Dear Liza,
I know it must seem like I am having adventures everyday. Since I am not working, I have time for more big things in my life. But it is the little things that make my life so sweet.
I like going walking just to walk. If I notice flowers or acorns, I can stop and look, and not make anyone late.
I like being able to read a whole story in one sitting. Maybe I move from the sofa to the comfy chair on the patio halfway through, but basically, one sitting. I am enjoying old friends like John Varley and Robert Heinlein, and new ones like David Litt.
I like being able to take a day to recover. All the big things, parties and helping and adventures, take a toll on old knees and backs. It’s nice to be able to give myself the day off.
I like having time between chores to enjoy the smiles of my grandkids, and to appreciate the wonderful people they are growing into.
I like being able to work in projects that may, or may not, go anywhere. My Portland 1903 story is on hiatus for now, while I hunt for a proper voice for my main character. So far, it is being elusive.
But in the meantime, I am messing around with a map of Portland, appliqued and embroidered on the machine. It is very experimental and may end up in the bin, as they say. But that’s okay.
What all this comes down to is that after years of scheduling 190 days a year down to the minute, I now have whole weeks at my disposal, when what I do or don’t do doesn’t make much difference to the world at large. Sort of like being off the grid.
And it feels good.
Love,
Grandma Judy
Dear Liza 