This was lovely; so happy to come to know Isabel. Love the story of the dress—and the gorgeous dress—and this: “it felt like a wedding, except I was marrying myself.” A thousand times yes. And I also moan on the floor with tennis balls under my butt. Myofascial release has been my gateway out of intense low back pain that erupted earlier this year just shy of my 65th birthday. Glad to know another butt ball lover. My practitioner says lovingly I have a tight ass; most of us do. It’s where we hold control.
So happy you enjoyed it! I loved that line, as well, Amy! I've started struggling with lower back pain. I may go search out some tennis balls! Glad you're finding relief! xx
Amy! Hahaha I DEFINITELY have a tight ass. And don't get me started on the hips... if our butts are where we hold stability and control, the hips are where I keep my grief. Sometimes I let that boll roll to the side and just weep for a while. It's one of my practices for staying open... loving my body and letting it feel :) Thank you so much for reading. ❤️
How uncanny you wrote this today Isabel as just today after rolling out my left hip I had a good cry over my mom who I cared for through dementia; she died last April. The grief comes in waves and the balls help with release.
I would go see Eric and Olga Butterworth every Sunday at Lincoln Center. Oof, the privilege — I had no idea until later when I realized he was really teaching us how to ask questions.🫶🏼
Yes. Seems unbelievable now. I lived at 68th and Broadway. Eric and Olga held Unity Church at (then) Avery Fischer Hall on Sunday mornings. Eric would put a stool on stage as he aged. (He never said his age: “I am older than the sun and younger than the morning.”) No notes. He spoke like a god. Then Olga would come out dressed for the red carpet and lead the meditation. Every seat was filled. The silence was profound.😘
That picture of Pappy. Those eyes of his beyond the goggles. He could see, truly see beyond any armor one might carry, yes? Horses, I grew up with them as well. They often knew how I was feeling before I did. A nuzzle or a little nip to come out of my stupor, and pay total attention to them. They saved me in my adolescence, and now our daughter has her homestead with horses. Joy! Loved this interview, and the 🎾 balls. Will give that a try! Thank you Isabel and Jane. Keep asking those sneaky and deep questions.💜
Joanie, your point about Pappy hits me deep this morning. By the time that photo was taken, he was nearly blind... he had organ failure from juvenile diabetes. But the less he could physically see, the more of the material world he seemed to see through.
When I gazed at him, it reminded me of my parents commenting on how they were grateful for a clean conscience, as they felt children and animals I might add, have that laser like ability. Your Pappy too. All his other senses heightened, especially his intuitive ability. He could read a room, yes? So many memories fill you. Thank you for sharing him with us as you have. 🙌🏼
Yes it's true--there's so much insight in innocence. I totally agree. I spent the summer really connected with my kids and their questions and insights made me wonder if wisdom peaks prepubescence. Now the task is to go finding such clarity again...
Your mom and dad sound like extraordinary people, Isabel! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this interview and totally relate to your feelings about life and "making it." Can you even believe how we've made it? Absolutely wondrous. Hope you're well, and thanks to Jane for being the gift giver!
But now I realize Pappy was telling me that the deepest dignity and divinity are in everyone, all the time: we’re all as holy as the holiest folks who ever lived. And I agree. I really love people. I try to keep the armor off so I can feel it. ( I also really love people, and I also try to keep the armor off so I can feel it. ) Thank you, Jane and Isabel.
speaking of "armor" i thought that glam photo had been retired awhile ago lol it might make that tom-girl Beryl Markham flinch some....what a great book, so good many tried to say her ex husband had a hand in it. your Dad's quotes are always a pleasure and dignity as a theme not to mention where we are supposed to be and the acceptance of it are very timely....fine interview and questions i need to slow down thought it read 'wea are all holy as f...ck"
"I have a lot of ambition for my work, but no matter where my writing ends up, I’ll want to spend my days exactly the way I do now." Yes! Beautiful! I feel that too!
This was lovely; so happy to come to know Isabel. Love the story of the dress—and the gorgeous dress—and this: “it felt like a wedding, except I was marrying myself.” A thousand times yes. And I also moan on the floor with tennis balls under my butt. Myofascial release has been my gateway out of intense low back pain that erupted earlier this year just shy of my 65th birthday. Glad to know another butt ball lover. My practitioner says lovingly I have a tight ass; most of us do. It’s where we hold control.
So happy you enjoyed it! I loved that line, as well, Amy! I've started struggling with lower back pain. I may go search out some tennis balls! Glad you're finding relief! xx
You might also love reading a guy named Sarno! Not sure if you've heard of him. He brought meditation to modern medicine.
Amy! Hahaha I DEFINITELY have a tight ass. And don't get me started on the hips... if our butts are where we hold stability and control, the hips are where I keep my grief. Sometimes I let that boll roll to the side and just weep for a while. It's one of my practices for staying open... loving my body and letting it feel :) Thank you so much for reading. ❤️
How uncanny you wrote this today Isabel as just today after rolling out my left hip I had a good cry over my mom who I cared for through dementia; she died last April. The grief comes in waves and the balls help with release.
Once again, thank you. You're interviews are always so enlightening, Jane.
Sandra, thank you so much for reading!!
I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Sandra!
I love you, Isabel!
