CAROLE ZAVALA

Dear Susi Q : I ’ ve been thinking about taking a writing or art class , but now that I ’ m in my seventies , I ’ m unsure because I know I ’ m not as sharp as I used to be . Maybe I just don ’ t want to face that reality . Do you think creativity wanes as you get older ? --Unsure

Carole Zavala , founder of Gallery Q at the Susi Q , author , volunteer , and workshop leader replies :

I wanted to share that even when

you reach your 80s ( I turned 84 years old this August ), the creative life can still be full of shifts and surprises .

And it need not be restricted to painting and / or writing or what we tend to think of as “ creative pursuits .” As we age , we can use our wisdom and experience to ‘ create ’ a new and authentic way of living . We can find new ways to be of service to others , whether as mentors , donors , or volunteers . How about a creative approach to spiritual life ? Retirement ? Dealing with limitations ?

I started painting seriously ( whatever that means ) about 15 years ago . I was still working full time , but a friend suggested a watercolor class at the Laguna Beach Recreation Center -and voila – a new pastime and ‘ modest ’ career began .

Also , I started an open studio art salon for fellow artists with the City of Laguna Beach because so many of us were painting in isolation on our kitchen tables . We are still going strong . Then I started Gallery Q , at the Susi Q , at the request of a Board Member when it opened 12 years ago . The shows focused primarily

on works of artists 55 plus , but over the years , and with new leadership , it has included work by children and now to artists of all ages .

This summer , I finished a young adult / fantasy novel for girls ages 10-14 . I started this in 1963 when I was a new teacher in Los Angeles , and wrote during faculty meetings . It went by the wayside with school and my young boys . And I kept comparing my work while reading Tolkien ’ s “ Lord of the Rings .” I felt I couldn ’ t write anything that could compare . But several years ago , I realized those stories were all about guys , not girls . Where was the heroine ’ s fantasy ? Thus “ Serena ’ s Magic ” was born , and now she ’ s being read by several girls and their moms or grannies to give me feedback before I send it out to a publisher !

I ’ m finding the pandemic opened up exposure to excellent Zoom sessions by artists worldwide as they share videos of their work and the processes they use . Who knew ? YouTube has lessons , but these are a rich and exciting addition to those , and these artists offered special ‘ free ’ extra gifts as part of their lessons .

Why do I share all of this ? I heard a quote that resonated with me recently . “ Never let a yearning become a regret .” Powerful and full of meaning if we stop to think of it . Don ’ t get lost in your yearnings and dreams . If you ’ re upright and taking nourishment , get a move on and find a class at the Susi Q or online . Take a risk . You have nothing to lose and everything to gain .

“ Dear Susi Q ,” brought to you by nonprofit Laguna Beach Seniors , is intended to provide readers with helpful advice on relationships , retirement , home safety , transportation , mental / physical health , and local entertainment and educational resources . It ’ s “ Dear Abby ” for the Laguna Beach crowd .

Qualified staff , support group leaders , and volunteers stand ready to answer your questions , so please send them to DearSusiQ @ thesusiq . org . We can ’ t wait to help .

No identifying names will ever be used . Some questions , such as today ’ s , may be a composite of several submitted .

For more information about Susi Q and Laguna Beach Seniors , visit www . thesusiq . org .

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