There I am in the photo, top row with the orange scarf. I too enjoy your posts. I create art and teach art in Ashland, Oregon. Our garage is now my art studio. I love it in there. Art is divine. It heals, relaxes, opens up new doors. Yes, further to fly. Come visit if you’d like to see plays and see my art in person. Sending love and peace your way, Lesley.💕
I love your posts. They are authentic and clearly from the heart. And I so relate to what you share. After I retired and became a full time artist, I finally found what I was meant to be doing all along. It’s never too late!
I love your writings.....I pause and I remember and I think and I experience. Such good stuff! And it continues to amaze me how similar our path has been; I too was a "Candy Striper". Teenage volunteer in a hospital. I did the same tasks you did. For a long time, I thought that might be my path and even joined a Future Nurses of America group at my high school. Alas, or not, I was scheduled in the burn unit and just couldn't take it. I worked in the medical field as office, admin help and sat chairside for a dentist. What else do we have in common Lesley??
This is my favorite "Further to Fly" so far. The absolutely amazing thing is how much we have traveled this life so similar to each other. After my husband's first or second retirement, his "widow maker" heart attack that he survived and a bout with Prostate Cancer which he has also survived, I went to work for an OB/GYN office of all female doctors. It was the office I always wanted to work for. I did not get hired the first time, but "she", my competitor did not make the grade and I was called to start the next week. Loved it and learned so much. Then switched offices to another of the same ideas. Worked a combination of about 7 years. The office I first worked for said they had never seen anyone enjoy their work as much as I did. Guess I was good at it.
I always created art during these years, getting little snippets of time before work and on the weekends. Now I have the luxury of meandering through my studio all my days.
Retirement is good, old age is quite interesting, a sense of humor helps and my loving husband is keeping me company.
I definitely relate and some of my early life with volunteer and then paid work resembles yours. I have always cared for people, becoming a nurse and then, a nurse practitioner. Though retired now, I still offer assistance to someone disabled or appearing in need. And I’ve found my creativity in various ways including writing, quilting, fiber art, stained glass, cooking, baking, and other crafts. I also love reading and do that as much as possible. Life without caring and creativity would be awful.
Learn about this particular path of yours and also affirm the knowing of all the similarities. Relating to your why’s, not the hows.
Thank you for your ‘attention’, it is indeed a form of generosity that is so rich and potent. And knowing all that I know about you, your generosity comes up for me above all.
Thank you for this thoughtful, well written as always, and sweet sharing with us. One of your other forms of giving.
Your words always leave me speechless, whether in a comment or your wonderful, deep posts. Sometimes it's good to sit with the feelings instead of trying to turn them into words.
I beg to differ with Ms Betsy! Sometimes it is so difficult to line things out with the weight of the world on your shoulders! As a wife, a mother, a co-owner of the rural, family business, my perfect life has come to a dramatic end with the death of my loving husband of 55 years. My planning left so much to be desired and all I can think of is joining him. I’m so spent! There’s nothing left.
My condolences to you and your family. Your world has turned upside down. Yes, the option is there to throw in the towel. But, what if there is a tiny bit of truth in Lesley’s words about finding a deeper sense of who you truly are? ( beyond the obvious)
I want to encourage you to enter that space in your heart and explore why you are you. The grief will have a voice and the healing will have a fertile ground. Your perfect life was a solid stepping stone for what awaits you. We are all here , waiting to support you and see you heal♥️❤️♥️
Jimmie! I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Thank you for being so open about your struggles. You know I care, and it appears my readers do as well. I cherish the time we had together in Houston. Sending love and virtual hugs. I know you, and I know you will find the strength you need.
Thank you for caring. You have a beautiful community here. I’m not accustom to dealing with a community of caring women. I was raised in a small, rural cattle and rodeo community where I have always interacted with guys and my friends have been common friends with my husband of 55 years. This is all new territory. It’s just so overwhelming. Thank you, all of you for caring!
There I am in the photo, top row with the orange scarf. I too enjoy your posts. I create art and teach art in Ashland, Oregon. Our garage is now my art studio. I love it in there. Art is divine. It heals, relaxes, opens up new doors. Yes, further to fly. Come visit if you’d like to see plays and see my art in person. Sending love and peace your way, Lesley.💕
Hi Nancy, it’s nice to see you here! (I’m sitting behind Lesley in the photo.) 😊
Thanks for the invite, Nancy. If only I could truly fly.
