Deana tagged me to do this meme....And it is an interesting one, believe me. Here is the premise: 5 things I never pictured being in my life at 25!Well, seeing as how that was 51 1/2 years ago for me......this is a meme that I need to give a bit of thought to.....
Okay.
1.- When I was 25 years old, I never ever thought I would be living in Los Angeles....ever ever!
It was the last place I wanted to live, back then....but, circumstances conspired to change that when I was 29 years old.....And I have been here ever since...adding up to 46 years, on February 1st. It's been a wonderful place for me to live....Everything that is good in my life, happened here in what many people call La La Land. For me? It has been the most creative, productive, wonderful place on every level, including the dearest friends anyone could possible have.2.- It never occurred to me at 25, that there would ever come a time when I would not smoke.
That was completely unimaginable to me! Everyone smoked. There were no "warnings" about the true dangers of smoking. It was all about how good smoking was for you....When I was 25, I had already been smoking for 10 years. Well, the smoking ended when I was 39 years old, never to pick up another cigarette again, Thank God.....Which leads me to #3.3.- Never, when I was 25 could I have imagined having lung problems which came from a severe illness when I was nine years old. This lung condition, set into motion back then, was not helped by the 24 years of smoking that I did, at all.....And this lung disease was not diagnosed until 2004....I am grateful that I stopped smoking when I did, because if I had not stopped in 1970, I would not be alive today.
4.- At 25, I might have fantasized about being on Broadway as an actress...but never in my wildest imagination could I have seen that not only would I actually be on Broadway at the age of 32, but that it would come through my singing and my composing.....And especially, when, at 29, I felt deeply suicidal....I truly was lost in a maze in a way that I never thought I would ever actually find my way out. But I did 'find my way out' by confronting my inner demons and working hard to reduce them to a much smaller size...A manageable size, shall we say, paving the way to having 'a life'. Not a particularly conventional life....but one that has suited me very very well.5.- At 25, there is no way I could have known what 'growing old' really meant or what it held. I realize that if I had done this meme at 40, or 50, or even 60....it would be quite different in many ways, then it is today. This growing 'older' can be really daunting, especially if one has health issues....And never, at 25 did I imagine living with a cat, or two or three or 5...! I didn't even like cats when I was 25.
But part of what is so very comforting in these 'older' years is having this beautiful dear sweet cat who comforts me on a daily and nightly basis....If anyone had told me at 25 that I would fall in love with a cat at 35 (In fact, three cats at once)....I would have said, "No Way, No Way", and how wrong I would have been.....
Not ever having a true "significant other", is another thing that I don't believe I thought would not be in the cards for me at 25. I really thought I would be married or at the very least, that I would have a long term loving intimate relationship, married or not....
Well, my most enduring intimate relationship was with my cat "Baby"....20 and 1/2 years we had together...which was certainly longer than any close loving relationship I've had with a human. (lol) And you know what? That's okay. That is really okay with me. Do I feel badly that I have not had that? Of course I do. But, it wasn't meant to be, so, from this vantage point now....well, as I said, it is really okay. Have I known love? Yes, indeed I have, and I am very grateful for that....So there you have it Deana....And I thank you for tagging me....Now, I am supposed to tag 5 other people. So.....here they are.
1. Pat over at Past Imperfect.
2. Shephard over at Shephard's Shubert Alley.
3. Rachel at Sliding Trough Life.
4. Bud at Bud At Pinehurst.
5. Judy at Imagine.
And anyone else who feels like doing this....please do, and let me know when it is posted.....
More To Come......
Note: Today would have been my mothers 109th Birthday....I cannot imagine that, quite frankly, but this date will always hold a special place in my heart....
- had this to say:
Wow - 109?!!!
Fabulous meme Naomi. I enjoyed reading yours as much as I enjoyed Deana's. We've all come a long way since 25, even though for me it was 10 years ago, I have still come a long way from that age. I have done so much I never thought I would ever ever do. This year is very exciting for us, including stuff I never thought possible...- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 2:03:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
Happy Birthday to Mama Jen, wherever she may be!
- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 2:22:00 AM PST
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Naomi, I want to play-but do not want to interrupt my series on booze--which is going to take a while. And I bet you are still up--5:30 am here. Hugs Bud
- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 2:32:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I knew you would do an amazing job with this one. I like how you talk of facing demons. I understand that one and it does make us stronger if you survive it. Some people just never survive it. I also find it interesting how difficult the 20s are for many women. Either single or boggled down with many kids...They aren't our best years for sure.
And the fact that you made broadway by singing and composing is great...you're a talent and it is good you've been recognized. Also you did a great job relating aging to us and health concerns.- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 5:10:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Thanks for the tag, Naomi. I'll get on it this weekend and let you know when it is up. At leat 2 of our answers are similar.
- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 5:23:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Oh Oldold lady of the hills...
I want to comment on this, I really do but my eyes are too full of tears.
I will have to comment later!!!!
Terry- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 5:32:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Naomi, what lovely, thoughtful answers to those questions! Such an unconventional life, yes, but what a full one. I will let you know when I do the meme (normally I don't do these but I am feeling quite introspective these days). Thanks for stopping by and checking for the voice link - there is a little orange bar at the bottom that is a music player, but it may not be showing up for you for some reason.
- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 7:03:00 AM PST
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I came by way of Carolyn and I like your writing as one can tell it comes from the heart, I'll be back here to read more.
- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 9:12:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
What wonderful answers. It just goes to show that life truly is what happens while we're making other plans.
Do you know, the longest significant relationship to date I have had (outside of blood relations) to date is with my cat, Bob. I have had him 16 and a half years now adn cannot imagine life without him, and yet I know one day he will leave me. Not yet though. Tha daft old thing still thinks he's a kitten sometimes. In between naps that is! LOL!
Best wishes to you as well, on your dear mothers birthday.
Michele sent me this time but I would always pop by :)- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 10:17:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Naomi, loved this post...at 25 we feel like we are on top of the world...and it is hard to envision all the wonderful things to come. You have more than accomplished a tremendous amount in your lifetime!
- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 11:28:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Thank goodness Naomi that you stopped smoking when you did and how ironic that you should have lung problems with your beautiful voice.
When I look at your cats I feel I have missed out on a lovely relationship - my mother's fault I'm afraid.
I'm sure you have been adored and far better not to get hitched to the wrong person. You certainly have many admirers and friends and long may you delight us all.- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 12:53:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
First of all, big birthday wishes to your mom! (She may be reading this...you never know.)
Secondly, I loved that you were able to quit smoking, so you could be with us today sharing your beautiful photos and heartwarming stories. It doesn't surprise me that you made it to Broadway; you're a woman of many talents!
I'm happy that your kitties make you happy. The photo of old blue eyes is one of the best cat pictures I've ever seen. Such beautiful white fur and gorgeous sky blue eyes.- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 2:14:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
That was a great meme. You know what? Sometimes I think it would be better to have a pet animal as a companion than a human being. Not that I don't like human beings but the fact that they answer you back, you have to cook for them, do laundry for them is incomparable to a pet where you just feed them with their animal food (no cooking), you don't laundry for them and they don't argue. (lol)
- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 2:42:00 PM PST
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You have no idea how much hope this gave me.
- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 3:28:00 PM PST
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I don't believe any of us can imagine all the twists, turns and adventures that are in store for us in life. I was like you in my early 20s, so glad I stuck around. I never imagined most of what my life has turned out to be, and it's so much better and more complete than I could have imagined. Life...you just never see it coming! I enjoyed your meme.
- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 4:11:00 PM PST
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I can think of lots of things I didn't do at age 25. But, for me, that was 52 1/2 years ago. So forgetting is easy for me.
- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 4:23:00 PM PST
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Thank you for another rich perspective on your soul, Naomi. I thoroughly enjoyed this entry. You've got me thinking about our perspectives on life and time, and how those perspectives evolve over time.
You've got me thinking back to my own quarter century mark. The whole world seemed ahead of me then.
I wish I had your courage.- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 5:09:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
This is a wonderful vehicle to get to know you better. Do you just have Sweetie now? Sweetie is a dream but Baby does have style.
At 25 I never would have dreamed I'd ever live anywhere but Mass. Life does have those twists just like any good story.
Michele spun me this way tonight but I would have come anyway.- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 6:01:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I wish your mother would have lived to see her 100th birthday. You would have had so many more wonderful years with her. I also wish this would have been the case for your very dear sister, Robin.
You took this meme and really answered it in a powerful way. I am thrilled that you quite smoking and thereby saved your own life!!! Your lung condition was coming, and had you not stopped smoking, I would never have had the opportunity to know you. Just think, you would never have known the joy of blogging!!!! It is amazing to me that your lung problem is tied to your illness so long ago.
Yours is a real life story about how our lives can turn on a dime. From suicidal thoughts to being on Broadway a mere three years later!!! That is inspiring!!
Thanks for talking so frankly about facing aging and illness. No matter who reads this blog, they will face aging, or the alternative.- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 6:13:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Do I feel badly that I have not had that? Of course I do.
I don't think you should feel badly about not having that. Things happen as they are supposed to.
Or maybe I have had too much gin and am feeling bossy...
I'm gonna do this meme. I'll let you know when I do.- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 6:59:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Great meme Naomi! No matter what you write it's always good stuff.
I'll try to do this one next week. I'll have to think about it first!!
Having a cat live to be over 20 is really something!! They are all so sweet and I'm so glad you have Sweetie now. He is so pretty!!
Losing our parents is so hard and I can understand why your mothers birthday is so memorable for you. Big hugs to you!!- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 8:22:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I really enjoyed your meme, and I wrote one myself, just for the hell of it. Thanks for the fun.
- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 10:36:00 PM PST
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I had always wondered if you had ever been married or had that significant other. Thanks for clearing that up. You did quite well on your own!
(Happy Birthday Naomi's Mom!) Wow. 109!- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 1:27:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I always love dropping by here. 109 would be worth celebrating for sure. My Mum used to always buy a plant to plant in our garden on her my Nanna and Pa's birthday - as a way of honouring them. We always had beautiful flowers in our garden thanks to the ritual.
I noticed from what you said - that 29 seemed to be an interesting year for you ... its the Saturn Returns year in astrology and usually heralds dramatic changes in life ... there's another at 58 - 60ish ... was there major stuff happening then for you?
Thank you so much for sharing and thank you Michele for sending me on over!- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 3:03:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I've been a reader for some time but don't believe I've left a comment before. Memory is not what it once was.
I saw your MeMe this morning and enjoyed reding it. It made me do some math - my father was born in 1890 - if my math skills are still intact he would be 118 years old!! That's almost unbelieveable to me. He was 53 when I came along to cause havoc in the household.
I do so enjoy reading your blog and the wonderful pictures you post. It seems to me that you've had a wonderful, exciting life with many years to come.- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 6:53:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
At 25, I had been happily married for 4 years, already had 2 of my 3 children and I never dreamed that it would not last forever. The bright side is despite that it didn't, I've known great love, a beautiful family and good friends and being on my own through the years has provided grand and wonderful things I also never dreamed of. Among them is the unexpected discovery of a long distance friendship that is very dear to my heart and knowing her has been one of my great gifts.
I know she'll read this and recognize her.- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 10:55:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Outstanding, thought-provoking meme and your answers were so touching! I got tagged to do it by Xtreme English and will get to it after a session with my Thinking Cap firmly planted on my head -- prolly in the next day or two.
