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From Small-Town Bar to Children’s Author at 65
What if the dream you’ve been carrying for decades is still waiting for you?
Susan Lienau is 65 years young. She’s spent over 40 years running a small-town bar in northeast Iowa. She’s helped launch a community museum, serves on the city council, co-owns an Airbnb—and somewhere between raising four boys and welcoming six grandchildren, she finally decided to write the children’s book she’d imagined her entire life.
Not because it was convenient.
Not because she suddenly had “extra time.”
But because she realized… if not now, when?
In this episode, we talk about:
• Why so many women put themselves on the back burner for years
• The Decorah eagle story that inspired her book series
• What happened when 123 people asked for copies
• Navigating criticism while leading in a small town
• Reinventing yourself in your 60s
• The quiet courage it takes to call yourself an “author”
Susan’s story is about more than publishing a book. It’s about reclaiming creativity, trusting your ideas, and showing the next generation what’s possible when you finally say yes to yourself.
If there’s something tugging at you—a class you want to take, a business you want to start, a creative project you’ve been postponing—this conversation is your permission slip.
Because 65 is not too late.
And your dream is not too small.
Find Susan's Ruford Series on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rufordseries
Buy Ruford Visits the Farm on Amazon: https://a.co/d/01ykayOg
When’s the last time you did something just for YOU? 🍷✨
Wine Camp 2026 is your chance to escape, sip fabulous local Rieslings, cruise at sunset, laugh around the fire pit, and soak up the magic of New York’s Finger Lakes.
📍 Dates: July 30–August 2, 2026
🏡 Spots are limited, so grab yours now: https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Wine Camp 2026 is calling. Are you in?
Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/discovery-call
Wine Camp 2026: Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider
Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip
Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com
Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald
View all episodes
By Penny FitzgeraldWhat if the dream you’ve been carrying for decades is still waiting for you?
Susan Lienau is 65 years young. She’s spent over 40 years running a small-town bar in northeast Iowa. She’s helped launch a community museum, serves on the city council, co-owns an Airbnb—and somewhere between raising four boys and welcoming six grandchildren, she finally decided to write the children’s book she’d imagined her entire life.
Not because it was convenient.
Not because she suddenly had “extra time.”
But because she realized… if not now, when?
In this episode, we talk about:
• Why so many women put themselves on the back burner for years
• The Decorah eagle story that inspired her book series
• What happened when 123 people asked for copies
• Navigating criticism while leading in a small town
• Reinventing yourself in your 60s
• The quiet courage it takes to call yourself an “author”
Susan’s story is about more than publishing a book. It’s about reclaiming creativity, trusting your ideas, and showing the next generation what’s possible when you finally say yes to yourself.
If there’s something tugging at you—a class you want to take, a business you want to start, a creative project you’ve been postponing—this conversation is your permission slip.
Because 65 is not too late.
And your dream is not too small.
Find Susan's Ruford Series on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rufordseries
Buy Ruford Visits the Farm on Amazon: https://a.co/d/01ykayOg
When’s the last time you did something just for YOU? 🍷✨
Wine Camp 2026 is your chance to escape, sip fabulous local Rieslings, cruise at sunset, laugh around the fire pit, and soak up the magic of New York’s Finger Lakes.
📍 Dates: July 30–August 2, 2026
🏡 Spots are limited, so grab yours now: https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Wine Camp 2026 is calling. Are you in?
Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/discovery-call
Wine Camp 2026: Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider
Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip
Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com
Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald