This! "But I’m not just an old lady. I contain multitudes–all the stages of my life, all the ages I’ve ever been." A big yes to that.
I do not know whether or not I will make it to 90 but if I do, I'll let you know. I am 31 months away from 90, and if I get there I would like to be like Hilma. She's an inspiration. So, I'm going for a walk!
Thank you, Debbie. You provide some of the better and more insightful posts here and I am grateful to be part of your tribe. Best wishes to you and Sam. Loved the travel photos~!
I love the way you describe her writing—all the ways I’d hope to write. The interview, too, is “magically simple.” So much detail about a rich life packed in a few, short answers. A marvel. I can’t wait to read more of her work!
Thank you. I can't imagine losing a husband after all those years and living alone for the first time at that late stage. But then, the gift of having such good mental acuity at this age and being able to to write well. That's a gift. Wonderful interview to read this morning.
loved this. I run and indie publishing house and our oldest poet, Ruth Bidgood, who died just 3 months before her 100th birthday in 2022, published her last book with us at 96. It was wonderful to see someone with such a long life still pushing their process and craft to new levels, still admiring other writers. She was one of Wales' greatest poets and I miss her but it was a privelage to work with her. Hilma reminded me of Ruth.
Jan, thank you! It’s so important to recognize and honor these women, because they deserve it! but also because it inspires other older woman (of which I am one).
I hope I will continue to write into whatever old age I reach. My plan is to use my writing like family when they're gone, like purpose when I'm uncertain, like comfort against all of life's great fears.
Thank you for seeing the value of a life well lived. I hope I can continue to contribute to the world with my writing until my final days. The value of experience is only in the sharing of what lessons you have learned. And sometimes, finding out that someone feels the same as you in regards to a certain topic is reaffirming. Jennifer
Thank you Debbie. I have experienced so many things in my life that I could think "why me?" But instead I try to view it as a possible lesson. I think if we can take something from it to maybe help the next person... then it wasn't without worth. I've experienced abuse, alcoholism, divorce, estrangement, child loss and I am still standing. I now know I have self worth and want to instill this in those that value and read my writing. Thanks, Jennifer.
![[B]OLD AGE with Debbie Weil](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_36,h_36,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdb1d7636-a0e5-44ef-846d-a6df558eff16_1280x1280.png)
![[B]OLD AGE with Debbie Weil](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/e_trim:10:white/e_trim:10:transparent/h_72,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb939748d-5d80-4d0f-867c-2ed252ac633c_1344x256.png)
This! "But I’m not just an old lady. I contain multitudes–all the stages of my life, all the ages I’ve ever been." A big yes to that.
I do not know whether or not I will make it to 90 but if I do, I'll let you know. I am 31 months away from 90, and if I get there I would like to be like Hilma. She's an inspiration. So, I'm going for a walk!
Gary, you are inspiring! Love your approach to life and how generous (and insightful) you are with your comments on Substack.
Thank you, Debbie. You provide some of the better and more insightful posts here and I am grateful to be part of your tribe. Best wishes to you and Sam. Loved the travel photos~!
I love the way you describe her writing—all the ways I’d hope to write. The interview, too, is “magically simple.” So much detail about a rich life packed in a few, short answers. A marvel. I can’t wait to read more of her work!
Isabel, I’ve re-read Hilda’s answers multiple times and understand “more” every time.
Thank you, Hilma and Debbie. “Containing multitudes” is the reason why it’s good to be an old writer who has all her marbles.
Rona, sometimes it’s hard to explain who I am because of the “multitudes”!
Thank you. I can't imagine losing a husband after all those years and living alone for the first time at that late stage. But then, the gift of having such good mental acuity at this age and being able to to write well. That's a gift. Wonderful interview to read this morning.
Marcia, yes to all your observations!
loved this. I run and indie publishing house and our oldest poet, Ruth Bidgood, who died just 3 months before her 100th birthday in 2022, published her last book with us at 96. It was wonderful to see someone with such a long life still pushing their process and craft to new levels, still admiring other writers. She was one of Wales' greatest poets and I miss her but it was a privelage to work with her. Hilma reminded me of Ruth.
Jan, thank you! It’s so important to recognize and honor these women, because they deserve it! but also because it inspires other older woman (of which I am one).
Absolutely -- I'm just creeping into elderhood at 63 but these people are so inspiring
Love this
We need wise and bold elder mentors. Thank you for this!
I hope I will continue to write into whatever old age I reach. My plan is to use my writing like family when they're gone, like purpose when I'm uncertain, like comfort against all of life's great fears.
Trevy, this is so beautiful: “like purpose when I’m uncertain, like comfort against all of life’s fears.” I want to borrow it from you!
Thank you, Debbie. You have my permission!
will only do with credit to you
Debbie and Hilma, so inspiring
Read and revise
Acceptance
Yes to all of it
Thank you
Prajna, glad you found this one inspiring!
Great interview, Debbie. And Hilma! Wow. So energizing to know that we can still move forward--no matter what our age is.
Jeanine, Hilma truly is energizing; her attitude towards writing, life, loss, everything.
So inspiring! You’re collecting such a fine array of interviewees, Debbie.
Thank you! That was very inspiring.
Jenny, so good to hear from you!
Thank you for seeing the value of a life well lived. I hope I can continue to contribute to the world with my writing until my final days. The value of experience is only in the sharing of what lessons you have learned. And sometimes, finding out that someone feels the same as you in regards to a certain topic is reaffirming. Jennifer
Jennifer, such an interesting thought: the value of experience is in sharing it.
Thank you Debbie. I have experienced so many things in my life that I could think "why me?" But instead I try to view it as a possible lesson. I think if we can take something from it to maybe help the next person... then it wasn't without worth. I've experienced abuse, alcoholism, divorce, estrangement, child loss and I am still standing. I now know I have self worth and want to instill this in those that value and read my writing. Thanks, Jennifer.