I've written more essays and published them in the last three years than in any other period of my life. I have flourished with voices lessons and am closing in on a full year of Swedish on Duolingo. These things make me feel creative and young(er). I love being a student and love mining memories and experiences I hadn't written about before.
Bravo! I bought a keyboard and I'm trying to teach myself how to play the piano. I have new admiration for anyone trying something so new it's like being in kindergarten! I'm starting with 'placement of your fingers on keys'. 😅
I had piano lessons as a kid and our house was always filled with music which is partly why it's been going so well with voice. The best part: I'm not aiming for a public performance: this is just for me.
Me, too. We had a piano in our house and I learned to plunk out tunes with one hand while I sang, but I could never get my left hand to cooperate. This is just for me. I hope I can play something more than Chopsticks.
I had no idea when I began before th pandemic that I could be singing art songs and that an accompanist would compliment me for being easy to follow because I knew what I wanted in the song. It helps being a writer. I approach each song as a poem--of course many of them started that way.
Ramona, you certainly do give hope and inspiration to those of us younger than you. My elder sister just turned 88 in late October. Last year she drove herself back and forth across the country from North Carolina to California and back again to North Carolina a few months ago. She loves a road trip and has made over 25 cross country drives in her life time.
Hooray for your sister! I drove from Michigan to So. Carolina and back several times, and as late as a couple of years ago. Ed died there in March, 2022, so I have no desire to go back again, but I know I could drive it if I did.
I love to drive and I'm still not a menace on the road, so road trips are not out of the question!
A beautiful list of elders who have achieved and also given of themselves. I will soon be passing that 80 years old mark, and like my grandmother, Ryna, said, "I don’t feel old and don’t intend to either."
That's the best incentive I've heard to write in a long time. I definitely want to age well and keep growing. I would add David Attenborough to the list. He's 98 and has national treasure status in the UK. He's still making nature documentaries and campaigning on environmental matters.
David Attenborough's crew filmed part of their current series on sound here on our beach over two summers. You can find the link and more details on my Artist Chicken site. Truly lovely people we were graced to have here teaching us all about the Plainfin Midshipmen we've lived with all our lives. Sir Attenborough didn't make it over himself but his spirit showed every day.
What an inspiring list! Thanks for putting it out there. We'll have to check out your grandson's store next time we're up in Leland (family place). Petoskey is a lovely town!
Great list, Ramona. I'd add Abigail Thomas on here. I can't remember her exact age but late 80s I believe. Wonderfully creative and a joy of a human as far as I've interacted with her. Of course it goes without saying that you're on there too.
To creativity and joy in expression going on and on and beyond us! Lots of love your way, my friend. ♥️
I wholeheartedly agree Ramona. I have often thought that part of my parent's decline was a result of not having any real interests. My Mom was a big volunteer in our community but once she was no longer doing that she didn't really have much purpose. A big part of living with vitality is to be curious and interested in something simply for the purpose of curiosity and interest. This is one of the many reasons I love Substack - I've met so many creative people who are older than me and they inspire me so much.
It's sad to see old people just give up after a long life of purpose and maybe even joy. There is always something fulfilling to do. Sometimes it takes a bit of imagination, but life hands us those gifts. All we have to do is look for them.
I love this and do think you’re right! I listen to the podcast Wiser Than Me hosted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and she talks to so many elder women who are phenomenal …most are creatives too!
Hooray for your grandson! Rona, I can totally believe that creativity is linked to long life! I look at my mom, who will be 80 next year - she's physically disabled (Post-Polio Syndrome) but her mind is spry. She's an artist, always painting, member of a club, participates in shows.
Love this post…from your conception to the finished piece. You, dear cousin, are an inspiration to those of us, a little younger in age! We can only hope, to still be able to put together a cohesive sentence, when we reach your age! The list of folks, still active and productive in their later years is SO impressive…and also, incomplete, as others find new names to contribute. Love the part about the keyboard! Keep writing and keep making music! It’s what makes the world a beautiful place! ❤️ ❤️
As a 73 year old, still writing, stitching and planning new gardens, I like the idea that's its creativity that keeps us going. Love the list too.
However, I also believe in the mantra 'Use it of lose it', so I think we need to be physical for as long as we can. The two threads, cerebral and physical, are a force majeur.
I set my phone alarm across the room for 36 minutes so that I have to get up and move around as a break from writing or reading. Then I do something active, like a chore or walk outside, for about fifteen minutes before returning to the leaned-back position I write in. No more chairs and desks for me!
I've written more essays and published them in the last three years than in any other period of my life. I have flourished with voices lessons and am closing in on a full year of Swedish on Duolingo. These things make me feel creative and young(er). I love being a student and love mining memories and experiences I hadn't written about before.
Bravo! I bought a keyboard and I'm trying to teach myself how to play the piano. I have new admiration for anyone trying something so new it's like being in kindergarten! I'm starting with 'placement of your fingers on keys'. 😅
I had piano lessons as a kid and our house was always filled with music which is partly why it's been going so well with voice. The best part: I'm not aiming for a public performance: this is just for me.
Me, too. We had a piano in our house and I learned to plunk out tunes with one hand while I sang, but I could never get my left hand to cooperate. This is just for me. I hope I can play something more than Chopsticks.
I had no idea when I began before th pandemic that I could be singing art songs and that an accompanist would compliment me for being easy to follow because I knew what I wanted in the song. It helps being a writer. I approach each song as a poem--of course many of them started that way.
Yes! When I edit most of my pieces, I’m looking for rhythm. I want them to sing!