Thank you for your candor in your answers. I will try to equal it.- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 11:02:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I loved reading your answers to this, Naomi. And very intuitive of you to tag me, cuz it's just what I need for my Monday post. :)
Hope your Sunday is warm and cozy. We're going to see a play in Hollywood. Thinking of you,
~S :)- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 11:42:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
My meme is up now, Naomi! Hope you enjoy it.
- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 1:12:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Naomi- I enjoyed reading your answers. I have always liked "listening" to people older than me, and gaining their perspective on life.
I'm glad your cats are such an important part of your life, I love my kitty too.- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 1:36:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
I've changed a lot since twenty-five. LOL...A.Lot. Neat meme. Now I need to go check out Deana's. I don't remember seeing hers!
- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 1:58:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Great meme, has given me pause to think of my own thoughts at 25...I'm so glad u did quit smoking..as did I..after 26 yrs of it ...
I truelly enjoyed reading this meme of yours...- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 2:43:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Dear Naomi, I also know well what is losing our parents and miss them so much. Big hug to you on your Mom's Birthday.
Love your answers! That was a moving and great meme!
PS: I invite you to see Sweetie on my current post about my friend's pets.- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 3:29:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Here's my oldest daughter's meme....I tagged her with your meme. It's already crossing the water!
http://www.whitelees.blogspot.com/
m.e.- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 3:39:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Isn't that an interesting question?
Everything about my life now I would never have dreamt would be reality at 25. It's amazing what a difference even 12 years can make, let alone 51 1/2 years. My goodness.
You are such a beautiful person, inside and out. (hugs)- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 4:04:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Your honesty and the path your life has brought you to touched me deeply, Naomi.
I never would have guessed you EVER felt suicidal, nor that you hadn't been loved long and passionately and well by another human being.
You are so interesting AND interested in things, intelligent, capable, successful as a performer/artist and a person and a friend, and warm.
Your three gorgeous loving cats are lucky to have you as their mother.
Life brings with it unimaginable things, doesn't it... You encapsulated it well...
((hugs))- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 5:42:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
isn't it amazing when we take the time to look back and realize how much we experienced or how different our path has been than we expected?? And to think we keep believing we have so much of a say in our destiny! hahaha!
- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 5:46:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Nice perspective, Naomi. I can barely remember being 25 ... 20 years ago.
- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 8:11:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I just finished being 25...the second time around, lol. Loved reading your post, Naomi.I'm having problems with my right hand so i can't type much and it takes forever with the left hand...
- Monday, January 14, 2008 at 1:25:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
There's not much I could put as nothing much has changed in my life in 2 and a half years! :D
- Monday, January 14, 2008 at 5:34:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I posted it. Sigh
- Monday, January 14, 2008 at 7:19:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Great meme and another great way to learn more about Naomi....
Cats can be very loving. I have grown up with cats and I prefer them over dogs. The cat we have now is now about 10 years old. She has extra toes on both of her front feet and her name is "Bubba". Some name for a female cat, isn't it. She think that the house we live in is hers and she just lets us live her to feed her and take care of her. When she was a baby cat, she did not like being held or petted. Now she loves to be petted and she almost demands it. She favors my husband over me and she gets quiet jealous when is come over and sit next to my husband. She will get in bed and sleep next to my husband almost every night. In the morning she will meow till we get up and feed her. She can drive a person crazy with her instance that we feed her "Right NOW". Yes, I can see why you love cats.
My daughter is 29 yrs. old and she isn't married yet. I told her not to worry about it, that when the right guy comes along, she will know it. If he doesn't come along, then he doesn't come along...Right now, she has decided to pursue her dream of becoming a machanical engineer and she has gone back to school. She wants to work for NASA and that is all she can think about right now.
How old was your mother when she died? Mine was only 57 years old.- Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 4:59:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
what awesome points you make and points that hit close to home for me in so many ways. thank you for sharing this. you always have a way of saying/blogging things that refresh my perspective on life.
- Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 10:46:00 PM PST
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