Despite the fact that the U.S. is sinking deeper into modern fascism and white christian nationalism, the other fact remains: I’ve not been a working stiff for 21 long luxurious days. Let’s focus on that for this postcard from the Village of Retirement, shall we? I simply cannot and will not be silent about the state of America. It seems like the fascist train just plows onward and we are left to shake our heads and wonder what’s happening. I object and I want my objections noted for what they’re worth. I don’t think I’m being hyperbolic to say there’s a genocide happening in Gaza and we bombed the citizens of Iran. Our dear world feels very fragile and some of the humans living in it very unloved and mistreated at every turn. I cannot separate these thoughts from my regular thoughts of retirement bliss and summertime. They exist together. Walt Whitman said it far better:
I am large. I contain multitudes.
Sister came out for a long visit. We rented a darling seaside cottage and split time between the City of Angels and Santa Babs. We went on quiet morning beach walks at low tide and sat under the canopy of western sycamore trees at our cottage. I slept on a trundle bed because it opened to the back deck on a seasonal creek. On my first evening after discovering the solar lights I covered them in foil to preserve the dark mystery of nightfall. Inside, on the enormous couch Sister read me a bedtime story, Bats At The Beach.
Dearest Sharron and Mary came bearing beautiful blackberry crumbles and rhubarb custard pies. We sat and talked and ate and smiled. It was very very good.
It was also the trip of the Herons because we saw so many! And woodpeckers lined up on branches, and rabbits, and a baby coyote, and dolphins, and snowy egrets with their golden slippers. Oh how deliciously beautiful the world is! And tragic for those caught in war. In breath, out breath. There they both are. I see them both. My heart rejoices and breaks.
On a walk one day (in LA) an elderly man approached with his shorts and hat and suspenders and vest. We were walking on a fragrant chaparral-covered path. I opened my arms to indicate an appreciation of the day and before I knew it he had moved into my arms thinking I was offering hugs. We embraced and then Sister wanted a hug too and he happily obliged. We referred to him thereafter as hugger-man. In my 62nd year of life I endeavor to hug more strangers. To offer more smiles. And if I can overcome my natural predisposition towards irritation at my fellow homo sapiens, to soften rather than harden. Because I think the times are calling for that. And frankly, I’m here for it. For all of it.
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This post resonated so much with me. I find one minute I am rejoicing in the beauty of summer and the next thinking how wrong and unfair that so many are in despair. I love the thought of you and that man hugging. Hugs, hugs and more hugs I say. Enjoy each and every day.
Your retirement is off to a grand start! Wonderful photos as always.
Book recommendation- The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. I’m dying to see the movie, but haven’t seen it playing here. Just the cinematography of the English coastline would be worth it! Keep on enjoying.
I love every word you wrote in this post. Happy retirement!
Dear Mary Ann
I love reading your words!!
I’m 5 years away from 60 and hopeful to be able to retire then. I’m already so overwhelmed by work in a hospital laboratory, and so ready to appreciate the gift and blessing and opportunity of retirement.
For the meantime I will escape into your retirement world whenever I read your words.
Lots of love, Liezl (‘myheartdreaming’ instagram)
What a lovely post. Thanks for filling us in re: your first few weeks of retirement! Thank you also for speaking out about the state of our country. The “I don’t do politics” people confound me because literally everything is politics. Silence is complicity, and there’s no way I’m going to let anyone mistake me for condoning this insane cruelty. Our voices are the most powerful tools that most of us have, and I’m using mine (loudly) right alongside you.
So much of what we speak turns from the pain of destruction and ripping of the fabric to “and yet.” I like “and yet.” I like the people around me and the people who just refuse to give in. I am weary of all the texts for money, I want to text back asking for organization and strategy and clarity and toppling.
I also think I’m seeing your perspective at the Music Academy of the West – that lovely lily pond where I was supposed to be married – but it rained and we had to hold the beautiful affair indoors with twinkle likghts and sparkling drops. Am I right? Is that the Monticeto spot? Your retirement looks brilliant. I am beginning to take mine in. Thanks for helping me wade further into the water. Peace. Grace. Joy to you.
Breathing in. Breathing out. Front of the hand arises with back of the hand. Breathe in. Breathe out.
Namaste.
Dear Ms Mam: I firmly believe that it is of Great Significance (not coincidence) that you and Rick Steves (PBS Travel Host, Author etc) have become very vocal in speaking out against fascism and what is happening in your country. Those that travel Internationally tend to have a broader world view and I am reminded of a poignant cartoon from the Vietnam era: “We have met the enemy and them is us.”
Should your travels take you north across the border and you land on the southern part of our Island, we would love to show you around.
I 2nd that and suggest she stop in Vancouver along the way!
Great post. Ditto to all. So glad your days are long and luxurious now. Long overdue and well deserved. Thanks for being a light in the world.
Best post ever!
I was thinking of you only yesterday and this morning up you pop!
Just for today I will focus only on the good bits since nothing will change with the rest of it and nothing we do will stop it barrelling along on its ever more dangerous and uncertain trajectory.
Just know that we are with you in thought and in spirit every day and all the way. No matter what.
Love.
you look very happy and showing a contentment. i’m happy for you! as always, thank you for sharing.
So happy for your retirement and long visit with your sister. Congratulations! We will get through this mess in our country but deeply devastated by the passage of the “Big Ugly Bill.”
I couldn’t have phrased absolutely any of that any better. Amen sister. Amen
Mary Ann, how delightful to see Sister! I am so happy for you. I love your big open heart (& arms) . Open hearts are vulnerable to wounds.
Speaking of Whitman, be sure to see new movie The Life of Chuck.
keep on,
I want to put a heart on every single photo. Love to all of you and I agree with all of it. I am sketching too; learning the ways of gouache and colored pencils and Caran d’Ache II. Life is good (and bad). xo
Splendid post…it’s a time of delight and despair….friends tip the balance xox