I know my posts have been sporadic lately and for those who like consistency, my apologies. I’ve actually been trying to figure out what to do with my summer and how that relates to the work I produce. I’m not sure if you know of a magazine called, Monocle, but if you don’t, click on the link. It’s about everything culture and has articles, interviews, films, and podcasts. If for any reason you’re not able or willing to physically travel, this magazine takes your mind wherever it may wish to go. It has a focus on innovation and quality of life.
We’ve made a decision not to travel too far this summer as most of the places we want to go will be hot and filled with tourists, so we’re deferring until the fall. My quest now becomes how do I approach a very great need for a vacation and still remain connected and engaged with my platforms? Since I am not an either/or kind of person, I found an approach while reading the Weekend Edition of Monocle which appeared like a gift of needed inspiration in my inbox. In one essay, “Good Call”, the author, Tyler Brule tells us that while all his co-workers have opted to go away he travels a different path, “Instead I’ve opted to stay a bit closer to home and maintain a gentle work rhythm…” He calls it “staying limber” ahead of knowing you have a hectic schedule of work coming, in my case September. This perfectly describes what my body, mind, and soul have been telling me to do with my summer. I’m exploring what a “gentle work rhythm” might be.
I’m taking long walks, reading magazines and books and taking photographs that help me slow down and take a closer look at the world around me. I’m taking notes and compiling stories. I’m noting interesting things. I’m going to events and having stimulating conversations. I’m searching out old garments and making them into something new. This dress is actually an old Creatures of Comfort skirt I got at Housing Works (NYC thrift stores). It was always a bit too long for flats so today I just yanked it up and it became a lovely dress I could wear with my comfortable yet stylish sneakers from Freda Salvador. I’m back to creating new worlds and personas in my imagination and somehow in this photo, I become a modern-day Rapunzel in Brooklyn just trying to let down my hair and get out of the confinement created by digital overload, stress, and too much work. I want to be engaged and in the real world right now; not in a fairy-tale virtual castle. I’m formulating my next dream and getting closer to knowing what it is.
Today I felt moved to write to you and to thank you. Your support of my period of “Whatnowness” has been generous and life-giving. You’ve given me the idea and inspiration for what my book should be about and where I should direct my energy moving forward. How does the title, “What Now?!” sound to you?
Do you have a gentle work rhythm? If so, what is it and how do you maintain it?
thank you for your continuing inspiring life
Love Shayli
Love the title! Can’t wait for it to be published!
Love that title! You are an inspiration and I look forward to the book. You go, girl! 🙂
Also: wish I could say I have a “gentle work rhythm” but alas, as a gallery manager, artist and would-be writer, it is not – ahem – so gentle. But your post has given me pause…especially the part about long walks. I need to explore the city I live just outside of – DC – and slow down a bit! So thank for that.
All of your other activities will benefit, as mine have.
LOve you and love your outfit
Your words have inspired me to do what my gut was saying this morning–to slow down. With loads of work projects to fill the schedule with, I often need reminders like this to keep a “gentle work rythm” before very busy months come.
Creating a gentleness for myself, which inspires me every day.
– Get out of bed and receive unconditional love from my two dogs
– In a journal write down 5 things I am grateful for
– Drink really good coffee with my husband of 32 years
– Meditate (learned from Emily Fletcher in NYC)
– Walk, walk my dogs, walk for myself over 12,000 steps a day
– Eat good food and enjoy taste sensations
– Photograph, I LOVE photography and need creativity in my life
– Nuture and embrace relationships with family and good friends
We have so much to be thankful for and every day is a gift.
Recipe for a delightful life.
First, you are such an interesting person! I like you want to vacay but, prefer to wait until the fall…my time of year! But, I’m sure I will find interesting things to do around NYC!
NYC is always serving up something!
Hi,
I was walking this morning and thinking of your blog. I came home and I found this email.
I live in Milwaukee, WI. I am trying to figure out why I cannot find friends my age (60 on May)) that are fun like you. I go to restaurants in my city and I see young crowns or older but not middle age like me and my husband.
