Inspired by a book

I needed something to read today. I chose an old favorite: Thendara House by Maroin Zimmer Bradley. It is about a group of women who chose to be together as independent women promising to make their own choices about their lives. I don't remember when I first read this series, but I have read it several times. Today I needed that reminder about making ones own choices. One reason is that too often I feel that since I have few outside commitments, I arrange my activities according to others' wishes. Others may not think so, but sometimes I do.

As I realize this (once again), I can work on my attitude and actions. Changing that attitude isn't easy. I will try. My choices for the fall: museum work, Warren Village work, do some serious reading, enjoy Estes, check out the possibility of doing some history work for the church, get back to an exercise routine, enjoy cooking, enjoy friends, and be a generous spirit.

About time for another post

Wow - Seems like the summer is almost over. I have found many excuses to avoid posting. Alas. But the time seems right today. I am great at procrastinating. Posting requires thinking, putting thoughts into an order, finding them meaningful. Doing, being active, seems to be easier. However, I will admit, sometimes 'doing' is less satisfying than 'thinking'.
The summer has included travel to Taos, San Francisco, Seattle and Virginia Beach. Each trip had its enjoyment - seeing new places, being with friends, theater, beach, quiet time. I have found a new literary enjoyment - historical novels. Anne Perry, CJ Sansom, Brenda Vantrease write about England pre-1700, if I remember correctly. The latter two deal with the conflicts between church and state. I am interested in those controversies in the current world; I am enjoying the precursors to our contemporary struggles.
I also have enjoyed Rockies baseball games and probably spend too much time watching them. It is men's sport. Women's games are not broadcast, not talked about much. My interest continues because friends are involved, it is something to follow and learn/talk about, and admire the abilities of the players. I wouldn't like to have my life so public, but then I don't have the talent either.
The other major focus for the summer has been purchasing a 'mountain place'. Carla and I have talked about this for years. The ONE finally became available. We take possession 8/15. The view is fantastic. Enough space inside, pool outside, close to open space, hiking nearby. We are excited. However, to furnish another dwelling had taken more time than I/we imagined. It will be worth it. I am looking foward to being in, relaxing and enjoying the neighbors and the town. A dream come true.

Another Key Detail

In my adult life, I have always contributed time and money to my church and other non-profits of my choosing. I have not considered myself a 'philanthropist;' however if a philanthropist is one who gives money of any amount (as the literature says), I have been a philanthropist. Al significant learning for me is to become a giver of larger contributions. I have an inheritance from my mother and my aunt (Mother's sister who died 5 weeks earlier). The amount is more than I have decided I will need; yet small in the scheme of life. I will share a portion of this bounty with others.

It has required much careful thought to determine just how this year's gift will be allocated. I now have a 'giving mission statement' and a tentative plan. The advice I have received suggests that the giver also be involved in the organization as much as is possible, given time and money constraints. I have learned several things: 1. it is a wonderful feeling to write a 'larger than usual' check. 2. the recognition from the organization is a boost to my ego (undeserved or fleeting as it may be) and must be kept in perspective. 3. finding the most comfortable volunteer niche is difficult. 4. deciding which of the many deserving non-profits fit into my mission statement is not easy either.

So, understanding my Self as a philanthropist is an evolving process. Documenting that is not the sole purpose of this blog, it is a significant part of my becoming after 65.

Finally - Blog One

Over a year ago, I decided to write a blog. I needed to 'practice' first. I didn't write much during this year, but today I decided to take the plunge - whether I have perfected the art of the 'perfect blog' or not. So - here goes.

Last year, two pivotal events happened. I had my 65th birthday and my mother died. So a new phase in my life. - a birth of sorts. I have no siblings. I had an excellent relationship with my mother, I think. She was a positive, generous, affirming Spirit. We lived across the country from each other and she did not 'guilt' me for my choice although she wished we could spend more time together. She expressed pride in my work for an organization that we both valued.

She was a role model in her attitudes and behaviors. She made decisions for her life after my Dad died twenty some years earlier. She enjoyed her life and friends greatly. She had a belief in an afterlife, although she did acknowledge it: 'how can we know?" So she too began another phase of life.

This new life for me is a birthing, a becoming. It is not a casting off of oppressive attitudes about family as is true for many other daughters. It is the opportunity for new attitudes and behaviors. This blog will be a record of this becoming. I hope it will be worth reading.