Day 256

The moon is spectacular. I stood outside and stared even though it was 42 degrees. I’m so happy that the clouds parted and there it was. Tonda told me to have patience. She reminded me how long I had been slip sliding away and, at my age, it does take longer. I am doing all the things my body needs to restore itself and that takes time. I need to celebrate the days when my energy lasts past noon!

Day 255

My candidate, Eric, is the new sheriff. I prefer to pay attention to local politics. At least I can understand what’s going on here. Not so much in the wider scene. Today is senior center lunch duty where I get to add compliments and comments to our diners in hopes of making their day brighter. It’s my job there. Later, Tonda wants to see me. It’s been ten months since I’ve been to the doctor. We communicate well together.

Day 254

I wrote the December Senior News column yesterday about surviving the holidays. Since I have a habit of doing whatever it is that I suggest, I’m looking forward to having wooden-wick candles to crackle and light up the early dark. I stay out of stores until after Christmas except to dash for groceries. Just can’t tolerate the hype, crowds, noise, and the frantic energy that drives some people. Our family tradition has always been low key and without stress.

Day 253

Yesterday went with no flashes of insight into my restless mood. Kelle called to suggest we find a creative project together while she is here. Maybe we will drive to Bandon and poke through their shops for an idea. I had a conversation about blight court and that the neighbors would probably be on the agenda. Not sure I want to be there and I want to know the outcome of the complaint. May a bright light shine today.

Day 252

Monday again. I want something new today, a new person, new activity, new interest in an old activity, something! I’m feeling stuck. Not domestic activity. A stimulating conversation would help. New ideas, new project. I’m waving my antennae at the Universe. My job is to stay conscious and open to opportunities that fly by. And they have to match my physical energy which is a sometime thing. This restlessness usually means I’m getting healthier. Maybe I will write goals.

Day 251

Yesterday’s early energy disappeared and I did get the cobwebs vacuumed from the porches. The day was spurts of doing followed by sitting. The walk was short and slow but I was outside walking. Today is All Saints Day at church. I’ll find a photo of Wendell to add since it was he who took me to St. Paul’s in the first place. No other agenda. I could write goals for November. That feels like a waste of time.

Day 250

Yesterday was the best one in the whole month! Had the senior news distributed by noon and puttered, long talk with Eileen, dug potatoes, pulled a few weeds. All good. Today is the last farmers’ market and I will miss the socializing and the fresh produce. The Russian red kale was my favorite this season. Makes a delicious salad with lemon and garlic. I’ll start the month with a brisk walk. The moon and stars tell the 44 degrees.

Senior News

Cultivate imagination, day dream. Buy a pack of crayons or colored pencils and doodle on a pad of paper. It’s fun to make random patterns or learn to zentangle. Sitting in front of the TV could be a time for exploring lines and spaces. Cut out magazine pictures and make a collage. That’s fun too. All it takes is scissors and paste. Find a time for silence.

Remember fantasies from childhood. Did you want to grow up to be and artist or a poet? It’s never too late to get started. Find a class that piques your interest. Be open to what’s going on in the community. Like to swim? Join a group and remember how much fun it is to be in the water. It’s good for socializing while exercising.

Eat new foods. Find new recipes. Share with friends. They probably have a favorite that they want to share with you. Better yet, share a meal. The produce workers will tell you about uses for vegetables that may not be familiar. Take a close look at the shelves on aisles you may not regularly see. There are choices that can spice up your cooking. Be bold.

Associate with creative people and brain storm ideas for projects individually or as a group. Visit art galleries and museums to see what makes you curious. Research is a creative process. Once I took art lessons at a gallery with children. It was a great way to learn the different art media and the kids didn’t mind that I was a bit older than they were.

Take a risk and find a new volunteer placement. Use your skills and talents in new ways with new people. Find out what’s available that suits your time and talents. Look some place that is completely different from anything you have already done. That’s the way to expand your experience of your community. Most non-profits depend on volunteers to provide their services. They are looking for you.

Exercise. Walking can be creative. Walk on different streets, take a camera, notice  seasonal changes. Get familiar with new neighborhoods. Invite a friend to walk with you. Find a walking group. Yoga will start you where you are. Yoga promotes a flexible mind in a flexible body. There are exercise classes at most senior centers that are free and fun while getting fit.

As long as we are alive, we are creative.