I love fashion. I would like to copy your style in my own way. I am a former Spanish teacher. I decided to go to Fashion Design school three years ago.
I always wanted to be be in that field. I love the idea to look my best at all times but look that I do not try to hard. I would like to have my own line online… or find a job. Only two places where to work in my city. I cannot move, my family is here. My two sons work in Chicago. Roxana
I am so impressed you are a designer. I am meeting many young designers who are starting their own brands and doing it online. Maybe you don’t have to move to a city!
“whatnowness” I love it!
“WHAT NOW” Is a perfect title….I would definitely read it. Btw, love your ACCIDENTAL ICON posts. Always look forward to seeing what you will write about next.
Thank you, the interesting thing is that I never know myself what I will write about!
When we “Women of a Certain Age” step into our fullness, life becomes intoxicating. Glad to find your place on the path with me.
Great to have company!
Good morning. I haven’t written before, but I just truly appreciate your thoughts, insights and observations so much, and you are downright inspiring. Thank you for sharing so much with all of us out here. You are in my circle of friends and I enjoy having coffee with you. I wish you a fantastic day!
Same here! I love the conversation we have all been having on this blog.
I do my best to block out all the drama and focus on “Here and Now”! If it doesn’t directly effect me, I stay out of it. Makes work and life much calmer. After being told by my boss that I’m nothing special because I don’t have any initials after my name, I’ve been a bit depressed. That was quite a slap in the face, kick in the gut. It’s been 7 months since that comment and I’ve gotten past it. I don’t need a degree to do the job I’ve been doing for the past 10 years. I’m happy in my life and we do okay. We’re not rich but we are comfortable. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished and look forward to doing more and just enjoying life … simply.
Yes and as someone who had been in academia for 20 years, those letters are more and more becoming something that is bought and not earned the way it was in the past. Your ten years of experience is worth more than 10 degrees. Your boss said that because you probably said something so brilliant it made them feel stupid.
Your boss had the nerve and lack of character and grace to say that to your face. Oh my.
I’m glad you’ve gotten past it. But it’s not so much about the “degree.” It’s about communication that leaves people feeling like they are a human being.
In my experience, those with an attitude like that needs to learn how to treat people. I know you’ve heard the saying: those that hurt people are hurting.
By the way, I know many people who don’t have a degree and are quite accomplished in their endeavors. I know, equally, many people with degrees who haven’t been able to find their path nor success.
One thing I can tell you, consistently, the people I’ve met who honors the value in human beings, degree or not, are those who’ve had the richest levels of contentment.
Better than “well, that did not work!”
Indeed.
Thank you for your posts. I understand that it probably becomes challenging at times, to always be on point to deliver content on a regular basis. I prefer quality over quantity. I will look forward to digging into Monocle, as I am retired, and always looking for additional ways to stimulate my mind. Enjoy your summer, and know that your readers are here to support you, whatever you decide to do.
Thank you and I feel my readers very much at my back supporting me all the way!
Me tooooo!!!!!
Thank you for being our Trailblazer into the unknown. I have been an avid social media person since 2007. I decided to limit my venues to Instagram, being an artist it seems to suit me. Not being on Facebook has taken me out of the digital world into the real world, where it is actually more demanding. I have used the social media for escape. Now I am finding I have created a vacuum that needs to be filled. I am not willing to fill it with just anything. I am taking my time and being “limber’ and flexible until I find my groove. This “limber” life sounds like a great way to live life in general and so creative. My gentle work rhythm always starts with working out in the morning and ends in the later day with meditation. I try to be very careful how I use my time, but I also know I need to learn how to relax and enjoy. Thank you for the food for thought and I am going to look into the Monocle for inspiration.
How exciting that project can be: filling the vacuum created when cutting back on social media with “realness”, can’t wait.
