Since I am quite a bit older than you are, I know this story very well. But I have accepted the truth of an aging body and I plan around that. The less energy thing is a drag, but it is the way of things in the temporal world of bodies. Spirit and soul will always (ALWAYS) create endlessly.. That is the way of it. So, for me, I am still teaching (at 86) and painting, but just not as much. I sleep well at night and also take a nap most days where I SLEEP as well (this amazes me). Knowing your physical limits and working around them is how you still grab the creativity you want to manifest. My focus is NOT on what I no longer did when I was younger, but on what I AM doing now. It's working for me! Wishing all of you that are facing this, to consider what I am sharing here! By the way, I LOVE this line you wrote: " I ponder and flit, dabble and drift." Love to you, Lesley!
Thanks Lynne. You have always inspired me and continue to do so. The creative spirit knows no boundaries. It's one of the best incentives to stay in shape and it certainly keeps our minds sharp. Kudos to you.
Amazing Article. This is ME now at this time in my life. I turn 80 in 5 more days and I have slowed down but my mind is still full of so many things. My position now rests in "What do I really want to do at this point? Why do I want to do this? Who am I doing this for?"
I no longer feel the need to want to please other artists, and why did I feel this way in the first place?
Some days I really don't want to do anything and need the break to re-gather my self. There are piles and boxes of STUFF in my studio. What will I do with all of that? Wonder what my children will think of their mother when they have to decide how to dispose of all of this. MY TREASURES!!!
I am not stopping or giving up. There is still time to create and that is what I plan to do for now.
This time though, it will be just for me and my creative pleasure, no pressure, no deadlines, no pleasing anyone but ME!
Thank you for this post, totally my feelings exactly!
Happy Birthday, Alyce! Congratulations! Yes, we do it for ourselves, including the breaks. I find myself listening to my body more and more, like a well-oiled machine we have to give it a rest. I donated a lot of stuff to the art teacher at a middle school once. She was amazed at how much and it hardly made a dent. I see it as a way to inspire young minds. Enjoy your 80th year xox
Thank You, Lesley. We have become "good friends" over this long art adventure we share. Although it is just from page to page and mostly your inspiration, I have always appreciated your generous ideas and responses to my queries. Thanks for the Birthday wish, it is a big one. I will do my best to enjoy all of these days as my husband and I do the last dance together in this life.
I love your honesty in this piece and also the great tips you've provided. I've slowed down too, but came from a family where the question every night at dinner was "And what did you do of any consequence today?" So, my focus is always about not squandering my time on the planet, but sometimes, I just need to cut myself some slack. :)
I didn't have the nightly question but I sure acquired a self-imposed "be productive" motto. As you say, I too, think it's time to cut myself some slack.
Thank you, Lesley, for this amazing insight into your experience. It’s mine too as I approach the age of 72 in October. You have given us much to consider today. So appreciate.
Oh the clarity! You reflect my thoughts and feelings these last weeks. Less eloquently- feeling I lost my “mojo”,adrift in a sea of starting and discarding a series of projects, rather impatiently waiting for the rhythm and inner peace to happily move me forward. I will try your suggestions. Thanks for giving this voice in your words
I know those feelings well and have learned that you have to ride them out. That's when I turn to my vast pile of unread books. I find they inspire me in other ways while teaching me a thing or two. I hope my suggestions help you find your mojo soon.
I see we are not the only ones...Lynne's insights below see very pertinent. I found myself aware of having to slow down, both with the pandemic and the political situation. I am working, also, on focusing on the positive aspects of my life-after-downsizing, remembering my past adventures with fondness, and doing best I can with what I have left... Working first thing in the morning when I have the most energy is best for creative work...I do need to find another long-term project to lend coherence to my days and weeks...having found it yet, but just manipulating paper and fiber and words and ideas seems to help my mood...even as my vision continues to deteriorate.
