Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Hattie, Nancy (and Jen)

Volunteer transcribers are stepping up to turn the seniors’ handwriting into typed text, for me to enter here on to the blog. There is something surreal about the seniors’ stories leaping from the table we were sitting around into the hands of volunteers, then passing through their fingers into the invisible email jungle, then landing on this blog and finally reaching your eyes (hello, you out there!) as you read this blog now, somewhere back in the physical world. Like a mini physical-digital-physical dance.

Below is what Jen typed up and emailed to me last night. I’ve never met her but through this project we’ve been getting to know each other a little bit online (and by the way how cool is that?) She said it’s ok for me to share a couple sentences about her here: “I got involved as a volunteer with the senior center a little over a year ago when I helped to launch the center's digital storytelling initiative, which brought seniors' stories to video. I’m excited to be part of this new initiative to bring seniors' stories to a whole new medium online.”

Hattie Lee Ellerbe

October 1, 2009

What I do to Relax

Most of the time a long Bus Ride relaxes me.

There doesn’t have to be too much scenery, only the sky, hills and trees. It gives me time to think and to be at peace with myself. While riding I can draw pictures of my family and friends, in my mind.

Most of the time if negative thoughts or pictures occur, I can quickly erase them. Many times I just think of God and ask Him for guidance in my daily living.

Looking at photos would be my second source of relaxation.

Nancy J. Blair

October 1, 2009

Walking

Walking is my favorite form of exercise. I started walking at first to deal with my depression. There are a lot of exercises I do – such as stretching and toning. But walking is the best for me.

There are several places I like to walk, but beside the waters is the best thing for stress and nervousness.

I love the city of Philadelphia because there are so many different historic places and parks and also there are so many different sections like Old City, Center City, South Philly and so forth. Each has its own type of people and customs. You never get bored because there is such variety.

I was brought up in a small town, so moving to a big city was very new and exciting for me in the latter stage of my life.

I have trouble with my knees and my feet – but I always try to take good care of them. So I will be able to continue walking for the rest of my life.