After returning from an exasperating shopping trip, I've decided to put pen to paper -or fingers to keyboard - to make the designers and retailers of the world aware of something they're obviously missing.
The world is full of women 50 plus years old, who have disposable income they'd like to spend on looking nice. On this particular shopping trip, I was in search of something to wear to a wedding....something a little nicer than my normal attire. Now, I admit, I don't have the greatest figure in the world but in looking around the stores, mine's not the worst either. What are these other women doing?
Well, they're not buying! And here's the dilemma!
Old(er) women don't all have firm and toned arms, so what's with all the sleeveless dresses and tops? I'd rather not look like a taradactyl, with these "wings", so now what? I look for a cute jacket, sweater...anything to cover my arms. With the selection they had in jackets, I either looked like a colonel in the Army or some bohemian gypsy! Ugggh!
The skirt selection was no better. Now face it, ladies. Gravity takes its toll on the knees. The short skirt "ship" has sailed for this old gal. I understand the popularity of the long skirts (because of the aforementioned ugly knees). But I look like somebody from Little House On The Prairie - so thumbs down to those, too.
Although I wasn't considering slacks for the wedding, I have to ask. Have you tried on slacks lately? Tight "Skinny Jeans"? My jeans were tight before those became fashionable-and "skinny" they'll NEVER be! "Ankle slacks"? Sure, I'd love to look like Laura Petrie, Dick Van Dyke's better half, in those sleek, ankle length numbers with cute little ballet flats....but I've spent a lifetime looking for slacks that were long enough for these legs and I'm not going to stop now! Ya can't win....
Let's stroll over to the shoe department, shall we, ladies? Do these designers realize that 5 inch heels are downright dangerous for old(er) women (not to mention that they would make me 6 foot 3!) The other shoe selections would have me looking like one of the good nuns I had in grade school or, at the opposite end of the spectrum, like a shopper from a Victoria's Secret catalogue! All I want is a stylish mid-sized heel that won't cripple me by the end of the night! Please....
I came home, my wallet, in hand, with the money I left with and no credit card receipts. And disappointed. I truly think "they'" (whoever THAT is) are missing the boat by ignoring the needs of such a large demographic as the old(er) women in this country.
I'll scrounge up something in my closet and look presentable, I suppose. But they missed an opportunity and I'm thinking the sales racks will be full of unsold merchandise at the end of the season. Maybe they're just thinking we (old(er) folks don't need to kick up our heels once in awhile and should just stay home. Well, I don't THINK so!
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Our Social Life Now....
It seems that funerals, visitations, calling hours - whatever they call it in your world - have become a big part of our social lives the past few years. Maybe it's because we live in a town where everybody knows everybody - or is it just part of the aging process? Maybe it's just the way it's going to be from now on, but I'm not the biggest fan.
Most of the funerals we attend are, thankfully, for old timers....folks who have had long, well-lived lives. It's not easy, losing a loved one, at ANY age...I know that...But saying good-bye to a younger person is even harder and that's where faith really comes into play. Not sure what I'd do without my faith...
Having gone thru my Dad's and in-laws' funeral services, I get it. Funerals are a comfort to the family - hearing kind words about our loved ones IS very comforting. Giving folks the opportunity to say their farewells is good for us, too. But maybe even more importantly than that, is that funerals serve as a reminder of our own mortality- a nudge to live right, right now.
I try to take the attitude that if funerals make us realize that we're just renting space here on earth -that we're all headed "there" at some point and that there's something even better in the afterlife - the obligation of attending funerals isn't the worst thing in the world, is it? But the need to attend funerals can certainly slow down a bit...I'm just sayin'.....
Most of the funerals we attend are, thankfully, for old timers....folks who have had long, well-lived lives. It's not easy, losing a loved one, at ANY age...I know that...But saying good-bye to a younger person is even harder and that's where faith really comes into play. Not sure what I'd do without my faith...
Having gone thru my Dad's and in-laws' funeral services, I get it. Funerals are a comfort to the family - hearing kind words about our loved ones IS very comforting. Giving folks the opportunity to say their farewells is good for us, too. But maybe even more importantly than that, is that funerals serve as a reminder of our own mortality- a nudge to live right, right now.
I try to take the attitude that if funerals make us realize that we're just renting space here on earth -that we're all headed "there" at some point and that there's something even better in the afterlife - the obligation of attending funerals isn't the worst thing in the world, is it? But the need to attend funerals can certainly slow down a bit...I'm just sayin'.....
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Crisp Nights and Golden Days
We live in Ohio and I love the change of seasons. It's one of the nicest things about Ohio for me. Living in an area where it's always warm or always cold would be boring - and although last winter put my love for this place to the test, I still love Ohio.
