Greetings. In an attempt to slow and understand life’s quickening pace, I’m writing to share my personal perspective on the aging process, its dilemmas, the humorous self-deception, the insights and the adventure of it all.

Let’s start with the title I chose for my blog, not out yet. I chose it because it signifies my desire to still be in the game. I’m approaching 80. life ain’t over, but it’s getting shorter quickly. It’s definitely entered a new chapter!

I spend the bulk of my time in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA and manage to get to NYC a few times a year. Recently, I’ve added Japan into the mix. I feel very lucky to live in an age where one can traverse so many miles with relative ease. Of course, this was written pre-covid!  Nothing is easy or uncomplicated anymore.

I’ve been a dancer/dance teacher and dance supporter almost all my life. For the past 10 years, I have helped produce a month-long creative residency in Santa Barbara for contemporary American choreographers and their dancers. It was called DANCEworks. I retired in the fall of 2019,   It was incredibly gratifying and fulfilled  my desire to make a difference in the arts.

On a personal level, I have been married for over 57 years. I’m the mother of three daughters and five granddaughters. I was born and grew up in Western Massachusetts and lived for many years on the East Coast, including Florida, Connecticut and Georgia. I am pretty much bi-coastal in my personal identity. The saying, “Once a New Englander, always a New Englander,” defines what’s in my heart, although California suits my life style. I love its freedom from convention, its year-round outdoor living and its boundless landscape.

A few years ago I began to spend a few months a year in Kyoto, Japan. I’ve been magnetically attracted to Japan for many years. Now, I am living out a dream to live there part-time. My goal is to spend about 2- 3 months a year in Japan, for as many years as I am able to. I continually find inspiration in those surroundings. While in Japan, I usually blog more frequently. Now that the threat of Covid is so prevalent, I’m waiting until it’s safe to return to Kyoto. I’m trying to be patient!

I’ve always enjoyed writing. This blog gives me the opportunity to share my experiences with others as well as to deepen the experiences for myself. Thanks for tuning in! Feel free to share.