Daniel is making a speedy recovery following his life saving surgery and near death experience. He’s resting up for our next photo shoot, so for this post, Finn Wells is filling in. Finn is also going to help us with videos, so I look forward to exploring a new medium.
The fear of losing Daniel was heightened by the death of a much younger and apparently healthy friend who died in his sleep this past weekend. A talented, creative and generous artist slipped away in the midst of the night. This all against the backdrop of unspeakable gun violence and death across the United States.
I have been reminded once again of the fragility of life and the urgency of living life to its fullest. The importance of choosing how I most want to spend my time, and who I want to spend it with. For in the course of the universe, the space between life and death, our time on the physical plane is but a “second” in the scheme of things. The act of creativity exists between the in and out breath. The inhale and the exhale.
To be close to death heightens all of the senses in the here and now. The sensation of the soft cool breeze on my warm skin as I leave yoga class. The profound feeling that flows through me as I gaze into the eyes of my grandson, as he responds in kind with deep innocence, yet ancient knowing. The sense of wonder that I feel when I discover a beautifully crafted piece of headwear. The meditative quality of self-expression. The excitement and trepidation of trying something new. The awareness that the moment is all we have. It will never pass through life again.
Writing about death, as I have expressed before, does not feel morbid to me. Though taboo in our culture, it is as real as the hat on my head and the shoes on my feet. Because I am healthy today does not mean that life could turn on a dime tomorrow.
It motivates me to question my choices and be more aware of each moment and experience. To savor, feel wonder and lean forward toward love and kindness. To do something everyday to heal myself and reach out to take action with others to participate in changing the dysfunctional system that contributes to the pain and destruction that is unfolding on a frequent basis before our eyes. Though not delusional nor grandiose, I hold hope for change.
Photos by Finn Wells
As I linger over this post and ponder the meaning of life once again, I have more questions than answers. It all comes down to oneness, connection, focus, passion and exploring the awareness of my true nature.
As always, as artist and hatmaker Debra Rapoport, a regular on Advanced Style HERE so wisely states, “Creativity Heals.”
Vintage black straw hat, vintage black maxi skirt, and vintage black open-toed pumps – estate sales, silk fuchsia tunic with large black polka dots and statement bow – consignment store shopping with Valerie of the Idiosyncratic Fashionistas – HERE.
Linking up with Catherine’s #iwillwearwhatilike HERE at Not Dressed As Lamb and Patti’s Visible Monday HERE at Not Dead Yet Style.
It’s nice you write about death Judith. Because truly no person is exempt, yet so many refuse to talk about it or even plan for it! It really is part of life. Of course it’s sad to lose the ones we love, but the circle of life is never ending!
As usual you look marvelous, and you’re right—-we need to take heed and enjoy the life we have!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
A.most wonderful post which reminded me to savour the day instead of a tomorrow.
So beautifully written, Judith…….and you look especially fabulous
What an eloquent essay full of personal yet universal images. I really appreciate the time and brains you put into this (and all your posts, for that matter.)
Your way of expressing ideas is as sharp as your always refreshing and elegant dressing style. I’m glad to know about this blog and receive your posts.. Calling it a blog almost feels like it doesn’t do it justice, but all I can say is that it always feels like a transporting blast of lovely Alpine air every time a new ‘issue’ arrives.
I particularly love this orchid color — and your thoughts on life and death.
Karin
Thank you for your reminder that life exists only in the breath in and breath out.
Gorgeous. Thank you for being so bold and so beautiful !
I adore your poetic writing and this post.
You always inspire me Judith.
bisous
Suzanne
All the wise women have more questions than answers. Just asking the questions brings us closer to Real Life. Thank you for this beautiful post and gorgeous outfit, xox
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Such a beautiful and spiritual post Judith. It touched me where I needed to be touched today, right in my heart and soul. I am so sorry for the sudden loss of your friend and how beautifully you shared your feelings. Time heals, though never thoroughly. You do look stunning as usual!
“Creativity Heals”, how inspiring! I too have been greatly touched by a recent death, I try to remember to live each day as if it were my last.
Lovely inspirational post. You write so eloquently. Glad Daniel is on the mend.
Beautifully thought, felt, written & shared.
Thank you<3
Wonderfully written post. Life is fleeting and one never knows what’s coming next.
If creativity heals, well m’am, then you have the right instrument. As you are so creative. This is haute couture what you created. It made my jaw drop. GORGEOUS.
Greetje
very beautiful. beautiful styling. http://gray50plus50dresses.blogspot.com
Life is indeed precious and as we age and lose our peers and parents, we try to make the most of each day.
Thank God there is fashion and hats and loveliness in the world.
I’m so glad Daniel is recovering but saddened to hear of your other friend’s passing. A beautiufl outfit to accompany an exquisitely written post. xxx
Love your look! Congrats!
