Good Night Moon, Hello 75

In the great green room

there was a telephone,

And a red balloon

And a picture of the cow jumping over the moon.

On September 3, 1947, Good Night Moon was published.

I came into the world on September 18, 1947, because I heard in utero about Good Night Moon, and about my parents and sister, Max, Esther, and Susan Davidoff, all big readers, spirited, funny, and soulful people, who spoke their minds and expressed their truths, ignoring the Joneses and the herd.

Way to go, Nancy. I was quite the family picker.

Now, as I am about to turn 75, I am thinking about my ride. Good, fun, painful, challenging. Not a lot of details now. You know me from my essays, books, and previous blogs. If not, you can subscribe, read my essays: My Blog and more Here.

Nature vs. Nurture-our past shapes a huge part of who we become. As does what we do with our past. Who we are is about the decisions we make. Yes, the decisions. I do not regret most of my decisions about my family, friends, work, and more.

I hope you reflect on your own life. Your family and decisions. Then and now. Among the great things about almost 75 is increasing consciousness, kindness, and generosity.

I spend more time taking care of myself and my health. And more time alone.

“Find work you love. You do it every day,” my father said when I was young. It was the mid-1950s. My mother had not done so. It is among the reasons she struggled. I love writing and teaching, and have for over 50 years.

I recently had a blast with my sister in The Berkshires. This Labor Day weekend, my wonderful husband and I are having dinner with friends we enjoy. The next night, it’s Chinese food with a very close friend whose open heart and constant support are among the reasons I love her.

Next week, it’s off to CA with Jonathan, two good books for time at the beach and with my wonderful family. My treasures. This morning, I told my favorite vendor at the farmer’s market I wouldn’t be seeing him next week, because I'd be in CA for birthday celebrations with my family and was truly excited. He said, “If you think about it, it’s simple to understand what joy really is.

No. I need not think about it. I know joy.

Good night, stars. Good night, air. Good night, noises everywhere.