As always, thank you. Geese and goldenrods and reddening sumac and inner and outer fog and us old farts. Sending you, via Agingspeak, recognition and love. La
Dear Susie, The beginning of your piece here reminds me so much of a wonderful book I just finished reading by Margaret Laurence, well-known Canadian author, called The Stone Angel, written in the voice of a very fiesty, bitter, funny, irascible and ultimately courageous and loveable old woman. I think you might love it. I also wanted to mention for you and any other readers who are concerned about the possibility of serious cognitive decline to check out an organization called the Dementia Action Alliance, which is devoted to supporting people to live WELL with dementia. It IS possible, despite society's typical knee-jerk reaction of horror and fear to that word. Getting help sooner rather than later is key. Check out https://daanow.org and the amazing resource they offer (it can be downloaded or you can order a bound copy for $38) called Pathways to Well-being with Dementia) Also, in collaboration with some folks from the Dementia Action Alliance, I put together a couple of handouts which I can email to you if you are interested - one is on "Strategies for Preventing and Managing Dementia" and the other is called, "I've just been Diagnosed with Dementia - Now What?" As you may or may not know from our friend Rosemary, I have been in the field of Dementia Care for over 20 years. I live in Saint Paul. I am currently writing a book about what I have learned from people living with dementia. And yes of course I am also concerned about the possibility of my own cognitive decline. I get distracted, I forget things. I am comforted by the fact that there seems to be more hope out there than ever before. I am currently memorizing lots of Shakespeare which make me feel very powerful! It's all such a mixed bag at this older age. May we have the grace to recognize what's what and get the help and support we need when we need it. A diagnosis of dementia is not a death sentence. Okay, I am rambling for sure, now, but there you have it.
Thank you very much, Mary Sue. I need to take this one step at a time but I like the idea of the handouts you've put together. Are they hard copy or digital? If the latter, I look forward to getting them at seventysomething9@gmail.com. If you email me, I can provide my snail mail address if needed.
As Mary Oliver writes in the conclusion to her poem “Wild Geese:” Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the World offers herself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting, announcing your place in the family of things.
This is the only poem I’ve ever memorized. It’s my only prayer.
"How fortunate I have been to be led by the nose out of the canyons of Manhattan into the great world where I have been welcomed by a thousand beings beyond language." A truth....
I recently read, "there is literally nothing in nature that blooms all year long, so do not expect yourself to do so." I needed to hear that. I need to remember that. Our creativity, and our voice, comes in waves and changes with the seasons (of the year and of our lives). I do hope you feel better, more energized, if that is what you wish for as well. In the meantime, may you enjoy the rest.
I was trying to send you an email from Ashton Applewhite, a crusader against ageism. I know that your email of today isn’t about ageism per se; it’s your personal reflection about YOUR aging. Still, if you haven’t encountered Ashton, a strong author, and since I can’t forward to you her most reason email against ageism, you may want to check her out at ashton@thischairrocks.com.
Thanks, Fran. I actually do know Ashton's work. An in an amusing aside, she's married to a guy I went to elementary school with. There are moments when it seems the world has gotten very small indeed.
This is so beautiful, Susie, and so relatable! I'm turning 80 in a few weeks and can't believe I've arrived here. I say you don't have to worry about mental decline when you can write this movingly. And, I'm glad you know what brings you back and always has--the natural world.
OMG , Susie, though I had to go back to be sure I had it right, “a thousand beings beyond language”!! Yes, I also share your gratitude for being pulled out of NY, gratitude for being there to get pulled out, and yes, gratitude for aging in amazement🥳
I'm a big fan of geese, Anna. Many people here in Minnesota complain about the shit they deposit wherever you want to walk. But I think they're glorious. The noisier the better.
As always, thank you. Geese and goldenrods and reddening sumac and inner and outer fog and us old farts. Sending you, via Agingspeak, recognition and love. La
What a beautiful, appreciative response, Linda. Saying these things out loud is powerful.
