Dear Friends,
With regard to the recent column titled The Prophecy, I would like to express regret for any unintended dismay caused by the ‘farewell’ message. Acting on the advice received from well-meaning individuals to lead a more leisurely life at the age of 80, I embraced their opinions, setting aside my path and beliefs. Mea culpa!
The influx of emails following the publishing of The Prophecy has been surprising and enlightening. The prevailing theme in peoples’ messages was centered around why one would consider stepping away from a ‘mission to inspire.’ During a long walk on a cold winter’s morn, a revelation rang in my heart like the crystal clear tone of a tiny Tibetan bell, reinforced by a subtle nudge from a Higher Power.
Let Us Incite Creativity, Not Fear
Yes, I recently turned eighty, yet I am youthful in spirit and am blessed with good health. We must reject the conventional wisdom that aging expects a ‘guarantee’ of ailments and mental decline. I witness people declare self-fulfilling prophecies that they will die early or be infirm and reside in a questionable nursing facility. Our thinking and the words we utter give absolute power to whatever we focus on; that focus can bring a nightmare into reality. The driving force behind this pessimism is our greatest enemy, FEAR. Our medical providers, the media, social media, stories, anecdotes, and misinformation from others provide the fodder for fear.
(I hasten to add that I am not suggesting people do not suffer as they age. I know brave individuals who are challenged daily just to breathe or walk without pain. But these strong people rise above their ailments and do whatever they can to continue to contribute, to pursue independence, to remain relevant. They do not dwell on their infirmities.)
My chosen path has me immersed in crafting my second memoir. With humor and poignancy, it will delve into the aging odyssey inspired by those brave people I just referenced. Being creative does not require being an artist. It is doing what you enjoy and as glorious as baking an apple pie, serving food from a church kitchen, knitting, and taking care of another in need. I could go on, but I know you understand.
Writing and creating painterly images are God’s gifts and integral to my life’s purpose. I am committed to continuing with Reflections. A spiritual calling guides the trajectory of my endeavors as I continue following this path.
The Gallery
Since we have no snow in New York State and expect a rainy Christmas day, I assembled a few favorite images of when snow fell, and winter’s bare architecture was transformed into a crystalline wonderland. The Winter Sunrise image at the top of the page, though not snowy, emerged suddenly while I sipped my morning mug of tea. You will see wonderment in the image of frozen wheat taken in Maine. My tripod sat on the deck at night under a full moon while I waited and waited for the camera’s shutter to release. No flash was used. There is a meditative ice image, also taken in Maine. And the snow-covered trees and branches are from my window, looking out at the woodlands surrounding my tree-house apartment. Finally, there is the Dove and Friend, who sat for a long time on a thin branch following a blizzard we have not seen since. Please enjoy!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May your blessings, good health, and joy be abundant. I will return in the New Year. With affection and gratitude…
Jari, you inspired me to look deeper! I did and realized how important this modest effort is to others and to me. This is my work and it brings joy. What madness it would be to walk away. Thank you, dear Friend! Love you ~ Lee Anne
Dear Lee Anne, You’re back! I couldn’t be happier! Your writing and photography put me up where I belong. Sharing your talent with others is indeed a blessing. Love, Jari