Working in the morning is very smart and productive. I know that from experience but don't always use the time to my advantage. You hit upon my top items, paper and fiber and words and ideas. How about collaged, articulated cardboard figures/dolls. I don't know if you are the one who taught, but it was a project I loved.
I did have my paper doll teaching phase...now I tend to keep my figures in smallish sketch books, around 9" x 7"...I'll just keep making small things until I'm captured by an idea. It helps to have the project of making small dolls for the local Fine Arts Center's holiday show...my new kitchen island functions as a project center now.
It's Monday and I get to check in with you! Yes the monkey mind of an artist can be a gift and a curse. I use Google Keep which I update in the morning. I've learned to make the list realistic and when I feel myself going down a rabbit whole, I check the list and decide if this is a day for a rabbit hole?
Google Keep sounds wonderful but I definitely enjoy the tactile and visual process of collecting all my inspiration and ideas in journals. They are so fun to look back on. I just may try Keep, though, because it never hurts to make a list. Thanks for the idea.
Great post Lesley. Describes me to a t! I find myself scattered at times...I think because I like doing many different art and craft forms that it's the sheer nature of me. I envy sometimes the people who have one hobby(hubby with his piano) and truly focus just on that...and know fully the sheer joy I get from "making" in any way, shape or form. It's just how many of our minds work.
Your idea on the list helps me...until I lose my list! I think I will have a cork board again close to where I like to work and write the list there.
I'm 72 and I did declutter a lot of my art and crafting supplies a few years ago and thoroughly organized it (by writing down exactly what was in each box ) which enables me now to be able to have an idea of what I want to do and know exactly where that supply is. Big win for me there.
Thank you for your great posts...they really help. Eva
Years ago, a well-respected artist told me she sees me as a Renaissance woman "a person with many talents or areas of knowledge."It's such a positive way of defining someone who has many ways of creating. It's OK to express ourselves in many ways, forms and materials. Kudos to you for organizing everything. I SO need to do that.
Oh Lesley...I just LOVE the "Renaissance woman" quote...that puts a whole different slant on it, doesn't it! Will use that! Thank you! I must say, the organizing of my supplies and writing down everything in the box in large letters and black markers...was a real game changer! It's not fun in the beginning to go through all the stuff but the time saved from that point on is priceless!
Your are so giving to expose yourself so honestly and along with all if these wonderful comments everyone else has contributes, I am so relieved. I am normal after all! Having just turned 73 in the first of August and living alone, now after a lifetime with a wonderful man and four children . I am struggling with how to pace myself. I know what I want to focus on yet so many things, keep me from doing those creative things I waited my entire life to have time to do. Often I find myself giving I. To that afternoon nap mostly to overcome the frustration! Old age should not be this way! You all give me hope that this too shall pass and we just have to roll with it. So I am in the prices of boxing and labeling and keeping a corresponding notebook so all of my treasures are easily found when I finish the process of the last re-organization I will probably ever do in my lifetime. It is making me feel as if I am in control again!
Teresa, it means so much to me for you to share how my words made you feel relieved. You are not alone as you now know. Thank you, not only for reading Further to Fly, but for sharing what it meant for you. I'd write if nobody ever read my words, but it's always heartening to know that people do.
Thank you for these comments, too, Lesley! I have followed your work for years…and you have inspired me always with all that you have done and this column is yet another example of how you share and the impact you have on others without maybe realizing how far reaching your impact actually is.
I’m with you on this one, just another excited pup! But what a blessing, right? I’ve been through times when, for a lot of different reasons, my creative well was bone dry and so empty I thought it might fill in and disappear, and take me with it . And, I’ll take a wall covered in post-it noted ideas over that any day.
It is a biorhythm thing. Remember, that book? We all have energy cycles and we can be kind to ourselves and let our bodies and mind rest for one hour during the afternoon. It is OK. I totally give you permission. Ha ha ha. Bob Hope took many 10 min naps and then, would continue on. Eleanor Roosevelt took short naps to renew as she had an exhausting schedule and was often up until midnight every day writing.
