One of the things I appreciate about aging is the ability to look back and distinguish unique periods in my adult life.
My twenties and thirties were the best of times and the worst of times for me.
The best part was being mommy to Laurinda and Michael. I loved the years when they were young and I was a stay-at-home mom. I loved doing crafts with them, going to the library with them, and experiencing the magic of childhood with them. I loved being at home despite the fact that we were, I’ll be honest, financially poor. The worst of times? Those stories are bigger than I can write about here.
In my late thirties I entered, what I consider to be, my second act and my life changed completely.
Oh, there were still difficulties, but I felt more in control of the trajectory my life was on. I realized I had choices. I’ve grown stronger, happier, and more comfortable with my self with every year that goes by. The opinion of other people means less to me than it ever did before; I’m willing to do silly things just because I want to. Case in point: I spritzed myself with glitter before going to work this morning, and I wore sandals to show off my Caribbean-blue toenails even though it was pouring rain outside. I love being fifty-three years old!
I spend a lot of time thinking about third act these days.
Lord willing, in less than two years we will retire and return to Canada. Gerry and I have many conversations about our dream of living on a hobby farm with chickens, goats, gardens, and, best of all, our grandchildren nearby. We dream about living off the grid. Gerry dreams about golfing, playing hockey, and having time to enjoy using his telescope. I dream about having time to garden, cook, quilt, knit, and write. I also dream about having a bonfire and burning my detested, professional, black trouser socks so I can go barefoot or wear colorful fun-looking socks in the winter.
Wait a minute, you’re asking, what does any of this have to do with Friday Fave Five? I’m getting to that. Be patient with me! I’m fifty-three and entitled to a tangent now and then!
One of my favorite places to visit online is SecondAct. You. Part Two. and this week I found my new favorite garden blog on that site. (See the connection: second act; third act.)
Margaret Roach’s A Way to Garden has captivated my attention this week. I’ve had Margaret’s book, And I Shall Have Some Peace There, on my bedside table for a number of months now. I love, love, love the story of how she walked away from her career to live a life of solitude and gardening. Her story inspires me. The video on her book website inspires me. Her story, in many ways, is the story I hope to be telling in a few years.
One of my new favorite blogs is Random Thoughts From Midlife by Christine Grote. She shared a post this week that captivated me. It was just birds living their bird-life, but Christine took the time to push the pause button on all that was clamoring for her attention, take photos and videos, appreciate the moment, and share it all with her readers. Christine is living the life I hope to live in my third act.
Finally, check out Jody Hedlund’s post with reasons why writers should consider Pinterest. I love Pinterest and now I have a legitimate reason to spend time there. BTW, check out Jody’s boards next time you’re there. Check out my boards too!
On the book-front, I approved the interior proof of Two Hearts yesterday and look forward to receiving and approving the final (I hope) printed proof next week!
Okay, I’m walking away from the computer now and preparing to enjoy the weekend. You do the same!
Thanks for the shout-out, Linda. As I was reading the description of the life you yearn for, I thought, “That sounds about like my life.” And then you wrote, “Christine is living the life I hope to live in my third act.”
Like all the other “acts” this one has its downsides too: worry about whether our money will last, not as many social interactions that previously came from work and/or volunteer work through children’s activities, at times missing a sense of purpose or usefulness or connection to society. . . Of course I never worked outside the home once our children were born, so all of these things may be things you’re quite happy to do without having had your fill.
Mostly I love my life and am grateful for it.
Good luck with your book. I’ll be watching for it.