Thank you for articulating so beautifully the process of letting go of the past and embracing the present. I’m 64 and was an actress for over five decades. Now I’m a writer and coach and am feel no connection to my former life. I appreciate it and enjoyed it while it was happening, but have no interest in reliving it, or talking about it or even holding onto memorabilia. It’s like an old dress that doesn’t fit anymore. Again, thank you so much for sharing so openly about your transition into your new life. I followed you as Icon Accidental but am even more interested in your current incarnation. You are inspiring and aspirational. I’ve pre-ordered your book and I’m subscribing to your Substack.❤️🙏🏻
"I’ve never gotten what I wanted when I tried too hard to get it. It’s when I don’t attach that I do." In a former career as editor-in-chief of a prominent women's magazine, I was a B-list celebrity in Canada. Several books later, I'm now like Joni Mitchell's one-man band by the quick-lunch stand, giving all I've got to writing real good for free. It's hard to resist the tidal pull of the likes, followers and subscribers we are all expected to want, even if our deepest desires lead elsewhere. I love the story you tell about Helmut Lang and look forward to your book.
I am 85 yr old and am amazed at you people I have lived in H Humboldt count for 60 years and for the last 10 years on 1100 dollars a month and can do anything I want up renting a space in a nice trailer par,k for 630 month f first my daughter and I buy a car cheap when we long ago learned how to do body work and it is very easy utube helped and buy older
FORD CROWN VICS No police cars,!,, good gas mileage easy to work on and super safe sell a after a year or two and buy all stuff at yard sales and thrift shops watch for deals at Grocery outlet and grow some food very easy get your education on YouTube try it is fun good luck !and
I love everthing about this article! I have spent 30+ years as an artist or working in the arts and now struggle with making art. The take aways for me are... What if it is time to let that person go? And or... What if I took my archived work and created something new with it? I am doing a deep declutter of my home of 37 years and there is so much to let go of. Not to even mention my studio. I am 67 and dreaming about who I want to be at 70. Thank you Lyn for being real with your writings and with your readers.
Maybe people are clamoring to interview the Accidental Icon as she was because the blurb your publishers put out does not describe the book accurately. From this post, I see far more nuance and a book I am more interested in reading. I wish you could shape the publicists' offerings! Maybe it's not too late.
Thank you for your hope and honesty. Oh how I love an articulate, intelligent person! I taught, was an art therapist,worked with disadvantaged families and communities. Did the research, got the big Phd, to paraphrase Wet Leg. Always wanted to take myself seriously as an artist, and be recognised, as such. So hard without the energy of my youth, but it blossoms. So tired of people who simply want me to dye my hair again. I have always been more than my size. I still love the language of clothes, but I will never be a sixty year old who looks forty. But I did create social capital, cared for the planet, made a person , loved and served, took care of my elders.
Lyn, your aim is true. Me, too. And that should be enough.
May I suggest that as your book launch approaches, the requests that you are receiving are aligned with the consumptive, promotive and 'brand' mentality that is all too pervasive now. 'They' only 'see' you in the way 'they' want to. In the way that 'they' think speaks to the masses.
It is why your sharing of your thoughts now is so welcome. Very much looking forward to reading your book. May I suggest that you wear to your book launch whatever best speaks to you, represents you as you are at this point in time. It could speak louder than any words you will speak at the event.
Hello Lyn, I love your posts. I am 66 and I see how my life is panning out with more clarity by reading your stories. Re the interview. Wear what fits with what you want to say. Make the message authentic. If you’re deliberately dressing up, and it no longer feels like “you”, there will be incongruity. Good luck. I am
In the Uk so will watch the recording. I know you’ll be brilliant whatever you decide.
Love this. I'm also working on a project that is something of a creative re-purposing: taking research about women's experiences of aging that was intended to be a scholarly project (I'm a historian) and making it accessible for a wider audience. I've loved watching your work evolve; that's been inspiring.
