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On Reaching Eighty Years

“One of the many pleasures of old age is giving things up.”

Malcolm Muggeridge

Muggeridge was a British journalist and his words caused me to ponder. Yes, it is a time to give things up. If some activity is no longer fun or you feel the focus has changed–let it go. Freedom and peace are the rewards.

That is not to say you should quit all activities. After all, exercise of both mind and body are important in staving off the plagues and pains of old age. Being curious and interested in new interests helps the mind to stay active.

Muggeridge also said, ” Never forget that only dead fish swim with the stream.” That comment has a lot to examine also. Even in old age, life will offer choices, to go along with the flow or to stand up and speak out for what you have learned, and what you have to offer from your years of experience.

Do You have trouble choosing your activities? I do because there are many choices out there. I’ve given up some volunteer work, but there is much to do in the day-to-day, help-your-neighbors kind of way. I’ve tried Mah-Jong, although I am not nearly as sharp as I’d like to be. I’ve tried more challenging knitting projects, etc. I’ve also given myself permission to chill and binge on a Netflix series once in a while.

That is the letting go part–not feeling like I’m being lazy or that my mom is behind me saying, “Did you finish your cleaning, project, writing?” You name it.

I’m definitely trading the expression “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO) for “Joy of Missing Out” (JOMO). I shouldn’t have to feel guilty if I skip an exercise class or opt out of an outing with friends, right?

I’m eighty, healthy, happy and doing the best life that I can with God’s help.

Duck at TalleyrandYou know, sometimes you should just stick out your butt, duck your head down–and dive into what life brings you!

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You’ve Done It Before

“What doesn’t kill you makes a fighter,

footsteps even lighter…”

Song by Kelly Clarkson

You’ve done it before, recovered from a blow, when you thought it the very worst.

Yet here you are plodding along, your life isn’t really cursed.

Remember the embarrassment in middle school and having to tell your folks? You thought they’ likely disown you, but there are your own kids,

Who laugh at papa’s jokes.

Until you’ve had a death that happens to someone close that you know,You don’t know what to say or do to try and help them through.

But as life throws you curve balls and fouls, you learn to adjust your stance,

A Rainstorm is approaching

You pick up the bat and face the pitch, willing to take the chance.

Been through a lot, the key word is through, and this storm will pass you will see.

Do what you can to help, pray and let go, and let God–the one who sets us free.

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Look Forward to 2024

“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

C.S. Lewis, author
Another Christmas has come and gone,

I pray that the kindness and joy live on.

I don't do resolutions, instead I choose a word,

Something that resonates with me, striking a deep-souled chord.

This year the word is awareness--in both physical and spiritual ways.

I choose to be aware of "nudges", the glimmers God sends each day.

He doesn't spell it out for me, I have to stay awake.

To notice the rainbow at sunset or the light upon a lake.

In the past, accidents avoided and the scary nights survived,

All these things I remember and see them as lessons applied.

I thought back then, I was abandoned by God, left alone to cope.

As time went by, I realized it was God's presence that gave me hope.

The little spark that kept me trying,

 Even though I felt like crying, 

Helped to make me resilient and strong,

 Because God was with me all along!

As you can see, Miss B enjoys the moments as they occur,

Even the tie of my robe can have an effect–it raises her fur.

She uses my word, “aware” every minute.

Doesn’t miss a trick, if it’s happening, she’s in it!







	


	

			






	

		
Flower Garden
	


	
	

		

All the names I know from nurse:
Gardener’s garters, Shepherd’s purse;
Bachelor’s buttons, Lady’s smock,
And the Lady Hollyhock.

From: A Child’s Garden of Verses,
by Robert Louis Stevens

















That book of poems was in my house when I was a child and I got my first taste for poetry from it.The poem about a shadow has stayed with me my whole life, as have many others. “I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me, and what can be the use of him is more than I can see…” 





There is so much hate and evil around the world now and it is difficult not to dwell on it. We can pray, give money for relief, but for most of us, that is about all we can do! These are all God’s people so how can they have so little regard for human life? Some days, I look to little pockets of beauty and love to carry on.





Yesterday at Rooted Farmstead on Scott Road in Bellefonte, I experienced a sense of peace from the beauty surrounding me. Taking my time, and selecting just the right dahlia or straw flower for my container, were just the activities I needed! The sun, the fields full of every imaginable color, and the mild 70 degree temperature added up to a most enjoyable interlude in my day.   #poetry#love#faith#beauty#outdoors





Christie Holloway is the owner of Rooted Farmstead, a flower farm and agritourism destintation in Bellefonte. 

	


	

			






	

		
Reminders From My Cat
	


	
	

		



“Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a purpose.”

Garrison Keillor (1942)





My cat reminds me about little things–how they are the important things.