I love your thoughts on life,a great outlook and inspiration xxxxxx
It’s so easy to take things and people for granted, but as I get older I am becoming more aware of how precious every moment is. Nobody is guaranteed a tomorrow so we have to make the most of the here and now and grab opportunities with both hands.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
This is a beautiful, thoughtful post. I love to your read your blog because it always makes me think a little deeper about things. I love, love your outfit also. So beautiful. Peace! Cheryl
Beautiful photos and post <3
Dear Judith, I’m not sure which I like more, your exceptionally vibrant and exciting outfit, or your sage writing in this post…. Truly, I love them both. Yes, life can and so often does turn ‘on a dime’. It seems that being always alert and aware of this possibility prods us to remain ever-present and in-the-moment. I am grateful too, for your use of Debra Rapoport’s statement that Creativity Heals. I turned to making jewelry, when my husband was so ill, in order to remain aware of beauty, every day, even in the face of pending loss… it almost seemed like I was trying to escape my reality, but in truth, it kept me sane during difficult moments. Her statement assures me that I was not ‘wasting time’ but holding myself together, while the freight train of transformation was speeding through me. I am eternally grateful for having discovered you, with your beautiful interior and exterior. Blessings to you and all those you love, every day in every way. Warmly, Chris
I have to echo Chris’ sentiments about admiring not just your beautiful outfit but your wonderful writing too. I seem to have journeyed through my life with a sieze the day attitude borne from an unhappy childhood which was followed by a lifelong illnesss from the age of 18. Such things to indeed impact on our wonder at life and its transient nature. Your sage words and wonderful outfits draw me back time after time as you are a balm to the soul.
Anna x
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
this is a very thoughtful post and makes you stop and ponder about mystery of live as you never know what is around the corner.
did I mention that I adore your outfit?
Judith thank you so much for this thought provoking post about a subject so often feared. A gentle reminder to celebrate each day.
The beauty and creativity in your outfit is so inspiring.
GORGEOUS YOU……….
I am SO Happy DANIEL is on the mend……..will you tell us what happened in time?As for your other friend……at least HE went FAST in his sleep.There is NO BETTER WAY TO GO……..in my opinion.How heart breaking for those HE left behind.
Debra and HER words………she is SO RIGHT!I got to meet her here close to my home where she did a CUFF making class.ANOTHER DIVINE LADY!
You are on a ROLL…………..I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!
I have a Birthday on the HORIZON and always give myself a PARTY…….this year I am SO tired think I will skip the HOOPLA………….and just SIT in my GARDEN.Have had a nice scare too with my health and have moved my 91 year old Mother who is coming down with DEMENTIA.I just need to REST and look at all your stunning PHOTOS!!!!!!!!
I haven’t been making my rounds with regularity and was alarmed to read about Daniel’s health crisis. My goodness! I thought about it quite often yesterday and your writing (I had to read and come back).
I too believe creativity heals. I believe in positive change. I believe in the power of good energy creating massive chain reactions. I believe in the power of the small.
Your photos by Finn Wells are beautiful – how could they not be? Look at you and what you’re wearing! Hahaha!! You’re getting into video?! That is so exciting. I really look forward to seeing you take off in that new medium.
it’s always a pleasure to read your posts, but this one is particularly touching and wise!, and you look particularly fabulous in your hot pink outfit, love that sleeves and your gorgeous attitude!!
besos
Thank you for sharing such beauty, Judith, in your writing and photos.
It’s fun to start my morning with a check-in to see what fabulous outfit you chose to go out into the world and show off your gorgeous gray self. I’m sorry about your friend Daniel, and am glad to hear he’s on the mend.
I had the second health crisis of my life last year, and like you, am determined to suck and savor the juice out every day. Beautiful clothes make me happy, so even when mowing my lawn I wear something pretty (yet easy to wash)–a polka dotted flowing summer skirt or a linen jumper. I’m more understated than you, except, always, always, red lipstick.
Thank you for affirming and rocking the gray!
–Miss Heron
I’m glad to hear that Daniel’s recovery is going well, and I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your other friend. Yes, life can change in an instant, and this moment is all we have. You have always written so eloquently about death and dying, and I think it is an important topic that should be discussed freely, as it is the only thing that we can say with certainty that every one of us with experience (aside from birth).
Every day seems to bring more bad news, more people dead; it gets more and more difficult to stay positive and look forward but if we don’t try, the killers win.
I know you may not think so but you are very brave to talk about these things. There is so much artifice and denial going on these days. But! Here you are in all your lovely pink splendor reminding us of how beautiful life can truly be.
This post reminds me yet again why I treasure our friendship. So eloquently written, the sentiments mirror my own. And as always, your styling is impeccable. Lovely in pink. Hmmm…I will be creating something for you shortly…:-)