Wonderful conversation. Two things that have helped me age gracefully and gratefully. My husband and I, 68 and 67, both retired several years now. 1) we have embraced our new season with the motto “Slow and steady.” We do something everyday. We can’t mow the lawn and weed trim etc etc in a day so we do bits as we can, daily, taking breaks as needed and celebrating everything we accomplish. 2) we play games and laugh a lot. Yes we are reasonable about eating Whole Food’s with some treats, a bit of exercise, Bible time. All of this making our relationship stronger. Then he has his thing (garage time) me mine (craft room time). One day we won’t be where we are and we’ll embrace yet another new season. Grateful for our life. Ups and downs. Prayers for those who are struggling now, we’ve been through those places and understand.
Oh wow!!! I just found your channel. Today I am grateful for you! In the last 4 months I have a lost 2 aunts, my 42 year old nephew, and my mother. My mother lived with me the last 2 years and I was her primary caregiver. I am 63, will be 64 by the end of the year. You are speaking to my heart right now. Thank you!
I am SO sorry for your loss... I can still feel the loss of my mother, you will never get over that. I'm sending you a BIG HUG right now, I hope you can feel it. And loosing aunts and a young nephew on top of that, so heartbreaking. Please stay with me here and I hope when you feel up to it you will try something creative, it really does help to keep moving. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for doing this Jeri❤! I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face because these are things I am going through, these are the things I am struggling and these are the things that don’t get discussed out loud. I am here with you. Again, thank you.
I am 68. Love listening to your ideas. Wish you were my neighbor! I am no longer in the work place but I believe there is discrimination against older people that are working. I struggled with all the technology that kept changing. I discovered slow stitching a couple years ago and absolutely love it! I enjoy making things for other people. I knit hats etc for charity. It is what gets me up every day. If you did a video every day I would love it. Thanks for all you do.❤
LOL, I wish I had a neighbor like any one of you! And technology, don't get me started! Seems like every day I go to do something, I see the platform has changed, it's so frustrating! My mom made hats for the homeless! PS if I did a video every day it would kill me! LOLOLOL But thank you for wanting to be with me each day! 💜 Take a gander at some of my older videos, you will see how I've morphed over the years.
Oh Jeri you are so right…others feel what you do. Getting older is hard and it helps to know we are not alone with our feelings. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve been binge watching you for about a week and love your work and your stories. What I’d like you to address is losing your muse and motivation. I’m 71. Xxx❤ Beth B in Sarasota, FL
Great topic! It's challenging to get older. My body hurts and it's hard to keep on going. Slow stitching has helped a lot On the days I feel bad, I can at least make a small block. I look forward to more videos on aging creatively!
Thank you, Jeri. Your vid today really strikes a cord - several in fact. I’m 82. On more challenging days I try to remember what Bette Davis said on the Johnny Carson show some 20+ years ago: “Getting old ain’t for sissies!” And I would add - but the alternative ain’t so nifty either. Lol. Sometimes it helps. Mostly though, aging is more difficult as there’s no one to talk to about it. My BFF of 38 years passed two years ago. We could talk about any and everything. I sure do miss her. Im blessed with four great kids but they either see me as “always about 50” or one foot on a banana peel! Thank you for your Channel. You are a blessing and I’m grateful to have found you. ❤
Hi Cyn, Welcome! Glad you're here and happy that you found my video helpful. I lost my bestie 10 years ago and I understand your pain. Sending hugs, ox
Oh my! Thank you! I've been dealing with the feeling of worthlessness for months now and no one to talk with about it without feeling judged. I'm 67, a widow, mother of two, grandmother of two amazing grandchildren and caregiver for my homebound sister. During COVID I put on extra pounds that I cannot shed which makes me feel horrible physically and emotionally. A few health issues too, though I am extremely blessed. But enough self-pity! I'm so looking forward to your topics of discussion. Thank you for your boldness to do this for your TH-cam friends🥰♥️💐♥️
You're in good company, thank you so much for leaving a comment. I do appreciate hearing from each and every one of you and I'm looking forward to sharing my journey! hugs, 💜
Wow, I think you just sang to my heart. I have been going through "something"...I turn 60 this December. I have accomplished so much in my life, and although I am proud of that I do have something that weighs on my heart. My "self-image", my body, and what that looks like as I age. I have had 2 significant injuries and people tell me all the time they would never know I am so down on myself for letting myself go! I have gained weight and I just feel horrible in my skin because of that. That said, I am now on a journey and I hope "this" time I can do this. It is a lot to go into but I would love to hear your view on this, if you can relate?
Thank you so much!! I was feeling so alone in this aging process, having no one to talk to. I’m 69 and feeling like my life is over. Health issues leaving me less able to do what I was used to doing. Just trying to adjust, surrender and move forward. There’s got to be more!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!!
There is more! We have to keep looking forward, not back to what was but to what can be and it can be good. It can be better than good! We are not senior citizens but "Seasoned Citizens"! Just keep moving and be in community with people that encourage and inspire you! Sending you hugs! 💜
@@JeriBellini Seasoned Citizens. Love it. I might design something and make a shirt! Lol. Thank you. The Channel and Community you’ve created is a breath of fresh air and really Needed and APPRECIATED! Thank you ❤
I’m totally on board girlfriend..lost my mom over 25 years ago and still need to tell her stuff and lost my little sister almost 3 years ago..we were 22 months apart and I can truly say she was my other half..I’m still struggling without her..I do find some solace in spending time in my studio “creating”..I love all the things you do. I followed Teesha More years ago and made many of her funky patches. Also love patchwork, collage, all kinds of art journals, etc..I am truly blessed with 3 kids 8 grandkids and almost 5 great grands, married 57 years and I’m a breast cancer survivor at 77 years old..luv u Jeri, Connie
I’m so sorry you lost your sister, and of course we never get over loosing our mom. Sounds like you have a lovely full family. I’m so glad you’re still being creative! Thanks for leaving a comment! 💜
It’s our “happy place” right? It’s where I say my daily prayers, listen to my oldie sounds and keep my hands and mind busy..OH and I’ve worn bandanas in my hair for years😁❤
I have been sewing the funky patches shown on the video .Last week was the first time I came across your channel and was so excited to have a new project to follow. At 82 I have been thinking that last year was the last I made handmade Christmas gift for the family (about 25). Most of these were craft , such as bbq apron, pillowslips, scrunchies headbands cosmetic purses. The list goes on. So seeing you make those funky square rectangle patches gave me a new lease on life. So far I have tried to make 2 a day. However that reduced to 1 some days. It doesnt matter! The enjoyment and creativety that these little squares give me is all down to you. Thankyou you special angel of art.
