Seeing dance, especially in person, makes my body dance. Something it no longer can do, at least not the way it used to, oh, forty-two years ago, which is when I stopped taking class. Seeing a first-rate company, usually, but not always, ballet, is at times, a spiritual experience for me, who's left cold by most other forms of spiritual uplift. I also love to read. And I don't know that I love it, but I have to write.
I'm a life-long novel reader. Slipping into the world that the novelist has created is a reenergizing respite from the wear and tear of everyday life for me. And the characters dealing with their challenges can be beautiful role models for me as I face my own. Putting down the book after I've read and appreciated it, I feel refreshed, thoughtful and ready to deal with what's in front of me to handle.
I absolutely believe that art and music (especially live, either way) can make one feel invigorated. Even after singing the Requiem by Verdi (such hard work my gown was damp when it was over), I was filled with joy. Hearing just about any music makes one feel more alive...or calm...whatever you need. I once sang a Carmen aria at a nursing home, making flirtatious moves the entire time to an old gentleman in a wheelchair, and afterwards his eyes were shining and his cheeks were pink. He didn't want to let go of my hand. There are so many ways to deliver music and make people happy.
To me, art is everything. It is what life is all about. Music, dance, literature, painting, sculpture, fashion, film, architecture, interior design, theater, photography. These are what make life worth living. I am a painter, love film, literature (read constantly), music is especially profound and will lift me to the heavens faster than anything. I love Beethoven's 7th symphony, 2nd movement. Sublime. Also, playing instruments are so wonderful. My mother was a violinist, my sister is an actress who also plays saxophone and I have a background in piano and violin. I believe that exposure to the arts will heal every cell in your body and soul.
Yes! I live for music and the performing arts. I believe learning and playing instruments is great for the brain and may even help prevent dementia, which runs in my mother’s family. The best part is that you’re enjoying something you truly love, and that naturally brings happiness and supports good mental health.
Ultimately, I think the positive energy you cultivate through the arts contributes to overall wellbeing — and maybe even helps you live longer. Performing also motivates you to take care of yourself physically and mentally, because when you put yourself out there, you want to feel and look your best for both the performance and the promotion surrounding it.
When I went to see the Native Australian show at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, I gained a visceral sense of time’s passage, because many of the artworks recounted personal or tribal histories. I was walking on air because of this diversion from the daily cacophony coming from the White House. This. Too. Shall. Pass! Thank you for that, wise and talented elders!
Failed gym? I feel you. Actually what I 'failed' at was dodgeball. (I'd try to get hit right away in order to be able to sit down for the duration. Worked!). But here's the thing: I started swimming regularly (obsessively--as I go into the lake regularly when the water's about 60 degrees), and hiking, and cross country skiing--all activities taken up in middle age and later. (And there's a 5am gym habit three days a week). But here's the thing: every one of these activities 'came to me' (or in the case of swimming 'came back to me') in middle age or later. It's truly never too late to get moving. But you have to love whatever it is you're doing. (For me, pickleball? Nuh uh. Actually all racket sports other than fly-swatting are out.). But, you do you. As for art...yes, yes, yes! Art museums and exhibits on the regular. I can barely sketch out a grocery list, but seeing the world through the eyes of real artists is pure joy. (As to who gets to call themselves artists: I'd say anyone who's trying and creating. One of the great recent art excursions of my life was to the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. Untrained artists of remarkable talent and perseverance exhibited there. If you ever get up that way...don't miss it.)
LOVE the article on the arts and aging. It's not the first time I've heard about this connection but the N is much larger in this study. Thx for sharing!
You know, through my work, I've always extolled the virtues of culture as a way to stay engaged and happy in life. This study just validates my gospel! I'll look into that pain study, too. Thanks for posting this good stuff! xx
I love it when I dream creative ideas in my sleep. Excited about the five-year anniversary party in Nyc will try to make it! Look at all you’ve done in just five years! Sending loving thoughts to your mama. Xo
Thank you for this newsletter. I can’t know, of course, if writing and participating in the literary ecosystem has lengthened my life, but I feel rejuvenated at the age of 79 after writing and publishing a new book of stories (APPLE & PALM, Cornerstone Press, 2026). I did some traveling to bring the book to readers. Meeting readers and booksellers was an absolute delight. I returned home and immediately started a new story. And when writing, I feel ageless.
Sari, you're amazing! I wish I could attend some of these events. They sound like exactly the antidote to dailiness--a chance to connect with new acquaintances who share some similarities in sensibilities.
Seeing dance, especially in person, makes my body dance. Something it no longer can do, at least not the way it used to, oh, forty-two years ago, which is when I stopped taking class. Seeing a first-rate company, usually, but not always, ballet, is at times, a spiritual experience for me, who's left cold by most other forms of spiritual uplift. I also love to read. And I don't know that I love it, but I have to write.
