My friend Ev sent me two books for my birthday and it reminded me of a decade-plus earlier when Mother gave me a harmonica for my 40th Birthday. She said at the time, and I absorbed the sentiment, that you are never too old to learn a new THING. a new TALENT. a new way of looking and dealing with the world.
After I got that Harmonica, I used to take it on road trips with me and practice. I have a terrible singing voice, so played Harmonica. Even on an elementary level it sounded better than my singing voice and gave me great pleasure in exploring this new territory, this new vibration in expressing myself. It came with some degree of success ( I could actually play a song I recognized) and I was comforted by the knowledge that my mother( who I found very wise) thought I still had it in me to learn new things. Forever re-inventing myself. THAT is the juice of life I think. Or atleast has been the juice of my life.
The book which Ev gave me is by a 87 year old woman who writes wonderfully and honestly about life and living. She begins with two stories about a fern which she will not live to see in it's glory, and a pug puppy which she will never have because...well, she might be around for the end.And yet, she has a rich and satisfying life, enjoying what is before her. Que Sera, Sera.
Two good lessons on the eve of a birthday: To always engage in something new. something that sparks the imagination and challenges us in new ways. And, to find ways to enjoy the age we are. Even with all the drawbacks..there are still a lot of things to celebrate...and appreciate. That's life. And it all about how we approach it. I've had some really great role models in that regard. And good friends along the way.
Couldn't ask for more!
thank you Ev...and mother...for giving me such great presents of heart and inspiration!
Dear Linda,
Learning something 'new' is just a byproduct of staying in the game and engaged with Life. I think you do- Helen did- both of you are wonderful touchstones for spirited- rich living:-)
Posted by: susan | June 14, 2009 at 01:40 PM
I'm so glad you liked the book. I surely thought of you and Helen when I read it. There is so much living left to do and I am so thankful we are alive to do it! I'm moving house these next few days -- back to the States in less than a week. See you soon. Until then, as you described in your previous entry -- thinking of you.....oxox
Posted by: eve | June 14, 2009 at 04:22 PM