Dear friends;
I’ve been thinking.
Should I be doing something more with this space?
I’ve been writing here for 10 months now. I started on a birthday eve and, just so you know, even when the name no longer applies specifically to me, I think I’ll keep it. When I’m 64 forever. Think of it as more concept than reality. Or a t-shirt.
Anyway, in that time I’ve written about whatever comes off the top of my head on a Monday morning. Or a Thursday afternoon. One blog was inspired by a particularly inspiring mojito. Another took the shape of a letter to my daughter on a milestone birthday. Some posts have been observations – like the one about chin hairs. I’ve tried to keep rants to a minimum, although some push at my brain’s door.
Over these past months I’ve been exploring other blogs and, good lord, there are a lot. Millions. Daughter #2 tells me, you know those people bent over laptops, occupying seats for hours in your favourite coffee shop? They’re blogging. Wow.
I follow a few bloggers whose smart writing engages me off the top. These seem to be a minority in a blogosphere full of makeup tips (here’s mine: when putting on eye makeup, apply to both eyes – I’ve been caught on this) and fashion ideas. Mommy blogs are big and niches are everything. How to get your mojo back after having a baby, how to prepare snacks your toddler won’t throw at you – these blogs build communities for people at those places in life.
There are a lot of blogs about blogging too. How I made $10,000 in one month of blogging got my attention, although it all read like more marketing than I want to do.
(Successful blogs have pictures. So here’s me thinking about When I’m 64 the Future. Note I’m wearing lipstick. And struggling to focus on thinking. As per).
So, my point: I’m gathering a dizzying amount of information but I think maybe the best guidance in where to take When I’m 64 will come from you.
I’m not likely to change my tone. I write like I talk. But, dear focus group of friends, are there areas of interest you’d like to see covered in this space? Topics you’d like to know more about? Questions you’d like answered (oh, please, the Ann Landers in me has always wanted a forum.) Are there blogs you appreciate? I’m seeking input and without it, I shall just carry on in my as-the-notion-strikes kind of way.
Thank you
When I'm 64 
Dear When I’m 64,
I have found that the more endearing blogs are those where the author has some skin in the game. Well, maybe more than skin…a little muscle and bone too. The best writing comes of a chorus of heart, brain and hand, crafted upon unique moments, life lessons and personal perspective. Your topics present a delightful read in this regard. They make me smile, they make me think. If a forum is to be struck, if Ann Landers is to be resurrected, don’t shade that talented style, uniqueness that you possess.
Sincerely yours,
Fellow Blogger…Sense of Being
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Dear Sense of Being, Thank you. Just the kind of fulsome feedback (and affirmation) I hoped to receive. If this seems to be the consensus (and so far the polling numbers are low 🙂 ), then I shall soldier on. Btw, your blog name reminds me of one of the best books I’ve read in the past decade – Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes. Won the Man Booker. PS, I live in hopes of being asked for advice. Probably little worry there.
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Ah, Gery, lovely photo, so youthful and the writing , easy and care free.. just let it flow, it’s delightful
Hugs and keep it rolling
Sue T
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Oh, Sue. Thank you. Well, so far no one has suggested otherwise, so I’ll take your kind advice and keep doing what I’m doing. I love that you follow my blog.
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Gery – as someone turning 60 in a couple of short months, I finally accept that this blog fits me. I like my brain at 60, my heart and soul too. My body…meh. Your blog keeps my facial muscles exercised, synapses firing, even if I need to be stationary while doing it. Keep it mixed up with your usual clever and talented take on a myriad of relatable topics. I’m a fan.
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Made my day, Darlene. Thank you!
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Hi Gery, I have always enjoyed your writing and love the storytelling cadence of it. My mind naturally pauses as I hear your words. As a 60+ person I am enjoying the perspective I have and enjoy laughing at myself. Soon to be retired from my day job, I am looking forward to the next chapters. So bring on the thoughts that inspire you as you inspire us.
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Gosh, that’s good to hear. Sometimes, as you can imagine, I write into an echo chamber and wonder if people want to read something substantive or useful. But if my hodgepodge works, I’ll stay on it. Retiring….what a soldier you’ve been. Congratulations. Thanks for staying in touch.
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You are the best and I love reading your blog. The variety keeps me coming back just to see what you’ve come up with. My input, for what it’s worth, is that the thoughts you put to paper (so to speak) are what I find unique and entertaining! I am positive you have a wide variety of interesting topics in that little brain of yours! Keep it coming Ger!
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Well then I’ll do that. I think most bloggers plan, but I’ll continue to write about whatever pops into my head on a given day.
Thanks, Tar. Means the world,
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