Grandpa Jim and I both found creative outlets in our seventies.I remember the days when we counted backwards as the first astronauts lifted off into space, so when I think of the word "launch" I imagine taking off like a rocket. This week Chris, the leader of the grief group that inspired me to publish a book of my blogs, had a book launch gathering on Zoom. It was very special and something I never imagined I would ever do. I am not about to head into the stratosphere but, at nearly 75-years old, I do have the feeling of being launched into new territory.
When my Grandpa Jim was in his seventies he started making wood carvings. I remember spending time in his garage workshop watching him work on his carvings, laughing away as he worked. He got his inspiration from National Geographic magazines and memories of his life growing up in Denmark. As a kid I was amazed that someone that old could start doing something new and creative. Now that I’m in my seventies, I have to laugh at my kid’s-eye view of getting older. I know that creativity and adventure doesn’t come to a halt as you age. In fact it can blossom in the freedom of retirement. At the time I started working on the book I was thinking it would be an easy project that I could do as Christmas presents for my friends and family. After nine months of concentrated, semi-gut-wrenching effort, my perspective has changed. A friend pointed out that nine months is a good gestation period. This book is literally my baby. My heart and soul are in it. I want to throw up my arms and release it into the universe in the way doves or butterflies are released at a wedding. I am excavating a part of me that has been deeply buried. A lot of my life has been spent cultivating a low profile. To expose the real me beyond the comfortable support of my friends and family is not something I ever imagined I would do. I took my first small step when I started writing my blog in 2015. Publishing a book of blogs seven years later was a giant leap for me in embracing who I am. Even if my book is only read by a few people, the process of publishing it feels like I am spreading my wings and getting ready to fly, and that makes it a successful launch.
1 Comment
11/20/2022 08:35:00 pm
congratulations. I will enjoy reading your blog! Mary (Blotti) Anderson
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Leslie Masona woman in search of her post-retirement future Guess what! By subscribing, you get notices about the latest Little Old Lady with Cats posts sent to your mailbox!
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(from an entry posted on 5/1/2015) “I definitely fit some of the characteristics of a little old lady with cats: Retired - check, Single - check, Like to knit - check, Have cats - check. . .I do not want to get stuck in my Little Old Lady persona, however. In fact, this blog is a risk taking experiment in exploring and redefining what I want my retired life to look like.” Categories
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