Wise Women
by Joyce Tenneson (nonfiction). This book was given to me by a dear friend as a birthday present. I cherish the subject presented, as well as the 80 portraits and sentiments of and about elderly, wise women.
As I read the book, it enabled me to deeply contemplate the role of elders in today's world. Years ago, we were regarded as keepers of truth and wisdom, but over the years, our voices have gotten muffled by the overstimulation of the media. It feels good to acknowledge that there might be another wave where the universe wants to hear our words and thoughts.
Tenneson is a photographer who photographed 80 women from ages 65 to 100 who share their thoughts on aging. Their wisdom is profound and unforgettable. There are so many sayings that resonated with me. Here are just a few of my favorites:
"I've always believed that whatever you are when you are young, as you age, you become more so." ~ Evelyn Lauder
"The most important thing is to try and enjoy life—because you never know when it will be gone. If you wake up in the morning and you have a choice between doing the laundry and taking a walk in the park, go for the walk. You'd hate to die and realize you had spent your last day doing the laundry!" ~ Christine Lee
"My grandmother had total focus, an attribute that deeply impressed me. She also had the ability to make me feel like I could do anything, that I could be a leader. She focused all of her positive spirit on me." ~ Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
Read this book as a gift to yourself and any woman you love. You will probably want to read it over and over again. It's a treasure, and thank you, PL, for giving it to me!
