Last Saturday, we went to an all-day, post-Thanksgiving celebration in Jefferson Davis Parish in southwestern Louisiana. (Counties are called parishes in Louisiana.) This part of Louisiana is rice country. The land is flat and, for the most part, there are no trees. It’s called the Cajun Prairie, and when you drive through it, mile after mile after mile, you might well think you are in Kansas or in one of the Dakotas. That kind of landscape, flat and forever, made me feel a bit lonely in an exquisite way.
Another beautiful short essay, Richard, as we go dancing, dancing, dancing into the next years. And I loved this in particular: " the voice-quieting level land..." Dang!
This one made me smile. Thanks for the videos---I love Zydeco! I have experienced this all-age-inclusive dancing with Bluegrass Festivals in the Smokies, and at weekly Ceilidh in Scotland. Seems the rural folks can "kick up their heels" no matter how old. Such fun!
As an elder, I wear the label gratefully and joyfully, at least most of the time. We have earned this status through years of work, loving, suffering, giving and getting so wherever and in whatever we find joy we can take the opportunity to celebrate and share it. Even something as small as a smile, a kind word or two and yes, a meal together. https://garygruber.com/the-wisdom-of-children/
Another beautiful short essay, Richard, as we go dancing, dancing, dancing into the next years. And I loved this in particular: " the voice-quieting level land..." Dang!
Sarah, you are so sweet to write me this. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.
This one made me smile. Thanks for the videos---I love Zydeco! I have experienced this all-age-inclusive dancing with Bluegrass Festivals in the Smokies, and at weekly Ceilidh in Scotland. Seems the rural folks can "kick up their heels" no matter how old. Such fun!
Yes--rural folks keep it real!
A lovely rumination on aging, as well as a beautiful description of the landscape and the people in southwestern Louisiana.
Thanks, Laura. I'd love to talk to you about Australia sometime.
I love this post! You brightened my day with the Zydeco music and the message. 😊
Well, then that's made my day!
I ❤️ Zydeco.
As an elder, I wear the label gratefully and joyfully, at least most of the time. We have earned this status through years of work, loving, suffering, giving and getting so wherever and in whatever we find joy we can take the opportunity to celebrate and share it. Even something as small as a smile, a kind word or two and yes, a meal together. https://garygruber.com/the-wisdom-of-children/
Just happy to still be here.
Well said, Richard. And import for all of us to share these feelings and experiences. And do not go gently into this good night.
No gentle going!!!
This is a wonderful post and so welcomed by an 83-year old. Dancing should be a part of one's life from beginning to end. Thank you.
I agree! Let us dance up a bloody storm!
Great!!! So glad video works on Substack, too--wonderful music, Richard. And you danced?
Yes, indeed I did!!
Thanks for this, I was feeling a little blue myself. This helped. A lot.
That makes my day, Tom.
As did your article.