Happy Anniversary Alisa. It’s a grand accomplishment. Send me the story if you can. We celebrate our 54th in 10 days. I hope we get 70 or more like you. Take care with that flu. A book sounds perfect.
I am 74 and find this to be true. I find joy in making, joy in studying to do better. I am also at a point in my life that I do not have to prove to anyone that I am an artist. I can say that freely. That took years. It also took the pleasure out of art when I could not say it. I am lucky to be able to do art. Yes, I ache from time to time. I have moments when I have to get a rest. But what keeps me wanting to get up, exercise, eat well, and move is getting to my creative self. I am a happy person to find this simple joy in life.
I will be 72 in July, your words today have already been very helpful to reset my thinking. So I thank you and promise myself to do better at making my art a priority. Since retiring I have resisted making myself adhere to a schedule, but I find more painting gets done. I admit that watching videos and researching techniques isn’t the same as brush and paint on the paper. Those activities are enjoyable but only cerebral. Even though my to do list for today is already pretty full, and I have to be out of the house within the hour I’m making a promise to myself and the universe that there will be paint on paper when I get home. Thank you for the motivation. 🥰
At our age, some days are for watching and some for doing. If I have a productive day, the next day is usually a rest day. Sunshine and warmth help fuel my energy too. Hope you got that paint on paper.
I am 75 and I create for the simple enjoyment and satisfaction. I am thankful for the time I have and try my best to use it wisely…doing what brings me peace and contentment. I play pickleball with friends, go to the gym 3-4 times per week, counsel women through my church and feel more blessed to be able to use the days God has given me doing things I enjoy.
Yes, we all need to part with this rushed mentality that has consumed us in yeras-decades past. I am still young at 48 but I want to make it to my 70s! And I want to have had a plethora of joyful days to look back on, tons of art and creations to recall. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I rarely comment but am always reading and enjoying you and your art for years now. I love seeing all the 70 plus in the comments as well. Life does not end as we age.
I've been thinking like that lately too. I'll be 70 in September and have more years ahead than behind. So I decided to slow down and just take life as it comes. Now I feel at peace for the first time in my life.
I am about to turn 70. My life is filled with worry these days. My husband is very sick and with no doubt in mind, will continue to get worse everyday. He has MS.
You have shared that your art journey began while you were in the throes of child rearing and caring for your father. How did you find the time? Everyday more and more tasks become mine. This is besides the care required for him. Unfortunately, he is suffering from depression and anxiety. These feelings are completely understandable. I wake with a smile which very quickly turns into a worried look.
Sorry to be so depressing, but I am sure there are artists who are also facing caretaking at our age. When we love so deeply it seems like everything else gets pushed aside.
Ellen, I am very sorry to hear this difficult news and to see the difficult situation you are experiencing. I send my loving thoughts.
How I did it: I realized that while no wide swaths of time would open up, I could steal every 5 or 10 minutes that did. They do add up. Knowing that I was doing something, anything, towards my art goals kept me going. Maybe this will help a bit - https://vimeo.com/lesleyriley/makingtime?share=copy
You posted this on my 72nd birthday, Lesley, and I'm finally finding it now! Thank you so much for this wise and delightful birthday present. I'm ordering "No Time to Spare" right now, a belated birthday present for myself. 🙏
This is a lovely post. This is something I've been working on lately. It seems like no matter how early I wake up and how late I go to bed, there is not enough time to do all that I want to do each day. Unfortunately, right now, by the time I get to my art, I'm exhausted and can't focus. I feel I have to spend my daylight time with garden/outside work. I'm still trying to figure it out, but I'm hopeful and this post helped me with the anxiety it has been causing. ~*~
How about gardening an hour later after you get some art done. I spent many years creating in short bursts. Those short periods do add up. Thanks for writing.
So much here to think about Lesley. But I am finding these days that I have few words to give. I don’t know why this is so. But here I am, and still reading your lovely, powerful essays…. I would argue that all of the things that essays attempt to do…communication, convey, embellish…can be applied to any art. And isn’t that wonderful. Thank you Lesley.
