Everyone seems to have a bucket list these days. I wonder why that is? Are we worried time is passing us by too quickly or is it simply because more opportunities are available to us? Whatever the reason, it is wonderful to be able to continually set goals for yourself, no matter what your age. Being scared you might fail should not be an excuse to put something off.
Modern technology and faster, more efficient travel has certainly made some of our dreams more accessible.
Many of us seniors love nothing more than to hop on a jet and fly off to some far-flung country. I cannot say we all enjoy the long haul flights but as yet, we cannot manage to get there by time travel!
I am fortunate that my family love to travel and its something we try to do as often as finances permit us to. Saving every last cent, putting a hold on spending and selling off everything but the family jewels may seem rash but if that’s what it takes so be it.
The ancient history of some of these far off cities is just mind-blowing. The very first time I walked the cobbled streets of Rome I could hardly take in the sights as tears kept filling my eyes. I had dreamed of visiting Rome from quite a young age and when it finally happened in 1998 it seemed so surreal. Because everything was so old and incredibly beautiful, I got the idea into my blonde head that the trees flowers and even the clouds would look different. New Zealand seemed so far away and I felt like I was living in some long ago era. The fourteenth century apartment we stayed in, with its high ceilings and beautifully crafted beams, was just breath-taking.
My favourite place in Italy is a little walled town in Tuscany called Lucca. Lucca is three and a half hours north of Rome by train. The ride is lovely and the trains are super efficient.
Lucca is enchanting; the food, the people, the wine and gelatos…hmm bellissimo! Opening the shutters on our apartment windows and hearing the sounds of glorious music wafting in from the music school. This is just my idea of pure heaven. Oh and I do love people watching. The locals riding the tiny narrow streets on their bicycles, with the baskets on the front filled with fresh bread, looked so enchanting.
I also enjoy music; a life without music cannot be considered a life in my opinion. Musical theatre is right up on my list; opera, and some of the old classics like ‘Moon River’ and ‘Stranger on the Shore’ will often be heard in my house on any given weekend. Our evening meal is a long drawn out affair where we all catch up with the days events, listen to music and just take time to chill out.
I guess I am quite a romantic at heart. Good food, good company, good friends, good manners and generally trying to be a good human being are all important to me.
I think maturity brings a very new dimension to your life and with it new challenges.
Ten years ago, I doubt if I would have ever thought I would have been the executive producer of a feature film, let alone find the time to write children’s books.
Being so involved in filmmaking was an enormous undertaking. In saying that I enjoyed every minute of it. Arriving home in the wee small hours of the morning after being out on location was quite a hoot. I have to admit my husband was worried I would suffer burn out. Maybe I almost did, but I survived and I am very proud of what was achieved.
Through all of this, I looked after my little grandson who is three this October. I am so lucky he was such an easy child to look after otherwise I most certainly could have suffered melt down.
Our household is more of a European or Maori arrangement where the extended family all live together. In our house, we have four adults (my husband, my daughter, my son-in law and I) and a toddler – three generations. It really works well. We have lived this way for nine years. People thought we were crazy buying a house together but I assure you it works. Obviously, you need the ‘right’ people to make it work but in our case, it does. (I must add my son-in-law is a dab hand at baking scones!)
We all have our own time but we have a lot of family time including holidays together. I feel we are very lucky as we support each other and the running of the house is a joint effort. Seeing the little one grow up has also given us a very special bond and my husband and I really enjoy taking him out midweek on my husband’s days off work. He feels secure, as he knows there is always one of us four around to look after him.
His daily antics certainly keep me on the ball and every day is a new adventure for the two of us. Sharing my writing of children’s stories and seeing his reaction to my ideas is very special. I get just as excited as he does in my little world of fantasy. Children are so honest – I am sure he is going to let me know if he does not like what I have written.
Well I am just finishing off my first article listening to Vera Lynn singing ‘Berkeley Square’… so pretty, so yes I am a hopeless romantic…!
- 9 years ago
These womans blerbs all seem to be about herself and self centered