I just discovered your channel today! I am 63 & I appreciate your honesty, creativity & the reality of an aging working/ creative artist! I believe my creativity keeps me young & hopeful for the ups & downs in life! Thank you❤
I found your TH-cam videos a few weeks ago. Love listening to what you have been doing with the 'dots'. But this last video that I found that you were struggling helped me. I am a senior and my daughter has decided she is done with me and that I have no health issues. You helped me to decide to age gracefully and creatively. Your way with bits if fabric is manageable. I have friends that are helping me to figure out things financially. So I feel I have it figured out. I feel for you health problems as I have fought through chronic Fatigue, and other auto immune stuff. Please carry on with showing the easy way for us to do calming stitching. Love it!❤❤❤
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. I started watching your videos because your projects give me lots of inspiration to apply in my own projects. But I stayed here because you are so nice to all of us, always sharing your feelings and experiences in life. The last years had been really hard for me, both physically and emotionally, and crafting has saved me from drowning into that situation. So, I just want you to know how much I appreciate your channel. And I'm quite sure that many people here think the same. I hope you have a wonderful day and a great summer with your lovely family!
Oh thank you SO much back! I appreciate your comment and I'm so happy that I resonate with you and can inspire you to keep creating. I love my community and I can feel the warmth and love coming back to me! 💜
This resonates with me. I care for my parents who are nearly 90, I care for my grandchildren, and I am 60 and starting to get health problems. I do not feel worthless yet, but my father does and it depresses him. I love caring for my grandchildren but I am glad it is for just a day in the week, because it is so tiring. My mum has dementia and it is so scary and sad. So I subscribed.
Lots to say about all this... I'm making notes to address some things in other videos. I was a caretaker most of my life. When my mom passed I said, I'm done. I advocated for the elderly for YEARS too. But your dad... He needs a purpose. Do you have a box of photos somewhere? We mostly all do, get them out, get some photo albums, and ask him to do you a big favor and put them in the albums. They don't have to be in order, just have him get them in albums. He'll enjoy looking at them and he'll have a purpose. If this doesnt' resonate with you, think of something else. Above all else take care of yourself! You are no good to anyone if you don't. Sending you hugs! 💜
@@JeriBellini thank you so much. That is such a good idea. I already asked him to write on the back who is on the photos, but maybe he needs more of a nudge and bring him some albums.
I'm totally on board also. I will be 61 in a couple weeks. And living with chronic pain. I feel worthless more than I feel good. I've been on meds for depression for years now. Then I lost my son March 2023 . He was 40 years old. I miss him so much. But I am so lucky to have my mom. We lived at her house for a couple years and moved back to my house a year ago.
The loss of a child is the most heart-wrenching and I'm sending love and hugs right now. It's still very fresh for you, just try to keep moving, I know it's hard. So glad you're here! 💜
Thank you, Jeri, for being so brave and sharing your struggles. I share some of the same ones, and I look forward to learning how other people are living creatively and gratefully. 💕
Oh my, you hit so many emotional and physical points for me! The least is turning 65 last Dec. In itself was and still is mind-blowing! Also, dealing with an adult depression from a long, long-term relationship. I did not recognize it, and then living on my own was impossible. I now live in a quiet, calm home now with my son (for now) because on my own is impossible! I love learning but currently struggle with motivation (depression), I crave hand sewing, but following directions interferes with that freedom after 55+ yrs of following patterns. I do knit simple blankets for a calm mind, but I do crave more, so here I am following slow stitching (not embroidery) and the critical voice will not shut up (as in that is NOT a straight line). The thing is , I am decent at following patterns and creating good clothes to wear with minor creativity, but going rogue is what I crave, I am my worst critic! SO, yes, I am going to follow along on your journey of learning about older/elder creativity. I am ready to give up yet, but i do struggle daily,
I want to say so much to you! You are making me think, I am going to address your comments in a video(s). Meanwhile, keep moving, and get up when you don't want to. Make those knitted blankets and donate them! Helping others is a HUGE part of feeling better. As for projects, most of mine are free-form. I have to work hard to figure out how to break them down into steps so others can follow along. Don't worry about your stitches! Start a project with the intent to just PLAY, NO RULES. It is very freeing! Sending you hugs! 💜
Thank you ❤I’m 63 this year, I had to leave work last year, because my husband needed more care. I have a good life, and I love my crafts, but sometimes,for no reason, I feel really down,just listening to you has helped,and put things in perspective. ❤❤❤
At 77 I am learning to age gracefully I do pray! Would love to hear more about your journaling choices. Climbing out of a long slide is my daily; tending to run away isn't working LOL. Please stitch and talk so I can stitch and listen. You are a gem!!
I am also 68, and lost my husband 10 years ago. I miss him every day, sometimes so much it hurts. My particular problem with aging is that I am physically handicapped, virtually bedridden, and I desperately need to lose weight. Though I eat very little, I cannot exercise at all, and I’m really tired of doctors trying to get me to. I also run into a lot of problems when I am out in the world, due to the fact that I use an ECV. The world is really not as handicapped accessible as people think. On the other hand, I meet a lot of people who are very considerate and want to help. Depression has been a part of my life since my teens, but I have a lot to be grateful for, and I try to focus on that. Much love to you. You do beautiful work.
