This is the best piece you've ever written for your Substack. You took us from the grimy streets in 1970s NYC to a concert hall in Wisconsin, ending up on the deck with a drink at sunset. You also took me back to my time with the Navy, last person in a taxi in Bahrain in the middle of the night, with a young sailor pleading with me to not drive off into the desert night with some random driver (we had been dropped at our stations one by one, and as the only female, I was at the bottom of the list in importance, if not in rank).
And my introduction to NYC was in the summer of 1976. Filthy, dangerous, overwhelming. I was 8 years old. My mom took my older sister and me; we got off the bus at the Port Authority. Subways and buses and a ferry, climbed the stairs to the crown of the Statue of Liberty--so incredibly hot in a metal tube in July. The breeze and the view from the windows in her crown...then back to the bus terminal, with one pimp on the street touching my sister's blond curls and calling her "Goldie." I'm sure mom's heart absolutely stopped but we kept trotting down the sidewalk to safety and fled back to Hillsdale, NJ, Mom's hometown where we were staying.
In my heart, I know this connection to all of us in the cyber world isn't intended to be a competition, that said I am moved to do so, with trepidation of feelings of inadequacy.
Your writing is so elegant, descriptive, and inclusive. You helped me to feel as though I was right next to you on your journey. Heart racing et.al.
From risky behavior due to age and circumstances, to now making yourself leave the house post covid. My own stories run through my head now, too.
Thank you for taking us through some younger years to the piano concert. It sounds like a wonderful evening.
You are right, being open to new things, either with a friend or alone is a good nudge. 💙
I agree with Laura Holt, and thank you for taking me along on your day trip — it was beautiful. You had me in tears once again. 🤷🏻♀️
Thank you for the story of your leaving home and a few of your experiences in those years. Those you included are nerve-wracking and reminded me of some situations I look back on and say, “Whew!” You, indeed, navigated your world through your wits. That concert hall is lovely! I’m so sad when I see how a former vibrant area disintegrated, so I feel your pain on that. But a treasure awaited you as you found the venue in better shape than the days when you performed. I feel richer for having read your piece today. 🌷
I look at the hard faces of some in the public sphere and accept that they match the sourness and the soullessness their being. And here you are, with your sweet, pretty face, life in your eyes, despite of hard experiences.
It’s our inner strength and spirit, isn’t it, that makes the difference?
I am somewhat similar, I must have traveled a million miles in the 90's but these days I mostly stay in.
I think many people have become near agoraphobic after the pandemic.
It's amazing how well we could live on so little when we were young and were fueled by a head & heart full of dreams. All I usually needed was a bus ticket and my hockey bag. From the NWT to Mexico and many places in between. I've been as high as the Canadian Rockies and as low as Death Valley in California.
It's great that you've gotten the desire to go out and about again. "Life is best when experienced." 😊👏👏👏
Thank you for taking us along on your journey. I’m so glad you survived those scary moments. Although, when we’re younger we’re often much braver. Auggie, Eli and Charlie welcome you home now after each new outing. This essay was fun! Thank you.
I was shaking in my boots for you as I read about your exploits in NYC but suddenly a LOL moment’s encounter with a fly-in-throat. That was funny! And it woke up my cat from her third nap of the day.
I understand your reluctance to leave the house. I am an emotionally strong person (thanks to all my speed bumps, stupid mistakes, challenges and having to work like a dog all my life) but retirement and the Covid cocoon finally gave me the emotional “shelter” that I must have craved all my life 🤷🏼♀️… now I make new and more excuses not to leave the house every day. I LOVE staying home, but too much cocooning dulls a person too so I make sure I have plenty to keep looking forward to. You find a good balance.
It sounds like you have more than enough perspective and role-playing fodder to create interesting characters and plot lines to keep you busy for a long time.
Thank you for this wonderful note! Post COVID, I too, have become an unexpected recluse. It seems easier to stay home with my husband, the dogs and the horses. Your post is an inspiration. I shall be seeking friends and experiences. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing that. You've obviously lead a blessed life and taking this recent trip blessed you some more by letting you listen to talented young people play music.
