Day 145

Yesterday the wind won and I stayed inside. The large tomato plant lost a branch and today it is propped up with bungie cords. Now it’s calm and foggy. Nice change. I think I’ll make it to church today. I’m planning on it now. First, water the orchids, and take a long walk. I enjoyed walking to market with Hollie. We both found produce we wanted, carrots, zucchini, and green beans. I like our Saturday morning together. So do the dogs.

POH

On the Friday following my visit with Dona I met a new friend, Tera Bella, founder of the Moon Tribe. She has a vision of cooperative small groups of like-minded people who would connect the community in positive ways. They would be intimate trusting groups in safe settings. Her ideas are idealistic and relevant to our city where it is difficult to break in and make friendly contacts.

Once started the groups could maintain themselves as leaderless groups with single intentions such as mothers with babies, single parents, crafts, games, and the list of possibilities is endless. I am interested in her vision for elder circles, men in one group, women in their group. Again, small discussion and learning gatherings with topics like conscious aging, sharing health tips, motivating and inspiring each other to fill their lives with purpose and enjoyment. Like Dona, there are many older people who need the stimulation of socializing and friendship. Loneliness leads to depression. My personal goal would be to interest people in finding volunteer places that would give them a reason to get up in the morning and dress for public service.

I googled elder circles and found a couple of websites. It’s a new concept and as the aging population increases daily, it is timely to find ways to develop this positive outlet for our older people. One group is active politically with protest marches against practices that have long term problems for our grandchildren. Another group offers themselves as problem solvers.

I feel excited about being part of this venture and getting involved in its beginning, and the reality of changing aging to saging and being part of connecting our spirits in forward moving ways.