LIfe
Another Year. Another Birthday. Hell, Yeah!
Ponder this thought for a moment: middle age rocks. I speak of this from experience, as a member of the last generation to have a truly “innocent” childhood and adolescence.
I grew up during the Cold War, learned what GRID/HIV/AIDS was and how it was really transmitted, in middle and high school. I watched the Challenger accident happen live. I remember the launch of MTV, and when the “M” was synonymous with music, like the “US Festival” and “Live Aid.” “Lollapalooza” was a little known festival advertised on college radio that took place in an empty field in Orlando, which now houses another shopping center. Trips to New York City included a stop on the observation deck of the World Trade Center, as well as, dodging drug dealers and prostitutes on Broadway and 42nd Streets.
Some days I feel every bit of my age, as I reach for my bifocals to read menus or an article online. Often, however, I do not. I have been told consistently that I look about ten years younger than I am. I have no desire to pretend to be anything but 46. I earned each grey hair, extra pound and stiff joint and muscle. I have also earned the right to look back upon my life fondly, but choose to look forward with a renewed sense of adventure. I have no desire to be in my twenties, or thirties, again. Did you hear that Madison Avenue?
The best part about being in my mid-forties is the ability to say, “fuck it,” and mean it. I am not going to be an attorney, police officer or super-heroine, as I dreamed about in my youth. I am happy to know it and move on. Age brings wisdom, but also self-reflection and self-care. It is liberating, sexy, peaceful and joyful.
My goal is to help contemporary fiction authors realize they are missing a rich demographic by not writing about middle-aged characters, who are sexy, intelligent, independent, quirky and fully developed. After all, we have more disposable income to purchase books, and will, if we see ourselves reflected back. The beauty of self-publishing is that consumers, not publishing companies, are driving demand. I will be demanding more experienced characters, loudly. I am 46 today, hear me roar!
30 Days of Thanks – Day 30 Reflection
I give myself a”B” for this challenge, as I did not write a post for each day.
Some days the posts were easy to write, but some required prodding and I looked for suggested topics on Facebook and online. Current events helped generate some thoughts, but I realized that the project was more difficult and deeply personal. I learned to look past the superficial and focus on the important people and things in my life. However, I was not prepared for the emotions that would be stirred up as I wrote each post. I plan to do the challenge again next year, to compare where I am today versus in 2014.
Next week, I shall return to the lighthearted, humorous posts I prefer to write and catch up on my posting my book reviews. But, for now, thank you. Namaste.
30 Days of Thanks – Days 27 and 28 – Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving Day
Wishing you continued blessings and gratitude for being on the blog journey with me. Please enjoy time with loved ones, as it is precious and entirely too short. Pause for a moment to think about and thank all the people who work on holidays, sacrificing time away from friends and family, to keep us safe, healthy and free. Let us work together to ensure they come home quickly, safely and are fully supported upon their return. Happy Thanksgiving!
30 Days of Thanks – Day 27
I was able to spend the day with Hubby at his job, managing a dog day care. Whew! It was exhausting, but worthwhile work, watching dogs of all ages, sizes and play styles interact with each other. For some reason, I thought working with animals would be easier than working with children. In some respects it was, but in many more, it was not. Dogs cannot tell you if they are hurt or why they may be sad. Two dogs that may be playing happily with each other, may, all of a sudden, become aggressive and the people have to be vigilant for any signs of behavior changes. Hubby has the right instinct for this type of work. I do not. It has been an interesting day and I am ready to see my K9 pack of three.
30 Days of Thanks – Day 24
Our family, on Hubby’s side, likes to celebrate birthdays by going out for pizza. We exchange funny cards – always funny cards, nothing sentimental or thought-provoking, please. Everyone orders their favorite beer or wine, salad, and the Birthday Boy or Girl chooses the pizzas we will eat. We always have a wonderful time because, as middle-aged adults and senior citizens, we prefer to focus on each other and celebrate another milestone together, rather than on gifts. Today, we celebrated BL who is one year closer to retirement and is counting down the days.
If you are ever in my area of the world, visit Cappy’s Pizza, a local joint that makes the best Chicago-style, deep dish pie in Florida.
30 Days of Thanks – Day 23
I am grateful to have graduated from the University of South Florida, over 20 years ago. It was a wonderful experience learning how to live with diverse people. There was no football team when I was student, so my experience attending college football was as an alumnus. My husband and I have had season football tickets for several years and it is one of our favorite date night activities.