I’ve been teaching myself Spanish since last Autumn, and pushing it at an insane pace. This summer, I’ve slowed my roll so that I can make sure I truly comprehend what I’ve learned up to this point, and to continue working on my folk Victorian home with a renewed interest and more patience. I’m taking long walks with my dogs and mentally regrouping to determine what I really want out of my work and personal life, and what I’m truly willing to give in order to get the best out of both. One thing is certain, there’ll be no more throwing the baby out with the bath water. In a nutshell, I’m giving myself permission to enjoy the process of learning and building, and not permitting The Boss in my head to push me around anymore (I guess that means she’s finally fired!).
Yes, no more bosses in our heads telling us what to do or not do. I have to sit mine down and give it a good talking too from time to time.
Love love this post!!! I needed that “fairy tale virtual castle” bit so much!!! It is clarifying for me. Thanks! Yes absolutely to “What Now?” Maybe follow up with an exuberant “Why Not !!!” ( I’m a big fan of “unbridled joy!) I live in a lonely environment and your posts are so warming and inspiring! Thanks
Yes, Why the heck is not usually my response when challenged and unbridled, letting the mind wander and not be led is part of getting to the”What Now”
Once again you’ve given me a great idea for how to repurpose a skirt I have that is too long for flats! Thank you. I like the title. I am a person that likes consistence, but looking in my email and seeing you have posted something is like an unexpected present. 🙂
Thank you, that is lovely and made my day.
I loved this post. I think we all need to slow down and have time to refresh our minds and body. I sm at Crater Lake National Park and it is so crowded. Decided to go to national forest next to it for quite hiking.
Preserving quiet natural places is an important mission, especially today. Good choice!
I like your mind and carefree yet constructed style. I am 72, a traveller (lived in India for 9 years) and a bit of an exotic yoga master, reiki master, honourary doctorate of dance and mentor to many. Looking good, feeling good and knowing that as an elder it is important to “walk my walk”, etc. Your posts are wonderful and the only ones that I like to receive and read through. Your spiritual side is bringing people into “What NOW” and I really appreciate that. Thank you, thank you, thank you. (PS I have been blessed by many saints and sages, including Mother Teresa twice in Calcutta. It means that I am even more grateful and contentious of my service, but sometimes it sure ain’t easy. 🙂 Much Love and a big Canadian Bear Hug to you!
Thank you so much for your kind words, I hope to continue to be “of service” even though I am no longer teaching or practicing social work, although in a way I guess I am still doing both.
I like it. I think you’d need a secondary title for clarity of application. J
Ever the academic! Hope you are well my friend. Miss you.
I like the phrase ‘gentle work rythm’. Mine consists of being a Board member of 2 volunteer boards, both related to the arts. The work load and activities connected to srt centers is exactly the right ‘gentle work rythm’ for my active life of retirement. It took a while to get into this groove and I am living it!
All good ideas take time to come to fruition!
See also this article on a Smithsonian curator who garnered some attention with her WHRNEXT license plate. https://magazine.tcu.edu/summer-2004/next-valerie-neal/
Thank you!
I love the fact that you are normalizing a “gentle workflow” amid our stress filled society. You do it with poise and purpose, too. By upcycling your old wardrobe, noticing interesting thing you are in fact living a mindful life. That’s something I am working towards achieving in my life and that’s why this post is refreshing. I want to mention, there’s no need to apologize for your absence. Keep living your best life and do what makes you happy.
A book! “What Now” sounds like a great title. What will it be about? I am looking forward to it.
I am feeling such a strong feeling of social media fatigue right now that we need to normalize slow again!
I like What Now?!
As I enter my 60th year in another couple of months, I ponder this often and then your email pops up. You provoke more interesting thoughts on what’s next. I honestly believe that all of my life’s adventures have been to prepare me for the best that is yet to come.
Regarding this summer and not joining the flocks of tourists…this is such a great time to just relax and be. Regroup. You know, “Sometimes I sits and thinks and sometimes, I just sits” ??
Sometimes a saying never loses its sense of urgency.
