Jeannie, I love the poem, and I love this entire post. This really resonated with me: "Sometimes the best masterpieces happen to those of us who are late to arrive at the scene, those who might be considered late bloomers, or who happen to miss out on the trends of the times." I consider myself a late bloomer whose goals came later in life -- from motherhood to my art career.
Yes, Beth, late bloomers are so often ignored, overlooked, or scorned. But I’ve noticed it is precisely those among us who are “late to the scene” that have achieved some deeper wisdom and life experience, because we didn’t ever feel like we fully belonged or fit in with our cohort, who were all doing the same thing at the same time. We sort of had to forge our own path, and even though it was lonely, it proved to be fruitful.
Greatness happens in patient germination, I believe.
Love is the winter apple that, when perfectly ripened—yes, even in winter—is enjoyed, appreciated, and valued for the wisdom of the wait." This line is so beautiful and profound. It reminds me that sometimes the most precious things in life require patience and perseverance.
I have waited longer than I should have in some cases. I'm not proud of it, but I wouldn't be who I am today had I done things differently; for that, I'm thankful. Funny, I used to be one of those salad eaters who swore she would NEVER have fruit (apples specifically) in her salads. Fast forward to later adulthood; I like apples, pears, cranberries, and more in my salads.
I love how we can change over time, Nina, that our preferences sometimes shift. And that's not only okay but good, I think. Thanks for sharing this today.
I read this as I finished eating a salad with apples from the orchard. Synchronicity! I love this message of waiting for the right time. Beautifully written too. Thanks Jeannie!
I’ve been limiting my TV and screen time and it’s been helping me to get more sleep. And I’m not very good with computer things; just negotiating a website so I can schedule something as simple as a blood test can be challenging and frustrating beyond belief. I never had a computer until the pandemic and when I told people that I didn’t have a computer or a smartphone many were openly envious that I could get along without those things. Less time online means that I’ve been reading less on Substack and you have been one of the people I’ve missed the most. Thank you for your thoughts on delicious apples and this David Whyte poem—two very tasty morsels! My favorite apples are Empire apples. They aren’t very sweet but they’re mellow and not sour on the taste buds. Do you have a favorite kind of apple? I’d love to know what kind you like best.
I get how draining chronic illness can be-- the perpetual exhaustion and pain can interfere with what seems like a small effort, like scheduling a blood draw, as you said. I've been there, too. It's good you are being kind and gentle to yourself, and wise that you've unplugged from technology as a form of self care.
I feel honored that I am among those you've missed seeing on Substack. I do feel that Substack can have the flavors of social media, and that's something I dislike. My preference is to build authentic, meaningful connections to others, so I try to be judicious about my time online, like you are doing. It's part self-preservation.
My favorite apple? Good question! Empire is good, as you said. I prefer a sweet tart flavor. When we go apple picking every fall as a family, we select a variety of sweet and tart apples to make for a more complex flavor in my homemade applesauce. Usually it's Empire, Jonathan, Jonagold, Cortland, Red and Yellow Delicious, Granny Smith. On a rare occasion it might include Lodi, but those are early blooming apples with a short picking season.
Jeannie, I love the poem, and I love this entire post. This really resonated with me: "Sometimes the best masterpieces happen to those of us who are late to arrive at the scene, those who might be considered late bloomers, or who happen to miss out on the trends of the times." I consider myself a late bloomer whose goals came later in life -- from motherhood to my art career.
Thank you for this post. Much appreciated.
Yes, Beth, late bloomers are so often ignored, overlooked, or scorned. But I’ve noticed it is precisely those among us who are “late to the scene” that have achieved some deeper wisdom and life experience, because we didn’t ever feel like we fully belonged or fit in with our cohort, who were all doing the same thing at the same time. We sort of had to forge our own path, and even though it was lonely, it proved to be fruitful.
Greatness happens in patient germination, I believe.
Love is the winter apple that, when perfectly ripened—yes, even in winter—is enjoyed, appreciated, and valued for the wisdom of the wait." This line is so beautiful and profound. It reminds me that sometimes the most precious things in life require patience and perseverance.
Thanks for being such a cheerleader for my writing, Alex. It means so much!
I have waited longer than I should have in some cases. I'm not proud of it, but I wouldn't be who I am today had I done things differently; for that, I'm thankful. Funny, I used to be one of those salad eaters who swore she would NEVER have fruit (apples specifically) in her salads. Fast forward to later adulthood; I like apples, pears, cranberries, and more in my salads.
I love how we can change over time, Nina, that our preferences sometimes shift. And that's not only okay but good, I think. Thanks for sharing this today.
I was always so impatient when I was younger, wanted things to 'happen" but now in the autumn of my life I have learned the waiting is worth it.
"The autumn of my life" - beautiful and wise phrase, Doreen. Love that. Thank you.
Thank you Jeannie for your inspiring post on this late Friday afternoon.
I read this as I finished eating a salad with apples from the orchard. Synchronicity! I love this message of waiting for the right time. Beautifully written too. Thanks Jeannie!
That's awesome. Great to see your name pop up here, Michele! I always appreciate you and your perspective.
I’ve been limiting my TV and screen time and it’s been helping me to get more sleep. And I’m not very good with computer things; just negotiating a website so I can schedule something as simple as a blood test can be challenging and frustrating beyond belief. I never had a computer until the pandemic and when I told people that I didn’t have a computer or a smartphone many were openly envious that I could get along without those things. Less time online means that I’ve been reading less on Substack and you have been one of the people I’ve missed the most. Thank you for your thoughts on delicious apples and this David Whyte poem—two very tasty morsels! My favorite apples are Empire apples. They aren’t very sweet but they’re mellow and not sour on the taste buds. Do you have a favorite kind of apple? I’d love to know what kind you like best.
Hi Rafael,
I get how draining chronic illness can be-- the perpetual exhaustion and pain can interfere with what seems like a small effort, like scheduling a blood draw, as you said. I've been there, too. It's good you are being kind and gentle to yourself, and wise that you've unplugged from technology as a form of self care.
I feel honored that I am among those you've missed seeing on Substack. I do feel that Substack can have the flavors of social media, and that's something I dislike. My preference is to build authentic, meaningful connections to others, so I try to be judicious about my time online, like you are doing. It's part self-preservation.
My favorite apple? Good question! Empire is good, as you said. I prefer a sweet tart flavor. When we go apple picking every fall as a family, we select a variety of sweet and tart apples to make for a more complex flavor in my homemade applesauce. Usually it's Empire, Jonathan, Jonagold, Cortland, Red and Yellow Delicious, Granny Smith. On a rare occasion it might include Lodi, but those are early blooming apples with a short picking season.