Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby – Featuring Judith Viorst
Episode Title: Making the Best of What’s Left: When We're Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered
Release Date: April 14, 2025
Host: Zibby Owens
Guest: Judith Viorst
Introduction
In this heartfelt episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes back renowned author Judith Viorst to discuss her poignant memoir, Making the Best of What’s Left: When We're Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered. This marks Viorst’s second appearance on the podcast, where she delves deep into themes of loss, aging, and the enduring power of community.
Exploring Loss and Grief
Judith Viorst opens up about the profound impact of losing her husband, Milton, after over six decades of marriage. Reflecting on their long life together, Viorst shares the challenges of navigating life post-loss, especially within the confines of a retirement community.
Notable Quote:
"I don't like it, Zippy. I think it's a really dumb idea."
— Judith Viorst [11:12]
Viorst poignantly recites her heartfelt poem, Stop Being Dead, which captures the ache of loss and the longing for her husband's presence:
"Stop being dead. I have these conversations with my husband. I'm hoping that he's hearing what I've said. For though I know he died this past December, I keep on telling him, stop being dead."
— Zibby Owens reading Viorst’s poem [05:52]
Navigating Aging and Independence
The conversation shifts to the realities of aging, emphasizing the importance of maintaining independence and redefining happiness in later years. Viorst candidly discusses the practical lessons she's learned, such as the necessity of understanding everyday tasks that she once delegated entirely to her husband.
Notable Quote:
"Life is a lot easier if you know where the switch is to turn off the water."
— Judith Viorst [07:12]
Viorst underscores the value of expressing emotions openly, advocating for more frequent and heartfelt exchanges like saying "I love you" or "I'm sorry," which she believes can strengthen relationships.
The Power of Community
A significant portion of the discussion highlights the essential role of community in fostering happiness and resilience. Viorst explains how friendships and familial bonds provide support, laughter, and companionship, especially after losing a lifelong partner.
Notable Quote:
"Community is absolutely central to happiness... Amazing to me that at this late stage in life I could even make new friends and people that I had never met before and found very meaningful connections with to get you through the day and get you through the night."
— Judith Viorst [17:38]
Viorst shares personal anecdotes from her retirement community in Washington, D.C., illustrating how new friendships can blossom even later in life, offering both comfort and a sense of belonging.
Judith Viorst’s Journey as a Writer
Transitioning to her illustrious writing career, Viorst recounts her early struggles with publication and her unwavering dedication to her craft. Despite facing numerous rejections over three decades, her persistence eventually led to the success of beloved works like Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
Notable Quote:
"Writing wasn't an assignment I gave myself or a career choice. It chose me."
— Judith Viorst [19:26]
Viorst humorously shares her son's initial resistance to the name Alexander for the protagonist, highlighting the unpredictable journey of creative projects and their eventual triumph.
Memorizing Poetry: A Personal Ritual
Viorst discusses her passion for poetry, revealing that she has memorized approximately 50 poems. This practice serves as a mental sanctuary, offering moments of mindfulness and emotional solace.
Notable Quote:
"I think everybody should memorize poetry. It's like having these little treasures inside your soul that just stop for a red light."
— Judith Viorst [27:35]
Advice for Aspiring Authors
Concluding the interview, Viorst imparts invaluable advice to budding writers: perseverance is key. She emphasizes the importance of embracing the iterative process of writing and rewriting, understanding that initial failures are stepping stones to eventual success.
Notable Quote:
"My big advice is you just keep at it. You keep at it and you're not discouraged by the fact that at the end of the day there is like one sheet of paper on your desk and a ream of paper in the trash can."
— Judith Viorst [28:14]
Viorst encourages writers to view every discarded page not as a failure, but as part of the creative journey towards crafting compelling narratives.
Conclusion
This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers a deeply personal and inspiring conversation with Judith Viorst. Through candid discussions about loss, aging, and the writing process, Viorst provides listeners with profound insights into navigating life's inevitable challenges with grace and resilience. Her unwavering optimism and dedication to community and creativity serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Connect with Judith Viorst:
- Books: [List of books and where to purchase]
- Website: [Judith Viorst’s official website]
- Social Media: [Relevant social media handles]
Follow Zibby Owens:
- Instagram: @zibbyowens
- Website: zibbymedia.com
Note: This summary excludes promotional segments and focuses solely on the substantive content of the interview.