I watched the classic British comedy “Keeping Up Appearances” and laughed along with everyone else who loved the inimitably haughty but hilarious “Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Boo-Kay,” if you don’t mind) and her strange and quirky family. It was truly hilarious.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yenOI6Onqo
Cian McCarthy. @arealmofwonder
Rest in peace, Patricia Routledge
In memory of her, I encourage everyone to read these words of hers from February last year. Whether young or old, you’re bound to get something out of it.
*****
“I’ll be turning 95 this coming Monday. In my younger years, I was often filled with worry — worry that I wasn’t quite good enough, that no one would cast me again, that I wouldn’t live up to my mother’s hopes. But these days begin in peace, and end in gratitude.
My life didn’t quite take shape until my forties. I had worked steadily — on provincial stages, in radio plays, in West End productions — but I often felt adrift, as though I was searching for a home within myself that I hadn’t quite found.
At 50, I accepted a television role that many would later associate me with — Hyacinth Bucket, of Keeping Up Appearances. I thought it would be a small part in a little series. I never imagined that it would take me into people’s living rooms and hearts around the world. And truthfully, that role taught me to accept my own quirks. It healed something in me.
At 60, I began learning Italian — not for work, but so I could sing opera in its native language. I also learned how to live alone without feeling lonely. I read poetry aloud each evening, not to perfect my diction, but to quiet my soul.
At 70, I returned to the Shakespearean stage — something I once believed I had aged out of. But this time, I had nothing to prove. I stood on those boards with stillness, and audiences felt that. I was no longer performing. I was simply being.
At 80, I took up watercolour painting. I painted flowers from my garden, old hats from my youth, and faces I remembered from the London Underground. Each painting was a quiet memory made visible.
Now, at 95, I write letters by hand. I’m learning to bake rye bread. I still breathe deeply every morning. I still adore laughter — though I no longer try to make anyone laugh. I love the quiet more than ever.
I’m writing this to tell you something simple: Growing older is not the closing act. It can be the most exquisite chapter — if you let yourself bloom again.
Let these years ahead be your TREASURE YEARS.
You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need to be flawless.
You only need to show up — fully — for the life that is still yours.
With love and gentleness,
Patricia Routledge
****
Once more, rest in peace.
Amen. Thank you for sharing that. Many of us, as we age, look back to “what we were” and what we did or did not accomplish, rather than looking forward to what we can still be or become………..I’m passing on to my friends.
Like so many others, we fell in love with Patricia and her Keeping up Appearances program. She was the best. I don’t think anyone else could do that role like her. The whole cast was perfect and her ever suffering husband was hilarious.
We bought several of the DVDs of the show and have enjoyed and laughed with them over the years. One of the best purchases we ever made.
RIP Patricia, job well done,
What s brilliant way to view growing old. We choose how to see life- I think my attitude needs adjusting!
Thankyou for this post and Patricia’s comments on aging…..I’m turning 80 in 3 mos. so I can relate…..it’s probably one of the most beautiful I’ve ever read on the process of aging….each decade earned brings with it a different outlook/experience…..but these much later years change that outlook…usually health related causing that change, and it’s always a surprise I think…having always been very healthy and very active I just assumed I would “never be one of THOSE people”, elderly with physical limitations…so what a surprise when it happened to me after a simple, but hard fall while doing yard work this past May, still struggling with recovery……keep up your great work Andrea….it is MUCH appreciated. I look forward to your posts each day, Robert’s as well…..God Bless! 🙂
I feel the same way, Suzi46. Staying as active as possible and staying connected through volunteering or just being neighborly with your neighbors. I find it amusing to look at myself in the mirror and see what getting to be my age is what this face and body looks like. 😉
In our mind’s eye we are “forever young”….it helps to think young as well……thanks for your reply…you look great btw~~
Thank you.
Prayers for your FULL recovery and many active years to come!
Thanks so much…working hard at it….exercise, positive attitude (most days 🙂 )…….many good friends, family, and a very caring hubby helps…..