In the Mid-Afternoon of My Life

[mrdreamjeans]

I finished a Maeve Binchy book on the plane back from Minneapolis yesterday morning. An Irish author, she writes heart-warming slice of life stories which I turn to when I need my heart-warmed:) In the just-completed read, she refers to one of her characters as "in the late afternoon of her life". (early 60s). I decided that for me that meant I was in the mid-afternoon of my life. Subsequently, gotmoof popped off, "What does that make me?" I told him (at age 33), in the brunch of his life:)

Ever have one of those days where your emotions are right under the skin? The birthday party on Saturday was that for me. I delighted in watching everyone celebrate perkk. John's just plain "good people" You could bask in the reflected glow of the long-time friendships on display amidst much laughter and fun. It was an incredibly eclectic group of people ... a tribute to John ... I was touched by how much John is loved by his friends and family.

I told the little guy who often sits on my shoulder, and tries to edit my experiences, to be quiet. I wanted to go with the flow, not have the analytical voice in my head interfere with the spontaneity of this trip. He only spoke up a couple of times:) The weekend felt like oxygen to me.

I'm back in Texas and missing my friends already. I so rarely get to socialize with people in this manner and even more rarely enjoy it. It's a lesson to remember ... If you're in the mid-afternoon of your life, better to make time for those people now, no matter the challenges or cost. Dusk, and a slow fade into night, will come soon enough.

I'd like to share a couple of photos indicative of the fun ... I'll be posting more as I find time this week ...


The Group at the Sing-a-Long (minus myself and bookbear)


rebisbear (Dave), perkk (John)
and gotmoof (Tim). As you can see,
mischief was afoot .. and this was only Friday:)

Comments

[huladavid.livejournal.com]

For a bunch'a years I was looking forward to turning 33 'cuz it'd be my "Jesus Year". The real year, however, was when I broke up with a long-term partner, lost my job, and had my first hospitalization for digression*.

It was very good to talk to you. I felt like I was struggling with "reticentcy" problems--which I guess was understandable--so it was nice to have another familiar face.

Hell, I don't know about the reicent bit so much as I don't let myself feel like I fit in very often.

Anyway...

_____
*that should be 'depression', as you can probably guess, but when the Freudian Slip Fairy tosses you one like that...

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I thought you were your usual charming, low-key self. I was happy to see you and visit with you, as you are one of the few people I knew there. Thanks for making me feel welcome! HUGS!

[huladavid.livejournal.com]

Charming and low-key, eh? Gads, but you say the nicest things (and the thing is, you're sincere, so I gotta belive you).

Plus you got that little accent thing going on. (Why is it no one finds 'da Minneeotah' accent as disarming as a southern one...)

Oh, and it was amazing to hear you sing!

Why Wouldn't I Mean It? It's True!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Well, after I let loose for a second, the little voice on my shoulder went,"What the hell were you thinking?" However, I was with Steven, Steve and you, so I felt comfortable in doing so ... plus the three of us were singing "Both Sides Now". The thing is ... Now you understand why I miss singing so much and what I'm giving up to pursue other things.

I have a photo of you that I think you will like. I'll email it soon. Also, I have a post with several photos that will go public in a day or two with Tim's help. I chose a photo of the two of us for it.

HUGS!

Re: "Late Afternoon", I think you're jumping the gun....

[bearhedded.livejournal.com]

53 is more like, "just getting to the latter half of an early lunch" part of life.

We still have, "Tea", "Cocktails", "Happy Hour", "Dinner" (or"Supper", depending on where you were raised), and quite a bit of "Mindless Empty Calorie Consumption in front of the TV", before it's time for, "Midnight Snacks"!

Re: "Late Afternoon", I think you're jumping the gun....

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

LOL! Thanks for making me laugh (and tear up for some reason)! My age is on my mind a lot these days for some reason. I guess it's because I feel that I have so much to accomplish and time is passing so quickly.

I'm hoping to get work in the 5th Avenue's 07-08 season, particularly MAME since I did the national tour a few years back. I love the show and it's what brought me to Seattle for the first time in 1989. Fingers crossed!

HUGS!

Re: "Late Afternoon", I think you're jumping the gun....

[bearhedded.livejournal.com]

"I have so much to accomplish and time is passing so quickly."

Yes, and it gets FASTER, the older you get!

I compare it with a whirlpool of water, draining out of the bathtub.......faster, faster, faster, then, PLOOP!

Best of luck with "Mame"! Who you reading for? Burnside, or Vera?!?!?

Re: "Late Afternoon", I think you're jumping the gun....

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

LOL! No, what I meant is that I'm going to contact them and throw my hat into the ring. Bill told me that they automatically consider me for things I'm right for ... no need to audition ... (I hope he meant it, because I love working there). I've played Uncle Jeff and covered the roles of Lindsay Wooley and Mr. Upson in the past. Now, I'm the right age to play all of them:)

As to the time of day ... I'm mid-afternoon, the siesta before play time:)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Maybe, you're snack time:)!

Thanks for noticing how I feel ... I listen to others for information, seek outside of myself to identify questions, but look inside for answers.

We'll definitely speak when you come back from California. Your friends will be comforted and sustained by having your strength and way with words at the services.

Big HUGS!

[bookbear.livejournal.com]

Wow, you and I seem to be in similar places. All I was thinking about on my way back was my age and things left undone. (I was comparing to what all I see my friends having accomplished and how I feel so behind.)

I guess that pic was when I went back for my glasses.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I'm always introspective about my life. I have a lot of goals, reasonable ambitions and talent to obtain them. I just have to work at being closer to the people who's friendship and love sustain me. I really enjoyed meeting you. You've got a brain behind that handsome face and character. It counts for a lot. Stay in touch!

HUGS!

[perkk.livejournal.com]

You're so kind, thank you. Those are lovely pictures. I'm glad you could make it up for the weekend. Sorry again for being so impatient, it was a crazy time. Next time will be more relaxed.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

You had a lot going on and a lot to organize ... plus, you had several out of town guests. I would have been crazy trying to make sure I gave everyone quality time. I thought you did a great job! I love being with you guys and my emotions are always all over the place; I want to make the most of the time there; yet, I always think ahead to the sadness of heading home ... home which isn't near ... Big HUGS!