I'm sorry for your loss, losing a loved can be painful for the rest of your life. I'm glad you are here! Are you able to do any stitching? Sending you hugs for a good day. 💜
Oh goodness I can sure relate. When I was 54 (I’m 60 now) I decided to get married to my fiancé of 15 years, quit my job and go back to school to study physical therapy. Well, during that time we got a direct hit by a cat 5 hurricane, then trying to dig out from that Covid hit. I struggled to finish school via zoom and survived the hellish clinical trainings only to be told I needed to be faster. I managed to pass the licensure but in the end I just ran out of steam. Not sure if it was me changing but the world seemed so weird post Covid! (And still is in my opinion). So now I’m a stay at home person who loves to garden and do crafting. I am fortunate to have a loving and supportive husband. Not sure what the future holds I’m just taking things one day at a time. But I look forward to each day and have a vague idea of what I’d like to be doing in the future. You’re videos are wonderful. I’m really happy I found your channel. 😊
Everything changed after covid, and after anything traumatic, things change all the time and we have to go with the flow, what's the alternative really?! sending hugs, ❤️
I love this. I struggle with isolation because i work alone and have few friends nearby. At nearly 62, i still work, cleaning houses. My 2 biggest challenges right now are the boatloads of information about starting and running online business. You and your husband give me some hope that i might get through that mountain.
Oh online is so much different than Brick and mortar. I had a retail shop for over a decade, loved it but did things so differently. It's tough keeping up with technology but what choice do we have? Thanks for being here! 💜
Hi, I'm Tori. I feel like I want to do a voice-over stitching video in response to this. I turn 64 this year and can't wait to retire and give my time to ART!!!! and grands!!! and the retirement cottage (sounds so romantic) we are buying in a small artsy town. Thank you for sharing yourself and your art, Jeri. I'm in! With gratitude, Tori
Hi Jeri. I just came back to watching YT after several months away. At first I just needed a break and then my father passed away on Feb 1. Then my pet, a parrot, died at the end of March. So lots going on. I am 65 and COVID did me in. It took me a few years to get out of the funk and in October of 2023 I started back to church and it made all the difference. I do a fairly good job at keeping busy, and sometimes I like to just sit and read. Thanks for this video! ❤️
Hi Sue, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, and then your pet... I get it, lots of grief to deal with. I find reading my bible helps a LOT. I'll be praying for you. Sending hugs, ox 💜
Thankyou Jerri💙 You really hit a nerve with many of the issues you raised 💙 Both my parents are gone...(mum passed in '21 aged 94) grief is a tricky road to navigate💙
I ran across your video about dots, and then wow. . . I love the slow stitching project, which fit perfectly with using my mom’s old yo-yos but I was drawn to your openness and honesty. I’m a 52 year old . . . ____(?), wife, mother to four girls, and lawyer. My biggest challenge is not feeling like it’s worth having goals. I thought of switching careers to find more meaning. I almost went to nursing school 2 years ago, but worried whether cognitively and physically I could do the program and now I’m wondering if it’s worth becoming a teacher. Right now I don’t want to get older 😢 because it feels like there was so much I wanted to do. Again, thank you for being here.
Uh, Melanie, I feel your pain. Compared to me you are still pretty young! My hubs, Brian, you'll hear me talk about him, is 12 years younger than me. He's always saying he's too old and I have to laugh at him. But I was in a funk for many years and felt it was too late to start anything new. Don't let that influence what you do now. You could live to 90 and that's 40 more YEARS! Just think of what you could do with 40 years!! Please press on and try new things and so what if you drop dead in the middle of that, at least you were living your life to the fullest! Sending you HUGE HUGS right this minute! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I love this! I love it partly because you can do a little or a lot as you feel and i just love the dots! Im 73 and am hoping to try making a dot hanging. Ive made some machine sewn quilts and a few hangings. It was really hard! I also have autoimmune diseases and was terribly ill with one of them a few years ago. I get terribly fatigued. Making those dots will be great on days where i dont feel able to do anything! Thank you for your videos.
I look forward to hearing more. I found what you said sound like my own struggles. At 66 I find it so hard to feed myself properly and keep myself moving. Arthritis has really reared its head and slowed me to an almost standstill.
Oui, Arthritis that hurts.... my friend has that pretty bad and she started out slowly but started walking and little by little she noticed some improvement. Is it hard to feed yourself because of the pain or do you just hate to cook? I am not overly fond of cooking but I do like to eat so I do it. I'll share some of my weirdo recipes. Sending healing hugs to you.💜
TY Jeri. I appreciate your support and ideas. I'm 66 as of February 1st and I get what you are saying. Today's Quote: "Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one."Marcus Aurelius.Huge HUGS! Namesta 🐞🐞🐞
Hey Lala, that's a GREAT quote! Do you keep a journal with all your quotes? I made Rolodex cards with quotes, they are on my desk, I'll have to do a show and tell with them. Hugs, oxox 🐞
Hi Jeri. Yes I have a book that I write them in so I can rip them out and put them on my artwork. I love your idea of making a Rolodex. I guess I need to find my Rolodex first. 😂🐞
What an amazing talk from your heart. Being prematurely physically challenged and suddenly finding myself out of the workforce I'd been what seemed life forever...I suffered the worst depression, hopelessness, worthlessness and so forth. I didn't know what to do with all judgments from people either. I do have worth, I can give value and wisdom and I've made it through only by my stubborness and love for all things creative. Autoimmune challenges kept me in the house for 14 months...so I had my 5th shoulder surgery and then the very next day the hospital went into lock-down. I always loved to write, letters, poetry, anything, but my journaling days have came to a stand still and I cannot figure out why. All your fans Jeri are here for you! x's lj
Can you type? or does that motion bother your shoulder? I tore my rotator cuff last September and had to make adjustments, but so far, PT has helped and I don't seem to need surgery. YIKES, it's always something. One idea leads to another... and I have a suggestion for you. Do you want to journal again? Get out a recorder (one on your phone no doubt) and sit quietly, and speak out loud to your recorder. You would be AMAZED at how awesome it feels to get it out of your system. It's just like journaling! And you don't even have to go back and listen to it! Try it and report back! And judgments, I'm sorry to hear that. I'll address this in a video. Sending you HUGE hugs! 💜
@@JeriBellini Yes I can keyboard with my arthritis fingers, wrists and elbows. I had a revolving door into PT and knew everyone there. I do PT everyday and will for the rest of my life...just to maintain so I can keep on keeping on. 5 shoulder surgeries, but two on left due to a torn rotator cuff, same two the right but a third one because I got the 2nd surgery torn out so I have a hip replacement in my shoulder...nothing really left to attach things too. 4 back surgeries and 1 hand reconstruction...other than that I am groovy LOL Great idea ! I appreciate you very much 🙂 And my first funky square I made my body very angry at me...but the result was joyous!