I work primarily virtual (I have an e-commerce startup), and since my cat died recently I’ve been trying out “workcations” where I travel to an area where I have friends or family. I stay in the area for 1-2 weeks, working regular hours on my computer and then relaxing in the evenings. I’m finding it to be much less stressful than a typical vacation because I’m not trying to pack in too much every day, I am prioritizing and enjoying human relationships through talking, cooking, sharing wine, etc. Even just hanging out watching shows with friends is nice, it’s helping me decompress. Hopefully I can continue to do this throughout the year, as the seasons change and I can visit different parts of the country/world.
I love this! it elevates the “ordinary” into extraordinary and engages every one of your senses. A life-affirming response to the loss of your cat as well.
“What Now?!” speaks to me. Since my retirement four years ago, I have spent much of the time traveling outside the country, two to three trips a year. This year my husband and I decided to stay near home, explore sights reachable by car or a brief plane flight. I’m loving spending more time at home and soaking in my garden. Slowing down affords me the time to attend gardening classes, do garden tours and to finally bring the vision I’ve had for my garden to fruition. I’m also doing more hikes, bicycling and walking in my environment of the PNW. I feel more centered.
Thanks for continuing to inspire my exterior and interior self! What now?
Yes, that question can be exciting and inspiring although it makes some, including me, anxious at times. Just making a simple change like having a car trip close to home can make a huge shift in how we see the world and everything in it.
As always, perceptive and gentle. I am working in university, after 3 decades in schools and looking to go p/t for January 2020. Passionate about style and interested in moving beyond education, your site is a breath of fresh air and an affirmation that it is possible to reinvent oneself! Thank you
Academia provided me a safe space from which to venture out and try something new. Looking forward to hearing about your journey in the new year.
I definitely have a gentle work rhythm. I am 78, in the finishing stages of writing a history book that is almost ready for the publisher (it took 18 years), have 11 grandkids and a husband that fit into my life and many friends and relatives. I manage to gently fit them all in, pretty much as time flows. I prioritize time. If it is important, I give myself 24 hours. If not, it can wait a week or whatever. Nothing bothers me as it did in the old days. Counter dirty? No big deal. Laundry? There is always tomorrow. (And I am OCD, Who would have thought?). Grandkids? Absolutely! Friends? Time is fleeing too quickly to miss out on them. I just spent 6 weeks with my sister in three different cities. I gave her full attention. We don’t know how long we will have each other. Shopping was a priority. Otherwise, I rarely shop unless I need something. After all, I am old enough to have decades of clothing to repurpose.
Your “Whatnowness” will find the answers if you don’t search for them. They appear when you least expect them. It sounds like you are on the right track. Being limber with your life yields more happiness. I am truly happy, even doing NOTHING!!!!
I also use my time off for regrouping, redirecting, reorganizing and rest. I agree it can be revitalizing, definitely necessary. I consider travel vacations work and I prefer a day or two of down time when I return.
I love that title! I enjoy reading your blog posts and admiring your fashionable looks. You are smart to have a staycation this summer. I lived in Zurich for five years back in the 90’s. No one over in Europe has home air-conditioning and the heat has become stifling. New York is ever changing and there are endless places to explore. My daughter is living in my old neighborhood in the Village and I barely recognize it after 25 years here in Charlottesville, VA. It’s very nice to have someone like you take me back and show me around again–and quite stylishly I might add.
Thank you, it’s fun to re-discover something you think you know.
Your proposed book title speaks to me. I often ask myself that questions. Frequently, I do not find the answer.
I so enjoy the “Accidental Icon”. Always thought provoking for me. Thank you.
So hopefully the book will help people to know the process, not the answer as that will be different for everyone but I suspect there are some commonalities (I am already seeing them in the comments in this post) that help us know how we may create the conditions for inspiration.
“What Now? “ Sounds perfect!