Timely essay for me to read! I, too and no surprise, often feel I have to finish my chores before I can go to the studio. I noticed this several years ago and I made friends with it by incorporating it into my preparation ritual. I need a certain amount of time to move from my analytical brain to my creative brain, so a few household chores, get my person ready, make a lunch and out the door I go. It works....most days and I'm okay with that. Time is different these days; I have both more time because I'm not working and my family is raised and on their own and less time because I'm 73 (almost) and well, I'm getting old! And, I think about time a lot these days. As in, how much do I have left? A frightening question and one which has no answer....but boy it loams doesn't it? For today, I finish my morning ritual here at home and then make my way to the studio where I have no pressing agenda. We'll see what creative fun I can create!!
Thank you dear Lesley for getting us thinking at the beginning of the day! Number one for me is our seventieth wedding anniversary next week and what the local paper has written about our story. The paper comes out tomorrow. Number two how to rest up and recover from a nasty bout of the flu. I think I'll lie on the couch and read a good book. Further to Fly is so inspiring. Bless you for that.
My comment disappeared. Happy Anniversary! Hope you are recovered from the flu. It is so bad this year. Please send me a copy of the newspaper article if you can. Or a photo. Have a lovely fall.
Yes, yes. I myself always ‘rush’ to ‘love’, love more, love differently, intimately, expansively, love my children, love strangers, love lovers, but not only humans, but nature, events, spaces. Life and creations. I should let it be sometimes, and just be. It’s exhausting. These constant daily ‘attempts’.
I'll be 72 in May...the thing that pops into my head is- why did it take so long for me to be more authentic? I think that everyday life distracts us- work, meals, taking care of children, paying bills, laundry, cleaning...etc! At this point I am doing very little of that and doing whatever I want at the moment- it's liberating!
I've got tht book on hold at my library- thanks!!!
Happy Anniversary Alisa. It’s a grand accomplishment. Send me the story if you can. We celebrate our 54th in 10 days. I hope we get 70 or more like you. Take care with that flu. A book sounds perfect.
I am 74 and find this to be true. I find joy in making, joy in studying to do better. I am also at a point in my life that I do not have to prove to anyone that I am an artist. I can say that freely. That took years. It also took the pleasure out of art when I could not say it. I am lucky to be able to do art. Yes, I ache from time to time. I have moments when I have to get a rest. But what keeps me wanting to get up, exercise, eat well, and move is getting to my creative self. I am a happy person to find this simple joy in life.
Thanks for your comment, Pat. It sounds like you and making the best of your 70s. Creativity is so healthy and healing.
I will be 72 in July, your words today have already been very helpful to reset my thinking. So I thank you and promise myself to do better at making my art a priority. Since retiring I have resisted making myself adhere to a schedule, but I find more painting gets done. I admit that watching videos and researching techniques isn’t the same as brush and paint on the paper. Those activities are enjoyable but only cerebral. Even though my to do list for today is already pretty full, and I have to be out of the house within the hour I’m making a promise to myself and the universe that there will be paint on paper when I get home. Thank you for the motivation. 🥰
At our age, some days are for watching and some for doing. If I have a productive day, the next day is usually a rest day. Sunshine and warmth help fuel my energy too. Hope you got that paint on paper.
I am 75 and I create for the simple enjoyment and satisfaction. I am thankful for the time I have and try my best to use it wisely…doing what brings me peace and contentment. I play pickleball with friends, go to the gym 3-4 times per week, counsel women through my church and feel more blessed to be able to use the days God has given me doing things I enjoy.
You’re doing some wonderful things for yourself and others. Thanks for writing.
Yes, we all need to part with this rushed mentality that has consumed us in yeras-decades past. I am still young at 48 but I want to make it to my 70s! And I want to have had a plethora of joyful days to look back on, tons of art and creations to recall. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I rarely comment but am always reading and enjoying you and your art for years now. I love seeing all the 70 plus in the comments as well. Life does not end as we age.
Thanks so much for your comment. Just know you’re out there reason makes me happy.
I've been thinking like that lately too. I'll be 70 in September and have more years ahead than behind. So I decided to slow down and just take life as it comes. Now I feel at peace for the first time in my life.
Being at peace is a wonderful feeling. It’s our time now. So glad you’re coming to Ghost Ranch.
Me too..can't wait to spend time with you!
I am about to turn 70. My life is filled with worry these days. My husband is very sick and with no doubt in mind, will continue to get worse everyday. He has MS.