@@JeriBellini Oh bless you dear. That's a lot to deal with (ED) and still look how happy you are. I try to smile through the pain of my CRPS, lupus, etc. We're tough ladies - I knew there was a reason to turn in to your first video. Sending you sunshine from NM.
I will be 74 next month and….i hear ya. 😊. Aging isn’t for sissies but finding things to be grateful for each day certainly helps. I would love to hear more about your routines. 💖💖💖
Yes to all of this. I am learning how to travel and do brave things on my own. Love my family but I still want to be the person who is emerging after the chaos of retiring during the pandemic.
I’m so looking forward to hearing what you have to say about several of the topics you mentioned. I’m 63 and I really want to age with a great outlook on life and to be able to tackle any problem that comes up. I feel like I’ve gotten a lot more anxious about the smallest things since menopause and I don’t want to live the rest of my life being fearful and lacking self confidence. Have a great week, Jeri, and looking forward to Friday!
Thank you for sharing. I look forward to hearing your insights. 💜 I'm approaching 60 and wondering how that has happened. I've suffered burnout from caring for a mother with dementia and a son with complex autism. Having taken medication for depression, anxiety and low self esteem for most of my adult life I am now looking into the possibility that im not actually depressed but neurodivergent, my daughter has recently been diagnosed with ADHD while at university aged 21. Nevertheless, I get up every day and enjoy being creative.🙏💜
You know, interesting that you say this, and I'm jotting it down for a topic. My husbands family has quite a bit of "spectrum" people and I have found that they are so smart and full of creativity etc... It's all in the way you look at things isn't it? I mentioned this in one of my videos, that I have ADHD and think it's part of my creativity. I'm so happy to see the medical field not looking down on these things anymore, just realizing that we are all different! Thank you for leaving this message! 💜 I hope others will read it and take heart! ox
Thanks! I have a daughter that has decided for the second time in our lives that she would dis own me as her mother. This tie is the last. I am 73 and told her last year that I was starting into some form of dementia. My mother had it and my dad did near the end. She laughed and said no. Then turned my son and daughter-in-law against me. Funny because she was always jealous of him. I am coping by watching your videos. Will try to figure out how to help you out. THANKS
I'm so sorry about your daughter and I hear this time and time again. The best we can do is the best we can do. Hopefully she will come around. Meanwhile... enjoy your friends and your stitching! Sending hugs 💜
OMG Jeri, this is great, such great topics. Any one of them is fine by me, hopefully all of them. My You Tube name isn’t “Invisible” for no reason. We become old, like everyone will be eventually, and we become invisible to most people who aren’t old. It’s hard to fight back against that. Keep up the good work! ❤. And those patches??? Gorgeous!
Your YT name intrigued me right off and I figured it had some deeper meaning. Before you know it you'll be changing it to LookAtMe, or BrightStar or some such funny name! Sending hugs and Purple Hearts for April! 💜💜💜💜💜
@@JeriBelliniHa ha ha ha. I got a good laugh off your comment? Look At Me??? Bright Star??? Oh lord. Not in this lifetime. But it’s a good laugh and I thank you for that.
Oh thank you SO much! 💜 Today, besides being grateful for all of you, I am grateful that my Studio tour video finally uploaded, it took ALLLLLL DAY! Something wrong with the internet today. Yikes. 💜
Wonderful conversation. Two things that have helped me age gracefully and gratefully. My husband and I, 68 and 67, both retired several years now. 1) we have embraced our new season with the motto “Slow and steady.” We do something everyday. We can’t mow the lawn and weed trim etc etc in a day so we do bits as we can, daily, taking breaks as needed and celebrating everything we accomplish. 2) we play games and laugh a lot. Yes we are reasonable about eating Whole Food’s with some treats, a bit of exercise, Bible time. All of this making our relationship stronger. Then he has his thing (garage time) me mine (craft room time). One day we won’t be where we are and we’ll embrace yet another new season. Grateful for our life. Ups and downs. Prayers for those who are struggling now, we’ve been through those places and understand.
What a wonderful picture you just shared, it sounds lovely and I'm so happy for you both. God has blessed you! 💜💜💜
Oh wow!!! I just found your channel. Today I am grateful for you! In the last 4 months I have a lost 2 aunts, my 42 year old nephew, and my mother. My mother lived with me the last 2 years and I was her primary caregiver. I am 63, will be 64 by the end of the year. You are speaking to my heart right now. Thank you!
I am SO sorry for your loss... I can still feel the loss of my mother, you will never get over that. I'm sending you a BIG HUG right now, I hope you can feel it. And loosing aunts and a young nephew on top of that, so heartbreaking. Please stay with me here and I hope when you feel up to it you will try something creative, it really does help to keep moving. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for doing this Jeri❤! I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face because these are things I am going through, these are the things I am struggling and these are the things that don’t get discussed out loud. I am here with you. Again, thank you.
