Our fabulous writing retreat on Vashon ended too soon. On our last night, Deb gave us the following question as a five minute writing prompt. We all agreed to share our writing, and link each others posts. Please be sure to read Deb, DJan, Linda, Jann, and Sally.
What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
By Mary Oliver, from The Summer Day
This question seems, at least on the surface, to be too big to answer in ten minutes or less. Yet, I know I plan to live my life to the fullest, seeking answers to hard questions.
I plan to explore, love, and spend lots of time with my husband and daughters - as well as their husbands/partners, children - whoever enters our family circle.
I plan to give back in some way, thought I don't know yet what that will look like.
I plan to write - for myself - and maybe someday for others to enjoy
I plan to cross the ocean, at least one more time, but hopefully many more.
I plan to make my house happy, and in doing so, make myself happy - and to sew a quilt or two.
I plan to hold and love grandchildren and nurture them - to experience their world with them, to share what I know, what I can do, what I am good at - with them.
I plan to read every day - to become healthily alive
I plan to share my experience with my daughters
I plan to live each day with a sense of humor, and a sense of wonder, and a sense of joy
I plan to be open to change, and love, and happiness
I plan to return to Vashon with the Vashonistas, and write my heart and soul out-
I hope my plans pan out, but if not, I hope I accept whatever happens
As much as I loved hearing you read these words, I really love reading it.Such a lovely affirmation of life. I think we each should print our own posts as reminders for those days when we forget.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Deb. It's lovely to read this, after having heard you say these words. Now I can read them in your lovely voice, Sandi. We are Vashonistas! :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Deb. It's lovely to read this, after having heard you say these words. Now I can read them in your lovely voice, Sandi. We are Vashonistas! :-)
ReplyDeleteI too heard your voice...and I hope you get to do it all!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you lovely ladies all get together and are sharing these memories
ReplyDeleteIf you just plan to live your life with a sense of humor, a sense of wonder, and a sense of joy, you will accomplish all the rest.
I have now read all six of the Vashonista's responses to this prompt. They are all so different, and leave me wondering what I would have written. I may have to try it out on my own.
ReplyDeleteSandi - I've missed you! What you've written is what I would hope , too. Good Luck to you.
ReplyDeleteWhen we first retired, people would ask me what we planned to do. As I read through your list I was reminded that there really wasn't not enough time to work. Each day is filled to the brim.
ReplyDeleteBe well.
b+
Sandi, you will love your retirement years. Spending good time with children and grandchildren, putting some new energy into a happy home, volunteering, traveling, crafting, expanding your horizons--you have identified the elements of a rich and full life. And you'll be free of workplace stresses (assuming you had a few). Enjoy retirement, and thanks for sharing your Vashonista essay.
ReplyDelete"I plan to live each day with a sense of humor, and a sense of wonder, and a sense of joy"
ReplyDeleteNow, that, is my favorite.