When Kathleen “Kathy” Moore arrived at The Village from Mason City in 2018, she already felt at home. Her parents had lived in the community for years, and she and her sisters — all Simpson College graduates — had spent countless hours participating in life on the Indianola, Iowa, campus.
As Kathy prepared for her own retirement, she explored the idea of finding “a nice little acreage” near Indianola, but the cost and upkeep didn’t appeal to her. So she considered whether it was time to become a Villager.
“I had spent enough time with Mom and Dad here to know how active these people are,” she said. “There are so many committees and so many people involved. It impressed me from the start.”
Busy right away!
At 67, Kathy moved into The Village, for a time living with and caring for her mom. After her mother passed away, Kathy became even more involved on campus, joining the Religious Life Committee as well as multiple choirs — vocal, chimes, and handbells — both at The Village and at First United Methodist Church in Indianola.
Before long, she also was writing for the Village community newsletter, following in the footsteps of her mother, who had contributed for years.
Her love of learning led her into The Great Courses discussion group on campus, as well as to co-leading a long-running Bible study. But her newest passion — and her newest career! — began only recently, when she came across an online publishing course and decided it was finally time to write the books she had dreamed about.
A new career
Cut to the chase: The decision worked out nicely. Publishing under Kathleen R. Moore, Kathy has authored two books, both available on Amazon: America's Wonders: In our National Parks and Cat Lovers Journal. (The fact that Kathy wrote a book about national parks is no surprise, as she has visited 139 national parks and monuments!)
And she’s not done: Future plans include stories inspired by her years as a pastor — especially for readers who may have stepped away from the church — and even a book about Amtrak adventures on the California Zephyr.
Kathy describes herself as a joyful person who thrives on learning new things, and she’s certain her best chapters are still ahead.
“The biggest surprise in moving here has been a whole new career in my 70s, which I never would have imagined," she said. “Living here has given me the freedom to do that. I don’t have to worry about the yard or the house. All I have to do is keep my schedule straight!"