Sending you big hugs! We need to share so we don't feel so alone.... 💜
I am 68. Love listening to your ideas. Wish you were my neighbor! I am no longer in the work place but I believe there is discrimination against older people that are working. I struggled with all the technology that kept changing. I discovered slow stitching a couple years ago and absolutely love it! I enjoy making things for other people. I knit hats etc for charity. It is what gets me up every day. If you did a video every day I would love it. Thanks for all you do.❤
LOL, I wish I had a neighbor like any one of you! And technology, don't get me started! Seems like every day I go to do something, I see the platform has changed, it's so frustrating! My mom made hats for the homeless!
PS if I did a video every day it would kill me! LOLOLOL But thank you for wanting to be with me each day! 💜 Take a gander at some of my older videos, you will see how I've morphed over the years.
Oh Jeri you are so right…others feel what you do. Getting older is hard and it helps to know we are not alone with our feelings. Thank you for sharing.
You are so welcome, I'll be sharing more!!! 💜
I’ve been binge watching you for about a week and love your work and your stories. What I’d like you to address is losing your muse and motivation. I’m 71.
Xxx❤ Beth B in Sarasota, FL
Ok, I will talk about it, I do think it's important to share. Give me some time to journal about it, but I will. Thanks for being here! 💜
Great topic! It's challenging to get older. My body hurts and it's hard to keep on going. Slow stitching has helped a lot On the days I feel bad, I can at least make a small block. I look forward to more videos on aging creatively!
Wonderful! I'm talking about overwhelm in tomorrows Stitch-n-StoryTime. 💜
Thank you, Jeri. Your vid today really strikes a cord - several in fact. I’m 82. On more challenging days I try to remember what Bette Davis said on the Johnny Carson show some 20+ years ago: “Getting old ain’t for sissies!” And I would add - but the alternative ain’t so nifty either. Lol. Sometimes it helps. Mostly though, aging is more difficult as there’s no one to talk to about it. My BFF of 38 years passed two years ago. We could talk about any and everything. I sure do miss her. Im blessed with four great kids but they either see me as “always about 50” or one foot on a banana peel! Thank you for your Channel. You are a blessing and I’m grateful to have found you. ❤
Hi Cyn, Welcome! Glad you're here and happy that you found my video helpful. I lost my bestie 10 years ago and I understand your pain. Sending hugs, ox
Oh my! Thank you! I've been dealing with the feeling of worthlessness for months now and no one to talk with about it without feeling judged. I'm 67, a widow, mother of two, grandmother of two amazing grandchildren and caregiver for my homebound sister. During COVID I put on extra pounds that I cannot shed which makes me feel horrible physically and emotionally. A few health issues too, though I am extremely blessed. But enough self-pity! I'm so looking forward to your topics of discussion. Thank you for your boldness to do this for your TH-cam friends🥰♥️💐♥️
You're in good company, thank you so much for leaving a comment. I do appreciate hearing from each and every one of you and I'm looking forward to sharing my journey! hugs, 💜
Wow, I think you just sang to my heart. I have been going through "something"...I turn 60 this December. I have accomplished so much in my life, and although I am proud of that I do have something that weighs on my heart. My "self-image", my body, and what that looks like as I age. I have had 2 significant injuries and people tell me all the time they would never know I am so down on myself for letting myself go! I have gained weight and I just feel horrible in my skin because of that. That said, I am now on a journey and I hope "this" time I can do this. It is a lot to go into but I would love to hear your view on this, if you can relate?
I've been planning to talk about self-image and I appreciate your comment. Thank you, sending hugs! 💜
Thank you so much!! I was feeling so alone in this aging process, having no one to talk to. I’m 69 and feeling like my life is over. Health issues leaving me less able to do what I was used to doing. Just trying to adjust, surrender and move forward. There’s got to be more!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!!
There is more! We have to keep looking forward, not back to what was but to what can be and it can be good. It can be better than good! We are not senior citizens but "Seasoned Citizens"! Just keep moving and be in community with people that encourage and inspire you! Sending you hugs! 💜
@@JeriBellini Seasoned Citizens. Love it. I might design something and make a shirt! Lol. Thank you. The Channel and Community you’ve created is a breath of fresh air and really Needed and APPRECIATED! Thank you ❤
I’m totally on board girlfriend..lost my mom over 25 years ago and still need to tell her stuff and lost my little sister almost 3 years ago..we were 22 months apart and I can truly say she was my other half..I’m still struggling without her..I do find some solace in spending time in my studio “creating”..I love all the things you do. I followed Teesha More years ago and made many of her funky patches. Also love patchwork, collage, all kinds of art journals, etc..I am truly blessed with 3 kids 8 grandkids and almost 5 great grands, married 57 years and I’m a breast cancer survivor at 77 years old..luv u Jeri, Connie
I’m so sorry you lost your sister, and of course we never get over loosing our mom. Sounds like you have a lovely full family. I’m so glad you’re still being creative! Thanks for leaving a comment! 💜
It’s our “happy place” right? It’s where I say my daily prayers, listen to my oldie sounds and keep my hands and mind busy..OH and I’ve worn bandanas in my hair for years😁❤
I have been sewing the funky patches shown on the video .Last week was the first time I came across your channel and was so excited to have a new project to follow. At 82 I have been thinking that last year was the last I made handmade Christmas gift for the family (about 25). Most of these were craft , such as bbq apron, pillowslips, scrunchies headbands cosmetic purses. The list goes on. So seeing you make those funky square rectangle patches gave me a new lease on life. So far I have tried to make 2 a day. However that reduced to 1 some days. It doesnt matter! The enjoyment and creativety that these little squares give me is all down to you. Thankyou you special angel of art.