I read my written work aloud to hear it, even though I'm no longer doing book tours. I want it to work on the page as well as if it were heard.
“I…love mining memories and experiences I hadn't written about before.” I believe you have given me the very spark I need to begin anew on Substack.
Onward! ❤
How cool!
It could be as simple as that, indeed. *mic drop*
Also, three cheers for that picture of you!
I love that my rage has lifted, if even temporarily. This picture feels like a triumph! (If only temporarily.)
Happy that your rage has lifted...everything is temporary.
My rage has turned into sadness but only temporarily.
We have to keep on keeping on.
I am old too!
Ramona, you certainly do give hope and inspiration to those of us younger than you. My elder sister just turned 88 in late October. Last year she drove herself back and forth across the country from North Carolina to California and back again to North Carolina a few months ago. She loves a road trip and has made over 25 cross country drives in her life time.
Do keep doing what you are doing Ramona!
Hooray for your sister! I drove from Michigan to So. Carolina and back several times, and as late as a couple of years ago. Ed died there in March, 2022, so I have no desire to go back again, but I know I could drive it if I did.
I love to drive and I'm still not a menace on the road, so road trips are not out of the question!
A beautiful list of elders who have achieved and also given of themselves. I will soon be passing that 80 years old mark, and like my grandmother, Ryna, said, "I don’t feel old and don’t intend to either."
.
Welcome to the club! ❤
Having checked my birth certificate, again, I am resigned to joining the great Eighty’s folks club! Thanks..
Yay! But…resigned? Nah. Relieved!
You may be on to something with creativity fueling a long life. Your name should be on that list.
That's the best incentive I've heard to write in a long time. I definitely want to age well and keep growing. I would add David Attenborough to the list. He's 98 and has national treasure status in the UK. He's still making nature documentaries and campaigning on environmental matters.
Yes! Thank you! I've added his name. Also, Gloria Steinem.
Oh yes. Love Gloria Steinem
David Attenborough's crew filmed part of their current series on sound here on our beach over two summers. You can find the link and more details on my Artist Chicken site. Truly lovely people we were graced to have here teaching us all about the Plainfin Midshipmen we've lived with all our lives. Sir Attenborough didn't make it over himself but his spirit showed every day.
What an inspiring list! Thanks for putting it out there. We'll have to check out your grandson's store next time we're up in Leland (family place). Petoskey is a lovely town!
I hope you do! Tell him his nana sent you. 😍
Great list, Ramona. I'd add Abigail Thomas on here. I can't remember her exact age but late 80s I believe. Wonderfully creative and a joy of a human as far as I've interacted with her. Of course it goes without saying that you're on there too.
To creativity and joy in expression going on and on and beyond us! Lots of love your way, my friend. ♥️
Oh, Ramona. How could you leave out Tony Bennett - master of both music and fine arts?!
Thank you! Added now.
Love this piece, Ramona. I'm grateful for your writing.
I'd add Mel Brooks, Bernie Sanders, and Dolly Parton.
Yes to Mel Brooks! Thanks. Dolly isn't quite 80 yet and, sorry, I don't see Bernie as particularly creative.
I wholeheartedly agree Ramona. I have often thought that part of my parent's decline was a result of not having any real interests. My Mom was a big volunteer in our community but once she was no longer doing that she didn't really have much purpose. A big part of living with vitality is to be curious and interested in something simply for the purpose of curiosity and interest. This is one of the many reasons I love Substack - I've met so many creative people who are older than me and they inspire me so much.
It's sad to see old people just give up after a long life of purpose and maybe even joy. There is always something fulfilling to do. Sometimes it takes a bit of imagination, but life hands us those gifts. All we have to do is look for them.
I love this and do think you’re right! I listen to the podcast Wiser Than Me hosted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and she talks to so many elder women who are phenomenal …most are creatives too!
I’ll have to look for that. Sounds good!
Oh you would love it I think!
Hooray for your grandson! Rona, I can totally believe that creativity is linked to long life! I look at my mom, who will be 80 next year - she's physically disabled (Post-Polio Syndrome) but her mind is spry. She's an artist, always painting, member of a club, participates in shows.
Loved this article!
Ugh, my apologies - RAMONA, not Rona. My error.
No problem! 😉
Good for your mom! You must be proud of her, too. ❣
Very proud! I hope I grow up to be just like her.
Love this post…from your conception to the finished piece. You, dear cousin, are an inspiration to those of us, a little younger in age! We can only hope, to still be able to put together a cohesive sentence, when we reach your age! The list of folks, still active and productive in their later years is SO impressive…and also, incomplete, as others find new names to contribute. Love the part about the keyboard! Keep writing and keep making music! It’s what makes the world a beautiful place! ❤️ ❤️
Aw, thank you! Sending love to my northernmost cousins in that country Trump would like to see become his property.
Stay true, stay warm, keep the light on, just in case... ❤❤❤
As a 73 year old, still writing, stitching and planning new gardens, I like the idea that's its creativity that keeps us going. Love the list too.
However, I also believe in the mantra 'Use it of lose it', so I think we need to be physical for as long as we can. The two threads, cerebral and physical, are a force majeur.
Absolutely!. My smart watch tells me when I've been sitting too long!
I set my phone alarm across the room for 36 minutes so that I have to get up and move around as a break from writing or reading. Then I do something active, like a chore or walk outside, for about fifteen minutes before returning to the leaned-back position I write in. No more chairs and desks for me!
Perfect!
Oh, I hope so. I love just the thought of all these wonderful older creatives.