There's a line from a poem whose author I can't recall at the moment, but your post reminded me of it. The line is "A life I didn't choose chose me/Even my tools are the wrong ones for what I have to do." I love the idea of creative destruction that precedes creative renewal, and am inspired to look at all the old parts -- material and spiritual -- to be constructed into something new
Pre-ordered. From years ago when I first discovered AI on Instagram, I have been intrigued by not only your journey but also by your reflection on life and decisions as time marches forward. I look forward to reading the book. Having recently begun a new chapter, and feeling stuck, something I read just resonated. Maybe it has nudged me out of my stuckness. Merci.
I have so enjoyed your book. It's helped me as I look forward to reinventing my whole life. I'm a priest living in a Welsh village in a rambling rectory. I'm retiring & moving to a small apartment in an English city. I've been wearing a "uniform" black shirt white dof collar for so long &now I won't have to. I'll be near family but I'll want my own interests. I won't be writing sermons so where will my pen or keyboard take me now
I tried to pre order the audio book (so I can hear you!) But it's not available in the UK yet. I will try once your book has been launched. I applaud you. It's so brave to make life changing shifts. Love and Light
I’m turning 63 in June. 2023 was a rough year. I was diagnosed with an incurable lymphoma, did 6 months of chemo, pneumonia, broke my ankle and lost my father. I read your article in the NYT this morning which led me here. I am so looking forward to reading your book ( I preordered). I’ve been doing much thinking about my future and the life I want to LIVE.
A great perspective, Lynn. And the stage when supposedly everything we are about is on social media I think it’s great that you are turning the conversation around and making it more about real life. We have strayed so far.
You’re a revolution in every incarnation! I love your writing, art and critical thinking. Came for the clothes (way back when), stayed for your ranging, insightful, daring mind. Congratulations Lyn!
Thank you for articulating so beautifully the process of letting go of the past and embracing the present. I’m 64 and was an actress for over five decades. Now I’m a writer and coach and am feel no connection to my former life. I appreciate it and enjoyed it while it was happening, but have no interest in reliving it, or talking about it or even holding onto memorabilia. It’s like an old dress that doesn’t fit anymore. Again, thank you so much for sharing so openly about your transition into your new life. I followed you as Icon Accidental but am even more interested in your current incarnation. You are inspiring and aspirational. I’ve pre-ordered your book and I’m subscribing to your Substack.❤️🙏🏻
"I’ve never gotten what I wanted when I tried too hard to get it. It’s when I don’t attach that I do." In a former career as editor-in-chief of a prominent women's magazine, I was a B-list celebrity in Canada. Several books later, I'm now like Joni Mitchell's one-man band by the quick-lunch stand, giving all I've got to writing real good for free. It's hard to resist the tidal pull of the likes, followers and subscribers we are all expected to want, even if our deepest desires lead elsewhere. I love the story you tell about Helmut Lang and look forward to your book.
I am 85 yr old and am amazed at you people I have lived in H Humboldt count for 60 years and for the last 10 years on 1100 dollars a month and can do anything I want up renting a space in a nice trailer par,k for 630 month f first my daughter and I buy a car cheap when we long ago learned how to do body work and it is very easy utube helped and buy older
FORD CROWN VICS No police cars,!,, good gas mileage easy to work on and super safe sell a after a year or two and buy all stuff at yard sales and thrift shops watch for deals at Grocery outlet and grow some food very easy get your education on YouTube try it is fun good luck !and
I love everthing about this article! I have spent 30+ years as an artist or working in the arts and now struggle with making art. The take aways for me are... What if it is time to let that person go? And or... What if I took my archived work and created something new with it? I am doing a deep declutter of my home of 37 years and there is so much to let go of. Not to even mention my studio. I am 67 and dreaming about who I want to be at 70. Thank you Lyn for being real with your writings and with your readers.
I too struggle to continue with my art- maybe that ‘phase’ is over for me - I just need to accept that if it is it’s ok!