YES!!!! I'm so glad I inspired you! ❤️❤️❤️
I just discovered your channel today! I am 63 & I appreciate your honesty, creativity & the reality of an aging working/ creative artist! I believe my creativity keeps me young & hopeful for the ups & downs in life!
Thank you❤
Welcome! Glad you're here and thank you! 💜
I found your TH-cam videos a few weeks ago. Love listening to what you have been doing with the 'dots'. But this last video that I found that you were struggling helped me. I am a senior and my daughter has decided she is done with me and that I have no health issues. You helped me to decide to age gracefully and creatively. Your way with bits if fabric is manageable. I have friends that are helping me to figure out things financially. So I feel I have it figured out. I feel for you health problems as I have fought through chronic Fatigue, and other auto immune stuff. Please carry on with showing the easy way for us to do calming stitching. Love it!❤❤❤
sending Love! 💜
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. I started watching your videos because your projects give me lots of inspiration to apply in my own projects. But I stayed here because you are so nice to all of us, always sharing your feelings and experiences in life. The last years had been really hard for me, both physically and emotionally, and crafting has saved me from drowning into that situation. So, I just want you to know how much I appreciate your channel. And I'm quite sure that many people here think the same. I hope you have a wonderful day and a great summer with your lovely family!
Oh thank you SO much back! I appreciate your comment and I'm so happy that I resonate with you and can inspire you to keep creating. I love my community and I can feel the warmth and love coming back to me! 💜
This resonates with me. I care for my parents who are nearly 90, I care for my grandchildren, and I am 60 and starting to get health problems. I do not feel worthless yet, but my father does and it depresses him. I love caring for my grandchildren but I am glad it is for just a day in the week, because it is so tiring. My mum has dementia and it is so scary and sad. So I subscribed.
Lots to say about all this... I'm making notes to address some things in other videos. I was a caretaker most of my life. When my mom passed I said, I'm done. I advocated for the elderly for YEARS too. But your dad... He needs a purpose. Do you have a box of photos somewhere? We mostly all do, get them out, get some photo albums, and ask him to do you a big favor and put them in the albums. They don't have to be in order, just have him get them in albums. He'll enjoy looking at them and he'll have a purpose. If this doesnt' resonate with you, think of something else. Above all else take care of yourself! You are no good to anyone if you don't. Sending you hugs! 💜
@@JeriBellini thank you so much. That is such a good idea. I already asked him to write on the back who is on the photos, but maybe he needs more of a nudge and bring him some albums.
@@marlimarrr Insist that he is doing you a huge favor and you will LOVE having them all in one place, and let us know how it goes please.
I'm totally on board also. I will be 61 in a couple weeks. And living with chronic pain. I feel worthless more than I feel good. I've been on meds for depression for years now. Then I lost my son March 2023 . He was 40 years old. I miss him so much. But I am so lucky to have my mom. We lived at her house for a couple years and moved back to my house a year ago.
The loss of a child is the most heart-wrenching and I'm sending love and hugs right now. It's still very fresh for you, just try to keep moving, I know it's hard. So glad you're here! 💜
Delightful! Keep the conversation coming! 😍
More to come!!! 💜
Thank you, Jeri, for being so brave and sharing your struggles. I share some of the same ones, and I look forward to learning how other people are living creatively and gratefully. 💕
Hi Barbara, thanks for being here! 💜💜💜
Oh my, you hit so many emotional and physical points for me! The least is turning 65 last Dec. In itself was and still is mind-blowing! Also, dealing with an adult depression from a long, long-term relationship. I did not recognize it, and then living on my own was impossible. I now live in a quiet, calm home now with my son (for now) because on my own is impossible! I love learning but currently struggle with motivation (depression), I crave hand sewing, but following directions interferes with that freedom after 55+ yrs of following patterns. I do knit simple blankets for a calm mind, but I do crave more, so here I am following slow stitching (not embroidery) and the critical voice will not shut up (as in that is NOT a straight line). The thing is , I am decent at following patterns and creating good clothes to wear with minor creativity, but going rogue is what I crave, I am my worst critic! SO, yes, I am going to follow along on your journey of learning about older/elder creativity. I am ready to give up yet, but i do struggle daily,
I want to say so much to you! You are making me think, I am going to address your comments in a video(s). Meanwhile, keep moving, and get up when you don't want to. Make those knitted blankets and donate them! Helping others is a HUGE part of feeling better.
As for projects, most of mine are free-form. I have to work hard to figure out how to break them down into steps so others can follow along. Don't worry about your stitches! Start a project with the intent to just PLAY, NO RULES. It is very freeing! Sending you hugs! 💜
Thank you ❤I’m 63 this year, I had to leave work last year, because my husband needed more care. I have a good life, and I love my crafts, but sometimes,for no reason, I feel really down,just listening to you has helped,and put things in perspective. ❤❤❤
I get it, some days are just off, but you sound like you realize that and keep moving in spite of it. Thanks for hanging out with me! 💜
At 77 I am learning to age gracefully I do pray! Would love to hear more about your journaling choices. Climbing out of a long slide is my daily; tending to run away isn't working LOL. Please stitch and talk so I can stitch and listen. You are a gem!!
I will stitch and talk, so you can stitch and listen! I love the way that sounds! Thank you! 💜
I am also 68, and lost my husband 10 years ago. I miss him every day, sometimes so much it hurts. My particular problem with aging is that I am physically handicapped, virtually bedridden, and I desperately need to lose weight. Though I eat very little, I cannot exercise at all, and I’m really tired of doctors trying to get me to. I also run into a lot of problems when I am out in the world, due to the fact that I use an ECV. The world is really not as handicapped accessible as people think. On the other hand, I meet a lot of people who are very considerate and want to help. Depression has been a part of my life since my teens, but I have a lot to be grateful for, and I try to focus on that. Much love to you. You do beautiful work.