I love your posts. They are authentic and clearly from the heart. And I so relate to what you share. After I retired and became a full time artist, I finally found what I was meant to be doing all along. It’s never too late!
Thank you, Betsy. Enjoy your art time!
I love your writings.....I pause and I remember and I think and I experience. Such good stuff! And it continues to amaze me how similar our path has been; I too was a "Candy Striper". Teenage volunteer in a hospital. I did the same tasks you did. For a long time, I thought that might be my path and even joined a Future Nurses of America group at my high school. Alas, or not, I was scheduled in the burn unit and just couldn't take it. I worked in the medical field as office, admin help and sat chairside for a dentist. What else do we have in common Lesley??
Thanks, Jan. It's no wonder we have so much in common—the Universe is big and mysterious, but it knows how to connect people.
I am also an INFJ! Took the test twice, same result. Apparently we're a bit rare - and clearly, a bit special :)
Yes. Knowing we are rare and special makes it easier to navigate, doesn't it? But only if I remember we are!
This is my favorite "Further to Fly" so far. The absolutely amazing thing is how much we have traveled this life so similar to each other. After my husband's first or second retirement, his "widow maker" heart attack that he survived and a bout with Prostate Cancer which he has also survived, I went to work for an OB/GYN office of all female doctors. It was the office I always wanted to work for. I did not get hired the first time, but "she", my competitor did not make the grade and I was called to start the next week. Loved it and learned so much. Then switched offices to another of the same ideas. Worked a combination of about 7 years. The office I first worked for said they had never seen anyone enjoy their work as much as I did. Guess I was good at it.
I always created art during these years, getting little snippets of time before work and on the weekends. Now I have the luxury of meandering through my studio all my days.
Retirement is good, old age is quite interesting, a sense of humor helps and my loving husband is keeping me company.
It is funny how much we have in common, including the loving husband and a sense of humor. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I definitely relate and some of my early life with volunteer and then paid work resembles yours. I have always cared for people, becoming a nurse and then, a nurse practitioner. Though retired now, I still offer assistance to someone disabled or appearing in need. And I’ve found my creativity in various ways including writing, quilting, fiber art, stained glass, cooking, baking, and other crafts. I also love reading and do that as much as possible. Life without caring and creativity would be awful.
I totally agree with your last sentence. Thanks so much for sharing your caring self.
Oh Leslie, this was beautiful to read. To
Learn about this particular path of yours and also affirm the knowing of all the similarities. Relating to your why’s, not the hows.
Thank you for your ‘attention’, it is indeed a form of generosity that is so rich and potent. And knowing all that I know about you, your generosity comes up for me above all.
Thank you for this thoughtful, well written as always, and sweet sharing with us. One of your other forms of giving.
Your words always leave me speechless, whether in a comment or your wonderful, deep posts. Sometimes it's good to sit with the feelings instead of trying to turn them into words.
Thank you for all you do! I'm looking forward to spending time with you at Ghost Ranch
Me, too!
I beg to differ with Ms Betsy! Sometimes it is so difficult to line things out with the weight of the world on your shoulders! As a wife, a mother, a co-owner of the rural, family business, my perfect life has come to a dramatic end with the death of my loving husband of 55 years. My planning left so much to be desired and all I can think of is joining him. I’m so spent! There’s nothing left.
My condolences to you and your family. Your world has turned upside down. Yes, the option is there to throw in the towel. But, what if there is a tiny bit of truth in Lesley’s words about finding a deeper sense of who you truly are? ( beyond the obvious)
I want to encourage you to enter that space in your heart and explore why you are you. The grief will have a voice and the healing will have a fertile ground. Your perfect life was a solid stepping stone for what awaits you. We are all here , waiting to support you and see you heal♥️❤️♥️
I hope you find new joy in creating. Life is worth living, sharing. Sending you peace and hope.
Thank you!
Jimmie! I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Thank you for being so open about your struggles. You know I care, and it appears my readers do as well. I cherish the time we had together in Houston. Sending love and virtual hugs. I know you, and I know you will find the strength you need.
Thank you for caring. You have a beautiful community here. I’m not accustom to dealing with a community of caring women. I was raised in a small, rural cattle and rodeo community where I have always interacted with guys and my friends have been common friends with my husband of 55 years. This is all new territory. It’s just so overwhelming. Thank you, all of you for caring!