Yes! I have to write, too, now that I've retired from singing!
I'm a life-long novel reader. Slipping into the world that the novelist has created is a reenergizing respite from the wear and tear of everyday life for me. And the characters dealing with their challenges can be beautiful role models for me as I face my own. Putting down the book after I've read and appreciated it, I feel refreshed, thoughtful and ready to deal with what's in front of me to handle.
Awesome.
I absolutely believe that art and music (especially live, either way) can make one feel invigorated. Even after singing the Requiem by Verdi (such hard work my gown was damp when it was over), I was filled with joy. Hearing just about any music makes one feel more alive...or calm...whatever you need. I once sang a Carmen aria at a nursing home, making flirtatious moves the entire time to an old gentleman in a wheelchair, and afterwards his eyes were shining and his cheeks were pink. He didn't want to let go of my hand. There are so many ways to deliver music and make people happy.
To me, art is everything. It is what life is all about. Music, dance, literature, painting, sculpture, fashion, film, architecture, interior design, theater, photography. These are what make life worth living. I am a painter, love film, literature (read constantly), music is especially profound and will lift me to the heavens faster than anything. I love Beethoven's 7th symphony, 2nd movement. Sublime. Also, playing instruments are so wonderful. My mother was a violinist, my sister is an actress who also plays saxophone and I have a background in piano and violin. I believe that exposure to the arts will heal every cell in your body and soul.
Reading is critical to my being.
Yes! I live for music and the performing arts. I believe learning and playing instruments is great for the brain and may even help prevent dementia, which runs in my mother’s family. The best part is that you’re enjoying something you truly love, and that naturally brings happiness and supports good mental health.
Ultimately, I think the positive energy you cultivate through the arts contributes to overall wellbeing — and maybe even helps you live longer. Performing also motivates you to take care of yourself physically and mentally, because when you put yourself out there, you want to feel and look your best for both the performance and the promotion surrounding it.
Yes, performing is life-giving!
When I went to see the Native Australian show at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, I gained a visceral sense of time’s passage, because many of the artworks recounted personal or tribal histories. I was walking on air because of this diversion from the daily cacophony coming from the White House. This. Too. Shall. Pass! Thank you for that, wise and talented elders!
Love that.
Failed gym? I feel you. Actually what I 'failed' at was dodgeball. (I'd try to get hit right away in order to be able to sit down for the duration. Worked!). But here's the thing: I started swimming regularly (obsessively--as I go into the lake regularly when the water's about 60 degrees), and hiking, and cross country skiing--all activities taken up in middle age and later. (And there's a 5am gym habit three days a week). But here's the thing: every one of these activities 'came to me' (or in the case of swimming 'came back to me') in middle age or later. It's truly never too late to get moving. But you have to love whatever it is you're doing. (For me, pickleball? Nuh uh. Actually all racket sports other than fly-swatting are out.). But, you do you. As for art...yes, yes, yes! Art museums and exhibits on the regular. I can barely sketch out a grocery list, but seeing the world through the eyes of real artists is pure joy. (As to who gets to call themselves artists: I'd say anyone who's trying and creating. One of the great recent art excursions of my life was to the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. Untrained artists of remarkable talent and perseverance exhibited there. If you ever get up that way...don't miss it.)
Yes to all of this!
LOVE the article on the arts and aging. It's not the first time I've heard about this connection but the N is much larger in this study. Thx for sharing!
💕
You know, through my work, I've always extolled the virtues of culture as a way to stay engaged and happy in life. This study just validates my gospel! I'll look into that pain study, too. Thanks for posting this good stuff! xx
😘
I love it when I dream creative ideas in my sleep. Excited about the five-year anniversary party in Nyc will try to make it! Look at all you’ve done in just five years! Sending loving thoughts to your mama. Xo
🙏🏻😘
Calendar marked for August 7!
Thank you for this newsletter. I can’t know, of course, if writing and participating in the literary ecosystem has lengthened my life, but I feel rejuvenated at the age of 79 after writing and publishing a new book of stories (APPLE & PALM, Cornerstone Press, 2026). I did some traveling to bring the book to readers. Meeting readers and booksellers was an absolute delight. I returned home and immediately started a new story. And when writing, I feel ageless.
Yes!
I love hearing from The Editor. Makes me want to stand up and salute you.
Thank you, Peter. <3
I want to go to Joe's Pub!
💕
Sari, you're amazing! I wish I could attend some of these events. They sound like exactly the antidote to dailiness--a chance to connect with new acquaintances who share some similarities in sensibilities.
💕💕💕