Hopeful! A Writer Speaks about Turning 75 and What Comes Next

Question: “It’s your birthday today! You’re 75? WOW! How do you feel?”

Answer: “I’m feeling ‘in’, out of it, good, bad, well, wobbly, energetic, or tired. The answer depends on when you ask the question.”

Question: “Okay, I understand. But I meant how do you feel right now?”

Answer: “I feel great to be alive still, though I’m held together with expensive bailing wire, and great to be still hooked up with Lucy.”

Question: “Now are you going to retire?”

Answer: “I did that several times already. From the university, from investment analysis and money management, from the church, from … Well, I’m sure you get the idea.”

Question: “But on LinkedIn you’re identified as Writer. You wrote that, didn’t you?”

Answer: “Yes, between doctor visits, grandchild care, planning to move, moving, settling in, and doctor-mandated exercise walks—yes, I’m a writer.”

Question: “You just published a book, correct?”

Answer: “Right! Glad you noticed. Growing Green Two Ways! is about the many fascinating people who helped me grow up seven decades ago!”

Question: “What are people saying about the book?”

Answer: " 'Wow.' 'Loved every page.' 'Now I know how kids were raised then.' 'Brought back so many memories.' ”

Question: “Oh how great! So you’re retiring from writing now that you’ve published your third book?”

Answer: “I’ll never retire from writing. I wrote, I am writing, and shall write! I’ve got another book planned, on wandering the world in the 1960s. I’m thinking about others after that.”

Question: “Awright! Glad to hear it. Thanks for chatting. Now go back for more birthday cake and a cup of coffee. But first, may I leave a comment?"

Answer: "Please do. I'll be certain to reply."