Thoughts

2022 is a big year for me - and a few of my friends, as well! 

 In March, I will be completing my 65th trip around our bright, beautiful, life-giving sun.  And with it comes all of the benefits afforded - Medicare, Social Security, retirement.  How I ever arrived at this age is beyond me.  I swear I was 21 just yesterday!

Each morning when I awaken, I peer at the world through the same eyes that I have looked through all of my life.  Without the aid of a mirror, I would believe that I am the same person I was so many years ago. 

 But, the mirror is there, and I see the changes that time has bestowed.  I'm not complaining.  And though there are many things that I can no longer do - like a cartwheel (I'm sure I'd break a wrist) - there are so many things that I can do that I love.  In fact, there is a lifetime supply of things that I enjoy.  I feel fortunate.

A lovely woman on instagram @iconaccidental is writing a book entitled How To Be Old.  She is dedicating it to her mother who taught her that it is never too late to reinvent and make the world what you want it to be.  

That word "reinvent" got me thinking about how I am going to live these next years of my life.  To me, reinvention is definitely the key to aging gracefully.  Our bodies do not allow us to remain the same but constantly push us towards metamorphosis.  Our challenge is to change our minds to complement the changes in our bodies.

For me, staying in somewhat constant motion has been important.  The phrase "use it or lose it"  rings true.  Without movement, we lose fluidity.  And I believe this applies to not just our bodies, but also to our minds.  If we don't push ourselves to expand, we stagnate.  

To quote Dylan Thomas, "I will not go gently into that good night...."

And to quote Hunter S. Thompson,   “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”

And so, with each passing year, I try reinventing myself.  I continue to push myself to learn new things. Painting is one of those things.  As long as I learn and improve, I consider myself a success.  Most importantly, it brings me joy and enhances my ability to observe subtleties of the world around me.

My plan for the rest of my life, Lord willing, is to keep doing what I do, until I can no longer.  At that point, however, I will not stop, but will simply do the next thing... and the next.  I hope to be known as that slightly odd, little old lady who lives in the woods with her chickens, cats, and donkeys. I hope to be able to care for my animals (whomever is alive by that time), and tend my gardens (though I'm sure they'll grow wilder over the years), wear long, flowing dresses, gather eggs, and paint and write of the beauty of my world until the day when the eyes of my youth finally close.  If, by that time, I am ever compared to Tasha Tudor, my life will be complete!

And yes, an eternal optimist, I have always looked at my world through rose-colored lenses.  I will also be the first to admit that I am very lucky, and for this I am filled with gratitude.  



I understand that we do not always get to choose the path that our life takes, for there are many influences beyond our control.  But we do get to choose how we manage our days and how we frame them.

My Mother always said "Life is not a dress rehearsal."  That lesson always stuck with me.  Thanks, Mom.

You might notice that today's blog has nothing to do with today's photos.  The photos were shot yesterday as we worked around the farm, and later as we ran a couple errands.

On the subject of painting... I painted this on Monday.  Then I threw it out into the internet to a group of painters and asked for tips.

Yesterday I repainted it, utilizing their tips.

We have much to learn from others.  If there is something you long to do... DO IT!  Re-invent yourself!  It's never too late! 

Comments

Karla said…
Bev, I loved this post! I agree, we have to change our minds to complement our changing bodies. Learning new things is how we stay open to the magic and the beauty all around us. I believe that curiosity is the best indicator of emotional health. If we are curious, we are able to look at things in different ways. I re-invent myself on a daily basis, by asking, "Does this feel right/good for me? Is it helpful or does it hurt me or anyone else? What can I learn about this thing/person/animal/situation?" And the most important thing I learned in 2021, is that most of us have endured some manner of trauma that impacts how we see the world, so I can ask "What happened to you?" instead of "What's wrong with you?" It has helped me have so much more compassion for others. Thank you for this thoughtful post!
colleen said…
Thank you so much for sharing this, I love it!! I have to live by
---The Spoon Theory--- It isn't how I choose as it dictates my days, but I'm so thankful for what I can do and always think, it could be so much worse.
Bev, I am your age(I will complete my 65th trip around our bright, beautiful, life-giving sun in Sept) and we (my husband and I) have reinvented many things. Our dream is a log cabin, so we have had renovations done to our home to give it that log cabin feel...I feel blessed for sure. I also have a lifetime supply of things that I enjoy. A cartwheel...... the landing wouldn't be pretty. Sorry to bend your ear. xoxo
daisy g said…
What an encouraging post! I will begin collecting Social Security this year at the ripe old age of 62 and I am grateful that I've made it to this point, still able to move and enjoy being a "doozer".

