"I vowed, now at 55, to ground and manifest my constellation of creative writing book projects. Without asking permission. Without apology. Owning my brilliance."
While I've enjoyed this column, I'm thrilled to read about a woman of color in this space. Too often, unless "famous", I don't find stories about women of color and aging, unless it's to highlight a beauty routine aka how good she looks for... (insert amazing age here and my eye roll). Loved learning about Ms. Cruzado's engaging life and the people in it and those who've passed through. Thanks for introducing a new-to-me poet and writer, aging with grace, wisdom, writing, pursuing a PhD and an active sex life. Can't wait to read more of her work. Wonderful addition to Oldster interviews.
Wow. I love everything about this interview. I laughed at "he became an ordinary man." And as an Iranian, I'm so happy you got to spend some time in Iran. Looking forward to reading more of your work as it is published.
This is the best thing I have read in forever. I will quote her, read her work, and basically will become a Maria Luisa Arroyo Cruzado groupie. Thank you so much for sharing her words!
PS to Maria -- Please consider guest blogging for http:/www.stellafosse.com !
Joyful and so positive. This piece is inspiring and heartfelt, making me rethink the dread about ageing I 've taken on from Western society's negative opinions and attitudes, especially about losing one's physical capabilities.
To read a piece from one Latina perspective is wonderful and rare.
I particularly liked the reference to being multi-orgasmic:It's a superpower!
Maria Luisa Arroyo Cruzado is a powerful inspiration! Thank you for this incredible post. I’m moved to “own my brilliance” as Maria does, with joy and without apology. Brava, Maria!
What an excellent interview! This is the first piece I read today and it certainly set the tone for my day. I'm certain I will carry "¡Y soy un comelibros!" with me always.
This is inspiring in so many ways! Love that you're not asking permission to be your fullest self, Maria. Much respect and continued success in all of your amazing work :)
Ahhhh, family. I used to show my family my poetry and they would politely read then comment: "Have you though of writing a Jack Reacher?" (they are into thrillers). Cheers!
Everything about this is so great! Just hit 55 myself a few weeks ago. "Bliss is in the everyday; I don’t have to chase it, plan for it, strive for it. Es lo que es. It is what it is."
I might print out this interview and tape it to my wall! Loved it from start to finish.
One of my favorite parts.
“My mother, Elizabeth Arroyo Cruzado Rosario, is my aging idol. At 78 with her white crown of wavy hair and signature Paddington Bear red knit hat and cane whenever she takes her daily walk, she is aging with profound spirituality, patience, grace, and a self-awareness of her growing limitations. And she has never compared herself to anyone else for as long as I’ve known her.”
This is 55: María Luisa Arroyo Cruzado Responds to The Oldster Magazine Questionnaire
While I've enjoyed this column, I'm thrilled to read about a woman of color in this space. Too often, unless "famous", I don't find stories about women of color and aging, unless it's to highlight a beauty routine aka how good she looks for... (insert amazing age here and my eye roll). Loved learning about Ms. Cruzado's engaging life and the people in it and those who've passed through. Thanks for introducing a new-to-me poet and writer, aging with grace, wisdom, writing, pursuing a PhD and an active sex life. Can't wait to read more of her work. Wonderful addition to Oldster interviews.
Wow. I love everything about this interview. I laughed at "he became an ordinary man." And as an Iranian, I'm so happy you got to spend some time in Iran. Looking forward to reading more of your work as it is published.
This is the best thing I have read in forever. I will quote her, read her work, and basically will become a Maria Luisa Arroyo Cruzado groupie. Thank you so much for sharing her words!
PS to Maria -- Please consider guest blogging for http:/www.stellafosse.com !
Joyful and so positive. This piece is inspiring and heartfelt, making me rethink the dread about ageing I 've taken on from Western society's negative opinions and attitudes, especially about losing one's physical capabilities.
To read a piece from one Latina perspective is wonderful and rare.
I particularly liked the reference to being multi-orgasmic:It's a superpower!
Maria Luisa Arroyo Cruzado is a powerful inspiration! Thank you for this incredible post. I’m moved to “own my brilliance” as Maria does, with joy and without apology. Brava, Maria!
What an excellent interview! This is the first piece I read today and it certainly set the tone for my day. I'm certain I will carry "¡Y soy un comelibros!" with me always.
Bravo! Loved your infectious joy.
S
This is inspiring in so many ways! Love that you're not asking permission to be your fullest self, Maria. Much respect and continued success in all of your amazing work :)
What an absolute inspiration! Thank you.
Ahhhh, family. I used to show my family my poetry and they would politely read then comment: "Have you though of writing a Jack Reacher?" (they are into thrillers). Cheers!
Everything about this is so great! Just hit 55 myself a few weeks ago. "Bliss is in the everyday; I don’t have to chase it, plan for it, strive for it. Es lo que es. It is what it is."
What a WONDERFUL piece. Thank you for sharing.
What an inspiration this was, thank you!
I'll have what Maria Luisa Arroyo Cruzado is having! I am in my bed with Covid (1st time) as I read her interview and feel as if I've been healed.
I might print out this interview and tape it to my wall! Loved it from start to finish.
One of my favorite parts.
“My mother, Elizabeth Arroyo Cruzado Rosario, is my aging idol. At 78 with her white crown of wavy hair and signature Paddington Bear red knit hat and cane whenever she takes her daily walk, she is aging with profound spirituality, patience, grace, and a self-awareness of her growing limitations. And she has never compared herself to anyone else for as long as I’ve known her.”
Now she’s my idol too ❤️
What a beautiful, joyful interview. Thank you both!
So enjoyed reading this!! I agree with Anna’s comments!