I was ready to write an “end-of-the-year” blog post replete with doom and gloom – because there's been plenty.
Then I flipped through my PAPER pocket calendar (yes, I still have one) to review my activities and outings and ended up having a real “George Baily moment” -- I do indeed have a wonderful life.
I am a privileged, healthy, woman on the cusp of 65 married with lots of friends, a nice home, the leisure to pursue what I love and to come and go at will. Who could ask for more?
I realize that I am extremely fortunate. At my age and income level, the upheaval our country has experienced this year will probably not affect me personally to any great degree. I’m not gloating it’s just a fact.
I have no children or grandchildren, so while I worry about future generations, my family name and anything I have created or contributed will pretty much die with me. I’d like to think the younger people in my extended family will remember me kindly, but I know it’s not the same as having my own children.
Realistically, I can count on at least 10 to 15 more years before I succumb to the gradual wearing away of my joints. That is if I manage to avoid what killed my parents (cancer and heart disease) and even worse -- the big “A”… I don’t even want to spell it out because I dread it more than anything.
But all that aside, given my fairly modest expectations – I’ve exceeded most of my dreams, those of my parents, my grandparents and especially those of my fraternal great grandparents who were sharecroppers.
I live a modest life. I travel very little but I am constantly busy with volunteer work, theatre-going, committee meetings, classes, a bit of entertaining, voracious reading, movie going and constant scribbling or “writing” as I like to call it. I call myself a writer and there is no one to stop me from doing so. I even had cards printed – Pam Gates, Writer – they declare and that makes it so.
But, let’s get back to this year and it’s significance for me. Even at my advanced age, I continue to set goals for myself. Last year at this time I decided that 2017 would be the year I pursued “Storytelling”. I began to search for a local group and was so lucky to find a fabulous group led by an energetic and inspirational storyteller. I was welcomed into the group, where I observed the various storytellers for a month or so and then took the plunge. This past March I got up on stage, told a story and was voted best storyteller of the night by the audience.
I’ve told a couple of stories since then and although I didn’t win those times, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the time I’ve spent on this pursuit. Probably the best thing is the people I met in this group – seasoned storytellers and thoughtful men and women who I felt a connection with immediately. Proving once again that you are never too old to learn something or make new friends, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone. In fact, stepping outside my comfort zone is becoming a thing with me.
My Dad was an artist and I always said all of that artistic talent went to my older sister. I never even considered picking up a paintbrush, a colored pencil or even a crayon until I discovered some “collage” art that I liked very much. So, I signed up for a collage workshop and created my first piece of “art”. I have a longer class scheduled for the New Year and while I doubt that I’ll print cards with my name and “Artist” underneath it, I did find my foray into this medium most enjoyable.
While I do not travel in a “Grand” way – to Europe, the Middle East, or even “The Islands” I did seek a place of solitude for a summer getaway and the place I found could not have been better if I imagined and brought it to life myself. I discovered a place in the Northern Neck of Virginia which from what I could see online, met all my requirements as stated in my note to the Proprietress:
“For some time I've been dreaming of finding a quiet, secluded place to vacation on the water. I kept having these thoughts of sitting in a chair and hearing the water lap against the dock and all was quiet and still. Last night I found Cat's Cove Cottage while searching for lakes in MD and VA. I think it may be exactly what I have been dreaming off…I was charmed by your web page and the photos of Cat's Cove Cottage. It looks lovely and serene. Hope to hear from you soon.
I heard from her, we booked our stay and it was a restful week, free from Wi-Fi & cable news. And, as can be expected, I hit it off with the owner and we keep in touch.
So many other personal memories this year some were sad, but mostly they were wonderful. Lost a beloved nephew; spoke at a friend’s funeral; spoke at a fabulous wedding; spent a week at the beach with my BFF (friends for almost 62 years) & his family; spent time with my niece & grand nephew, went to ballgames & even a pop-up GOT bar. Saw Keb’Mo’, Steve Winwood, Bette Midler, “Cabaret”, “The Sound of Music” and Pink Martini among others and celebrated 21 years of marriage.
What could I possibly complain about? And yet, there were so much unrest and upheaval in our Nation and Worldwide – storms, floods, fires, murders, sexual misconduct, nuclear threats and a constant barrage of demented tweets…
Yes, it would be easy to characterize last year as the worst ever in some time. But life goes on and we continued to find joy in everyday events – people married, had children, fell in love and often found the courage to speak out about injustice. And when it comes down to it, that’s really all most of us can do, continue to live and love and do the best that we can to make sense of what sometimes feels like insanity.
I’m just saying…