You have shared that your art journey began while you were in the throes of child rearing and caring for your father. How did you find the time? Everyday more and more tasks become mine. This is besides the care required for him. Unfortunately, he is suffering from depression and anxiety. These feelings are completely understandable. I wake with a smile which very quickly turns into a worried look.
Sorry to be so depressing, but I am sure there are artists who are also facing caretaking at our age. When we love so deeply it seems like everything else gets pushed aside.
Ellen, I am very sorry to hear this difficult news and to see the difficult situation you are experiencing. I send my loving thoughts.
How I did it: I realized that while no wide swaths of time would open up, I could steal every 5 or 10 minutes that did. They do add up. Knowing that I was doing something, anything, towards my art goals kept me going. Maybe this will help a bit - https://vimeo.com/lesleyriley/makingtime?share=copy
Reach out whenever you feel the need, my friend.
You posted this on my 72nd birthday, Lesley, and I'm finally finding it now! Thank you so much for this wise and delightful birthday present. I'm ordering "No Time to Spare" right now, a belated birthday present for myself. 🙏
A belated Happy Birthday to you, Karen. Wishing you more time and joy as you explore your new year.
This is a lovely post. This is something I've been working on lately. It seems like no matter how early I wake up and how late I go to bed, there is not enough time to do all that I want to do each day. Unfortunately, right now, by the time I get to my art, I'm exhausted and can't focus. I feel I have to spend my daylight time with garden/outside work. I'm still trying to figure it out, but I'm hopeful and this post helped me with the anxiety it has been causing. ~*~
How about gardening an hour later after you get some art done. I spent many years creating in short bursts. Those short periods do add up. Thanks for writing.
So much here to think about Lesley. But I am finding these days that I have few words to give. I don’t know why this is so. But here I am, and still reading your lovely, powerful essays…. I would argue that all of the things that essays attempt to do…communication, convey, embellish…can be applied to any art. And isn’t that wonderful. Thank you Lesley.
Thanks for letting me know you’re here, even when words fail. Good comparison with an essay and any art.
Timely essay for me to read! I, too and no surprise, often feel I have to finish my chores before I can go to the studio. I noticed this several years ago and I made friends with it by incorporating it into my preparation ritual. I need a certain amount of time to move from my analytical brain to my creative brain, so a few household chores, get my person ready, make a lunch and out the door I go. It works....most days and I'm okay with that. Time is different these days; I have both more time because I'm not working and my family is raised and on their own and less time because I'm 73 (almost) and well, I'm getting old! And, I think about time a lot these days. As in, how much do I have left? A frightening question and one which has no answer....but boy it loams doesn't it? For today, I finish my morning ritual here at home and then make my way to the studio where I have no pressing agenda. We'll see what creative fun I can create!!
I understand the pattern. You DO get to the studio and and are accomplishing so many great things.
Thank you dear Lesley for getting us thinking at the beginning of the day! Number one for me is our seventieth wedding anniversary next week and what the local paper has written about our story. The paper comes out tomorrow. Number two how to rest up and recover from a nasty bout of the flu. I think I'll lie on the couch and read a good book. Further to Fly is so inspiring. Bless you for that.
My comment disappeared. Happy Anniversary! Hope you are recovered from the flu. It is so bad this year. Please send me a copy of the newspaper article if you can. Or a photo. Have a lovely fall.
I’m 77 and I so relate this was great. Have a blessed day in Jesus
Thanks, Sandra. And thank you for reading.
So relatable, thank you for this!
Thank you for reading and commenting, Judith.
Yes, yes. I myself always ‘rush’ to ‘love’, love more, love differently, intimately, expansively, love my children, love strangers, love lovers, but not only humans, but nature, events, spaces. Life and creations. I should let it be sometimes, and just be. It’s exhausting. These constant daily ‘attempts’.
Thank you for this beautiful piece Lesley.
Let’s always remember to slow down and take our time. xox
I'll be 72 in May...the thing that pops into my head is- why did it take so long for me to be more authentic? I think that everyday life distracts us- work, meals, taking care of children, paying bills, laundry, cleaning...etc! At this point I am doing very little of that and doing whatever I want at the moment- it's liberating!
I've got tht book on hold at my library- thanks!!!
Thanks for reading and liberating yourself, Kim. I hope you enjoy the book.