Thursday morning with the writing group

I was fortunate enough to be invited to sit in with the writing group here at Moran Vista. A small but passionate group of 5 meets every other week to discuss, critique and inspire each other in their love of writing. One of the ladies read a story about her life as a rural teacher in the 40's. It was both spellbinding and humorous. A gentleman read some of the work he has written over the years. And a wonderful poem was read by the 83 year old author who has always believed prior to being a club participant that she could not write. This group has given her a voice and allowed her to explore her hidden author. The poem that follows was written by her and very eloquently expresses how she feels about living here at Moran Vista. I am sure you will agree it further reinforces the theme of the week...family and friends and a feeling of home. Enjoy!

Moran Vista Kaleidoscope

By Mary Lou Stanton

Sunlight dancing off the yellow walls,

Leading to rooms soon to be occupied,

New faces with stories to share.

Sunlight dancing off the yellow walls,

Echoing memories that bring hope,

Twirling in and out, rhythm like dancers around the May Pole.

Sunlight dancing off yellow walls,

Echoing merriment as strangers become friends,

"Yes, we can do it" breaks our cycle of fear, as we clasp one another's hand.

Some morning thoughts on Thursday

I woke up this morning and had some thoughts I wanted to share before the day got ahead of me. By the way I encourage you to share with my any questions you may have that I can get answered for you while I am here. Please post a questions and I will get the answer. Have a great day today! Kathy

Reflections on Day Three...more

What an amazing day I had here at Moran Vista. The staff decided they would rotate me from table to table each day so I would have opportunity to meet more people and get a true view of life here. Today I was lucky enough to sit with 3 amazing women. They had some wonderful stories to tell. One is a self published author who has started a writing group in the community. She is 91 and bright and articulate. Another lady teaches bridge and told me about a fun date she had yesterday with a gentleman caller. She is 93 and was so interesting and excited about her life. The final lady I was lucky enough to chat with was a young 81 and is a retired nurse. She shared with me how much she enjoys living here because it takes all the worry out of living. Sitting with these ladies validated my theory that many people stay in their homes long past the time they should both physically and socially. The each told their story of how they moved to the community and what the transition was like for them. I hope to get a video of them talking about the process they went through.

The following videos are the reflections of Daphne the Activity Director. I began by asking her what is she passionate about her in her job and I was amazed that what she shared had more to do with the emotional and physical needs of her residents than it has to do with how many "activities" she organizes on a monthly basis. As you listen to her I think you will see what I do and that is the story of a woman who is deeply passionate about her role in the people she works with each day. She has true empathy and compassion for the people who live here at Moran Vista. She further reinforced the recurring message that it is like a family here. It is her family and she cares and protects them and has fun every day helping them along the path of their particular journey always meeting them exactly where they are. Please watch these videos and learn more...

Is Willie a Quilter now?

Willie and I were invited to join the Quilting Bee today. I have to admit it became very clear I just happened to be there to hold Willie's leash. He was the one they wanted to get to know. They fell in love with him and I am not sure they will let me take him home with me. He even got a new name...Sir Smiles a lot. 

On a side not Willie did remind me he is 10 in human years that makes him 70 so he clearly makes the age requirement for living at Moran Vista Senior Living. :)

Day two...Blackout Bingo

I came so close to winning the blackout bingo but it was a no go...one of the other 30 participants beat  me out. There was plenty of fun and energy around. Just one of the many activities they have here for all the residents to keep them both mentally and physically active. Tomorrow I will be talking  with Daphne the Activity Director who openly shared with me her passion and love for her job. I will sit down with her and discuss her philosophy about the activities Moran Vista has available. Watch for this video update. 
At the end of day two I see even more clearly how close this community feels about each other.I believe they are bound together by both a genuine caring for the comfort and safety of the others but also because as many shared with me today a true feeling of family. Over and over again people shared with me how they feel that Moran Vista is just like "another" family. More to come...

Bowling is not for babies

They mean business here at Moran Vista when they get together to play Wii Bowling. I just sat with 5 residents and the activity director, Sue who are all avid players and get together almost on a daily basis. They are competitive all in the name of a good time. I have never seen so many strikes and spares in my life. The lanes were lighting up with all the action. What a wonderful way to get some exercise and fun at the same time. Not to mention the great friendships that were obvious in the room.

What I am developing is a true appreciation that this is a community of seniors who truly care about the friends they have here. I see it at the meals when they are concerned if someone isn't at the table and also when one will help the other get situated with their walker...and especially in the bowling alley! It is clearly a homey, friendly place to live.  Somewhere that is easy to call home.

Day one...my room

Reflecting on Day one

Hi everyone,
Today was the first day of this journey. I was welcomed here at Moran Vista with open arms. I was told by, Paule, the executive director that they want to be transparent and she has given me the go ahead to talk with the everyone  from the chef to the caretakers. I will also be doing an interview with Paula, the director about her philosophy of life her at Moran Vista. So that will be coming soon.

The dining experience (isn't that what everyone really wants to know about first) was also very welcoming. Although they have assigned seating the residents have been gracious enough to share tables with me. So each day I will rotate to a new table to get the clearest view from the most people in the shortest time possible. What I can say about the food today was this simple thought...I better watch out or I could get used to this life. It is like being in a fine restaurant. The servers are so pleasant and happily bring you whatever you like. You order the special of the day or any of many items on the menu. They had everything from pasta to steak available. From the wonderful soup to the tasty strawberry ice cream dinner was a hit. The conversation was interesting and insightful. The women who shared their table with me were interested in my project and shared much about their life both prior to moving to Moran Vista and what it is like to live here.

My tour of the community was detailed and eye opening. From the billiard room to the theatre room and libraries & all the little nooks for sitting it is a clean fresh community. My initial feeling is that this community feels like a home and the residents all seem to care very much for the others who live here. I looked forward to learning more about the culture of this community of active seniors. More to follow...

Willie's Moment

I have decided as much as possible I am going to include a segment from Willie's point of view. This is a picture of him this morning as we were getting set to move into Moran Vista. Looks to me like he was anticipating a warm welcome in his new home. Which is exactly what he received! Everyone was very happy to meet him and even brought him a nice welcome gift. He was very touched. More to follow...

Packing for Moran Vista Retirement Community

Introduction

Watch to hear my thoughts on why I have embarked on this new adventure

More to come!

Watch out world...

Starting January 24th I'm taking on an adventure that has really inspired me.