Varenna View by Elisabeth Levy

Elisabeth Levy's godson in Porlezza, Italy!

One of Elisabeth Levy's photos

"Neither a Borrower Nor a Lender Be" by Joyce Cass

I do both and I like doing it. I borrowed some nail polish remover from my neighbor Shirley. I lent a small vase constructed to hold a single flower to another friend. This was returned to me with a fresh new blossom in it. The whole idea of borrowing and lending for me is a warm act of sharing and gives me pleasure.

Here and Now by Joyce Cass

We wear our robes of conviviality well
We women of a certain age.
Accustomed to years of civility
We have attained our resilient phase.
Conversations demand less than full attention
Our occasional responses too offhand to mention.
A short amiable time talking together
(With much of it spent focused on the weather!)
Our sisterhood, well-trodden beyond the fragile stage
Binds us close, we women of a certain age.

This is the Time to Be by Renee McKnight

            What, who, when, how, to really be what we have always dreamed about being. Maybe a writer, if possible. How romantic to put down words that have some meaning, not only to me but to others as well. A story, perhaps, of one’s life, to be read by members of one’s family. To leave a legacy.

            Surely, we all have a story to tell, if not many stories. Oh, was my mother or grandma really like that? Did she really do that? Oh my god, what an interesting life she had, and to think she is my mother or grandma.

            Oh, the things that go on in my head! The mountains to climb over, the memories to share. One has to make a beginning, so now is the time. . .