21 Comments
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Sara Jordan's avatar

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!

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Becoming supernatural is a wonderful commitment. You'll have to tell me what it entails as I may want to come along. Thanks for the welcome back. It's a good feeling.

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Toneybeth Clark's avatar

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.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thank you so much! Hearing how I make a difference really does solidify my desire to write again. Thank YOu for following me all these years.

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Kathleen Botsford's avatar

I am with you! I feel so jazzed about the coming year! Yes I have a lot to do to get back to writing and my art but I am so excited to get going again with all of the challenges in my daily life too. I try to go by Chris Northrup's rule that she may have taken from Mario Martinez about NOT stating our age because it plays into the whole ageism thing so suffice to say we would be close classmates! Can't wait to see what you create Lesley!!!

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Gail J. Mitchell's avatar

Missed you Leslie. Hope U R healing.....Gail

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Oh Gail, thank you. I AM much better today (maybe because the sun is shining.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Interesting about Northrup (and Martinez). I can see how that would be advantageous but then again, if more people of a certain age stated it, perhaps more people would pay attention. We of the elder persuasion have such a WEALTH of insight and knowledge to share and need to be heard.

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Judi Delgado's avatar

SO lovely to hear from you again! At 76, I understand the quandary. I’m still trying to figure out the future days myself. It will be nice to ride along with you.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Wonderful to hear from you. Isn't it wonderful that we get to figure it out? There's still that impatient teenager that wants to know now, tempered by the graceful wisdom we've gained.

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Jeri's avatar

Happy new year and new reinvention! We aren’t just old; we are wise and mature and know a thing or two! Art is rejuvenating and making art is an act of rebellion against stagnation and decay, so here’s to you and thank you for emerging from your cocoon!

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Lesley Riley's avatar

So well said, Jeri. It feels good to unfurl my writing wings again.

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CeCe Sullivan's avatar

Congratulations on embracing life at any age Lesley.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Yes!

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Gwen Delmore's avatar

I remember you, and I am delighted that you are writing again!

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks, Gwen.

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Lynda Heines's avatar

Lesley, This so resonates with me. I have also turned to writing more, and seeing my interests change and all the questions that seem to come with aging. I have this 70+ body but my brain says I'm 30. Who cares what I think or do? My revived interest in writing personal essays has put my art somewhat on the back burner although the spark is still there. Anyway, so glad to find you here, my friend, and looking forward to more of your writing. Love, Lynda

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks so much for coming along with Further to Fly. It's very special when I actually know my readers in person. So glad to hear you are writing, too. And yes, the body/brain thing is forever at odds, isn't it?

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Jean Goza's avatar

Awesome to have you back!

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thank you!

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Jan 8, 2024
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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thank you so much Emma. I’m glad it was a happy surprise. Maybe you signed up and promptly forgot since I never sent out an email after you signed up. It’s been a long while.

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