Yes, the biorhythms! I will have a wonderful energetic day and think I'm on a roll and then the next day is an uphill kind of day. I do the 4 pm rest - no naps - takes me 1/2 hr or more to fall asleep, so the reading or TV rest helps a lot.
Wonderful article. I find myself dragging at around 2. I fight not to take a nap. At almost 74 I say I'm too young to take naps, but often just can't stay awake!! I've started writing ideas on notecards and putting them in my new wooden box. I have sections for my art, my writing, and my genealogy. I go to the file instead of going through one of the many notebooks. I've found it much easier to go through notecards. Regarding my art, I spend a lot of time overwhelmed by all the fabric I've created but not used. My writing, on the other hand, not so much. I'm always running into ideas to write about. Lots of good food for thought today. Thanks, Lesley!
The wooden box idea is great. I used that once or twice when writing a book. My mom taught me back in 3rd grade when I was writing an essay. It won a prize! Great method for keeping your thoughts straight. Re: the fabric. We are so alike. I make it for the fun of it and my pile is growing.
Great post and great advice, thanks, Lesley. I have always worked on several projects at a time but only recently come to welcome and even celebrate this. It lets the mind roam free and make connections. I rely on yoga for the switching off - it’s relaxing but in my work ethic still counts as ‘doing something’!
Thank you for your wonderful ideas! I enjoyed reading the comments as I just turned the corner into the 80's. I have finally decided that I can do what makes me happy. Less then I used to do but I am still choosing to sign up to do fun things!
Since I am quite a bit older than you are, I know this story very well. But I have accepted the truth of an aging body and I plan around that. The less energy thing is a drag, but it is the way of things in the temporal world of bodies. Spirit and soul will always (ALWAYS) create endlessly.. That is the way of it. So, for me, I am still teaching (at 86) and painting, but just not as much. I sleep well at night and also take a nap most days where I SLEEP as well (this amazes me). Knowing your physical limits and working around them is how you still grab the creativity you want to manifest. My focus is NOT on what I no longer did when I was younger, but on what I AM doing now. It's working for me! Wishing all of you that are facing this, to consider what I am sharing here! By the way, I LOVE this line you wrote: " I ponder and flit, dabble and drift." Love to you, Lesley!
Love your focus Lynne. Well done.
Thanks Lynne. You have always inspired me and continue to do so. The creative spirit knows no boundaries. It's one of the best incentives to stay in shape and it certainly keeps our minds sharp. Kudos to you.
Many thanks. One always want to help, I think and with you and me, it has certainly worked both ways.
Amazing Article. This is ME now at this time in my life. I turn 80 in 5 more days and I have slowed down but my mind is still full of so many things. My position now rests in "What do I really want to do at this point? Why do I want to do this? Who am I doing this for?"
I no longer feel the need to want to please other artists, and why did I feel this way in the first place?
Some days I really don't want to do anything and need the break to re-gather my self. There are piles and boxes of STUFF in my studio. What will I do with all of that? Wonder what my children will think of their mother when they have to decide how to dispose of all of this. MY TREASURES!!!
I am not stopping or giving up. There is still time to create and that is what I plan to do for now.
This time though, it will be just for me and my creative pleasure, no pressure, no deadlines, no pleasing anyone but ME!
Thank you for this post, totally my feelings exactly!
Happy Birthday, Alyce! Congratulations! Yes, we do it for ourselves, including the breaks. I find myself listening to my body more and more, like a well-oiled machine we have to give it a rest. I donated a lot of stuff to the art teacher at a middle school once. She was amazed at how much and it hardly made a dent. I see it as a way to inspire young minds. Enjoy your 80th year xox
Thank You, Lesley. We have become "good friends" over this long art adventure we share. Although it is just from page to page and mostly your inspiration, I have always appreciated your generous ideas and responses to my queries. Thanks for the Birthday wish, it is a big one. I will do my best to enjoy all of these days as my husband and I do the last dance together in this life.