30 Days of Thanks – Day 22
Our friend Teresa recommended Live Oak Veterinary Hospital when we brought Zeke home. Her Doberman, Gracie, had been a patient there her entire life and loved the staff. For 12 years, they have taken care of our pack and love our pets as much as we do. Thank you Live Oak for being committed to serving your patients with personal, professional and compassionate care.
30 Days of Thanks – Day 21
I am grateful to everyone around me who has supported me through the life challenges I have faced, recently. They reminded me to embrace my creative side, as well as my practical, linear side. This will lead to one of the most exciting things I have done and bring me closer to my passion. It will require a leap of faith, but I am ready.
Self-Love is NOT a College Course
Today I stumbled upon this little gem Elon University to Sponsor “Self-Pleasure” Course. The blogger proceeded to describe the course schedule that included toy demonstrations and communication techniques. Sadly, its initial session was only open to 20 students.
What could possibly go wrong with a college course about personal sexuality? Nothing, if the course had been sanctioned by the University. Apparently, students at Elon may create seminars and workshops on topics of their choosing. Many colleges offer similar opportunities through their student organizations, on and off-campus health service agencies, lecture series and similar venues.
Elon did not actually offer “Masturbation: 101,” and the blogger failed to contact University officials to verify his facts. In fact, the very first comments on his posts were by, none other than the Vice President for University Communications. Oops.
Would you take a course in “Self-Pleasure” for college credit? Post away, let’s talk.
30 Days of Thanks – Day 20
When I started this blog I needed an outlet for my feelings. Not only has the experience been cathartic, it has given me the opportunity to read other bloggers’ thoughts. But, the unexpected blessing has been the thought-provoking discussions I have had with people all over the world. Over time, I my readership numbers steadily increased, and I started to find my voice. Thank you for taking the journey alongside me.
Today is about you. Whether you focus on books, humor and satire, fashion, or life, please leave a post with your name, the name of your blog and a brief description of it. This post is a forum to celebrate your blogs and pay it forward.
30 Days of Thanks – Day 19
Today I was reminded of the motto of the Christopher Society, as I met to finalize some paperwork. When I thought I had reached a dead end, a good friend made a phone call to start another ball rolling, in a different direction. She did this, not out of some sense of obligation, but because she was a good friend. I am blessed to have MC in my life and look forward to the day I can thank her face-to-face for having my best interest at heart.
As I child I remember watching public service announcements, called “Christopher Closeup” that focused on inclusion, social justice, living a righteous life and being good to one another. Founded by Father James Keller, a Catholic priest from the Maryknoll order, I was drawn to their commitment to tolerance. While my beliefs have expanded to include Eastern religions, earth-based and pagan spiritual practices, secular and Catholic rituals, the message of The Christophers, Inc. resonates more each day.
30 Days of Thanks – Day 18
As I mentioned on June 12th and June 25th I am indebted to my Spam Blocker for diligently patrolling my blog to keep it free from undesirable content. Today I send my thanks to those savvy programmers who write the code to keep up with the ever-growing mountain of cybercrap being flung at every website, in hope that some will stick. Salute!
30 Days of Thanks – Day 16
I am blessed to have three amazing dogs as part of Hubby and my family. Zeke, (aka. “Buddy,” or “Big Guy”) our oldest and only boy, is a black lab/greyhound mix and the mildest, sweetest alpha. Hannah Bean, (aka. “Ms. Bean” or “Baby Girl”) our middle dog-daughter, is a black lab/pitbull mix and the dog I have bonded most closely with, in my entire life. Charlotte, (aka. “Checkpoint Charlie”, or “Charlie Barley”) our youngest and most energetic, is the only Belgian Malinois descended from K9, Schutzhund and French Ring lines who thinks she’s a mutt like her older brother and sister. They bring joy into our lives, keep us grounded and love us unconditionally.
30 Days of Thanks – Day 15
I am thankful for the wonderful people I have met online, who have become dear, dear friends. Technology shrank the miles between us and I am blessed to know each of them. My goal is to meet each one face-to-face one day.
30 Days of Thanks – Day 14
Image Posted on Updated on
My Baby Brother is an amazing father, husband and engineer. I am blessed to have him in my life and call him a good friend.
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