Beyond the Bend is  an online community seeking to provide encouragement and hope for women who are approaching or are already  in their second half of life. This includes those who are just beginning to think about mid-life issues, those who are in mid-life, and those who have rounded the bend and are living life to the fullest in their golden years.  We hope you enjoy your time at our website. Beyond the Bend was created by me, Patti Chadwick. 

So you can know me better, let me tell you a bit about myself.  I've been a WAHM (work-at-home mom) for the past 24 years and live in Batavia, NY with my husband John and three children in varying stages of independence.  Over the years I've embarked on several business ventures, some achieved a higher level of success than others.  It was during this time that  I became a freelance writer, online magazine editor, and small business owner.  I've been working online for about 10 years now.  I am the editor of History's Women, an online magazine highlighting the extraordinary achievements of women throughout history.  I also own PC Publications, a small publishing house and bookstore that helps self-published authors get their books into print and in the marketplace as well as Book Bargains & Previews, which is a new site that is an offshoot of PC Publications.  I have also created several other websites and online magazines, which I've sold as I've "outgrown" them. 

During the years I spent raising my family and working from home, I also pursued my education and ended up with a M.A. in Biblical Studies.  After completing my degree in Biblical Studies, I found myself led to pursue a career in Human Services and went back to college to pursue a degree in that field.  I just B.A. in Community and Human Services and this Fall I will begin work toward my Masters Degree in Social Work.   I have a real desire to help women become all that they can be.

Beyond the Bend is my latest endeavor.  Since I'm in my 40s (I turned 46 this March), and now all my kids are nearly grown, I am about to enter a new season of my life.  I know so many other women are in the same boat, and I don't find many resources online to help guide us around this bend in the road of life, coming out successfully on the other side!  I decided that I wanted to help put resources at the fingertips of women, so the idea for Beyond the Bend was born. 

On a more personal note, I became a Christian 24 years ago so my writing is from a Christian worldview.  I think you should be aware of that so you are not surprised when you click through the site.  My faith influences my writing.

I hope you enjoy the time you spend at Beyond the Bend.  As I build the site, I hope to add articles from a variety of people with different areas of expertise.   If you'd like to contribute articles, see our writer's guidelines page.  And remember to visit the bookstore for some great books at discount prices!

You can reach me by email at patti@beyondthebend.com