I've managed to squeeze in a few minutes between I picked up my crayon and paying a reading visit to Dita von Teese interviews Ilona Royce Smithkin. An inspiring one! And an excerpt to share with you.
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D: What do you think is your key to remaining vital and creative?
I: Well, Dita, it's when you can see beauty in everything, when you can be open to people, when you don't have to think about "me, me, me" - that is the moment when you can really live and enjoy other people, enjoy a tree, enjoy the streets, anything that you do or touch or see. It's a matter of concept, you know - that you are open to it. You know, everybody in my older life now seems twice as nice looking, twice as exciting as interesting. Even the flowers look prettier.
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D: What's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?
I: Now that is a difficult question. Because at my stage, at 91 years old, wherever I look I see something which to me seems extraordinary. Maybe because I have only a short time here. Maybe because I rediscover the world. Maybe because I rediscover everything which I've ever learned. But for me, to pick one single thing, would be difficult.
D: Well, that's the perfect answer.
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I believe to really live and enjoy don't have to be in anyone's older life. Be here now and learn to open to and rediscover everything and we'll see ... and does it bother to pick one single most beautiful thing?
My column illustration titled "Advanced Style" | September 2013