Very very in tune with I think what layeth under the public and private chaos and chatter of the times. I too stepped out of the wraps of travel this summer. The tourists leave me feeling confined and restricted. I don’t have nearly the style nor algorithms for putting clothes together as I was used to being told in my youthful days, I could wear a brown bag and look great. And I use to push the envelope on style. But now in my 60’s and still working and raising two kids in progress, I have the overwhelming desire to shed the need for getting away with them together and separate. Bonding and quality time can be provoked in the town where we live, albeit Mystic is a tourist town where many New Yorkers flock to in Summer. Living just a tad outside the fray of downtown allows me to stretch out in thin flowing cottons. I’ve learned to balance pleasure and work in a syncopated way so that work is interleaved with the luxury of taking time to float on moments of thought, musings of what could be, mixed with a strong lemonade, and the reward of feeling the breeze on my cheek and the timely need to jump in 20,000 gallons of cool water feeling the heat rise off my skin. It all keeps my thoughts in-the-moment while I’m at home.
I’m inspired to do carpentry by myself with the added guidance of a neighbor whose sawing and hammering sends comforting familial warm feelings my way. As he is restoring a very old house… his carpentry sounds have floated my way and have gotten down deep into my feelings; 63 years ago my Mom pregnant with me moved into a house that was 1/3 of the way built by my very talented and creative carpenter Dad. My first 4 years were with earthy smells of freshly sawn wood and the busy noises of my father building. Happiness.
I work at a College and decided to use my free time to learn how to build with wood so I can do the carpentry needed on my house for repairs or new enhancements. The pace I have during carpentry is very different than at work; my mind is focused on my cuts and my footings. I use my whole body, not just my mind like at the college. I see why many men are drawn to the trade as a hobby or as a career. It’s peaceful. My workbench is personal… I walk into the cool garage and look up to see old cards and letters I tacked up from my Mom. I kiss my leather work glove and touch the paper with Mom’s beautiful cursive lettering. I give myself a smile. A gift in the middle of designing and learning woodworking. I interleave work and thoughts…. Pacing myself to sit when I want to sit, lay in the grass when I want to lay, and as I walk down the cellar stairs to find that temporarily lost hinge set, I’ll throw in a load of laundry… and as I walk up and back out the door, I walk with a dust mop through the house to catch the neglected dust bunnies.
I suppose this might not answer your question entirely. But I find that the days are short given the needs and the burdens that are upon me; however, there are my must-haves, which include stopping for a short break at the college ( I’m in IT) to stretch, walk, or pop in to see what our Accidental Icon’s wisdom is of the day. 🙂 And just as I must do all things mom and dad for my home and children.
Life is 90% work and 10% play I tell my children. Perhaps it is that way for me because I find work most times pleasurable. Without work, I would have nothing and no pleasure during my playtime alone or with friends.
How eloquently you have shared a life that seems rather magical and grounded! Thank you for doing so.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts
Makes me feel like I have another kindred spirit!
wow, thank you for this very interesting post. I feel and I know that I have to slow down, be more aware because at night before I go to bed, I can’t even remember what I did during the day! Having a “gentle work rhythm sounds a lot easier and more comprehensive than “being aware”. Thank you. I love your skirt and the small tower behind you.
Just retired, very gentle work rhythm right now. Slowing down finding myself. You opened my eyes up all the choices I have, age is just ****nothing***. My work mates were way too young. I’ve once again found my people, and we are everywhere.
Yes we are and we are all explorers of life and selves.
Even though I’m retired, I still have to make an effort to create a gentle rhythm. My body and soul need that periodically. I am a hard wired get er done sort of person.
I love that title! When a great one grabs you, run with it. Thank you for sharing this. Summers are difficult to find a rhythm with two young-ish kids out of school. I love your desire to have real conversations and engage in real life. I feel the same, and I took a step back from the virtual world several months ago. I don’t feel like I am missing anything or losing anything. Whatever is there will always be there. What I need to do now isn’t there. Thank you again.
This is what I love about the women who come to this blog, they have real conversations!
I learned how to listen to my body as well as how to say no to those adventures I would not enjoy. It took 3 years into retirement before I allowed myself to realize what I would really enjoy doing and the universe gave me the ability to do both; becoming and utilizing my skills as a Master Gardener and selling upscale gently used furniture. I love the clients and both vocations give me a wonderful way to engage!
