For some reason, I seem to have been at a loss for words. Very odd. Not my usual self. I haven’t been inspired to “blog”. Maybe I’ve just been busy. Maybe. But something has been a amiss.

But, I’ve had several occasions in the past 2 weeks that have been mind altering and lovely. But somehow, until tonight, I haven’t been able to articulate them. Maybe it’s because none of them were photographed. That’s usually a driver for me. But I don’t think that’s really it. I think there’s been so many things changing my life at the moment that I can’t catch up. I’m still processing it all and lagging behind in the realization of the impact of change in my life. But, I have been extraordinarily inspired along the way.

So, here’s what’s inspired me through all the muck and mess of the economy, election madness and my own staggering life shift.

I went to a dinner party with my dear friend Carl. It was at the home of people who are lovely and cerebral (because they are in the limelight, I will keep their privacy by not mentioning names). But they opened their home to a new fine artist and had us gather to mingle, eat, talk and be exposed to this artist’s work. It was brilliant and wonderful. Someone struggling to get a message out was given an evening to share his insight and talent.

I also had the serendipitous moment, at the party, to encounter, again, an artist that I had worked with several years back when my company was young. She is 80 years old and looks like a young girl. I went to her 50 year retrospective last year and it was an epiphany for me. If I was several decades younger but still older in my new career, I realized I still had decades ahead of me to make new things happen. This artist is still building monumental sculptures and has years of beautiful moments to offer the world

And then, when I thought I would just have to breath at home alone (sometimes I just need to do that -- have a “date” with myself), Carl called again. Tickets to Tina Turner in our hood at the Staples Center. THIS WAS EXTRAORDINARY! I left the concert speechless. This 68 year old woman strutted the stage in stilettos and had an energy that almost was exhausting. It was spiritual. Inspiring. Again, the message. You’re never to old to do what you dream of doing.

I also went for a long run the other day in Los Angeles. It was really brilliant. I ran for miles, reaching the mid-point of my run, I decided to break the pace and meet a dear friend, Laura, at an outdoor cafe to catch up on life. Then, I ran miles back to my original starting point. I ran, experienced life around me, listened to music in my NANO and vetted through the touching encounter with a close friend and the adrenaline high I get from running. Because it’s the wild child in me. Running, for me, is wild abandonment. It’s like dancing all night. And, I can still do it. You’re never too old. Too young. You just are. It’s your choice to make life happen.

The picture tonight? It’s my friend Carl. At his home. Because, he is gem. Like so many of my friends. I have been so lucky to have amazing friends that inspire, provoke and support me. These experiences the past week and the good fortune I have to be bestowed with such lovely friends who catch me when I’m falling and applaud me when I get up again are what keeps the dream going. Never give up. Life is one BIG lesson. You’re always learning.