OK, it’s been a while. For a lot of different reasons…but I am still alive, heading toward 82, and more or less functioning.
As you know, I was in Rwanda early in the year for a month with my daughter, Jan, her husband, Bill, and my pals from France, Lars and Nirin. We rented a five-bedroom house with a cook and cleaners. They were great…..and so is the country. It was my second trip and Jan’s third. There is a lot of construction and excitement and energy there. If you think you might want to go, let me know and I’ll send you more information.
So that’s the good news. When I got back to Seattle, where I’ve been living in Jan and Bill’s mother-in-law apartment when I’m in the U.S., I seemed to enter a new stage of life. My social needs, which have defined my life for so many years, turned inward. All those constant interactions no longer beckoned.
And then, I fell!! It was in the middle of the night. I got up to go to the bathroom and when I was finished, I groggily turned left instead of right and fell down three stairs. I couldn’t move without serious pain, so I just lay there on the floor until Jan and Bill came down a few hours later!! (Kira, my golden retriever grand-daughter, kept me company.)
Turned out I broke my shoulder and ended up in the hospital and then rehab for almost two weeks. I’ve been back in the house for a couple of months now, and while my body is healing slowly, I am still hurting (shoulder, back, and ankle), with a pile of exercises to do (I’m not big on exercises), and basically depressed. I am working with someone on the depression and searching for something that will give me purpose (a way to give back) in this new phase of life… any ideas?
I’m planning to do a blog on aging….and/or maybe a podcast with Jan. And I will let you know how my body is moving. Check in again in a week or so. Thanks. rg (femalenomad@gmail.com)
Dear Rita ,
I came across your blog today . I’m on holiday and enjoying reading your book ‘ Tales of a female Nomad’ .
I’m so sorry to read in your blog about your fall ☹️ It must have been an awful shock . I hope you will make a good recovery.
Have you traveled in Scotland ???????? That’s where I’m from . So get in touch if you would like to visit.
Sending you healing wishes Jill Dobbie xx
Dear Rita, I love and admire so much the way you share your life!! I’ve just been rereading Female Nomad–and may I buy a copy from you?? I borrowed it from the library previously, and on a very personal level it is one of My Great Books!
In fact, whenever I tell someone that I still want to travel I am thinking of your social and physical adventures; you have given me courage. And reinforced my suspicion that it’s a receptive world out there!
Dear Rita,
I am reading your book ”tales of a Female nomad” and just found your blog. I’m sorry to learn about your injury and depression. I hope you will soon find the way back to health.
Your book is wonderful and inspiring for me since I have known my whole life that I am a nomad at heart. I’m 45 and my daughters are 21 and 23. Neither them nor my husband have the travelling gene so I try to go on my own adventures from time to time. But a few weeks of travel only makes me want to continue so every time I come back home I get depressed for want to stay travelling. It is hard to explain this need to travel and meet different people and cultures for those who don’t have that ache.
Like you I would like to own what I can carry and nothing more. I am looking for a way to be a real nomad and still make a living. In the mean time this half life will have to do.
Anyway, I just finished the chapter from Bali and just wanted you to know how good it feels to know that my (hopefully) future way of living my life is possible and maybe not as strange as ”normal” people may think. So thank you for telling your story and I wish you all the best.
Sincerely yours,
Maria Andersson
Örkelljunga
Sweden
Rita,
I’m taking a cue from you and sending you an email spontaneously.
My name is Alison Manzer. I live in Austin, Texas (in body) but in spirit I live in India:) A lot to talk about in that sentence. But I am sick in bed reading your book for the second time (years apart) – I love the love, respect, and appreciation for the people you encounter that permeates every page.
I am 54 – wife to Rob, mother of 3 grown sons, a teacher at Fusion Academy (an unusual school) and passionate about the Indian people and the Indian culture I experienced on a visit last year.
I express my love and passion through my work for hearts for teachers – I would love to get your eyes on some ideas have for making this work about education and connection – and not traditional non-profit fundraising – but rather a place of encounter and an expression of appreciation. Hope that makes sense.
I love your spirit at 81 and would love to somehow have you mentor me a little. I don’t know if that might be a little light in your depression during your recovery. If it appeals please reach out.
Thank you for your book and the inspiration and for the permission that permeates its pages to go and meet life out on the road of the world!
With love and healing wishes,
Alison Manzer
I just finished Tales of a Female Nomad, and can’t stop thinking about you. How are you doing now? I’m so sorry to read that you fell and are now depressed and in pain.
I am just reading Tales of a Female Normand & am thoroughly enjoying it. You are quite a brave lady who followed your dreams & passion. Take time so your body can heal.