I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s – when you were either a square, cool, a greaser or a beatnik. I’m sure every generation has their own labels, but to be a beatnik in the 50’s might’ve been akin to a pothead today. I never actually fit into that lifestyle, so I guess you could call me a square. Today, I’m an old lady of 80 and still kicking, so I’m blessed to be called “alive.” This thing which I love to do has begun to consume me. As time swiftly flies beyond me – as my days grow shorter – as the need to make money is constantly on the brain – I come to the conclusion that I’m simply chasing the wind. Still, I feel it’s something I must do.
I began writing stories when I was seven. It was one of those things that came from loving to read. The desire to weave intricate, beautiful words together and stitch them into my own stories carved out a lifelong passion. My dreams of being a writer included a French beret, lots of espresso, a dark, smokey coffee shop where kids would hang out and read their poetry. When I became an “adult,” reality hit home. There were bills to pay, a family to raise, responsibilities. The crunch of life got in the way of those moments of quiet contemplation. No more the beatnik in black. Now a wife, a mother, the spitting image of my parents. It was time to face reality and grow up.
Now I’m in my golden years. Who ever thought of that term anyway? There’s really nothing golden about them unless you’re independently wealthy or you’ve won the lottery. Somehow the golden years have turned into tarnished brass. We still have to make a living to survive. Before we die, we must figure out a way to live. The starving artist comes to mind. It took Margaret Mitchell 10 years to complete “Gone With the Wind.” It was the only book she ever wrote. She received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937 and she died at the age of 49. Imagine what she might have accomplished had she lived to be my age. She wrote about what she knew and drew upon her own life in the South to tell this ageless story of perseverance and determination. I have tried to write the great American novel but have been told by some that I should really take some writing classes first. Oh well, maybe I should’ve become a beatnik.
atimetoshare.me 
Great post – I can relate well. Beatniks – just ahead of me – an old part-time hippie.
We came after the beatniks – then Jesus saved the day. = Jesus Freaks next. As Arthur Blessitt used to say ” we may be nuts but we are screwed to the right bolt.” 😎
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What a great quote. Thanks for sharing!
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I started writing at age 7, too! I love your writing, Kathy. I wish you would write a book.
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Thank you sweet lady. I have written a few of them, but you know how I feel about rejection. Know any good agents?
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I don’t like rejection either! The best selling author, Stephen King, has said that he received enough rejections in the early days of his writing, to paper an entire wall with them. That’s hard to imagine.
Unfortunately, I don’t know any good agents. If I ever finish writing my memoir, I will probably self publish on Amazon. I used a hybrid publisher for the novel I wrote 20 years ago, but it really wasn’t worth the cost. Lesson learned.
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Oops, I need to correct my previous comment. I was 7 when I started reading everything I could get my hands on, and 8 when I started writing. So I wasn’t quite as precocious as you, but close. 😀
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Love this….I always wanted to paint….Grandma Moses. You still have time! I began writing in 4th grade. The teacher said I could write. I still have the composition I wrote back then.
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I’m trying my hand at art now. My husband is the artist in our family and we compliment each other’s work. I just do it for fun. He does it because it’s part of his identity. I think I’m a fair writer but fear keeps me from trying to get published. That’s why the blog is a good outlet for my passion to write. We’re never too old to try new things. That’s for sure❤️
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I think you’re the coolest “golden year gal” I know! I’d love to see pictures of you in the 50’s and 60’s. You have a way with weaving words~goes back to age 7! That’s wonderful, Mama K! You’re my hero. 💕 Margaret Mitchell’s story is inspiring. I watched “Gone With the Wind” (the last movie I watched in the house I just sold). Being the researcher I am, I started googling Vivien Leigh. That day I learned she died at 53 on July 8th (‘67?!?). I’ll be 53 on July 8th. It just hit me weird. I doubt I’ll write a famous novel. But I don’t stop dreaming! Sending much love and prayers. Today I was able to take my parents more antibiotics that were called in. They’ve both been very I’ll with lung infections. I’m leaving to see my oldest son and family on Saturday so I couldn’t hug my parents. I don’t take any day for granted! 💕💛🙏🏻
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Virtual hugs to you and your entire family. Hope your folks get well soon and enjoy your time with son and family.
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I started taking writing serious enough to do it voluntarily when I was an officer in the Air Force. I had to write performance reviews. Later I had to write documents like staff papers and war plans. When everything you write gets reviewed by two or three people senior to you, you have to learn to write. Eventually, once you begin to do something at least moderately well, you begin to enjoy it.
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Good thoughts. Thanks Tom😄
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You have got stories to tell that no one else can. Keep writing! I love them! I am in the very beginning stages of writing a book about my dad’s journey (and ours) through his ALS. The last year of his life he was not able to visit much on the phone, so I started writing him “memory letters” two or three times a week, with a picture to hopefully bring back good memories of his life. It may be just for family, we’ll see.
Anyway I will start sharing some of the letters sometime soon.
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I look forward to reading them. Your stories are a treasure.
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I am blessed to be alive and I am ten years behind. But one of my favorite characters on TV growing up was Maynard G. Krebs on Dobbie Gillis. I was most definitely a square – just a beatnik wanna be,
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