For the past two years, I have tried to find words to begin again, writing to you.  Next month I will celebrate a ‘big’ birthday, as I turn eighty years old. This is not surprising since many relatives have lived past ninety, it’s a good gene pool.  I believe that good health is earned. As I write this, I have no aches and pains, take no medicine, only vitamins.  This is remarkable. I know this will change. I try to prepare myself with good habits.

Most days, I work at exercising, meditating, and preparing healthy meals, consistency counts but in our culture, it is so easy to be distracted with news, streaming entertainment and social posts accessible at any time, always updating.

I have worked hard with professional resources to move forward and today, everyday, is a gift, I am at peace. And at times, even happy, usually with a paint brush or crayon in my hand.

I have had to resurrect myself into what feels like, a new life many times. It was that way when I moved at 33, from New York to Los Angeles, and 22 years later, from LA to Virginia. When I fell in love at 58, married and was widowed five years ago, grief was a powerful motivator.  I could not imagine having a different life, when it so abruptly ended in 2019. And then Covid.

I have a lot to share because my perspective is different, I am challenged, aging without a partner or family, but I have strong life skills in my tool kit and perseverance. I hope to write about my experiences pursuing a meaningful life now, no matter the depth of media chaos around me.  I hope that we will share this journey together.