Support this film
There is a new style in philanthropy, it is called crowdfunding. Websites like Indiegogo and Kickstarter provide a platform from which entrepreneurs can target people like me to support their latest project.
I do not have the penthouse on the park nor the big check writing capability but with this new form of venture capital even I can support someone’s dream. Contributions can begin with an amount as small as one dollar. There are few things in life as uplifting as telling another human being you believe in who they are and what they are doing.
Last week writer/producer Dana White wrote to me and asked me to support her new film, The Red Suitcase. I was targeted because I write about women 50+. The arrow hit a bull’s eye – Dana was correct I was intrigued.
The themes of this film are change, resistance, acceptance, and love, the themes of my generation. How could I not be intrigued?
A multigenerational road trip
Ms White was inspired by her own Mother’s courage and her emotional and physical journey to piece her life back together again after her 30 year marriage failed .Dana says the movie is really about what happens when “ …your life falls apart and everything you have known is gone…everything you knew you no longer recognize”
The other day a publicist asked me how my message about the positive aspects of aging is relevant in today’s tough economic times when so many older women are suffering financial hardship. I responded, the quality of your life is not about what you do or do not have but about how you view whatever your circumstances are.
I have not seen all of Dana’s film because it is not finished yet but from what I have seen I think this is exactly what she is talking about. The circumstances of age are going to deal us some tough blows but in this time of life as well there is a unique energy within which we can find new confidence, courage and a voice which comes from deep inside us, a voice which may have been buried for some time . For some it will blossom gently forth as we pass peaceful birthdays for others it will be dragged out kicking and screaming every step of the way. But in the end it will stand aged but proud and strong, a role model for our daughters and leaving a mark in our senior years. We may even discover that our very worst experiences contain within them the seed of unlimited growth and heart opening joy.
Check out and support:
The Red Suitcase
Written and produced by Dana White
Directed by Christopher Knoblock
Starring Kathleen Chalfant
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-red-suitcase
I am fifty. I’m so healthy but not a fanatic, I’m single, happy, and I understand. I’m very happy to be on this side of 50 and I really just want to know you.
I am sorry it has taken me so long to answer you Diane, it is a pleasure to meet you here. I am thrilled to hear you are so at peace with your years. There are so many wonderful opportunities this side of life.
Where do you live Diane? I travel a lot and may be in a place near you some day soon.
Hello there Jaki, Nice to meet you. I Live in Lake Oswego. It is a suburb of Portland Oregon. I would love to meet you and I am curious about your book. I am fifty. yes, its true. I have recently discovered that that there are some very interesting things occuring in my body. hahaha. my wieght has gone up, I tired and pain ….yes something hurts every day. but…with that said. I am strong. I can lose this wieght! I can run on painful feet, I can stick to a less that desirable diet and, I can travel. I have decided that I am tired of living for everyone else and I am making a stand. Travel is expensive tough. haha! but Im going to do it anyway. I have no retirement saved but Ill worry about that later. I have help soooo many pepple in my life and I need to do so things for me now. Oh, Jaki, this pill has been hard to swallow for all. But I feel good about my decission to live for me and in the now. I do need to figure out a way to have money for when I am to old to work….Ive been thinkig about that. any ideas? I would love your input. Im 50. no retirement. hmmmm But Jaki I need to see the world. need an assistant? just kinding. lol. …..maybe. Any way let me know whenyou are in Portland Oregon. So nice to have met you. These are the best years of my life and I will LIVE them.
I hope you can get a copy of Fifty& Fabulous and read it. i think it is just the remedy you will enjoy at this time.
Your desire to look after yourself now is a common theme amongst women your age and it is very healthy. It does not mean you need to stop caring for others but only that you realize that your needs are also vital. Like the flight attendant says during the safety briefing” Put on your own oxygen mask first”
I think you need to think about work that you will enjoy doing well into your 70’s. work which you can scale down as you need to but from which you can still get some income.
If you love what you are doing, you can do it for a very long time. Many of the most content and vibrant women I interviewed for my book where still working in their 70’s and 80’s.
My sister was ordained as an Episcopalian priest at 67 and still works full time hours as a priest and she is 82.
She retired form her first profession, teaching and administration at 65.
You have many years ahead- focus on what will bring you joy and satisfaction then get to work today on preparing the way for it
Have a fabulous day!