I’ve been redefining myself lately. Into what, I’m not sure but I’m now in my mid-60s and feel like I’m blooming into myself! In an effort to understand what’s happening I’ve been painting a variety of monsters (some of them friendly) and women and imaginary animals. Whatever is happening to me, it feels magical. The world is opening up, my senses are alive, and the wind blows through me.
This painting began when I wanted to paint a slightly overripe banana. Then it decided to be something else!
This is the first abstract painting I’ve done that I really like. When I was young, I loved Impressionism, which showed the world distorted by reality. Then I started painting dreams, landscapes, and still life – but I was always painting real people and objects. As I did this, I found I understood abstraction as the ultimate artwork that underpins realistic painting since there is always the need to consider the placement of objects, the texture of brush strokes.
Retirement is wonderful! I recommend for everybody. I abruptly retired from a stressful job as a speech-language pathologist in public schools because we were ordered to return to in-person schooling when vaccines weren’t available. I was 62 years old at the time and had asthma. Although I planned to work until 65 years of age, it seemed silly to risk death just as I was reaching retirement age. I had no idea of what I would do next.
At first I just enjoyed laying in bed, sometimes until noon, idly reading and journaling in a notebook. Then I realized I wanted to learn how to write better. I enrolled in a Masters program for Creative Writing at Towson University. It was fabulous! Not only did I improve my writing, but I found a community of writers. I was intellectually stimulated and met new friends. Many of them are younger than me with different perspectives and wisdom.
After graduating I continue to write poetry and short stories. I’m a journalist for the Peninsula Post, a local newspaper. I also draw cartoons, paint, and play guitar. It is amazing to have tons of time to create and socialize. I have energy for exercising and cooking healthy meals. Along with the time when I was raising my sons, retirement is the best period of my life.
During this time of chaos and turmoil, I find peace in the rough bark of trees, the dancing scurry of squirrels, the opera of birds, the sun on my face, the canvas of dark night and sparkling stars.
gaia mouse 