Ronni, this blue's for you!

                                           

Portland, Maine was our special morning stop the day we were due at the Knitting Retreat.  We were the guests of Ronni Bennett, creator of the multi-faceted elderblog, Time Goes By, in her beautiful new apartment--as lovely as the photos on her blog.  Since the past winter, my spouse has listened to my ups and downs with becoming a blogger.  He knew how important Ronni has been to my own--and others'--launch into this world.  What synchronicity that she relocated from New York City to a place with special meaning for us.

Forty years ago, August 1966, Ron and I went on a two-week vacation to Maine.  We were not, gasp, married.  Younger elders may think that's funny but in our world, at that time, it was high adventure, a bit risque.  I probably told my young secretary about going to Maine--by myself.  Ron did not introduce me to a former boss, we bumped into at a restaurant.   Even though I came down with a bad cold, we had a great time.  We'd met in March, were married in October.

In 1976, we returned to Maine with our children on our way to Canada--the trip described here.  This summer's visit was the first time since then.  Now Elderblogging had entered my life and become an important focus in my retirement.  When I explain what it's about to non-bloggers, I emphasize its value for my writing: the  discipline of the commitment.  In the past--and still--other writing has been put off, done in surges of energy usually with an external deadline.

And to whom, to what am I committed?  To this community of elders with whom I share the urge to use ourselves in this creative enterprise.  Different from one another, we share something very special--a deep understanding of how we can shape a different kind of latelife through writing about our memories, ranting about the world around us, figuring out how to use this technology to enrich our lives.

Picture Ronni and me as we sit with this large rock, fallen tree before us.  Ron is off collecting small shells. Casco Bay stretches ahead.  Instead of a photo of her, you have the landscape we watched.  The blue in the title of this post?  Ronni has eyes that color, the bay is that color.  We talk about many things--especially making a big geographic move after 60.  It's a privilege to be able to thank, in person, the woman who gave me the gift  of valuable start-up advice, who has built this community, and opened it to all of us. 

Yes, Ollie, the cat, who appeared toward the end of our visit, is magnificent.  Ron and I are pleased to add them both to our memories of Maine.   

Comments

[Susan aka SAZ]

Oh WOW - I am so jealous! Next you'll be in Paris meeting with Claude.

You gave me lots to think about in this post Naomi. It's been a particular joy to read so many of the elder blogs and see the different styles and roads we've gone down. Thank you.

[Beth]

Oh I do remember that beautiful dragonfly that we found last week in Maine. I bet the designer would be proud that her design is at home in New York and in South Carolina and now on a blog.

You have so clearly communicated what I find is the most amazing aspect of the internet. The influence of one blogger, in Maine, on your venture into the blog world is amazing. I enjoy your blog and appreciate your all your writings.

Take Care

Beth

[Naomi Dagen Bloom]

Susan, maybe i can visit with you some time we travel to oregon...not so far from california? you never know. thanks for the feedback about this post; i did so want to get it right.

Beth, now i'm ready to write about the retreat, about meeting you, learning so much from you--not just about knitting. thanks for pointing out the dragonfly; could not figure how to add it myself!

[donna]

Ah, I was so hoping you would stop in and see Ronni! Yeah!

[knomad]

I am amused by the idea of "younger elders."
Great post and homage to Ronni. I think it is great you were able to visit her in Maine.

[Claude]

Naomi, another great post!
You're right, back in the sixties, living in sin was not considered so cool ;)
Did you knit that red... is it a butterfly or a dragonfly? I love it.
I love the idea of those people who would never have met if it were not for blogging!

[Susan aka SAZ]

Okay Naomi...next year in Oregon!

[Ronni Bennett]

My former husband and I lived together for the three or four months before we were married in 1965. And yes, it was a risque thing to do in those days, though I'd forgotten that until reading this post. I remember now that there were some people we told, but others we were careful to say either that we were married or not mention we were living together.

It was a lovely visit, Naomi. So many things to talk about and not enough time at all. I am so pleased and honored that you stopped by. I'm not sure when it's going to be, but when I get to New York, we'll follow up some more...

[Bethene LeMahieu]

I've loved reading about your recent journey on the "Fiber Trail." You engaged me in so many ways--both with words and with pictures. Because of your blog, which I can see/feel you are really enjoying (me, too!), I've traveled to Maine and back to New York and never left my armchair! Thank YOU.

[millie garfield]

Hi Naomi

What exciting news! You got to spend "real time with Ronni.. I know how you feel about that, even though you really know her, I'm sure it was great to communicate "live."

I got to meet Terri from Islandwriter when she was visiting in Ma .One of these days Ronni will be coming to Boston so we'll arrange to meet and Claude will be visiting in Ma. so we'll meet too.

The more we blog the richer our lives get.

It's a small world after all!

[goldenlucy]

Naomi,
What a wonderful post! I loved the acct of your Maine trip and I concur with you re Ronni. Millie is right---blogging enriches all of us.

If I didn't blog I would grow ever more tunnel-visioned and fearful. As it is, I'm torn between the legitimacy of each side in any issue. That's a good thing because I wouldn't be THINKING. I'd just be sitting stubbornly and inertly cultivating my little parochial patch.

I plan to come to NYC to see family this fall. Perhaps I can meet some of my elder contemporaries. I feel I know them already.

Time to walk the current-small-dog-in-residence. Will this ever end? Nevermind. Walking is good!
Best regards Naomi.