I quite enjoyed reading your story, Yona. And I also like the name Yona.
From where I sit at the age of 80 years young, you, at 70 years young, are almost a baby. Not quite but you get what I am saying. I had a bit of trouble with the number of this past birthday but like you, events have happened since then which made it all OK. I know that you will be fine with where you are going forward......
A wonderful read! As soon as I read about your recent visit to Rome, I thought of my own. During my May visit, (at 80) I frequently reminisced about my first trip at 17, with my parents. Rome today feels ridiculously crowded and hectic, with thousands staring at their phones to find their way. In 1963, I loved using an Italian phrasebook to get around and order in a restaurant. Another take on the passage of time...
This lovely piece is so timely for me. I will be 70 very soon and could relate to your feelings about getting older. It is a real gift to know that I am like those treasures being so gently restored. Thank you for giving me a wonderful perspective on getting older.
I loved the comparison of human aging to archeological restoration. My mother used to say that every line on her face was a story not to be erased but to be remembered.
That must explain why the Sistine Chapel ceiling was restored but draping added afterwards was not removed, unless prudery was a factor as well. I suppose that also accounts for Greek and Roman statues in the Vatican's collection sporting fig leaves.
This was a lovely, thoughtful travelogue in time and space and brought back many happy memories of museum-going in Paris, Berlin, Montreal, Munich, Antwerp, London, Florence and of course all across the U.S.
It’s funny, this is the second or third article this week that talked about the efforts to delay the ravages of time. The first was talking about an ancient library. Presumed destroyed by invaders and fires, researchers found that it was mostly destroyed by neglect. Papyrus scrolls simply don’t have long staying power and required teams of scribes to constantly rewrite and refresh them. Your article touches on the same theme, restorer’s aren’t making things new, but slowing the ravages of time. There was a note about one of the tech billionaires who had invested millions in longevity treatments and advanced diagnostics to live as long as possible who was recently diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer.
A beautifully written, layered piece, offering insights into aging, and histories of person and place. Thank you!
Lovely, thoughtful piece.
So well written and captivating Yona!
So lovely: Thank you, Yona.
I quite enjoyed reading your story, Yona. And I also like the name Yona.
From where I sit at the age of 80 years young, you, at 70 years young, are almost a baby. Not quite but you get what I am saying. I had a bit of trouble with the number of this past birthday but like you, events have happened since then which made it all OK. I know that you will be fine with where you are going forward......
What a lovely, thoughtful essay. Thank you.
A wonderful read! As soon as I read about your recent visit to Rome, I thought of my own. During my May visit, (at 80) I frequently reminisced about my first trip at 17, with my parents. Rome today feels ridiculously crowded and hectic, with thousands staring at their phones to find their way. In 1963, I loved using an Italian phrasebook to get around and order in a restaurant. Another take on the passage of time...
This lovely piece is so timely for me. I will be 70 very soon and could relate to your feelings about getting older. It is a real gift to know that I am like those treasures being so gently restored. Thank you for giving me a wonderful perspective on getting older.
I loved the comparison of human aging to archeological restoration. My mother used to say that every line on her face was a story not to be erased but to be remembered.
That must explain why the Sistine Chapel ceiling was restored but draping added afterwards was not removed, unless prudery was a factor as well. I suppose that also accounts for Greek and Roman statues in the Vatican's collection sporting fig leaves.
This was a lovely, thoughtful travelogue in time and space and brought back many happy memories of museum-going in Paris, Berlin, Montreal, Munich, Antwerp, London, Florence and of course all across the U.S.
What great writing. I was transported and your analogy at the end made me smile. Thank you for sharing this and Happy belated Birthday.
It’s funny, this is the second or third article this week that talked about the efforts to delay the ravages of time. The first was talking about an ancient library. Presumed destroyed by invaders and fires, researchers found that it was mostly destroyed by neglect. Papyrus scrolls simply don’t have long staying power and required teams of scribes to constantly rewrite and refresh them. Your article touches on the same theme, restorer’s aren’t making things new, but slowing the ravages of time. There was a note about one of the tech billionaires who had invested millions in longevity treatments and advanced diagnostics to live as long as possible who was recently diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer.
Thanks for talking about the middle ground.
I read that article too and it was fascinating.