"I have been stronger, made more money, had more juice flowing through my veins but now I have the understanding that living the arc of life has given me, and that is a precious thing."
Andy, you don't know me but you'll just have to take my word for it. I sit here grinning ear to ear. With happiness. For you. Your life. Above all your book. No, above above above all for Margo who knows you are the one person in her young life who sees her as none other does. Lucky girl. Gotta tell you what just popped off my screen and slammed me in the face: "Freedom from striving. Freedom from too much wanting. Freedom from working for others. The joy of knowing old friends for extraordinary lengths of time. The joy of ruminating based on experience." Thank you for that and all of your words. I'm truly sorry that baseball game is going to continue without you. Their loss.
A poignant delight, especially the ballgame analogy. This interview reminds me uncannily of Mark Strand’s poem “Old Man Leaves Party,” which I love more on each return. I think you’ll love it too, if you don’t already.
“Freedom from striving. Freedom from too much wanting. Freedom from working for others. The joy of knowing old friends for extraordinary lengths of time. The joy of ruminating based on experience.” I can taste the sweetness of these words. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on life and aging! 🙏
I lay awake at night making a mental list of the things that could possibly keep me awake at night. Yes, my knees ache, I cheat doing sun postures, I could lose ten pounds but no - I don’t waste time longing for the “good old days” when I wasn’t half as committed to writing as I am now. Thank you Andy Romanoff - aging is one less thing to keep me up at night
"And it’s not because each birthday is a milestone by the way. It’s a chance to see and touch the people we love and are sharing our lives with and ya got to call it something so they will know it’s time to show up." This is my religion. Love this, Andy. xo
You rock, Andy! Congrats on your book, and thanks for sharing. I'll be 82 by the time my first novel comes out in February, so I'm right there with you!
My favourite thing is to witness someone do something they are good at and love. Reading this interview brought me to this place. You are very good at living and communicating which is inspiring!
The line I appreciated the most (which was a tough call because there are so many) was about the fear dropping away and becoming ageless through inspired creativity. That sentiment will live in my heart.
Oh, I love these interviews. The kids ringing the bell for snacks and the baseball analogy! Congrats Andy on your book. It is indeed never too late.
Andy, you don't know me but you'll just have to take my word for it. I sit here grinning ear to ear. With happiness. For you. Your life. Above all your book. No, above above above all for Margo who knows you are the one person in her young life who sees her as none other does. Lucky girl. Gotta tell you what just popped off my screen and slammed me in the face: "Freedom from striving. Freedom from too much wanting. Freedom from working for others. The joy of knowing old friends for extraordinary lengths of time. The joy of ruminating based on experience." Thank you for that and all of your words. I'm truly sorry that baseball game is going to continue without you. Their loss.
The baseball analogy is perfect - clever and poignant. Beautiful interview.
I teared up at his description of eating snacks with the neighborhood children and being considered good company. Moving in an unexpected way.
Another great read. Is there a possibility to compile these into a book someday?
Working on an anthology proposal as we speak!
Excellent!
A poignant delight, especially the ballgame analogy. This interview reminds me uncannily of Mark Strand’s poem “Old Man Leaves Party,” which I love more on each return. I think you’ll love it too, if you don’t already.
Rona, you prompted me to look up Mark Strand's "Old Man Leave's Party"—a beauty:
It was clear when I left the party
That though I was over eighty I still had
A beautiful body. The moon shone down as it will
On moments of deep introspection. The wind held its breath.
And look, somebody left a mirror leaning against a tree.
Making sure that I was alone, I took off my shirt.
The flowers of bear grass nodded their moonwashed heads.
I took off my pants and the magpies circled the redwoods.
Down in the valley the creaking river was flowing once more.
How strange that I should stand in the wilds alone with my body.
I know what you are thinking. I was like you once. But now
With so much before me, so many emerald trees, and
Weed-whitened fields, mountains and lakes, how could I not
Be only myself, this dream of flesh, from moment to moment?
Oh that is wonderful
Gosh, this was beautiful :)
“Freedom from striving. Freedom from too much wanting. Freedom from working for others. The joy of knowing old friends for extraordinary lengths of time. The joy of ruminating based on experience.” I can taste the sweetness of these words. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on life and aging! 🙏
I love this interview and Andy's book is GREAT!
I'll order any book you recommend, Edan! (Was going to get it anyway!) So glad you enjoyed this. <3
I lay awake at night making a mental list of the things that could possibly keep me awake at night. Yes, my knees ache, I cheat doing sun postures, I could lose ten pounds but no - I don’t waste time longing for the “good old days” when I wasn’t half as committed to writing as I am now. Thank you Andy Romanoff - aging is one less thing to keep me up at night
"And it’s not because each birthday is a milestone by the way. It’s a chance to see and touch the people we love and are sharing our lives with and ya got to call it something so they will know it’s time to show up." This is my religion. Love this, Andy. xo
You rock, Andy! Congrats on your book, and thanks for sharing. I'll be 82 by the time my first novel comes out in February, so I'm right there with you!
My favourite thing is to witness someone do something they are good at and love. Reading this interview brought me to this place. You are very good at living and communicating which is inspiring!
The line I appreciated the most (which was a tough call because there are so many) was about the fear dropping away and becoming ageless through inspired creativity. That sentiment will live in my heart.
A fantastic interview, thank you.
Thank you, Andy, for your life and for your writing.
Kids don't care what age you are, they just want to be friends. I'd like to sit on the porch and eat snacks with Andy too.