I can relate to your message/also trying to declutter💃🏿
Maybe people are clamoring to interview the Accidental Icon as she was because the blurb your publishers put out does not describe the book accurately. From this post, I see far more nuance and a book I am more interested in reading. I wish you could shape the publicists' offerings! Maybe it's not too late.
Thank you for your hope and honesty. Oh how I love an articulate, intelligent person! I taught, was an art therapist,worked with disadvantaged families and communities. Did the research, got the big Phd, to paraphrase Wet Leg. Always wanted to take myself seriously as an artist, and be recognised, as such. So hard without the energy of my youth, but it blossoms. So tired of people who simply want me to dye my hair again. I have always been more than my size. I still love the language of clothes, but I will never be a sixty year old who looks forty. But I did create social capital, cared for the planet, made a person , loved and served, took care of my elders.
Lyn, your aim is true. Me, too. And that should be enough.
But there can still be splendid overalls…!
May I suggest that as your book launch approaches, the requests that you are receiving are aligned with the consumptive, promotive and 'brand' mentality that is all too pervasive now. 'They' only 'see' you in the way 'they' want to. In the way that 'they' think speaks to the masses.
It is why your sharing of your thoughts now is so welcome. Very much looking forward to reading your book. May I suggest that you wear to your book launch whatever best speaks to you, represents you as you are at this point in time. It could speak louder than any words you will speak at the event.
Hello Lyn, I love your posts. I am 66 and I see how my life is panning out with more clarity by reading your stories. Re the interview. Wear what fits with what you want to say. Make the message authentic. If you’re deliberately dressing up, and it no longer feels like “you”, there will be incongruity. Good luck. I am
In the Uk so will watch the recording. I know you’ll be brilliant whatever you decide.
Love this. I'm also working on a project that is something of a creative re-purposing: taking research about women's experiences of aging that was intended to be a scholarly project (I'm a historian) and making it accessible for a wider audience. I've loved watching your work evolve; that's been inspiring.
There's a line from a poem whose author I can't recall at the moment, but your post reminded me of it. The line is "A life I didn't choose chose me/Even my tools are the wrong ones for what I have to do." I love the idea of creative destruction that precedes creative renewal, and am inspired to look at all the old parts -- material and spiritual -- to be constructed into something new
Pre-ordered. From years ago when I first discovered AI on Instagram, I have been intrigued by not only your journey but also by your reflection on life and decisions as time marches forward. I look forward to reading the book. Having recently begun a new chapter, and feeling stuck, something I read just resonated. Maybe it has nudged me out of my stuckness. Merci.
I have so enjoyed your book. It's helped me as I look forward to reinventing my whole life. I'm a priest living in a Welsh village in a rambling rectory. I'm retiring & moving to a small apartment in an English city. I've been wearing a "uniform" black shirt white dof collar for so long &now I won't have to. I'll be near family but I'll want my own interests. I won't be writing sermons so where will my pen or keyboard take me now
Your take on Helmut Lang had me envision the glorious phoenix rising from the ashes.
I tried to pre order the audio book (so I can hear you!) But it's not available in the UK yet. I will try once your book has been launched. I applaud you. It's so brave to make life changing shifts. Love and Light
I’m turning 63 in June. 2023 was a rough year. I was diagnosed with an incurable lymphoma, did 6 months of chemo, pneumonia, broke my ankle and lost my father. I read your article in the NYT this morning which led me here. I am so looking forward to reading your book ( I preordered). I’ve been doing much thinking about my future and the life I want to LIVE.
A great perspective, Lynn. And the stage when supposedly everything we are about is on social media I think it’s great that you are turning the conversation around and making it more about real life. We have strayed so far.
You’re a revolution in every incarnation! I love your writing, art and critical thinking. Came for the clothes (way back when), stayed for your ranging, insightful, daring mind. Congratulations Lyn!