Dear Susie, The beginning of your piece here reminds me so much of a wonderful book I just finished reading by Margaret Laurence, well-known Canadian author, called The Stone Angel, written in the voice of a very fiesty, bitter, funny, irascible and ultimately courageous and loveable old woman. I think you might love it. I also wanted to mention for you and any other readers who are concerned about the possibility of serious cognitive decline to check out an organization called the Dementia Action Alliance, which is devoted to supporting people to live WELL with dementia. It IS possible, despite society's typical knee-jerk reaction of horror and fear to that word. Getting help sooner rather than later is key. Check out https://daanow.org and the amazing resource they offer (it can be downloaded or you can order a bound copy for $38) called Pathways to Well-being with Dementia) Also, in collaboration with some folks from the Dementia Action Alliance, I put together a couple of handouts which I can email to you if you are interested - one is on "Strategies for Preventing and Managing Dementia" and the other is called, "I've just been Diagnosed with Dementia - Now What?" As you may or may not know from our friend Rosemary, I have been in the field of Dementia Care for over 20 years. I live in Saint Paul. I am currently writing a book about what I have learned from people living with dementia. And yes of course I am also concerned about the possibility of my own cognitive decline. I get distracted, I forget things. I am comforted by the fact that there seems to be more hope out there than ever before. I am currently memorizing lots of Shakespeare which make me feel very powerful! It's all such a mixed bag at this older age. May we have the grace to recognize what's what and get the help and support we need when we need it. A diagnosis of dementia is not a death sentence. Okay, I am rambling for sure, now, but there you have it.
Thank you very much, Mary Sue. I need to take this one step at a time but I like the idea of the handouts you've put together. Are they hard copy or digital? If the latter, I look forward to getting them at seventysomething9@gmail.com. If you email me, I can provide my snail mail address if needed.
Of course. I will send the handouts to your email.
As Mary Oliver writes in the conclusion to her poem “Wild Geese:” Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the World offers herself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting, announcing your place in the family of things.
This is the only poem I’ve ever memorized. It’s my only prayer.
So beautiful, Susie……..I get it……….keep writing!
Patty! I'm so pleased to hear from you. Hoping you are in good health and bringing your love and blessings out into the world.
"How fortunate I have been to be led by the nose out of the canyons of Manhattan into the great world where I have been welcomed by a thousand beings beyond language." A truth....
Good to hear from you, Mary
I recently read, "there is literally nothing in nature that blooms all year long, so do not expect yourself to do so." I needed to hear that. I need to remember that. Our creativity, and our voice, comes in waves and changes with the seasons (of the year and of our lives). I do hope you feel better, more energized, if that is what you wish for as well. In the meantime, may you enjoy the rest.
That's a new formulation for me. I'm going to try to practice with it.
Saved by the geese! How wonderful. I’ll never cuss them again.
This was my secret intention, Bryan. I know they make a mess, but aren't they wonderful!
I was trying to send you an email from Ashton Applewhite, a crusader against ageism. I know that your email of today isn’t about ageism per se; it’s your personal reflection about YOUR aging. Still, if you haven’t encountered Ashton, a strong author, and since I can’t forward to you her most reason email against ageism, you may want to check her out at ashton@thischairrocks.com.
Thanks, Fran. I actually do know Ashton's work. An in an amusing aside, she's married to a guy I went to elementary school with. There are moments when it seems the world has gotten very small indeed.
This is so beautiful, Susie, and so relatable! I'm turning 80 in a few weeks and can't believe I've arrived here. I say you don't have to worry about mental decline when you can write this movingly. And, I'm glad you know what brings you back and always has--the natural world.
Thank you, Sue. As a native of the city, I came to that knowledge late in life. So grateful.
Susie, You may be feeling foggier, but you can sure still write! Warmth to you, Jan
Much appreciated, Jan. It's my lifeblood.
So beautifully said! You are a precious gift!
❤️Marti
Hi Marti! Isn't it wonderful that we are all different and differently gifted?
Beautiful. Simply and profoundly.
Thank you, Alice. I'm aiming for simple at the far end of all the words and ideas.
OMG , Susie, though I had to go back to be sure I had it right, “a thousand beings beyond language”!! Yes, I also share your gratitude for being pulled out of NY, gratitude for being there to get pulled out, and yes, gratitude for aging in amazement🥳
Ah! MK...I feel like I was extruded out of those crowded streets into the vastness of the planet. It could be the greatest blessing I've experienced.
OH I LOVE THIS. the geese the geese thank god for the geese.
I'm a big fan of geese, Anna. Many people here in Minnesota complain about the shit they deposit wherever you want to walk. But I think they're glorious. The noisier the better.