I love your honesty in this piece and also the great tips you've provided. I've slowed down too, but came from a family where the question every night at dinner was "And what did you do of any consequence today?" So, my focus is always about not squandering my time on the planet, but sometimes, I just need to cut myself some slack. :)
I didn't have the nightly question but I sure acquired a self-imposed "be productive" motto. As you say, I too, think it's time to cut myself some slack.
Thank you, Lesley, for this amazing insight into your experience. It’s mine too as I approach the age of 72 in October. You have given us much to consider today. So appreciate.
You're just a month ahead of me. I'm glad you found the post useful. Thanks for your comment.
Oh the clarity! You reflect my thoughts and feelings these last weeks. Less eloquently- feeling I lost my “mojo”,adrift in a sea of starting and discarding a series of projects, rather impatiently waiting for the rhythm and inner peace to happily move me forward. I will try your suggestions. Thanks for giving this voice in your words
I know those feelings well and have learned that you have to ride them out. That's when I turn to my vast pile of unread books. I find they inspire me in other ways while teaching me a thing or two. I hope my suggestions help you find your mojo soon.
I see we are not the only ones...Lynne's insights below see very pertinent. I found myself aware of having to slow down, both with the pandemic and the political situation. I am working, also, on focusing on the positive aspects of my life-after-downsizing, remembering my past adventures with fondness, and doing best I can with what I have left... Working first thing in the morning when I have the most energy is best for creative work...I do need to find another long-term project to lend coherence to my days and weeks...having found it yet, but just manipulating paper and fiber and words and ideas seems to help my mood...even as my vision continues to deteriorate.
Working in the morning is very smart and productive. I know that from experience but don't always use the time to my advantage. You hit upon my top items, paper and fiber and words and ideas. How about collaged, articulated cardboard figures/dolls. I don't know if you are the one who taught, but it was a project I loved.
I did have my paper doll teaching phase...now I tend to keep my figures in smallish sketch books, around 9" x 7"...I'll just keep making small things until I'm captured by an idea. It helps to have the project of making small dolls for the local Fine Arts Center's holiday show...my new kitchen island functions as a project center now.
It's Monday and I get to check in with you! Yes the monkey mind of an artist can be a gift and a curse. I use Google Keep which I update in the morning. I've learned to make the list realistic and when I feel myself going down a rabbit whole, I check the list and decide if this is a day for a rabbit hole?
Google Keep sounds wonderful but I definitely enjoy the tactile and visual process of collecting all my inspiration and ideas in journals. They are so fun to look back on. I just may try Keep, though, because it never hurts to make a list. Thanks for the idea.
Great post Lesley. Describes me to a t! I find myself scattered at times...I think because I like doing many different art and craft forms that it's the sheer nature of me. I envy sometimes the people who have one hobby(hubby with his piano) and truly focus just on that...and know fully the sheer joy I get from "making" in any way, shape or form. It's just how many of our minds work.
Your idea on the list helps me...until I lose my list! I think I will have a cork board again close to where I like to work and write the list there.
I'm 72 and I did declutter a lot of my art and crafting supplies a few years ago and thoroughly organized it (by writing down exactly what was in each box ) which enables me now to be able to have an idea of what I want to do and know exactly where that supply is. Big win for me there.
Thank you for your great posts...they really help. Eva
Years ago, a well-respected artist told me she sees me as a Renaissance woman "a person with many talents or areas of knowledge."It's such a positive way of defining someone who has many ways of creating. It's OK to express ourselves in many ways, forms and materials. Kudos to you for organizing everything. I SO need to do that.
Oh Lesley...I just LOVE the "Renaissance woman" quote...that puts a whole different slant on it, doesn't it! Will use that! Thank you! I must say, the organizing of my supplies and writing down everything in the box in large letters and black markers...was a real game changer! It's not fun in the beginning to go through all the stuff but the time saved from that point on is priceless!