I would go see Eric and Olga Butterworth every Sunday at Lincoln Center. Oof, the privilege — I had no idea until later when I realized he was really teaching us how to ask questions.🫶🏼
How amazing, Katharine!! 🌸
Amazing interview, Jane!💕
Is that true?? I am so envious! I'll need to hear all about it.
Yes. Seems unbelievable now. I lived at 68th and Broadway. Eric and Olga held Unity Church at (then) Avery Fischer Hall on Sunday mornings. Eric would put a stool on stage as he aged. (He never said his age: “I am older than the sun and younger than the morning.”) No notes. He spoke like a god. Then Olga would come out dressed for the red carpet and lead the meditation. Every seat was filled. The silence was profound.😘
Loved this interview!!
I'm so glad to hear that!! I love Isabel's beautiful words, too!
It was such fun to do--Jane's questions are sneaky-deep!! Thank you for reading.
Aw, thanks, Isabel! Your answers are so beautiful!
That picture of Pappy. Those eyes of his beyond the goggles. He could see, truly see beyond any armor one might carry, yes? Horses, I grew up with them as well. They often knew how I was feeling before I did. A nuzzle or a little nip to come out of my stupor, and pay total attention to them. They saved me in my adolescence, and now our daughter has her homestead with horses. Joy! Loved this interview, and the 🎾 balls. Will give that a try! Thank you Isabel and Jane. Keep asking those sneaky and deep questions.💜
So happy you enjoyed it, Joanie! I know, I love that photo, as well! I agree, he could see beyond everything! And yay for horses! 🌸
Joanie, your point about Pappy hits me deep this morning. By the time that photo was taken, he was nearly blind... he had organ failure from juvenile diabetes. But the less he could physically see, the more of the material world he seemed to see through.
When I gazed at him, it reminded me of my parents commenting on how they were grateful for a clean conscience, as they felt children and animals I might add, have that laser like ability. Your Pappy too. All his other senses heightened, especially his intuitive ability. He could read a room, yes? So many memories fill you. Thank you for sharing him with us as you have. 🙌🏼
Yes it's true--there's so much insight in innocence. I totally agree. I spent the summer really connected with my kids and their questions and insights made me wonder if wisdom peaks prepubescence. Now the task is to go finding such clarity again...
Your mom and dad sound like extraordinary people, Isabel! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this interview and totally relate to your feelings about life and "making it." Can you even believe how we've made it? Absolutely wondrous. Hope you're well, and thanks to Jane for being the gift giver!
So happy you enjoyed it, Katrina! I agree, Isabel's parents do sound extraordinary!!
Wondrous indeed! Boldly re-defining the good life one flowerbed at a time :)
But now I realize Pappy was telling me that the deepest dignity and divinity are in everyone, all the time: we’re all as holy as the holiest folks who ever lived. And I agree. I really love people. I try to keep the armor off so I can feel it. ( I also really love people, and I also try to keep the armor off so I can feel it. ) Thank you, Jane and Isabel.
I love that quote so much, Mary!! I'm glad you enjoyed the interview!!
Mary, I'm so glad you liked it & grateful for this comment!
speaking of "armor" i thought that glam photo had been retired awhile ago lol it might make that tom-girl Beryl Markham flinch some....what a great book, so good many tried to say her ex husband had a hand in it. your Dad's quotes are always a pleasure and dignity as a theme not to mention where we are supposed to be and the acceptance of it are very timely....fine interview and questions i need to slow down thought it read 'wea are all holy as f...ck"
Haha! I like that as a title, too! Glad you enjoyed the interview, Appleton!
Beryl would've totally envied my wind machine, though I guess she had her own winged variety, which is... infinitely cooler ;)
The dress is magical! I love this share thank you and happy belated birthday as well. I turned 40 this summer too!
Isn't it a beautiful dress! So happy you enjoyed the interview, Bridgit!
Happy birthday, Bridgit! Thank you so much for reading and taking a moment to comment.
So good!
Yay! Happy you enjoyed it!
Hi Ginny!!! Thank you for reading!!
I find it remarkable how much love there is in this post and in the comments. But, of course, it's Isabel. x
I know! I just emailed Isabel saying this very thing! She is beloved!! xx
I am giggling with joy. Thank you, Val :)
I love this interview so much. Beautiful and insightful answers.
I'm so glad, Katie! And I agree, such beautiful answers!!
Katie, it's a thrill to see you here.
"I have a lot of ambition for my work, but no matter where my writing ends up, I’ll want to spend my days exactly the way I do now." Yes! Beautiful! I feel that too!
I loved that quote!! It touched my heart. And how wonderful you feel the same in your life!
It's the sign that we have already arrived!!
Gorgeous, the lit-up-ness is contagious and I adore seeing through your eyes 🔥
So beautifully put, Kristen! I agree!
These questions were extremely enjoyable to consider. I'm so glad that came through!
Wonderful "talking" to Isabel.
Aw, thanks, David! No need to tell you what a wonder Isabel is!!
David, we owe you this interview! Thank you for being the best Substack connector.
So true! 🌸
This is so good. I stacked it and I love Pappy.
Happy birthday and what a great dress .
So happy you enjoyed it, Prajna! I know, I wish I'd know Pappy! He sounds extraordinary!
Prajna, I'm so glad you read & commented so I could find you! I love your work.
Thank you so much Isabel. Mutual!