A wonderful story and it also supports the idea that sometimes these things just cannot be rushed.
Thank you. Summer hours for me are spending as much time outside as possible. Gardening, sitting, swimming in the lake, wandering. I work one day a week and babysit another. I consider all the rest of the days to be mine to choose how to spend them. Today I photographed the lovely flowers in my yard. Simple and fulfilling, enabling me to really see their colors and textures more completely that a glance through the window. I am thankful for the chance to live this way.
What a wonderful life you describe. I too have much gratitude that I can have the time to live the way I do.
“What Now” is an excellent title. I like that you continue to explore a world not necessarily as traditional as fits the world of today’s here and now needs. Inconsistent? So what! Summer travel. Why? Slow the pace and really look at the world. Who does that?
I salute you.
I sort of found you accidentally. I appreciate the fact that you seem to have not lost that vibe that often is considered only appropriate for 20 somethings or 30 somethings. Congrats on recently realizing that sometimes summer isn’t the season of go, go, go but instead its for time off (true vacation) from life’s frenzy.
I am still working, by choice, at the age of 67. Much of what I do can be extremely hectic, including a lot of travel. I don’t know as everyone would call what I do a “gently work rhythm”, but for me its a calm within a frenzy. When I work, I focus on work. But when I am away from work, even when I am travelling, the things that help me be gentle with me, are exactly what you are doing now. I read, I pay attention to small details, I listen to music, go to small venue concerts, focus on art, photography, and taking side trips to small, unique and out-of-the way places. Then I go back to work.
Good luck with the rest of your summer. Thanks for sharing you.
Thanks for sharing you and validating that taking time for those small moments that create a gentle calm.
I DO!
I let go of a lot of monthly appointments mostly self care.
I dress for the grocery store and Sunday I had a comment from a male check out man,”I LIKE YOUR GET UP!”
I haven’t heard that sentence since I was a kid!
LOVE THE TITLE WHAT NOW?!!!!!
I missed the part about writing a BOOK!
I will GO back and see what direction you are taking!
Good job on the NEW CLOTHING LOOK!
You are always such an elegant inspiration!
I have the joy of taking three day weekends every other week, and that extra day allows me to slow down a bit on completing All the Things in two days.
“What Now” is good
“Too Long For Flats” is pretty catchy. I’m 66 and still work “casual” as an RN in a small surgery center. It keeps me engaged and stimulates my mind as well. Love your style and your inspiration! I can’t wait to read your book!?
Thank for sharing your insights and recommendations. Enjoy your summer and down time. A time for dreaming, discovery, reinventing, self care and moving forward.
I awake and MUST step into my tiny garden, soak it up and sit to enjoy…unless I am headed to the beach…where I must play in the waves and enjoy lol! Today I felt the need to do both..and despite the traffic jams to get hither and yon…I had a great day enjoying exactly both!
Rhythm for me means what do I want to do…What. I. Want to do.
And that, my friend, is my outlook on life…..What do I feel like doing today? How do I feel like dressing today? Am I Ziggy Stardust??? Or Grace Kelly??
One never knows what the day will bring….a skirt worn as a dress…..or a dress worn as a hat??
Life is such an adventure if you only will let it be!
“What Now?!” sounds like a great title for your book! I have been asking myself that same question a lot lately…
I have just developed a gentle work rhythm of sorts. Realizing that I had very little personal time, I knew I needed to make a change.
I do my best to find some time each day to remove my watch or ignore the clock and allow myself to flow like water. I temporarily unplug from the busy schedule and permit my thoughts and desires to lead the way in regard to what I will do next. Not living by the clock for a short time each day has been liberating, and the results have been amazing! For me, this mindfulness leads to feelings of joy, gratitude, and peace… and feeling engaged in the real world, as I want to live in it, right now!
