On a Wing & a Prayer
a return to writing
Hello. I’ve been meaning to write but the year slipped away, or more apropos, flew by. I can list all the reasons why I stopped writing, but really, who cares? I’m here now if you’re still interested in what I have to say. I imagine you may have a quizzical look on your face saying, “I don’t know (or remember) this woman.”
I barely know myself sometimes. My looks change, my priorities change, my passions change and above all, my age continues to change.
When I turned 70 I had a good long talk with myself, actually it was with the negative side of myself that is always trying to take over -
I’m too old to matter.
Maybe I shouldn’t push myself so hard.
Is what I have to say about art, life and creativity relevant anymore?
Am I now just an invisible, irrelevant old woman?
“Invisible Women Syndrome is a real phenomenon. Many women complain the moment they turned 50, people stopped seeing them. People push past them in queues, men look through them, and shop assistants ignore them. Research confirms that even data ignores women over 50, focusing instead on women of reproductive age.” Emma Castle, 2022
WAIT? 50? What is happening with our culture? When did 50 become old? Turning 50 is when you finally become comfortable with who you are.
Dylan Thomas wrote, “Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” He was only 33 when he wrote that poem. Sadly, he died of pneumonia at the ripe old age of 39. I’m not one to rage, but there is no way I am going to define myself, nor be defined by my age. I have further to fly, and so do you.
There is still so much I want to do…plan to do…will do. I’ve already realized accepted that it’s going to take longer than it used to, that I’ll need more breaks, better organization and more self-control so I don’t flit as much. (Flitting can be exhausting.) It’s not going to be easy, (was it ever easy?), but the rewards are great and word has it that continuing to create helps us live longer.
I started writing this last year because I wanted to send it on Day 1 of this year, a commitment to my return to writing. It’s not the post I wanted to write (I’ve been sick), but the act of sending it is the goal I wanted to achieve. I’ll be back in your inbox soon with better writing, better stuff to share and feeling better.
And if you’re no longer in interested in what I have to say or share, then unsubscribe. That’s OK, too.
What a delight to see your writing in my inbox this morning! I can relate to sooooooo much of what you said -- actually all of it, including that I was sick recently! I am still trying to "find my way" as an elder; and, trying to manage my reactions to the "Am I invisible?" syndrome thing -- making progress on that one... This is a year of commitment to "Becoming Supernatural" for me and finding my place again in the making art world, via hand stitching. Welcome back to writing, Lesley, I'm excited to follow what all you'll have to say this year!
I have adored you and your art since you first appeared in my life. I esp. loved your no excuse approach to making art. You showed us photos of your bedroom art space where you managed to create magic. I love words and quotes so obviously adore you. I have all your books (I think). I'm so delighted that you have flown back to us. Thank you for years and years of JOY and inspiration.