Thank you for your perspective. It's great growing older with an optimist! ;0D
Ann said…
Tasha Tudor indeed! You and me both. Actually, I have already thought of her as I've read some of your posts and wonder at my own life. This year's reinvention, I think, is going to be a completely new overhaul of my vegetable garden space. I'm thinking it is going to be in the shape of a spiral, with vegetables and herbs and flowers mixed together in the long, winding bed that will lead me into the center of the space. We'll see. Thanks for the reminder to live our lives as authentically as we can, no matter what our circumstance! Blessings on your day.
Sandik said…
Absolutely lovely post. Thank you
Dee J. Hartman said…
Bev, you're a gem, a lady to follow,
In thoughts you are pure, you are real, never hollow!
You live life - in fulness,
Of this there's no doubt!
You'll be like "Tasha Tudor"
When your "light goes out!"

But hopefully that time is never too soon,
cause we all like your blogs that we read before noon!
Keep being your self, dear artist, (so fine!)
And know we all think you are truly divine!

Love, from a lady who's soon 78
( Not ready to pick locks at the Pearly Gate!)
Still inventing, but looking at what all you do
And thinking that this is what I'd like to do!
~Dee Hartman
Diane said…
Yes!
I also have Tasha Tudor goals!
Lynne said…
Excellent post Beverly . . .
I saved it . . . ❤️
And oh my yes . . .
I love the second painting!
You encourage and inspire with such Grace . . .
Beauutiful post! Tasha Tudor definitely comes to mind. Though she lived a bit differently in her little cottage the underlying idea is the same.
I love the thought of reinventing ourselves. I remember my mom saying the more you do the more you want to do. I find that to be true.
Thankful for mothers who imparted their wisdom.
Marcia LaRue said…
Quite the read before 7 a.m., however, so beautifully presented!
Living each day as only we can individually is really all any of us can do! Some find it easier to do then others!
I shall be 79 come August! ☹️ I'm not sure how that happened either! LOL
The 2nd lighthouse picture is a winner ... beautiful!
jaz@octoberfarm said…
great post bev! 65 is the new 40 except you get money from the govenment.
billie said…
I love this post and am a very long-time Tasha Tudor fan. Her books are wonderful and the ones that have photos of her farm and lifestyle are always a treat to revisit. I’m not surprised you are also a fan. :)
littlemancat said…
You got me with this one,Bev girl! I felt every word you wrote. I'm ten years along on you, 75 early next month and can't fathom that.
"After changes upon changes,we are more or less the same." In spirit, but yet ever growing in awareness, I think.
Thank you for this wonderful post.
Mary
SusieK said…
Turning 71 this year and all I can say is thank you!!
I turn 71 on March 12th and though my body has betrayed me a bit with spinal compression fractures and recurrent tracheal stenosis so I now breathe thru a trach tube, I still live alone. And I intend to do it as long as I can. I am a huge Tasha Tudor fan and have her books and two tapes of "Take Joy" and "Take Peace". I don't think they are available anymore but if you can find them, get them. They will definitely bring you joy and peace. I haven't put out a garden in a couple of years but this year I am determined to plant something. I love having my hands in the soil. Oh, and my fairies will help too. Lol.
Grandma Zee said…
Love your post, my sentiments exactly, I will turn 80 in June and still work in my yard and grow a garden. I will be moving to a 55 plus community soon, a half acre and large home is a bit much, but I am already looking at info on growing in pots on the patio and lots and lots of flowers in the beds around the outside of my new home. Love the quote by Hunter S. Thompson, I have always thought of myself that way. As long as we keep moving there is always something we can do and learn.
