I defininitely didn't plan on retirement. Ever. Not growing old, but actually retiring.
I am a writer and have suported myslef as a writer almost since I got out of college.
It''s a competitive process and I love competition.
At first I took every commision I coud find, then I was able to occasionally work on my "love" projects.
NowI have all the time to write whatever I want to write -- and I have the most enormous writing block of my career
I also act professionally, but there aren't many roles for women my age and I decided In o longer wanted to learn lines.
I was writing as I raised my children, they're gone now -- before then my life centered on kids, writing, a few church activities.
I think artists who continue to pursue their work, like Picasso, into the 90's can't conceive of doing anything else. It was the gift we'were given and we need to use it.
I am takiing two trips this summer, to England and Ireland, to perhaps give myself some perspective.
I would volunteer -- but my writing (after the kids) is the only thing that gets me up in the morning.
Am I a selfish artist, probably, after teaching w iting/playwrighting/creative drama, for years to all ages, I nded to be done with that. If I had a partner, I could travel full time willingly, but it's only me. I was born and bred in Chicago but it's expensive to go "home." I don't have much affection for where I ended up, I was brought here by a husband Idivorced, and would like to find a small, artistic leaning, liberal community to retire to. I'd love to be on the Atlantic, but Lake Superior and Lake Michigan work almost as well and the MIssissippi. Right now I am in the happy heartland, the fields, the grain silos -- they make me sort ofdesperate. But big water and a dog might just allow me not to write.
Except -- I'm still writiing well. Bettter than before.