Oh, wow! You’ve had some exciting, if not scary, experiences! I think the pandemic changed many of us, and have had to make ourselves venture out! I’m so glad you enjoyed the piano concerto! My uncle was a concert pianist, who played all over the world. He encouraged students to enter contests for the love of the music, not an award. He was special. So are you.
I so LOVE your writing! I suggest Humans of a certain age, despite, or because of, their life experiences, and given the almost lack of a sense of national security during the time COVID ravaged the world and our country, I think many of us are more reluctant to go out even now. To me, a single woman, the COVID isolation felt doubly punitive and harsh as I’ve retired far away from true kin. My family now are neighbors, strangers, people at the grocery store or pharmacy. I admit a sense of loneliness wherever I allow myself to be an empath tho. There’s this hole in our lives where we can’t recall the flow of daily life—it’s a jumble and time both flies and drags on and on. Some have acknowledged they feel sad, depressed, sleep a lot to escape? The fact you ventured out and gave & got “hugs” from other humans, is a good sign. Don’t worry about the book. I preordered it about 2 years ago and haven’t given up yet. Live in the now. I always say that’s what dogs teach us to do & we should listen to them. They don’t worry endlessly about the future, they forgive any hurts right away, they don’t worry about the past, they’re in the moment and only want us to join them. Maybe the most important time today will be with a companion pet who loves us unconditionally? I want to live up to what I think they need and think of me. Then I’ve had a good day. I Hope all your days are good and getting better. I wish you great expectations! Your book will be finished when you’re ready to finish it. That’s good enough for me.
You write like the young man played the piano. It's a remarkable thing to make your reader feel they are a shadow next to you experiencing your life. Brava. Beyond that age does make us more cautious. I was also an independent, brave young woman who never thought twice about doing things by myself. But as an older woman, I think about the negatives more than the positives. Good for you!
Yes it was a fine thing for us that you decided to go cos your decision included us, coming along w you. Music is of course worth it all.
This is the best piece you've ever written for your Substack. You took us from the grimy streets in 1970s NYC to a concert hall in Wisconsin, ending up on the deck with a drink at sunset. You also took me back to my time with the Navy, last person in a taxi in Bahrain in the middle of the night, with a young sailor pleading with me to not drive off into the desert night with some random driver (we had been dropped at our stations one by one, and as the only female, I was at the bottom of the list in importance, if not in rank).
And my introduction to NYC was in the summer of 1976. Filthy, dangerous, overwhelming. I was 8 years old. My mom took my older sister and me; we got off the bus at the Port Authority. Subways and buses and a ferry, climbed the stairs to the crown of the Statue of Liberty--so incredibly hot in a metal tube in July. The breeze and the view from the windows in her crown...then back to the bus terminal, with one pimp on the street touching my sister's blond curls and calling her "Goldie." I'm sure mom's heart absolutely stopped but we kept trotting down the sidewalk to safety and fled back to Hillsdale, NJ, Mom's hometown where we were staying.
Good times? Memories and experiences, for sure.
You can never deny the fact that you had an incredible and diverse life, somewhat scary, I must admit.
In my heart, I know this connection to all of us in the cyber world isn't intended to be a competition, that said I am moved to do so, with trepidation of feelings of inadequacy.
Your writing is so elegant, descriptive, and inclusive. You helped me to feel as though I was right next to you on your journey. Heart racing et.al.
From risky behavior due to age and circumstances, to now making yourself leave the house post covid. My own stories run through my head now, too.
Thank you for taking us through some younger years to the piano concert. It sounds like a wonderful evening.
You are right, being open to new things, either with a friend or alone is a good nudge. 💙
B
Thank you, Barbara.
My maternal grandmother was agoraphobic, so I am glad you are venturing out of the house.
I agree with Laura Holt, and thank you for taking me along on your day trip — it was beautiful. You had me in tears once again. 🤷🏻♀️
Thank you for the story of your leaving home and a few of your experiences in those years. Those you included are nerve-wracking and reminded me of some situations I look back on and say, “Whew!” You, indeed, navigated your world through your wits. That concert hall is lovely! I’m so sad when I see how a former vibrant area disintegrated, so I feel your pain on that. But a treasure awaited you as you found the venue in better shape than the days when you performed. I feel richer for having read your piece today. 🌷
Wow … what a story of your past and of today.
