Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned

Today is my 75^th birthday, and it reminds me of all the other people I’ve known over the years as they aged. As well as my family and friends, I’m blessed with a career that often brings me long relationships, allowing lengthy views into other people’s “life maps.”

I’ve taught writing classes and moderated writing groups for the last 50 years as well as offering some other kinds of classes occasionally.

On this day, I’m thinking of those that I’ve watched for many years and the lessons I’ve learned from them.

My mother said to dry between your toes after every bath or shower. It’s embedded in my mind. I NEVER forget that.

My father said to end every shower with cool water. I now hear that this is really good for elderly skin. Good lesson also.

My grandmother showed me how to clean a bathtub with a bar of ivory soap, which taught me that was a good thing to do before having a bath.

My Grandfather Davis demonstrated drawing pictures to go with stories he was telling us. I think of his skillful work every time I put together a children’s book.

My Grandfather Sweazey showed me how to cock a chair on its back legs, moving it back and forward like a rocking chair.

My Aunt Dorothy taught me how to play the flute, giving me so many hours of pleasure and accomplishment.

My Aunt Frances gave me some of her beginner French books—precious and now family heirlooms.

My Aunt Audrey was a luscious feminine example—how she dressed and moved and wove words charmingly.

My Uncle Don used a calm voice, was courteous, generous, and pleasant…the model and my image of a desirable husband.

My Uncle Leon was funny—taught me how to entertain students in my own classes.

My mother-in-law showed me how to cook some Swedish dishes.

Her Italian mother-in-law taught me how to make a gallon of spaghetti sauce.

I learned many other things from all of them, especially, of course, both my parents.

Students over the years have left me gifts of learning too.

Connie encouraged me to dress colorfully.

Especially Mary teaches persistence with all my writing classes she has completed.

Peter, Kay, Marilyn, and some others who died too soon for me showed how to love and let go.

Pete brings the wisdom of sheer survival in dangerous situations.

Brad (student, now husband of 38 years) brings loving tools of continuity.

Kathy H. demonstrates hanging in against all odds to produce a book.

Gary proves that not all desires must come true.

Delores D. proves synchronicity delightfully occurs.

Kathy was the heart of persistence though she lost her struggle for a kidney.

Ariele Huff leads writing groups, and Ancient Healing for Modern Stress as well as other online classes on writing and life topics. She works from her home in Aberdeen, Washington. Connect at ariele@comcast.net. We’ll set up times to meet if you want all virtual. If you don’t want ZOOM, Skype, or online, we can also do some as phone chat sessions.

For readers who’d like a list of my available classes, connect with me at ariele@comcast.net and request a flier of classes. Check Amazon.com for my many paperback and eBooks. There are a couple of free downloads for eBooks at this time. Guilty Pleasures is one.

SHARING STORIES is a weekly column for and about the 50 plus crowd living in the Puget Sound region. Send your stories and photos to ariele@comcast.net. Tell local or personal stories; discuss concerns around aging and other issues; share solutions, good luck, and reasons to celebrate; poems are fine too. Pieces may be edited or excerpted. We reserve the right to select among pieces. Photos are always a plus and a one-sentence bio is requested (where you live, maybe age or career, retired status, etc.).

SHARING STORIES is featured on www.northwestprimetime.com, the website for Northwest Prime Time, a monthly publication for baby boomers, seniors, retirees, and those contemplating retirement. The newspaper can be found in the greater Seattle area and other Puget Sound locations. For more information, call 206-824-8600 or visit www.northwestprimetime.com. To find other SHARING STORIES articles on this website type "sharing stories" in the search function above.