Gardening makes Pat Kenschaft happy.
“I decided when I was 14 years old that I wanted to make myself happy, and along with that make as many other people happy as I could,” says Renaissance woman, Pat Kenschaft, of Montclair. “You can’t do one without the other.”
That’s the philosophy of the self-described activist, gardener, environmentalist, author and retired mathematics professor. “I’m 72, but my husband calls me an over-aged 3 year old who’s always asking ‘Why?’” she laughs.
Kenschaft’s latest exploration has been the relationship between money and happiness. “It’s really important to think about what makes you happy. It boils down to this: Spend money only when it makes you, or someone you care about, happy.”
Here’s how to live a satisfying life, according to Kenschaft:
Cultivate friendships. ”I have two chairs on the front lawn, and when I’m feeling human-deprived I can chat with people passing by. Get to know your neighbors before the next black-out.”
Get involved with groups that support your goals. ”Religious, professional, or environmental organizations, the League of Women Voters–whatever groups you like.”
Nourish recreations you enjoy. ”I rode four miles this morning on my bike. I go folk dancing weekly. Singing and other musical groups are great, too.”
Manage your money well. ”Pay your bills on time, and pay off your credit cards if you can. Make a list every year of expenditures so you know whether you’re spending your money on things you care about.”
Kenschaft will expound on these ideas this Friday at the Women’s Club in Montclair:
“How to Have a Happy Life While Spending Little Money.”
Friday, January 11th. Talk begins at approximately 1:45pm.
Women’s Club, 82 Union Street, Montclair.
No registration required. Free and open to everyone–not just women.
I always look forward to the semi-annual article on our local eccentric, Pat Kenschaft, upon whom new writers cut their teeth.
How “eccentric”:
Cultivate friendships.
Get involved with groups that support your goals.
Nourish recreations you enjoy.
Manage your money well.
This is CRAZY TALK. Though considering the hand you showed during Sandy, Mr. Roo, I suppose these are far-out ideas.
For many of us though, Pat’s words focus on a simplicity that has never gone out of fashion- or become “eccentric.”
Here you go, prof, maybe this will help you:
Definition of ECCENTRIC: deviating from conventional or accepted conduct especially in odd or whimsical ways
Definition of KNUCKLEHEAD: a stupid person : dummy
Ummm…..
So according to your brilliance: “Cultivate friendships. Get involved with groups that support your goals. Nourish recreations you enjoy. Manage your money well;” are “deviating from conventional or accepted conduct especially in odd or whimsical ways”?
No need for me to call names, Sir. You continue to show yourself to the world.
Oops, you got me, prof.
I hearby offer my services to broker a peace between the prof and walleroo. Like the late George Mitchell, I will assure both parties that they’ll receive equal consideration.
Then, once they’ve been reconciled, we can ALL turn our wrath on herb.
Managing money well can be described as eccentric. Prof I argue that this has gone out of fashion some time ago.
More likely we’d then immediately turn on you, croi, a la the Three Stooges.