Miss Bea is totally pleased with herself and her entire body while playing with a small plastic spring. She rolls this way and that and stretches to her full length to reach under the refrigerator to capture another hidden toy. If she doesn’t retrieve the toy, or convince me to get it–she gives up and moves on. Hmm, lesson there!





Although Beatrice (her full name) has been fed regularly since I adopted her, she always leaves a portion of food in her bowl. We should all save a little for a rainy day, right?





Bea is not afraid to ask for affection or anything else she wants. When she climbs onto my lap, I know right away that she needs “purred.” She is persistent until she achieves her goal. If a book is in my hand, she will forcefully try to replace the book with her head.





As adults, we don’t ask for what we want, but expect our loved ones and friends to know when we need help. Perhaps a cat can teach us something in this instance also. I’m not only thinking of physical needs but even material things. If your husband always buys “useful” gifts, why not tell your him that you would really love a special item you’ve admired?





A cat also lets you know when he/she is angry or hurt. Now I don’t suggest scratching or biting your friends when they hurt your feelings. But wouldn’t it clear the air to tell a person that what was said or done was unkind or hurtful?





To be clear, I’m not saying I have learned all these lessons–I’m working on them. 





Just a few fun thoughts for today. Have a purrrfect day.








	


	

			






	

		
It’s Not Easy to Be Present
	


	
	

		




“Take a deep breath. Get present in the moment and ask yourself what is important this very second.” Greg McKeown





When I chose presence as my word for 2023, I thought it would be a challenge. But I underestimated that challenge.





 I have always functioned well in the early morning.





I like to get up early and coffee is the first thought out of a sleep-dulled brain. One of the joys of retirement is the free time to sit, sip, and speculate. Newspapers are no longer delivered and that is unfortunate. A friend shares her paper–which comes in the mail–so yes, the news has already been aired the night before and that morning. The crossword is still enjoyable. For years I felt that I needed to finish that before starting any other projects. Without that paper arriving early, that habit went right out the window. 





So, I usually turn to Wordle and glance through some email… Already I’m not living in a state of “present”,  but veering off in different directions like a cat chasing a toy. Then it occurs to me that I haven’t had breakfast yet! I don’t have as many obligations these days, but I function better with some scheduling. Since stopping some of my volunteer work, this has been a struggle. A day when I have an appointment–even a dental one–gives me form and focus to the day. I will finish chores quickly because I need to be ready to leave. But when I come home, I feel like I’ve done something worthwhile already, and I don’t really want to start any big jobs. If I haven’t assigned  myself to query an agent with my book or some other specific task, I will be bouncing again between Instagram and the notes on my desk. 





See why I need to be more present? 









Photo by Nicole Queiroz on Pexels.com










































	


	

			






	

		
Downsizing, Revising, and Realizing that Less Can Be More
	


	
	

		

“For me, decluttering and downsizing has caused shifts in my thinking and my habits. I don’t have to declutter; I choose to declutter.” Lisa Shultz, Lighter Living: Declutter. Organize. Simplify.





    As to my downsizing, I started before it was truly needed. I moved to a small house after my husband died to be close to at least one of my kids. I went through an agonizing (at times) series of decisions to sell the house, land, excavating and farm equipment  and many antiques and possessions that it took 40 years to collect. That move was not the end, however and a couple moves later, I am in a small apartment that feels cozy. I have to declutter at times, for in such a small space, a few items lying around look like a small tornado swept through.





   I gave up a yard, a garden, perfect branches for bird feeders and acres to walk. But downsizing also opened up more time for the slowing down that is needed, and happens whether you’re ready or not. I live in a building with a multitude of older people from 55 years old and beyond. I would have been very lonely in my home in the country by now and probably unable to keep the fields cared for and the grass mowed. I miss the horses we had, but I miss them as enormous pets with enormous appetites and involving a lot of care.





   Things change and you must change with them. if you don’’t, you will stay on the elliptical motion of day to day chores that go on and on, and become more and more difficult. 





  The downsizing has been down shifting. At a slower pace, I’m excited by the report that two ducks were spotted out front by our fish pond. I dash out to take a picture. I once had a very large pond and barely noticed the ducks in my busy years of working and raising a family. I watch for hummingbirds to return and study the fields to spot a new bird. I have dozens of pictures of the beautiful sunsets I see from my living room.





   So life is very different these day—but it is still beautiful. Be kind to yourself, and to your neighbors. Upsize your living as you downsize your life.





     










A new couple in our neighborhood. Next plan—see where they have a nest!

	


	

			








	

		
Marching Into April
	


	
	

		

Winter has overstayed its welcome,





It’s time to send it on its way.