Your are so giving to expose yourself so honestly and along with all if these wonderful comments everyone else has contributes, I am so relieved. I am normal after all! Having just turned 73 in the first of August and living alone, now after a lifetime with a wonderful man and four children . I am struggling with how to pace myself. I know what I want to focus on yet so many things, keep me from doing those creative things I waited my entire life to have time to do. Often I find myself giving I. To that afternoon nap mostly to overcome the frustration! Old age should not be this way! You all give me hope that this too shall pass and we just have to roll with it. So I am in the prices of boxing and labeling and keeping a corresponding notebook so all of my treasures are easily found when I finish the process of the last re-organization I will probably ever do in my lifetime. It is making me feel as if I am in control again!
Teresa, it means so much to me for you to share how my words made you feel relieved. You are not alone as you now know. Thank you, not only for reading Further to Fly, but for sharing what it meant for you. I'd write if nobody ever read my words, but it's always heartening to know that people do.
Thank you for these comments, too, Lesley! I have followed your work for years…and you have inspired me always with all that you have done and this column is yet another example of how you share and the impact you have on others without maybe realizing how far reaching your impact actually is.
I’m with you on this one, just another excited pup! But what a blessing, right? I’ve been through times when, for a lot of different reasons, my creative well was bone dry and so empty I thought it might fill in and disappear, and take me with it . And, I’ll take a wall covered in post-it noted ideas over that any day.
I do feel like an excited pup many times. It's great to think that "we GET to" vs have to. Let's continue to run with it!
It is a biorhythm thing. Remember, that book? We all have energy cycles and we can be kind to ourselves and let our bodies and mind rest for one hour during the afternoon. It is OK. I totally give you permission. Ha ha ha. Bob Hope took many 10 min naps and then, would continue on. Eleanor Roosevelt took short naps to renew as she had an exhausting schedule and was often up until midnight every day writing.
Yes, the biorhythms! I will have a wonderful energetic day and think I'm on a roll and then the next day is an uphill kind of day. I do the 4 pm rest - no naps - takes me 1/2 hr or more to fall asleep, so the reading or TV rest helps a lot.
I always take a one hour nap between 3 & 5 and it renews me for the evening. I get my 2nd wind. Should try Naps. I love them. LOL
Wonderful article. I find myself dragging at around 2. I fight not to take a nap. At almost 74 I say I'm too young to take naps, but often just can't stay awake!! I've started writing ideas on notecards and putting them in my new wooden box. I have sections for my art, my writing, and my genealogy. I go to the file instead of going through one of the many notebooks. I've found it much easier to go through notecards. Regarding my art, I spend a lot of time overwhelmed by all the fabric I've created but not used. My writing, on the other hand, not so much. I'm always running into ideas to write about. Lots of good food for thought today. Thanks, Lesley!
The wooden box idea is great. I used that once or twice when writing a book. My mom taught me back in 3rd grade when I was writing an essay. It won a prize! Great method for keeping your thoughts straight. Re: the fabric. We are so alike. I make it for the fun of it and my pile is growing.
Great post and great advice, thanks, Lesley. I have always worked on several projects at a time but only recently come to welcome and even celebrate this. It lets the mind roam free and make connections. I rely on yoga for the switching off - it’s relaxing but in my work ethic still counts as ‘doing something’!
Thanks, Julie. It sounds like you have a good practice going. I, too, enjoy the mind-roaming time. I think it's critical for an artist and maker.
Thank you for your wonderful ideas! I enjoyed reading the comments as I just turned the corner into the 80's. I have finally decided that I can do what makes me happy. Less then I used to do but I am still choosing to sign up to do fun things!
Good for you, Peggy. Using your elder wisdom and doing what makes you happy. 80 and far to go. COngratulations!