Puddle Jumping and Halloween

Tuesday-October 26/Saturday- October 30, 2021

Dear Marion,

 This morning I took to the puddles, meaning fierce rain was predicted and happening so I dressed properly and forged ahead. In my Wellies and jacket, I could not resist the puddles and hopped, jumped, and splashed with all of my might. A funny thing happened, I remembered how much fun it can be and that it washes away all of the cobwebs in your mind. Puddle jumping is like laughing, it's healing and the best exercise for your mind and body. I feel so clear and ready for the next venture. 

  We took a day trip to the Van Gogh exhibit in NYC over the weekend and I highly recommend it for anyone whether art is your cup of tea or not. Each of us enjoyed different aspects but came to the same conclusion in that it was an incredible experience and one that we would do again. The sheer amount of works produced in his short life was not only mind-boggling but this experience made you feel how truly incredible the pieces are to this day. Van Gogh's work has stood the test of time and thanks to this exhibit has reached more people than previously imagined. The design of the exhibit was orchestrated in such a way that Van Gogh's life seemed to be one big storm exploding all around you and almost through your being as you sat back and took it all into your own mind and body. Breathtaking.

 Storms have been brewing on and off this week and yesterday was no exception. They can be beautiful in a way, the wind kicking up, the clouds forming shapes unfolding seamlessly like a performance piece, and the sound of whistling and gusting almost musical. All of this is incredible as long as I am feeling safe and preferably indoors with a fire crackling in the fireplace and even a movie with some hot cocoa. We have endured ‘many a scary storm’ here at the beach, but there is something about watching the storm and knowing you need to move your car. Last night when we came home I made the call to drive the car into our driveway. I checked the tide chart and thought we would be okay for flooding, we ate dinner and sat down for a movie. On a whim, I looked outside the window and noticed all the cars in front and behind us were gone. When I see that, I can’t help but feel a twinge of Armageddon. Needless to say, I immediately felt the need to move my car up to safety where our other cars lay in wait for the flood warnings to subside. All fine except the wind was beyond frightening and running home in the rain was nothing compared to the fear I felt with that wind. This is where my age is a factor as I have experienced enough of these storms to know the wind can be the most frightening and dangerous. 

  My feet and legs felt the wind kicking them up and the traffic light looked as though it would not survive the intensity swinging and swaying into a position not thought possible. When I pushed the door shut behind me, my heart pounding, my adrenaline through the roof I once again felt grateful for our home standing strong. Oddly enough, I heard on the news that it has been 9 years since Superstorm Sandy and it didn’t seem possible. For some reason, I never remember the storms’ anniversary even though I know it was the week of Halloween. Those scary Halloween decorations were strewn around our home that year until January(of course we were not living there). As you may have noticed, I’ve since decorated more in the way of Casper the friendly ghost. Our town has changed, we have endured but I feel less sturdy than I did before that experience. I realize how fragile and unexpected life can be and I think that is why the windy storms are not always a romantic, cozy experience as I had thought when I was younger. Maybe that is the lesson post ‘Sandy’ to make the most of each day and appreciate that as much as you can. Well that, and move the car sooner.

“ Going There,” by Katie Couric, is sitting on my couch this week waiting for me to continue reading. I have always enjoyed experiencing an interview given by Katie Couric as she seems to listen closely and navigate the conversation without personal opinion being placed. Sometime post-college I remember Katie Couric entered into our kitchen(yours, mine, and ours) giving the news in a calm manner, often(when appropriate) lightening the mood with a quick wit and a smile. There weren't that many women as I was growing up to see in prominent positions, so I find it interesting to read her story and learn about the way in which she navigated her career and personal life. This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Menopause Month and so I have been thinking a great deal about women and how much society has changed since I was born. Experiences that I had in school and eventual workplace are so different from the ones your granddaughter will have as doors for women are open in a way they weren’t for you and were being kicked open for my generation. I can’t wait to see what the young women today will accomplish as well as the opportunities women who are older and more experienced are creating more regularly today.

 Halloween is this weekend and I am looking forward to watching the ‘Trick or Treaters’ embark on their much-anticipated journey. I miss being a part of it, walking through the neighborhoods, and experiencing the adrenaline and creativity but there is joy in watching the newcomers and knowing I am free to walk on my own path. Happy Halloween!

Talk soon,

Forever Yours

Quote:

“I’ve always tried to stay true to my authentic self.”

Katie Couric

Born: January 7, 1957

American journalist, author, producer