I'm sorry for your loss, losing a loved can be painful for the rest of your life. I'm glad you are here! Are you able to do any stitching? Sending you hugs for a good day. 💜
@@JeriBellini I am. I also do a lot of journal making, scrapbooking, and other paper and mixed media crafts. It's what keeps me sane!
Oh goodness I can sure relate. When I was 54 (I’m 60 now) I decided to get married to my fiancé of 15 years, quit my job and go back to school to study physical therapy. Well, during that time we got a direct hit by a cat 5 hurricane, then trying to dig out from that Covid hit. I struggled to finish school via zoom and survived the hellish clinical trainings only to be told I needed to be faster. I managed to pass the licensure but in the end I just ran out of steam. Not sure if it was me changing but the world seemed so weird post Covid! (And still is in my opinion). So now I’m a stay at home person who loves to garden and do crafting. I am fortunate to have a loving and supportive husband. Not sure what the future holds I’m just taking things one day at a time. But I look forward to each day and have a vague idea of what I’d like to be doing in the future.
You’re videos are wonderful. I’m really happy I found your channel. 😊
Everything changed after covid, and after anything traumatic, things change all the time and we have to go with the flow, what's the alternative really?! sending hugs, ❤️
I love this. I struggle with isolation because i work alone and have few friends nearby. At nearly 62, i still work, cleaning houses. My 2 biggest challenges right now are the boatloads of information about starting and running online business. You and your husband give me some hope that i might get through that mountain.
Oh online is so much different than Brick and mortar. I had a retail shop for over a decade, loved it but did things so differently. It's tough keeping up with technology but what choice do we have? Thanks for being here! 💜
Hi, I'm Tori. I feel like I want to do a voice-over stitching video in response to this. I turn 64 this year and can't wait to retire and give my time to ART!!!! and grands!!! and the retirement cottage (sounds so romantic) we are buying in a small artsy town. Thank you for sharing yourself and your art, Jeri. I'm in! With gratitude, Tori
LOL, I love your enthusiasm! Sounds like you will be off on an adventure soon yourself! Enjoy your retirement when it happens! 💜
Hi Jeri. I just came back to watching YT after several months away. At first I just needed a break and then my father passed away on Feb 1. Then my pet, a parrot, died at the end of March. So lots going on.
I am 65 and COVID did me in. It took me a few years to get out of the funk and in October of 2023 I started back to church and it made all the difference. I do a fairly good job at keeping busy, and sometimes I like to just sit and read. Thanks for this video! ❤️
Hi Sue, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, and then your pet... I get it, lots of grief to deal with. I find reading my bible helps a LOT. I'll be praying for you. Sending hugs, ox 💜
Thankyou Jerri💙 You really hit a nerve with many of the issues you raised 💙 Both my parents are gone...(mum passed in '21 aged 94) grief is a tricky road to navigate💙
I'm so sorry for your recent loss and not having parents anymore, it's an odd feeling. Sending hugs to you! 💜
@@JeriBellini Thankyou Jeri💙 Much appreciated. You're a gem💎
I ran across your video about dots, and then wow. . . I love the slow stitching project, which fit perfectly with using my mom’s old yo-yos but I was drawn to your openness and honesty. I’m a 52 year old . . . ____(?), wife, mother to four girls, and lawyer. My biggest challenge is not feeling like it’s worth having goals. I thought of switching careers to find more meaning. I almost went to nursing school 2 years ago, but worried whether cognitively and physically I could do the program and now I’m wondering if it’s worth becoming a teacher. Right now I don’t want to get older 😢 because it feels like there was so much I wanted to do. Again, thank you for being here.
Uh, Melanie, I feel your pain. Compared to me you are still pretty young! My hubs, Brian, you'll hear me talk about him, is 12 years younger than me. He's always saying he's too old and I have to laugh at him. But I was in a funk for many years and felt it was too late to start anything new. Don't let that influence what you do now. You could live to 90 and that's 40 more YEARS! Just think of what you could do with 40 years!! Please press on and try new things and so what if you drop dead in the middle of that, at least you were living your life to the fullest! Sending you HUGE HUGS right this minute! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I love this! I love it partly because you can do a little or a lot as you feel and i just love the dots! Im 73 and am hoping to try making a dot hanging. Ive made some machine sewn quilts and a few hangings. It was really hard! I also have autoimmune diseases and was terribly ill with one of them a few years ago. I get terribly fatigued. Making those dots will be great on days where i dont feel able to do anything! Thank you for your videos.
Yes, it's what started me making them too, they are simple and I was feeling off at the time but wanted to do something. Glad you found me! ♥️
I look forward to hearing more. I found what you said sound like my own struggles. At 66 I find it so hard to feed myself properly and keep myself moving. Arthritis has really reared its head and slowed me to an almost standstill.
Oui, Arthritis that hurts.... my friend has that pretty bad and she started out slowly but started walking and little by little she noticed some improvement. Is it hard to feed yourself because of the pain or do you just hate to cook? I am not overly fond of cooking but I do like to eat so I do it. I'll share some of my weirdo recipes. Sending healing hugs to you.💜
Thank you very much for your words!