I look at the hard faces of some in the public sphere and accept that they match the sourness and the soullessness their being. And here you are, with your sweet, pretty face, life in your eyes, despite of hard experiences.
It’s our inner strength and spirit, isn’t it, that makes the difference?
Life changes us, but it doesn’t have to make us bitter. Take care in your challenges.
True … thank you. The challenges make people better or bitter.
I am somewhat similar, I must have traveled a million miles in the 90's but these days I mostly stay in.
I think many people have become near agoraphobic after the pandemic.
It's amazing how well we could live on so little when we were young and were fueled by a head & heart full of dreams. All I usually needed was a bus ticket and my hockey bag. From the NWT to Mexico and many places in between. I've been as high as the Canadian Rockies and as low as Death Valley in California.
It's great that you've gotten the desire to go out and about again. "Life is best when experienced." 😊👏👏👏
Thank you for taking us along on your journey. I’m so glad you survived those scary moments. Although, when we’re younger we’re often much braver. Auggie, Eli and Charlie welcome you home now after each new outing. This essay was fun! Thank you.
I was shaking in my boots for you as I read about your exploits in NYC but suddenly a LOL moment’s encounter with a fly-in-throat. That was funny! And it woke up my cat from her third nap of the day.
I understand your reluctance to leave the house. I am an emotionally strong person (thanks to all my speed bumps, stupid mistakes, challenges and having to work like a dog all my life) but retirement and the Covid cocoon finally gave me the emotional “shelter” that I must have craved all my life 🤷🏼♀️… now I make new and more excuses not to leave the house every day. I LOVE staying home, but too much cocooning dulls a person too so I make sure I have plenty to keep looking forward to. You find a good balance.
It sounds like you have more than enough perspective and role-playing fodder to create interesting characters and plot lines to keep you busy for a long time.
Ahh, life is good. It keeps on giving.
Not the CIA, but maybe the OSS being a sous chef for Julia Child… you’re up another rung on THE ladder. Cheers.
Thank you for this wonderful note! Post COVID, I too, have become an unexpected recluse. It seems easier to stay home with my husband, the dogs and the horses. Your post is an inspiration. I shall be seeking friends and experiences. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing that. You've obviously lead a blessed life and taking this recent trip blessed you some more by letting you listen to talented young people play music.
Oh, wow! You’ve had some exciting, if not scary, experiences! I think the pandemic changed many of us, and have had to make ourselves venture out! I’m so glad you enjoyed the piano concerto! My uncle was a concert pianist, who played all over the world. He encouraged students to enter contests for the love of the music, not an award. He was special. So are you.
I so LOVE your writing! I suggest Humans of a certain age, despite, or because of, their life experiences, and given the almost lack of a sense of national security during the time COVID ravaged the world and our country, I think many of us are more reluctant to go out even now. To me, a single woman, the COVID isolation felt doubly punitive and harsh as I’ve retired far away from true kin. My family now are neighbors, strangers, people at the grocery store or pharmacy. I admit a sense of loneliness wherever I allow myself to be an empath tho. There’s this hole in our lives where we can’t recall the flow of daily life—it’s a jumble and time both flies and drags on and on. Some have acknowledged they feel sad, depressed, sleep a lot to escape? The fact you ventured out and gave & got “hugs” from other humans, is a good sign. Don’t worry about the book. I preordered it about 2 years ago and haven’t given up yet. Live in the now. I always say that’s what dogs teach us to do & we should listen to them. They don’t worry endlessly about the future, they forgive any hurts right away, they don’t worry about the past, they’re in the moment and only want us to join them. Maybe the most important time today will be with a companion pet who loves us unconditionally? I want to live up to what I think they need and think of me. Then I’ve had a good day. I Hope all your days are good and getting better. I wish you great expectations! Your book will be finished when you’re ready to finish it. That’s good enough for me.
Thank you for the kind words.
You write like the young man played the piano. It's a remarkable thing to make your reader feel they are a shadow next to you experiencing your life. Brava. Beyond that age does make us more cautious. I was also an independent, brave young woman who never thought twice about doing things by myself. But as an older woman, I think about the negatives more than the positives. Good for you!