The chorus presentation on July 4th, 2013
WASTING TIME? OR BURNING THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS?
“Age puzzles me. I thought it was a quiet time. My 70s were interesting and fairly serene, but my 80s are passionate. I grow more intense as I age.”
The above quote is from the best known work of Florida Scott-Maxwell, The Measure of My Days which she wrote in her 80s. She was a practicing psychologist and playwright who studied under Carl Jung. She lived to be 93 years old. Her book explores how to make meaning out of our later years.
Now, I’m still a long way from being 80, but I think I get it. I look around at my new friends in this community, and I see active, vibrant people who finally have the time to explore their creative sides. Perhaps, their passions.
On July 4th, I attended a celebration in honor of America’s birthday. On stage was the community chorus. It is composed of residents who not only like to sing, but can actually carry a tune! They and their director have given untold hours preparing the program, practicing the songs and arrangements and making sure to show up for every rehearsal. The audience, including moi, filled the large social hall with barely a seat remaining empty. Our applause brought such words of appreciation from the choir director as though WE were doing THEM the favor. And then I realized that a vocal performance was similar to writing a novel. They both need an audience to gain closure. The passion, however, resides in creating the art. It’s hard work, and no one volunteers unless driven to it. Is it worth the effort? In my view, the satisfaction is immeasurable.
Another dream deferred…until now?
Along the walls of the clubhouse are glass cases displaying the creative side of other people. The Photography Club, for example, often shows pictures so well crafted, I would pay for them. They’re of professional quality, and I know that learning the skills to produce those photographs had to have taken infinite amounts of time, attention, and practice. The names of the photographers are in small print, but I take note and compliment the creators when I see them.
In addition to photography, displays of the Woodworking, Quilters, and Ceramics Clubs make a passer-by pause to browse the offerings. Not every item is of professional quality, but I can see how some artists have improved over time. They’re taking their work seriously, haven’t gotten bored, haven’t given up. When I spoke to several in the art class, all I heard was the word love. They love what they’re doing, learning. They’ve always wanted to try. Never knew they could be as good as they are. Sure, some laughed…or snickered. But no one quit.
In the Life Long Learning program, speakers cover topics from the stock market to the solar system. From early philosophers to logic theories. To my own offering of Writing Family Stories.
Exploring the swath of ideas and activities that we promised ourselves we’d do “one day” provides an opportunity to make meaning of these years when our responsibilities are fewer and we finally have the time. I sincerely hope that I grow more passionate as I age. I don’t want to miss the sweet satisfaction of jumping in deep and trying something new or revisiting a long held dream.
How about you?
As always, thanks so much for stopping by. I hope to see you for the next edition of Starting Over.
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I was born with a hole in my heart. After spending most of my first 4.5 years in a hospital over 2 hours away (and my parents didn’t own a car for some of those years), it healed on its own (and I was called “the miracle baby”). So … as an adult, I have ALWAYS been aware of how lucky I am to still be on this planet.
I think that is why I have embraced so many things that life has to offer – especially now that I have more time since the kids grew up. I don’t go out “looking” for these things, mind you, but when an opportunity presents itself, I usually go for it. Doesn’t have to be scary (although I did enjoy a Halloween “haunted house” a few years ago). Doesn’t have to cost money (which is even better). I just have to be there in that moment. When my 25-year-old daughter wants to do something but her friends aren’t available, THEN she asks me if I’d like to join her – and, of course, I drop everything (unless it’s work that has a too-close deadline) and join her; she won a trip for two by bus anywhere in Canada five years ago, so the two of us travelled three days to my sister’s place out west for a couple of weeks and then back in that awful bus (but we did it and have lots of scary stories to tell anyone who will listen, LOL). Occasionally my 27-year-old son asks if I’d like to accompany him to his favourite computer store an hour away, and I drop everything again; I must admit that perhaps him knowing that Mom will spring for a meal while we’re gone doesn’t hurt either, LOL. How lucky am I to have kids who want to include me in their “road trips”? I say pretty lucky.
Laney! You sound like you have wonderful children. Family is everything to me as well, and I’d be as thrilled as you are to be invited out with an adult child. I think we can discover our passions and strengths at any age. Family heads the list. Thanks for writing.
Have a great day.
Linda
Linda,
Loved the post. It’s funny as I’ve recently exchanged email with high school friend (and you know how long ago high school was for me) but she was talking about feeling her age when she’s out and about in stores and seeing other people. But she said when she plants flowers and digs in the dirt, all thought of age fades away. I think maybe it’s that way for everyone who does something they love to do. You get lost in the project. There are many times and things you do like climbing stairs, walking a mile, grocery shopping, etc the mundane things in life where you’re reminded that you are no longer twenty. But get into a subject about something a person is passionate about and the mind connects and is young again.
Great post. Roz
Thanks. I can relate to your friend. I think we need to be engaged in doing what we enjoy for the years to melt away. Actually, passion is the right word. I’ve used it in other essays here and in talks. When we are engaged in something we feel passionately about, all else disappears. But…I still need to use a card holder when I play canasta. It doesn’t matter. I’m with friends having a good time. Glad you stopped in, Roz.
Linda, I love your blog. You are so on the mark. Years ago when my kids were little and I was a stay at home mom with extra time on my hands, LOL, I took piano lessons. I had always wanted to learn to play the piano but after my sister took violin lessons which ended in my brother breaking the violin to get her stop and my brother took clarinet lessons and the clarinet was “conveniently” left out in the rain, my parents decided not to buy a piano and give me lessons. Go figure! Anyway, I found an old upright piano which I bought for $50. I took piano lessons for 2 years and because I didn’t practice much (why, maybe I couldn’t find the time after chasing after two small kids) and so I didn’t improve very much. My teacher was very patient even when I refused to cut my nails and allowed me to be in two recitals. I was so proud and so bad! It was great fulfilling a childhood dream. I think retirement is all about finally doing and trying things you always wanted to do! So things work out and some not so much but at least you tried!
I’m glad you had a chance to play in the recital. It’s a great memory. And as you point out, at least you tried. That’s a lot more than just dreaming about something. Or wishing for something. Good for you! Thanks for stopping by today, Diane.
Linda
Enjoyed reading about your day camp. I enjoy going to classes, now that I’m retired, to learn new things I didn’t have time for when I was working full time. The one great thing about getting older.
I agree with you, Jackie. Now that we have the time, let’s do it! Thanks for stopping by.
Linda
Your day camp sounds wonderful and very special. When we begin a new stage and achieve something that we always wanted it is gratifying.
I agree with you 100%. Always gratifying to satisfy a dream. Thanks for stopping by.
Linda