always fun to read your posts as you march forth in this time of life and change. Lately my big eating out dates are staying for the lunch served in the church basement after a celebration of life for a friend. I could try for a Mary Oliver or a Billy Collins type poem on that as it really is not all that sad, but a way to honor all the good. I will muse on that. Keep writing and keep singing! And I concur that community is so important.
I am in awe of how you have approached your life ‘s journey in the two years since Susan’s passing and challenged yourself. I liken it to the Hubble telescope and how altering position ever so slightly reveals a different view of cosmological phenomena. I got word of the passing of two high school classmates this week and mortality is on my mind too. Sometimes I challenge myself to stop living so reflexively by saying “yes” to something I would normally not consider doing. However, that doesn’t include jumping out of an airplane! That’s just me.
I’m smiling at your conclusion, but so sorry to hear of your classmates’ passing. It’s always a jolt, isn’t it? I love your analogy to the Hubble telescope. This is a time of so much change, both inside and out. The alternative to adjusting seems pretty bleak. I do keep returning to Ira Iscoe’s dictum that mental health is competent coping. Some days it works better than others. Thanks, as always, for your comment
What do I plan to do with this "...one wild and precious life?"
I'm moving back to Minnesota!!
I know it may sound crazy (wild!) living in the Land of Enchantment (New Mexico) and leaving!...but the "precious' part of Oliver's inquiry has won my heart - and inspired action! The "precious" includes my family❤️
While I've loved NM and my family here, my 3 daughters and their familes are in Minnesota and Wisconsin. And so, for the next chapter of my one wild and precious life, Minnesota & family, have captured my heart. Here we go!!!
Wow, Jane!! Cheering you on!!! Such decisions are never easy and never black-and-white. But good on you for giving it the attention it deserves and making the best decision you can. A big piece of my heart remains in Minnesota. I have occasionally mused about moving back, but I have no family anywhere near, and most of my friends have left or moved on with their own lives. (and it's cold...) But it was a special place for me from 1973-77 and 1990-2008, watershed years in my life. I look forward to hearing about your adventures!!
Thank you, Hal! I've appreciated, especially, your last two posts. I often repeat Mary Oliver's question about what I will do with my one precious life. I am turning 65 later this summer, which is a marker in this life. Reflection at any stage has always been important for me, but especially these years. All for now.
Hi Nita. That Mary has a great way with words, doesn't she? Yes, 65 is a marker -- but you're still a youngster! You have always struck me as a reflective person, and I have confidence that that orientation will serve you well. I look forward to hearing about your process. Wishing you the best!
So very powerful and an important reminder of the briefness of our days. Thank you.
Thanks Christy ...
always fun to read your posts as you march forth in this time of life and change. Lately my big eating out dates are staying for the lunch served in the church basement after a celebration of life for a friend. I could try for a Mary Oliver or a Billy Collins type poem on that as it really is not all that sad, but a way to honor all the good. I will muse on that. Keep writing and keep singing! And I concur that community is so important.
Thanks, Carol. Yes - sounds like we are both marching forth, as we should. I'd love to read whatever kind of poem you decide to write.
I will take that as a good challenge
Enjoy every minute!
I am in awe of how you have approached your life ‘s journey in the two years since Susan’s passing and challenged yourself. I liken it to the Hubble telescope and how altering position ever so slightly reveals a different view of cosmological phenomena. I got word of the passing of two high school classmates this week and mortality is on my mind too. Sometimes I challenge myself to stop living so reflexively by saying “yes” to something I would normally not consider doing. However, that doesn’t include jumping out of an airplane! That’s just me.
I’m smiling at your conclusion, but so sorry to hear of your classmates’ passing. It’s always a jolt, isn’t it? I love your analogy to the Hubble telescope. This is a time of so much change, both inside and out. The alternative to adjusting seems pretty bleak. I do keep returning to Ira Iscoe’s dictum that mental health is competent coping. Some days it works better than others. Thanks, as always, for your comment
Carpe diem my good man. 😊
Carpe diem indeed!!!!
What do I plan to do with this "...one wild and precious life?"
I'm moving back to Minnesota!!
I know it may sound crazy (wild!) living in the Land of Enchantment (New Mexico) and leaving!...but the "precious' part of Oliver's inquiry has won my heart - and inspired action! The "precious" includes my family❤️
While I've loved NM and my family here, my 3 daughters and their familes are in Minnesota and Wisconsin. And so, for the next chapter of my one wild and precious life, Minnesota & family, have captured my heart. Here we go!!!
Wow, Jane!! Cheering you on!!! Such decisions are never easy and never black-and-white. But good on you for giving it the attention it deserves and making the best decision you can. A big piece of my heart remains in Minnesota. I have occasionally mused about moving back, but I have no family anywhere near, and most of my friends have left or moved on with their own lives. (and it's cold...) But it was a special place for me from 1973-77 and 1990-2008, watershed years in my life. I look forward to hearing about your adventures!!
Thank you, Hal! I've appreciated, especially, your last two posts. I often repeat Mary Oliver's question about what I will do with my one precious life. I am turning 65 later this summer, which is a marker in this life. Reflection at any stage has always been important for me, but especially these years. All for now.
Hi Nita. That Mary has a great way with words, doesn't she? Yes, 65 is a marker -- but you're still a youngster! You have always struck me as a reflective person, and I have confidence that that orientation will serve you well. I look forward to hearing about your process. Wishing you the best!