's a 'WAR' in Texas

Happy New Year to you and your family. May 2012 bring you everything you wish for in the coming days.

If you'd like sometime, I'd be happy to share my 'life' with your on your blog. Just let me know in my comments then, I'll email a story.



There's a 'WAR' in Texas

Happy New Year to you and your family. May 2012 bring you everything you wish for in the coming days.

Hootin Anni said...

sorry...that should read I NOW miss our home in Arizona...not 'no'.

Susan Anderson said...

What an interesting and accomplished woman! Thanks for the introduction, Maggie.

And Happy, Happy New Year to you!

=)

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

Hi Maggie,

Thanks for the introduction to Dr. Kathy. I will go over and check out her blog!

I came by to wish you a Happy New Year and send a hug to you and Christie.

I have a feeling 2012 is going to be very good to you!!!!

xxoo,

RMW

Shirley said...

Happy New Year Maggie, I so enjoyed meeting Dr.K. She is a very interesting lady and I want to thank you for bring her story to us. I so enjoy your visits and your friendship and look forward to 2012. I will keep my fingers and everything else crossed that you find a job right after the first of the year. Are you willing to travel?? That is what it seems like it takes to get a job. Our son had to travel to Louisiana for his job. You never know what will happen. Have a wonderful Day. Hugs from Your Missouri Friend.

sjmcdowell said...

Hi Kathy!!

What a wonderful true life story!! I enjoyed meeting you here on Maggie's Blog and will come visit your blog soon!! Bless you and your hubby for a Happy New Year!!




Maggie what can I
say...."Fatter" was an appropriate word don't you think?? Ha ha well maybe a bit too blunt but I think it really goes for me..yikes I have eaten and I can't stop!!! LOL

I love you and wish you the Happiest New Year without houses falling apart, falling off chairs, getting caught with PJ's on outside, tinkerbelle not slapping you, and a great date with the Cowboy..and not an imaginative one either!!

Love and God Bless You,

Susan
xxoo

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

Hi, Maggie: Thanks so much for having me as a guest on your blog! What a lovely way to wind up the year! I hope this next year will be a wonderful one for you and your family. Please know you're very much loved and appreciated!

My thanks, too, to all the readers, especially those writing such kind comments here and on my blog and those who have already signed up to follow my blog. I'll look forward to getting to know all of you! And Happy New Year to everyone!

Hootin Anni said...

Okay...dear Maggie....you've got an email from me. If you don't see mine in your inbox, check for it in the spam folder. :o)

My Grama's Soul said...

Hi Maggie.......It was so great hearing from you. This lady sounds like wonderful woman....and she lives in my neck of the woods.

I'll pop on over to see her.

Happy New Year to you,

Jo

Susie Swanson said...

Very interesting post and nice lady.. It's nice to meet her and thank you for sharing her story.. I want to wish you and yours a Happy New Year and May God Bless.. You have been a very dear friend to me in this ,my first year of blogging. I cherish it so.. I hope the new year brings you lots of happiness and joy..Blessings, Susie

Tracy said...

Thank you for having Dr. Kathy...I'd like to read her blog especially when she talks of growing older as we all are.
I do wish the best for you as well Maggie throughout the new year!

Julia said...

What an interesting post today and what way to end 2011 with a bang.

Dr Kathy McCoy is a very interesting guest indeed and thanks for posting her story. Psychology is one of my favorite subject. I like to understand people know what makes them tic.

Thanks for your comment on my blog Maggie. I've been sick with a cold and working my butts off this past week and I finally posted on my blog last night.

I wish you and Christie a MUCH BETTER 2012. May you get to kiss your cowboy and find the soul mate of your life and may Thinkerbell behaves. May all your pain vanishes and your bank account be full.

Anyway it's time for me to return to work.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Love, hugs. JB

Unknown said...

What a lovely write of Dr. Kathy ... where in AZ is she? I missed her, too, when there all these times. Gotta change that, for sure. Be on my way soon ...

Maggie, darling sister! The joy you bring is beyond compare, the humor delights our days, the love you share is treasured ... but most of all we have one another & to me that was is the best gift of all. I am blessed. Love you, sweetie.

Thank you for your friendship. May blessings continue to shower upon you.

TTFN ~
Happy New Year ~
Hugs & more love,
Marydon

Anonymous said...

Maggie and Dr Kathy
Been coming to your site now Maggie for almost a year now and never do I leave disappointed.
Your friend Dr. Kathy is a woman we all look up too. She has lead a life most of us only dream about and so glad she was a guest of yours so I can now read her site.
My hubby keeps telling me as much as I enjoy stalking your blog I should write one too.
Will think about it this year who knows.
I wish you and Christie much happiness in the coming year. You both need a change and this could be the year for nothing but good changes.
Keep writing Maggie and Happy New Year
Billie (My mother wanted all boys)

Tam said...

Maggie Mae
I sent you an email wishing you a Happy New Year and to let you know why I have not been here in a while hope you got it check your spam if you can't find one from me.
Dr. McCoy was a neat guest to have on here and a good way to end the year.
Even Dr.'s love coming by here Maggie so you must be doing something right.
Seriously you know I always read your post even if I don't always comment.
Is Christi with you for the New Year? I hope you are not alone but with all your friends out here you know your not ever alone.
Of course there is always Ms Pearl who has not been around in a while I hate to say it but I do miss hearing about her.
Your up coming new year will bring you so many nice surprises and who knows this time next year you may be sharing wedding pictures with us.
Enough of my physic powers just have a Happy New Year. Don't forget to eat your black eyes and cabbage
Tam

Anonymous said...

Oh, my what a wonderful Blogazine guest you have sweet Maggie. I very much enjoyed reading about Kathy.

Wishing for you, your family and Tinkerbell a very Happy and Prosperous New Year sweet Maggie. Hoping 2012 brings you all kinds of nice things especially good health and all your needs met. Hugs for you and nose kisses for Tinkerbell. Love you!

Donna said...

What an interesting post Maggie! I think I even remember seeing Dr. McCoy on Oprah...could that be possible?
Happy New Year!

Debbie said...

Happy New Year Maggie. I hope it's a better one for you!
Yes I did get my boots and I love them! The neighbor got them for me, while I was at my daughters. Thanks so much! I will do a blog soon on them!!
Love ya!

God Bless~
Debbie

Unknown said...

May you have a very Happy New Year !

WrightStuff said...

Nice to meet you Grandma! Thanks for sharing Kathy with us.

Plush Possum Studio said...

Blessed peace and fond memories for you this year, Grandma Yellowhair!
Thanks so much for your Follow!
You'll have ours now.
:)
Rose