You are very welcome, I doubt anyone can shut me up at this point! LOL 💜
TY Jeri. I appreciate your support and ideas. I'm 66 as of February 1st and I get what you are saying. Today's Quote: "Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one."Marcus Aurelius.Huge HUGS! Namesta 🐞🐞🐞
Hey Lala, that's a GREAT quote! Do you keep a journal with all your quotes? I made Rolodex cards with quotes, they are on my desk, I'll have to do a show and tell with them. Hugs, oxox 🐞
Hi Jeri. Yes I have a book that I write them in so I can rip them out and put them on my artwork. I love your idea of making a Rolodex. I guess I need to find my Rolodex first. 😂🐞
What an amazing talk from your heart. Being prematurely physically challenged and suddenly finding myself out of the workforce I'd been what seemed life forever...I suffered the worst depression, hopelessness, worthlessness and so forth. I didn't know what to do with all judgments from people either. I do have worth, I can give value and wisdom and I've made it through only by my stubborness and love for all things creative. Autoimmune challenges kept me in the house for 14 months...so I had my 5th shoulder surgery and then the very next day the hospital went into lock-down. I always loved to write, letters, poetry, anything, but my journaling days have came to a stand still and I cannot figure out why. All your fans Jeri are here for you! x's lj
Can you type? or does that motion bother your shoulder? I tore my rotator cuff last September and had to make adjustments, but so far, PT has helped and I don't seem to need surgery. YIKES, it's always something.
One idea leads to another... and I have a suggestion for you. Do you want to journal again? Get out a recorder (one on your phone no doubt) and sit quietly, and speak out loud to your recorder. You would be AMAZED at how awesome it feels to get it out of your system. It's just like journaling! And you don't even have to go back and listen to it! Try it and report back!
And judgments, I'm sorry to hear that. I'll address this in a video. Sending you HUGE hugs! 💜
@@JeriBellini Yes I can keyboard with my arthritis fingers, wrists and elbows. I had a revolving door into PT and knew everyone there. I do PT everyday and will for the rest of my life...just to maintain so I can keep on keeping on. 5 shoulder surgeries, but two on left due to a torn rotator cuff, same two the right but a third one because I got the 2nd surgery torn out so I have a hip replacement in my shoulder...nothing really left to attach things too. 4 back surgeries and 1 hand reconstruction...other than that I am groovy LOL Great idea ! I appreciate you very much 🙂 And my first funky square I made my body very angry at me...but the result was joyous!
@@ljshaw8516 That's a LOT LJ. I do a lot of PT too, I have Ehlers Danlos, I'll leave it at that and talk about it on a video one day. 💜
@@JeriBellini Oh bless you dear. That's a lot to deal with (ED) and still look how happy you are. I try to smile through the pain of my CRPS, lupus, etc. We're tough ladies - I knew there was a reason to turn in to your first video. Sending you sunshine from NM.
I will be 74 next month and….i hear ya. 😊. Aging isn’t for sissies but finding things to be grateful for each day certainly helps. I would love to hear more about your routines. 💖💖💖
Yes to all of this. I am learning how to travel and do brave things on my own. Love my family but I still want to be the person who is emerging after the chaos of retiring during the pandemic.
YES! It's so easy to stop and hermit but it's probably the worst thing we can do. Keep moving! YAY You! 💜 Thanks for watching!
I’m so looking forward to hearing what you have to say about several of the topics you mentioned. I’m 63 and I really want to age with a great outlook on life and to be able to tackle any problem that comes up. I feel like I’ve gotten a lot more anxious about the smallest things since menopause and I don’t want to live the rest of my life being fearful and lacking self confidence. Have a great week, Jeri, and looking forward to Friday!
Wonderful! I'm glad you're here! See you next week! 💜
Wow. Thank you. This means a lot to me.
You are so welcome! I'm glad. you're here! ❤️
Thank you for sharing. I look forward to hearing your insights. 💜
I'm approaching 60 and wondering how that has happened. I've suffered burnout from caring for a mother with dementia and a son with complex autism. Having taken medication for depression, anxiety and low self esteem for most of my adult life I am now looking into the possibility that im not actually depressed but neurodivergent, my daughter has recently been diagnosed with ADHD while at university aged 21.
Nevertheless, I get up every day and enjoy being creative.🙏💜
You know, interesting that you say this, and I'm jotting it down for a topic. My husbands family has quite a bit of "spectrum" people and I have found that they are so smart and full of creativity etc... It's all in the way you look at things isn't it? I mentioned this in one of my videos, that I have ADHD and think it's part of my creativity. I'm so happy to see the medical field not looking down on these things anymore, just realizing that we are all different! Thank you for leaving this message! 💜 I hope others will read it and take heart! ox
Love the swatch book idea🎉
Wonderful!!! Thanks for watching. 💛
Thanks! I have a daughter that has decided for the second time in our lives that she would dis own me as her mother. This tie is the last. I am 73 and told her last year that I was starting into some form of dementia. My mother had it and my dad did near the end. She laughed and said no. Then turned my son and daughter-in-law against me. Funny because she was always jealous of him. I am coping by watching your videos. Will try to figure out how to help you out. THANKS
I'm so sorry about your daughter and I hear this time and time again. The best we can do is the best we can do. Hopefully she will come around. Meanwhile... enjoy your friends and your stitching! Sending hugs 💜
OMG Jeri, this is great, such great topics. Any one of them is fine by me, hopefully all of them. My You Tube name isn’t “Invisible” for no reason. We become old, like everyone will be eventually, and we become invisible to most people who aren’t old. It’s hard to fight back against that. Keep up the good work! ❤. And those patches??? Gorgeous!
Your YT name intrigued me right off and I figured it had some deeper meaning. Before you know it you'll be changing it to LookAtMe, or BrightStar or some such funny name! Sending hugs and Purple Hearts for April! 💜💜💜💜💜
@@JeriBelliniHa ha ha ha. I got a good laugh off your comment? Look At Me??? Bright Star??? Oh lord. Not in this lifetime. But it’s a good laugh and I thank you for that.
Thank you!!
You're welcome! Thank you back!!! ♥️
❤️❤️💜💜💞💞🫶🏻🫶🏻
Sending Love back at you! 💜
I am grateful for you today! Tomorrow is another day. I have one goal in mind,. Anya 🪡🧵 ☘️
Oh thank you SO much! 💜 Today, besides being grateful for all of you, I am grateful that my Studio tour video finally uploaded, it took ALLLLLL DAY! Something wrong with the internet today. Yikes. 💜