THE BEARDED ONE said…
YOUNGIN'....YOU NAILED IT...I DO NOT BELEIVE IT COULD EVER BE SAID BETTER...LIKE I HAVE SAID SO MANY TIMES...YOU ARE A MARVEL..AMAZING.. BRILLANT...AWESOME...WOW THAT IS TRULY 100% TRUE... YOU ARE SURE AMAZING...YES THE PICS ARE GREAT...THE SECOND LIGHTHOUSE IS PERFECT...WHAT A FANTASTIC ATTITUDE..I HAVE HAD LOTS OF FOLKS ASK ME WHY I STILL DO WHAT I DO...I HAVE PREACHED FOR OVER 54 YEARS AND STILL DO...I TAKE CARE OF 140+ ACRES AND GOING ALL THE TIME...AND AS LONG AS I CAN DO IT..I PLANE TO KEEP ON..I AM 79..9-14-42...I STILL FEEL YOUNG MOST OF THE TIME AND I LOVE DOING WHAT ID DO..I HAD 2 FUNERALS I SPOKE AT LAST WEEK...LIFE IS A JOURNEY AND WE MUST TAKE EACH DAY AS IT COMES AND DO OUR BEST TO MAKE THE BEST OF IT..KEEP SMILNG...I LOVE THESE AND LOOK FORWARD TO THEM...SURE MISS'EM ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY BUT...YOU SURE DESERVE A DAY OR TWO OFF ...THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THESE POSTS...THE SECOND LIGHTHOUSE IS PERFECT !!!!!
Karen said…
Don't the years just fly by? This year I have been with my 'boyfriend' 53 years!Since we were fifteen years old . . married for 44 years. I still feel 17 - no kidding. Every time I look at him I see that teenager:) So it was quite a shock to learn recently that I have to have a knee replaced?! What the heck!? I am so very grateful to have had these 68 years . . .especially since I was a premie baby - three pounds (a month in the hospital in an 'isolette'). Both my Mom and I almost died - so every day has been a plus. Your positive attitude and your heart felt postings every day are such a joy! So you go girl! You are SO appreciated.
This N That said…
Love this post. Always fun visiting the inner workings of your mind. Great Hunter Thompson quote… I do a lot of thinking when I’m walking Molly.… lots of thoughts about this and that, some thing and nothing! That’s when I do my best thinking. Then and when I’m brushing my teeth. It’s hard to believe that you’re going to be 65! 65 is the new 40! You will always be one to live life to the fullest. Hugs
Eileen in Fla. said…
LOL = Little Old Lady but....
LOL = Laughing Out Loud :-)
Leslye said…
Beautiful and inspiring post! I also love everyone's responses.
deodar said…
You go! I can't do as much as I used to and I can't do it as fast as I used to but I can still DO IT! As my dad, who was plagued with arthritis and macular degeneration told me, you just can't stop or 'it' will get you. With that in mind my sister, who is 76, and myself, I'm 68 went and got ourselves a little tattoo, we felt the need to break out of the 'old lady' mold. She got a small sunflower as she felt the need for some sunshine and I got a small blue lotus as I felt the need for tranquility. It was outed at Christmas and my adult step grands hooted and hollered at what a bad@*s granny I am.
Beautiful post, Bev. So well said. I'm about 9 years ahead of you and I get all that you said! Maybe your positivity is one of the reasons I so enjoy coming to read your blog every night. You're a gem and it shows in your blog!
Thanks for being you! Love your final picture too!
Mimi of Five said…
I agree wholeheartedly with all you posted and also have to agree with THE BEARDED ONE (He is my uncle after all). And I can attest to everything he told you, he is like the energizer bunny, never stops for long. We come from a long line of folks who have lived life to the fullest and have been on this earth way past the projected life span, both male and female. I am grateful because there is a lot left that I would like to do. Again Bev, thank you for your perspective. I look forward to reading your blog daily. It has become my sunshine in this bleak world.