Several conversations were sparked as a result of a column written a few weeks ago about asking my husband what life changes he would make if he was told he had just two years to live.
Julie, sometimes I fret about the amount of work you do helming the Collaborative. All of us, I know, are humbled and amazed. But now, after reading The Power of a Question, I know you are swimming joyfully in your chosen water. You are doing exactly what you would do if you learned you had just two years to live.
What a beautiful baby! I'm waiting for my niece's first, also a boy, though she's 41; I can't wait. But I'm still thinking about the exotic stuff, too, as long as I can stay healthy. That seems to be the key.
Ah, thank you. I'm a native Iowan who moved to Colorado in 2017 and then to Upstate New York last year. I'm finishing up a 2-week trip back to Colorado and Iowa, and it's been really meaningful. I've decided I live too far away from my son, and being nearer him is going to be my priority for now. That is going to mean shifting my work life a bit, but I am self-employed and the ability to nurture and maintain these connections in my life is my priority. I had a client cancel a call a bit ago, so I am sitting in that little green space off of Main Street in Ames, waiting to meet my impromptu lunch date. At this age, I don't think I will ever have the means to travel to exotic lands, but I find so much joy in making the familiar new.
💚 “Making the familiar new” - which we did this past weekend camped at Iowa’s Walnut Woods State Park - particularly the Bird Viewing Blind. A perfect local example why we (U.S.) must invest in designated undeveloped green-spaces. In the DM area to visit family and area venues and “Making the familiar new” ❤️
I agree with you 100% . Although my house is cluttered with emotional buys. The human connection can be our greatest purchase, providing a wealth of happiness and above all it is free!
Thanks, Julie. Your reflective post is exactly what I needed to read this morning, I turn 72 tomorrow (I can't believe I'm writing that!) and every day that goes by these days brings more reminders to "be in the present."
Lovely, Julie Gammack, lovely. Cherished connections are the blessings that define our lives and give us that simple, constant thread of joy, happiness and stability.
Love this question! I agree with you on the connections - that's all that really matters. It's what to do while making/building those that may be the hard question. So glad for you and Richard that you are both clear and that you can pursue both of your desires together.
Thank you, Julie, for this essay. I think I’m (mostly) done doing the exotic travel as well. I’m happy here in Ames balancing my iPad on the back of a warm dog on my lap. The news still can eat at me sometimes so I listen to music or enjoy silence. My backyard sparkles like a billion diamonds in the sun this morning. How much beauty can one take in? I’m not writing anything exciting nor publishable but I’m looking forward to the presenters at the OWR. I lovingly envy your gentle bobbing in the bay and am happy for you.
I had an experience that was just profound for me a few weeks ago. A woman arrived at my author signing/book reading with a sheet of paper filled from top to bottom with questions. I was stunned, and flattered that she read my book with such care. Life is not a numbers game. It’s about connections at its very core.
Julie, sometimes I fret about the amount of work you do helming the Collaborative. All of us, I know, are humbled and amazed. But now, after reading The Power of a Question, I know you are swimming joyfully in your chosen water. You are doing exactly what you would do if you learned you had just two years to live.
Good answer: “I’m doing it.”
You know I love all your writings, but this one really struck a cord as being extra special. Love you.
How kind of you to say!
TRUE!
What a beautiful baby! I'm waiting for my niece's first, also a boy, though she's 41; I can't wait. But I'm still thinking about the exotic stuff, too, as long as I can stay healthy. That seems to be the key.
Ah, thank you. I'm a native Iowan who moved to Colorado in 2017 and then to Upstate New York last year. I'm finishing up a 2-week trip back to Colorado and Iowa, and it's been really meaningful. I've decided I live too far away from my son, and being nearer him is going to be my priority for now. That is going to mean shifting my work life a bit, but I am self-employed and the ability to nurture and maintain these connections in my life is my priority. I had a client cancel a call a bit ago, so I am sitting in that little green space off of Main Street in Ames, waiting to meet my impromptu lunch date. At this age, I don't think I will ever have the means to travel to exotic lands, but I find so much joy in making the familiar new.
Sandra, do you know about the Okoboji Writers' and Songwrtiers' Retreat?
“Making the familiar new.” Love that. Something we should all put on our daily “to do” lists.
💚 “Making the familiar new” - which we did this past weekend camped at Iowa’s Walnut Woods State Park - particularly the Bird Viewing Blind. A perfect local example why we (U.S.) must invest in designated undeveloped green-spaces. In the DM area to visit family and area venues and “Making the familiar new” ❤️
Yes!
I agree with you 100% . Although my house is cluttered with emotional buys. The human connection can be our greatest purchase, providing a wealth of happiness and above all it is free!
So true.
Love this post Julie.❤️
Thanks, Teresa!
Thanks, Julie. Your reflective post is exactly what I needed to read this morning, I turn 72 tomorrow (I can't believe I'm writing that!) and every day that goes by these days brings more reminders to "be in the present."
Thanks for connecting, Tim. You are one of the people I hope to spend real time with this year.
Lovely, Julie Gammack, lovely. Cherished connections are the blessings that define our lives and give us that simple, constant thread of joy, happiness and stability.
Indeed
Love this question! I agree with you on the connections - that's all that really matters. It's what to do while making/building those that may be the hard question. So glad for you and Richard that you are both clear and that you can pursue both of your desires together.
Yes. Thanks!
Thank you, Julie, for this essay. I think I’m (mostly) done doing the exotic travel as well. I’m happy here in Ames balancing my iPad on the back of a warm dog on my lap. The news still can eat at me sometimes so I listen to music or enjoy silence. My backyard sparkles like a billion diamonds in the sun this morning. How much beauty can one take in? I’m not writing anything exciting nor publishable but I’m looking forward to the presenters at the OWR. I lovingly envy your gentle bobbing in the bay and am happy for you.
Thanks, Marjorie! Your garden sounds fabulous. The gentle bobbing here is mostly sitting inside while it pours rain outside. Sigh. Smile
Thank you for expressing exactly how I’ve been feeling.
Thank YOU, Patty!
Great points at the right time.
I had an experience that was just profound for me a few weeks ago. A woman arrived at my author signing/book reading with a sheet of paper filled from top to bottom with questions. I was stunned, and flattered that she read my book with such care. Life is not a numbers game. It’s about connections at its very core.
Well said. Indeed.
I so agree with this, but never realized how easy the answer to the question really was. Connections keep us alive, don't they? Thank you!
Thanks!