It took me a good couple of years to settle into a pattern after leaving a busy (exhausting?) NHS career in the UK six years ago. I had always done some artwork but found, when I started to do this ‘full-time’, it wasn’t, in fact, the right thing for me after all. I felt pretty lost until I dug out my sewing machine and started to design and make my own clothes and, in particular, learn digital and print textile design. It’s a long, steep learning curve, and that’s just fine because it’s the right thing for me.
I keep a large page-a-day diary and plan every day the night before. This includes precise design work but also all the domestic stuff (garden, housework) and, of course, catching up with friends. It might sound over-organised but this very simple trick keeps me from feeling lost, or worrying that I’m frittering time away aimlessly. It keeps me on track with the bigger plan in my head – step by step by step – and, more importantly, I make tangible progress and that feels good.
There are lots of fancy-smancy Time Management/Find Your Goals/Plan Your Life books and advice out there but I would say Keep It Simple.
Love your blog.
I love the post and look forward to your book! Love the title! Sadly as an art gallery director, artist and would-be writer my work rhythms aren’t so gentle! But your post has inspired me to work on that, especially taking walks around my city!
Oops sorry for the double post! I thought I had not properly submitted so I put it in again!
Thank you for the post. I spent 2 weeks in June following the footsteps of my ancestors. I visited Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic and Austria. It was life changing experience as the horrors and devastation of WWII impacted my family. From the moment I got off the plane in Germany, I had this odd sense that my ancestors were with me. I am so grateful that I was able to do this trip living with rheumatoid arthritis. I am working on my next dream as I recently submitted a proposal for a new program to the non profit I volunteer for. I enjoy your blog posts and recommended your webpage to a dear friend as I know she will enjoy it as much as I do.
I love the title too and your ideas for dealing with the summer and then the autumn.
I have been pretty busy with paperwork I have to keep filling out, and also polishing up the third edition of my book that has been out since 1989 I believe, Pumpkin, Pumpkin: Folklore, History, Planting Care, and Good Eating. I have always had a love of pumpkins as a sort of magical plant, so it was natural for me to write it and there is so much more in the book than the title suggests. I am always taking courses just because I love to learn anything new, and at nearly 78, that is a joy for me. I am currently studying a course from England called The Silent Eye Mystery School, and I am loving the challenges to my thinking. There is no grade to be had, and I honestly don’t care as I am happy to always learn something new.
It is very hot where I live in Southern California, and so my clothes have consisted of knit tops and shorts or pedal pushers and sandals. I have been the caregiver for my significant other, who has had two cervical surgeries and three others since 2017, and who is mostly paralyzed currently and I must do most things for him. So that in and of itself is a major challenge for me to stay true to myself while trying to be a good caregiver for him. There are some things that frighten me, such as having to deal with his most recent surgery such as putting things on his neck, because I don’t want to do anything to make it worse, but overall, it is all working. It doesn’t leave me a lot of time or energy to do a lot more, but we also have six chihuahuas (all of them seniors and at least one and possibly two mixed), a cat named Yao Yao, two huge goldfish and two alien catfish, one who can swim upside down quite normally. So these little things keep me quite active.
I am a breast cancer survivor and opted for no radiation or chemo and that was two years past. I can still bend down and touch the floor with both hands and knees straight, squat down all the way and come up with no help and I can bend almost halfway backwards, something a lot of younger folks cannot do, so I feel good about my physical well-being. I am eating more and more vegetarian meals and fruits, with grains for good measure and I am feeling fine. Life is good even with all its challenges. If we never had any challenges of our own, I believe we could not learn compassion for others, so I welcome them.
Thank you for your constant inspiration for those of us who have crossed the threshold of womanhood into becoming Crone Goddesses. I truly welcome this stage of life because I always have so many people like you to raise the level. Thank you kindly.
I usually have a quiet work rhythm. But sometimes projects & travel throw it off. When those things turn rapid fire, it destabilizes me. And then I become extra assertive, overprotective, to right my ship and resume a clean cut through clear waters.
I am in love with you!
Just so thrilled your back. Missed you!
Terese
I love your outfit! You are an inspiration and I look forward to the book.