Have you ever thought of the hidden talents that elders and seniors possess? Talents that are wasted, in the societal frenzy of "keeping up to date" with new and rapidly developing technology? It may well be that a whole generation of untapped brilliance is gradually disappearing without recognition, just like the dinosaurs.
Links - online and others
Sometimes it seems the day might come when these grandchildren and great grandchildren might be searching for the same kind of mystical link with their own grandparents. Will they be reminiscing about "the olden days" when the values and skills were NOT passed down to them?
Now, all around us, surely there might still be a need for the wisdom of older people who still have so much to give to little ones? How can that precious gift be harnessed? Many elders are home in their corners, stubbornly clinging to their old ways; maybe just a little sad that it can be so hard to communicate with the new generations.
They joke they are the new illiterates. It speaks of the confusion that they feel, stuck in limbo between the unnaturalness of keeping ancient societal skills to themselves, and not being able to engage fully in "computer speak."
Have you ever seen the joy of a senior who finally comprehends the intricacies of using a computer for banking and succeeds in using it? Or who can watch documentaries on their new tablet? It's great! And to download thousands of books on their tablets? Unbelievable!
You wonder if all retirement homes had individual tablets for residents; could it be that it might reduce the devastation of dementia for them and their families?
Maybe it's time to look more closely at a huge underground of wonderful resources that exist in the hearts and minds of many elders and seniors in general. Today I'm introducing two terrific seniors, who make wonderful use of their time, love to teach others, live happily apart and yet who are "significant others" as we used to say!
Kay Jaeck - Scavenger Jeweller!
I met Kay through my weekly knitting group, where we undertake projects that are needed by folks with challenging health or other problems in life. We never run out of things to knit!
One of my good friends there is Kay Jaeck. But it took me a while to realize that besides being an interesting and fun person, she's also a very talented jewelry maker. What I love about her work is that it's high quality costume jewelry derived from recycled, often expensive things that people didn't want, and were happy to get rid of.
The brooches that she's so far made are each unique and exquisite, with multi purpose uses. I was beyond thrilled when Kay gave me one - it is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry.
Kay's Creations - Private Collection (unfortunately!) of her magnificent brooches!
Walter Smith - Pointillism Artist Extraordinaire
In art, pointillism is the practice of using separate dots or strokes of color, instead of blending the paint.You have to get really close to actually see that these works are not paintings, but artfully conceived, skillfully designed dot pictures. They can be black and white, or colours juxtaposed so cleverly they become an optical illusion!
When Wally studied and practiced painting he realised after a while that he had become allergic to the heavy metals used in paint, no matter what type it was. Now he uses artist's pens instead.
Like Kay, he has challenges in thinking of ways to sell his work. Galleries would welcome his work, but they'd like it donated and free!
By the way, Wally gives art lessons to a neighbor who needs some beauty in her life. In return she helps in his garden. Seniors are good about things like that. They learned as children about helping neighbors and friends.
We had lunch at Wally's place. He is the chef, and Kay the sous and executive chef. The food was art on a plate, as you'd expect.
How could seniors sell on line?
It would be great to hear YOUR suggestions!
Tomato talk
Wishing you a beautiful weekend!
Vicki