At twenty-eight she longs to be twenty-five again. I’m reading Lydia Davis, Our Strangers, it’s a book of overheard conversations, of tiny moments caught. It’s jewel after tiny jewel. These two lines are simply titled ‘Fear of Aging’ and of course it’s funny and wry and bittersweet because we all remember being old at twenty-eight. I write these two lines in my notebook and in the empty space under them I wonder, at fifty-one, who do I long to be?
I loved this, thank you. I was with you on that supple back, riding and working hard and absorbed and noticing every detail. Also, I've had two years of loss and grief and recently turned 60, wondering what I have to show for the last 30 years. I know that age matters a lot, but also not at all, which is tragic and exhilarating!
Yes, at 63 one might want to be 51 again. But maybe not, I’ve done some good things in those years (pats self on back nervously). Wish I didn’t have osteopenia and wasn’t scared of falling off a bike though. Long May You Ride Maggie.
I’ve seen long paddocks like your lane, they’re a clever thing to have.
I’m so happy The Sit Spot is back. I’m in the midst of a difficult recovery and rehabilitation, my concentration is poor and patience is thin. I read it with delight and took much pleasure in your enjoyment of fifty one xx
I was thinking it was amazing that you could just swing on up into a saddle so easily… my sister works with horses and I often look at her muscly wiry body and wonder how it all works. Also: a pretty lane made me chuckle. I am not at all romanced by your descriptions of farm life — it would have never occurred to me that it was ‘pretty’ (and therefore easy)… beautiful, yes. Pretty? Nup.
Oh The Prophet. We listened to it on a long drive and boy did it take me places. Frustration at the drawn out middle and continued bleakness and then devastation for her son and finally aghast cries when it ended where it dead. After all that we still wanted more!
Tracy Chapman ... love ... saw her way back in the 80's in Sydney.. she was so timid at the start but then gradually opened up .. pure delight.. Clever Frank!!! and clever you for sticking that first 30 mins.. and yes the joy of being able to mount up without assistance at 50+... Watched the movie "The Greatest Night in Pop" last night - just released - about making the song "We are the World" back in Jan 1985 ... brilliant so many stars with amazing voices all in one room ! The Boss included! https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81720500
Love your sentiment on age Maggie - so glad you are able to ride your beloved Frank and long may that continue. What a privilege to be fully functioning physically. If one can do what one loves, age seems irrelevant. And wisdom and insight that come with age, so enriching. I recently read Anne Enright for the first time, what a powerhouse. As always thank you for your sage words and recommendations. X
Dear Mags,
Perfect age and good to know you are happy with it. In fact it was only the other day I was fifty one. And now I’m seventy eight.
It goes so fast; enjoy every minute!
I loved this, thank you. I was with you on that supple back, riding and working hard and absorbed and noticing every detail. Also, I've had two years of loss and grief and recently turned 60, wondering what I have to show for the last 30 years. I know that age matters a lot, but also not at all, which is tragic and exhilarating!
Yes, at 63 one might want to be 51 again. But maybe not, I’ve done some good things in those years (pats self on back nervously). Wish I didn’t have osteopenia and wasn’t scared of falling off a bike though. Long May You Ride Maggie.
I’ve seen long paddocks like your lane, they’re a clever thing to have.
Dear Maggie
I’m so happy The Sit Spot is back. I’m in the midst of a difficult recovery and rehabilitation, my concentration is poor and patience is thin. I read it with delight and took much pleasure in your enjoyment of fifty one xx
I stopped a moment to read this, only your writing does this. Thank you. xo
You have a gift to teleport me to your corner. I can relate to your words and what a privilege to read.
Yes Frank is smart and your bond with him so beautiful. Never stop writing dear Maggie.
I was thinking it was amazing that you could just swing on up into a saddle so easily… my sister works with horses and I often look at her muscly wiry body and wonder how it all works. Also: a pretty lane made me chuckle. I am not at all romanced by your descriptions of farm life — it would have never occurred to me that it was ‘pretty’ (and therefore easy)… beautiful, yes. Pretty? Nup.
Oh The Prophet. We listened to it on a long drive and boy did it take me places. Frustration at the drawn out middle and continued bleakness and then devastation for her son and finally aghast cries when it ended where it dead. After all that we still wanted more!
Tracy Chapman ... love ... saw her way back in the 80's in Sydney.. she was so timid at the start but then gradually opened up .. pure delight.. Clever Frank!!! and clever you for sticking that first 30 mins.. and yes the joy of being able to mount up without assistance at 50+... Watched the movie "The Greatest Night in Pop" last night - just released - about making the song "We are the World" back in Jan 1985 ... brilliant so many stars with amazing voices all in one room ! The Boss included! https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81720500
Love your sentiment on age Maggie - so glad you are able to ride your beloved Frank and long may that continue. What a privilege to be fully functioning physically. If one can do what one loves, age seems irrelevant. And wisdom and insight that come with age, so enriching. I recently read Anne Enright for the first time, what a powerhouse. As always thank you for your sage words and recommendations. X