The day I turned 80 I felt like I crossed the threshold into an entirely new dimension (or like Richard says, “Entered into a new dementia”) It was called: FINAL CHAPTER OF LIVING LIFE AS A HUMAN ON THIS PLANET EARTH. It is really hard to put this experience into words, but I will try. Looking at the outside through my old eyes, the world looked unchanged and familiar, while Inside of me it felt different. I felt like an ageless being, and at the same time, the cute little

Last weekend the “gang” got together. We have been doing this for almost 30 years. Most of us are in our 70s and 80s now. I am now the oldest. The Gatherings Are like an ever-changing kaleidoscope of change. Some members have left this earthly plane and one is in a convalescent home. So here we are in the year of 2021 Rhoda , Linda and Terry, Judy, Darlene, Richard and Me and Kelly and Chuck. They converge upon the house with a mountain of food and excitement about gatheri

We all want more than to have our relationships merely survive. We want to have a loving relationship that will flourish. What then are the conditions that need to be present in order for love to do more than just limp along? What is necessary in order for love to grow and thrive? Partners need to feel free to reveal who they really are to each other. If they censor what they show about themselves in order to look good, they would be putting on an act and that would make true

I had previously referred to a couple’s long-term relationship as a journey. In many ways, this is a useful comparison. Being in love is an

FLORA AT 97 - BETWEEN WORLDS by Alice Matzkin I painted her with clouds behind her, and the sky peeking through, to represent her being half in this world and half in “heaven”. As I moved the paint around the canvas I had plenty of time to contemplate the image before me. Flora was content and living her life totally in the moment. She told us she was ready to go. It was evident she was totally at peace with where she was at. . .having lived a full life. . .not clinging.

Men - 05/28/2019 - Written By Richard Matzkin Excerpt from Manifesto: A Call For Men To Become A Warrior For Kindness We know that love takes courage. When we open our heart to another, we take the risk of being hurt. We drop our weapons, lay down our shield and remove our armor. We stand defenseless before them. What a relief!! The armor we build around ourselves locks in our pain. It keeps our love captive and prevents other’s love from entering. Without armor, we are more

Men - Apr 15 - Written By Richard Matzkin Roll up your sleeves. Summon your power. There are challenges to be overcome, Battles to be fought. Fearsome dragons wait to be slain – Your inner dragons – Anger, Fear, Laziness, Arrogance, Confusion, Dispair, Selfishness, Apathy The weapons in your arsenal are lethal Dragon killers --- Gentleness defeats anger. Courage neutralizes fear. Discipline conquers laziness. Humility subdues arrogance. Clarity dispels confusion. Hope quells

By Richard Matzkin. Reclining from THE LOVERS series. Excerpt from Manifesto: A Call For Men To Become A Warrior For Kindness We know that love sees only the heart. Man or woman. Rich or poor. Straight or gay. Right-wing or left. White, black. red, yellow, or brown skin – These are only illusory differences. Inside, every being has the same fears, same hungers, and same dreams as ourselves. There are no strangers … only family. #love #Matzkin