Tired of harsh winds and weather,





We long for brighter days.





Bring on the green leaves and blossoms,





Let the grasses grow wild.





Dig in the dirt for gardens,





As soon as the temperature’s mild.












































	


	

			






	

		
What About Valentine’s Day?
	


	
			

				
			


			
	

		

I thought a lot about Valentine’s Day when I got up this morning. Mostly about grade school valentine boxes that were placed in the front of the room for all our valentines. At some later class we made our own. I didn’t like that because there it sat on your desk–waiting for someone to drop in a valentine–in front of everyone. It was sad for some who received only a few.





I always took vs enough for my whole class as my mother advised. It was agonizing to find just the right ones for some of my class–not too mushy–funny if possible for the boys.





As a teenager I hoped for a heart-shaped box of candy–a special sign of love. When I did receive one, I hid it from my mother for fear of her objections. I was not allowed to date yet.





Over the years, V Day meant different things at different times. My husband and I had little money to spare–but he never forgot–he often stopped on the way home from work at a local drugstore and found his valentine for me. A couple times, he wrote his own, and I’m happy to have saved them. I received flowers on my 10th anniversary and once on V Day when I was out of town working. Memories I will always cherish.





In our later years I was encouraged to buy what pleased me. “If you want flowers, we’ll get them.” But I’ll never forget the love in those handwritten lines.





There is so much hype over this day. I wonder how many people are sad, grieving, or heavy-hearted today. I wish all the love in the world to reach each of them. Turn the day around and give love to others. Maybe you should call your friend, your family member, that person at church who always seems alone. It may mean a lot to one person and there is much joy in the giving of joy.





Photo by Gergo Karolyi on Pexels.com

	


	

			






	

		
Word Choices
	


	
	

		
“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.” – John Keating



It is time for some family members, friends, and I to choose our WORDS for 2023. We have done this for several years and it’s always interesting to hear what others decide upon for the next twelve months.



Last year my word was persevere, which means to persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea or task in the face of obstacles or discouragement. I chose the word because I have many interests, but a hard time finishing some projects. I have two or three knitting projects that I have started and abandoned when other activities required my attention. Multitasking proudly most of my life, I have found that that is not my strong suit anymore.



Galatians 6:9 ESV And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. This verse was a motivator to me over a period of time.



Sometimes you have to stop and ask, “Why am I doing what I’m doing? Is it bringing joy to anyone or to me?” At this stage of life, I try to chose the activities that bring help and happiness to someone else as well as bringing me joy. Joy was my word a couple years ago. I feel I grew the year I chose that one. I gave up a couple things that had served their purpose, but were no longer accomplishing as much for others or bringing me satisfaction.



As far as perseverance, It helped me last year to stay on focus. In July, I had my first children’s book published after starting and laying the story aside for several years.



I can’t wait to hear your “WORD” and see what I can do with “presence”, my new word.I want to be more aware, more in tune with what is going on around me. Focus would have been another possibility for what I want to accomplish.



Seeking a slower, simpler life requires paying attention and being aware of surroundings so that my actions might have meaning.



My new cat, Beatrice, or Miss B. as I like to call her, is providing lots of playful fun for both of us. She finds great enjoyment in watching my wash spinning around in the washer or watching birds or fish on the TV or my computer. She is always “in the moment!”
#family#faith#lessonsoflife#poetry#humor



	


	

			






	

		
Christmas Lessons
	


	
	

		

I’m not speaking of the lessons of advent,





Or the lessons and carols that many churches present as part of the Christmas season.





I’m thinking of lessons that I have learned through 80 Christmases:





    

  1. Even during the difficult times in my life, something spiritual, even magical happens at this time of year.
    2. 




  2. A little spark of hope rises in me that is more insistent than usual.
    3. 




  3. You don’t need a “mountain top” experience to be able to tell you faith story. 
    4. 




  4. When God seemed to be not listening or absent, I learned that I could have wound up hurt or in trouble so many times without His help.My lessons were often in the form of a near accident I avoided, no injury in a violent environment, or a kind teacher that gave me advice, a ride, etc. It couldn’t all be coincidence.
    5. 




  5. As Christmas is seen faintly rising on the horizon, I am stirred to reflection and drawn to acts of kindness to others-my own, but by random persons as well. I love those stories. I especially like to see the acts of selflessness in people whom I don’t see as church people or religious. Something happens to all mankind–call it angels, magic, or “Pass-it-on” urgings; the results are the same. I like to recognize these kindnesses when I see them and thank the persons if possible.
    6. 




  6. We should grab a little of that spirit as you see it. Soon enough the Christmas season will be past.
    7. 




  7. Your stories can benefit others.
    8. 






Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com





Photo by Eugene Golovesov on Pexels.com