The Middle Aged Crazy project has stopped right in front of your house. I’ve done a year’s worth of research, read over 30 books, taken numerous classes, opined on mid life and creativity and gone through a fair amount of life changes myself.
Now I need great stories.
I’d like to hear your story!
Recently, I changed the format of this blog to more readily accept video and I am looking into ways to interview you and record a video that talks about your mid life triumphs, experiences and even failures that involve creativity. I’d like to know if you became a new person later in life, if you released your beast and how you did it. Aside from publicizing your work and feeling validated, you will help to inspire and motivate others. And you will be a vital link to building a community of aspiring creatives.
So; here’s what I’d love help with:
* Suggestions on how to do video interviews over the internet in a cost effective and simple manner.
*Short films (3-5 minutes) that I can post on Youtube that show your work and your process and how it pertains to the Middle Aged Crazy concept. I’d like them to be family friendly, tell your story and show some of your work. (I can edit them if you want, using my software).
*Your stories in written form. (I will do minor edits).
*Pictures to use behind a voice only interview between you and I. We can just talk about you and your story and play a slideshow in front of it.
The concept of Middle Aged Crazy has morphed from a book into a community. I’ve looked into membership sites and while I still am considering the possibility, I’d like to begin by having an open on line community of stories to help people just like you, just like us.
So, answer below or drop me a line and we’ll figure out, together, how to make this magic happen.
The Evolution of Elsie Porter
To over simplify, I’d have to say my first 40 years were a mess. Challenging childhood (can’t even remember my life from 0-15… Did I have a bike? What was Christmas like? Did I have friends?), misspent youth (won’t even go into THOSE details), married at 18 (what was I thinking???), divorced by 26, married again several years later, divorced again (surprised? I didn’t think so).
But then I turned 40. Is that considered mid-life? Anyway, at 40 I lost a secretarial job I was working at, got my second divorce and my Mom died. That was a lot to handle all at once. I was a single Mom, looking for a job, all alone in the world, no college degree, no money. When my Mom died I began to look at things differently. The women in my family die at around 60 (scary thought now that I’m 57 but that’s another story). All I could think was “Is that all there is?” (yeah, like the song).
So here’s the short version of how it went:
• Started experimenting with my ability to paint. Didn’t want to take lessons. I was too insecure. I believed if someone had told me I didn’t have talent, I would believe them so I didn’t give them the chance.
• Decided to start a freelance business. Thought of all the things I knew how to do (and some that I didn’t actually know but could figure out). Created a database of everyone I knew (I mean EVERYONE) and let them know I was available. Set my hourly rate at 70% higher than what I had been making.
• Set some goals. I wanted to double my income in two years (OK, it’s true; I’m a bit driven).
• Did I reach my goal of doubling my income in two years? No. It took four years. But then something incredible happened. I doubled it again. Then I doubled again.
• Still painting.
• That’s when I went to Peru. I paid off all my debts and went on an incredible adventure, met wonderful people while rafting and trekking around Peru. Unforgetable.
• Still painting.
• Then I started another business with two partners. It failed. I lost everything trying to get it off the ground.
• But I learned I didn’t really lose EVERYTHING. I had my health, my ability to make a living, my daughter, her family (including a wonderful granddaughter). I just lost a house, a motorcycle, a Miata, a 401K. I lost ‘stuff’.
• Everyone said, “You did it before, you can do it again!” All I could think of was “I don’t want to.”
• Stopped coloring my hair – let it go gray.
• Started using my art name Elsie Porter
• The details of the last five years are still a little fuzzy.
• With several detours, I feel I’m finally on track. Yet even as I say that, I KNOW I was always on the path I had to be on to lead me here.
• For several years I focused on selling my artwork and sold over 50 paintings. But for me, production painting and painting my story and the story of others passionately – well, sometimes it’s just different.
I’ll be 58 this year. Not old, not young. I guess that’s why they call it Middle Aged ;-D. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
• that ‘so far’ is the most important part of that sentence
• that my gray hair doesn’t ‘make me look older’ – I AM older
• that old isn’t a bad thing, I choose to embrace every age and stage of life
• that I owe it to myself to embrace my lovely silver hair and my sagging body
• that the healthier I am, the prettier I am
• that money or the lack thereof can’t MAKE me happy or sad, my emotions are my choice
• that happy is a habit
• that the happier I am, the prettier I am
• that comparing myself to others is silly – someone will always be older, younger, skinnier, fatter, richer, poorer
• that no matter how high or how low I am I can always help someone
• that what seems important today, might not seem as important tomorrow
• that I can actually control very little and that’s a good thing
• that taking care of myself is a very important contribution to the world since it allows me to then give from fullness unconditionally
I have returned to my original company, this time making over 100% more than when I began it many years ago. I am starting over for the I don’t know how manyth time. I am deciding where I want to live, what part my art will play and where I want to take my talent as an artist, how much or how little I want to work, how I want to live and if, when and how I’ll try love again.
My Vision is ‘to be the creative force in my life and others’. My Mission or how I intend to do so is explained in my tag line ‘Artist-Adventurer-Entrepreneur’.
This is the abbreviated story of one woman, one life. It is no more or less special than any other person’s story. Each story is special and to be celebrated. I think I’ll go celebrate mine… thanks for asking!!!
I can help you. I am a radio producer and a college prof. Way into digital storytelling and MAN have I got some funny stories for your regarding my ongoing battle with perimenopause. I have a blog called, “The Random Rantings of a Perimenopausal Pipsqueak” (I am 4’11″ and about 105 lbs).
Let me know what you need. I would LOVE to contribute!!!! I could record a digital story, add a music bed and sfx, and send to you as an mp3 or a .wav (mp3 takes up less “space”, but .wav has no compression and sounds better)…
Find me at FACEBOOK: Lisa Jo Goldman
Lisa
I cannot believe it has already been a year, Rick. Wow. Looking forward to getting on board, but am only beginning to learn to tell my story…..
I am definitely on board for this ride. ;D
This is a great idea i am discovering myself in midlife everyday i have a story of triump and failure in Los angeles and i have been changed slowly throughout my life from being a network analyst working for probation headquarters when i was 27 to being a crack head on the streets of losangeles on skid row at age 36 and having to restructure my life i have really lived a real life a million pieces now i have a small business and a mercedes and would like to write to help others know you can come back in middle age and be happy and content with the person you have become i have now been recovered for 19 years… we are all works in progress….now i want to travel and create computer software and build computers from scratch and i still work with all levels of people who have mental impairments
hey there beast!
I can definitely say that being creative has helped me ALL of my life. I am a rug hooker (no snickering and NO it’s not latch hook) , a gardener, a qi gong practioner, a dabbler basically in anything that catches my fancy. It’s important to keep learning and challenging yourself with things that pique your interest. I have made costumes for the local school play, tables for the cottage out of a fallen birch tree and turned cast offs into something worth keeping. It is all about seeing the POSSIBLITIES of anything or any situation.
Keep up the great work!
Use http://freebinar.com for online interviews, Rick. I use them for training clients, and their service is fantastic. You can record the sessions right through their system, too; and download them to your computer when you’re done
I would be interested in sharing if you are interested in listening! After splitting up with my first husband (at 30), I put myself through college for a career change, started working in that field, met my current husband, got laid off from my job, started a business, and got pregnant twice (at 39 and 41). It’s been quite a ride!
Hi Debbi: I am, let’s talk.
rd
I’ll be back.
And no. I’m not Arnold with a name in drag.
Paula