I have just returned from a long road trip having logged many miles and many thoughts. I came home with some decisions that I feel very good about making at this point in my life. My trip took me back, literally, full circle to my past where I met my oldest daughter in Ashland, Oregon, a place where she grew up and her parents divorced. She met me there from Southern California to attend a memorial service for her childhood friend’s father who suddenly past away a few days before I left on my trip. He was, as one calculates, a peer. Time is passing. It is a bit sobering. We are beginning to age…..it is my generation that is next in line for endings not beginnings. I do not see that as bad or negative. It is an evolutionary process that we tend to ignore when, in fact, it is one we should embrace as we do birth. That said, there is a focus in me that has become even more narrow. Define and refine. I did this collage at least five years ago. I see the elements as worthy, but now I see myself digging deeper, burrowing into a narrow, tunnel vision space.
amazing how age creates a new filter for everything.
I think this might be the wisdom of aging. As age advances, it helps that generation envision a new way of being (not a guarantee, but a nice choice and opportunity).
Amazing how collages are similar in feeling in respect to “peer” grouping. Yes, it is startling when a “peer” leaves. I remember how sobering it was for me when a friend from college started going to AA, It certainly made me think about my way of life, and I hardly drank. But as John Donne said “No man is an island”.
Hmmmmm true. I believe as time goes on, these occurrences are more prevalent. I think we have been influenced by our culture and media to feel this process is to be feared and kept at bay when in reality it should be embraced as a rich and acceptable way to age.
This seems to be a time of great reflection for all of my artists friends and myself. I guess art is a universal feeling and so is reflection. So is getting older. But on the up side we realize how important others are on our journey! Blessings.
So very well said. We cannot exist alone although at times we all feel this is the case. Reflection, attachment, journeys, universality…these are the qualities that give us hope and connection.
Sounds like it was a very good trip.
Regarding focus, I think that it’s not just getting older, but life experiences that shape this as well. Last year I had a family member that nearly died in an accident. I had my first experience of a “peer” dying when I was seven (so many years ago, but funnily enough I’ve been thinking about this recently). Life is fragile and I don’t think there is time to do anything but what is valued.
I am so glad you reminded me of this. This happens at any age doesn’t it? Your last thought encapsulated the essence of all these ideas. Life experiences give us a chance to reflect and realize that life is fragile and the choices are many. With a chance to choose, I would hope we all choose those with value.