I especially love Fall in Ohio! I love the thought of cooler temps, after a long, hot summer....I love the thought of jeans and sweaters. I love the crisp nights and the golden days. I used to love the thought of the kids (and me) getting back into some kind of routine. I love the thought of putting the lawn mower away for awhile, and getting out the rakes to rid the yard of this year's beauty and bounty.
The fact that we're a "football family" puts a positive spin on shorter days and longer nights. Years ago, Hubby, a coach, and the boys would trudge in after practice, the smell of dirt on their uniforms still a vivid memory of the season. Game day, when the boys were young, game nights, when they were in high school, and game weekends when they were in college, made Fall a busy and fun season in our family life.
Another upside to Fall is that cooking becomes more fun for me. Sure, the fresh fruits and vegetables of the summer are hard to beat, but, for me, making hearty soups and stews, and long-simmering meals, trumps anything fixed on the grill. I'd like to say that the fragrance of fall baking would be a nice, too, but you should know my track record with that by now. I'll just leave that to those who enjoy and excel at baking.
Aside from the occasional surliness that comes from hubby going to work and coming home from work in the dark, the biggest downside to Fall is what comes after it! Winter! Except for the holidays and the fact that there are no mosquitoes or flies, I can't think of one redeeming reason for that season! I think bears have the right idea and hibernating should be an acceptable option. (Oh, wait! I'm an insomniac! That wouldn't work!)
The seasons come and go...it's all pretty remarkable to witness. I guess I should feel very blessed that I've been around to see so many of them. It'd be a boring world if we all loved the same things, so I get it -some folks prefer the Fall over Spring or Summer. But whether I love it or hate it, "it's" here, so I'm going to bundle up and enjoy it. What else you gonna do?
I especially love Fall in Ohio! I love the thought of cooler temps, after a long, hot summer....I love the thought of jeans and sweaters. I love the crisp nights and the golden days. I used to love the thought of the kids (and me) getting back into some kind of routine. I love the thought of putting the lawn mower away for awhile, and getting out the rakes to rid the yard of this year's beauty and bounty.
The fact that we're a "football family" puts a positive spin on shorter days and longer nights. Years ago, Hubby, a coach, and the boys would trudge in after practice, the smell of dirt on their uniforms still a vivid memory of the season. Game day, when the boys were young, game nights, when they were in high school, and game weekends when they were in college, made Fall a busy and fun season in our family life.
Another upside to Fall is that cooking becomes more fun for me. Sure, the fresh fruits and vegetables of the summer are hard to beat, but, for me, making hearty soups and stews, and long-simmering meals, trumps anything fixed on the grill. I'd like to say that the fragrance of fall baking would be a nice, too, but you should know my track record with that by now. I'll just leave that to those who enjoy and excel at baking.
Aside from the occasional surliness that comes from hubby going to work and coming home from work in the dark, the biggest downside to Fall is what comes after it! Winter! Except for the holidays and the fact that there are no mosquitoes or flies, I can't think of one redeeming reason for that season! I think bears have the right idea and hibernating should be an acceptable option. (Oh, wait! I'm an insomniac! That wouldn't work!)
The seasons come and go...it's all pretty remarkable to witness. I guess I should feel very blessed that I've been around to see so many of them. It'd be a boring world if we all loved the same things, so I get it -some folks prefer the Fall over Spring or Summer. But whether I love it or hate it, "it's" here, so I'm going to bundle up and enjoy it. What else you gonna do?
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Changing Views...
"The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at the age of 20, has wasted 30 years of his life." Who'd have thought something so profound would have come from Muhammed Ali? Well, it did.
I tried to think back on how I viewed things at the age of 20... No easy task! That's been 40 plus years. I guess I took a leap of faith, thinking I knew what love and marriage were, all those years ago. It's worked out well but marriage and love have a different feel to them now. I still get excited when hubby comes home each night. Not that "jump on him" kind of excitement...more like a comfort that someone who knows me so well is still here -with me. And I like that... a lot!
Same with parenting. I certainly felt differently, when I was in my twenties, about child-raising than I do now. With my parenting chores behind me, my views were bound to change, weren't they? A kind of relief, I'd say. But I remember worrying about some of the dumbest things, as a young Mom. Those things either never came to fruition or it all turned out fine...and all that worrying! For what? The things that seemed so important back then seem so silly now.
I guess the biggest change in my views has been about aging and no wonder! I'm in the throes of it! I used to think, when I was in my 20's, that 60 and 70 year olds were dried up old things, who were just biding their time til they headed to a nursing home. And, as I've matured, I've found there's nothing further from the truth! Some of the most interesting, vibrant folks I know are in their 6th, 7th, and even their 8th decade. Maybe I was too arrogant to notice it when I was younger...or maybe it's just that they're my peers now, but my views on aging have certainly changed.
So I guess, according to Muhammed Ali, I haven't "wasted 30 years of my life" because I've grown and my views have changed. And I hope I can say, in 20 years, that they're still changing.
I tried to think back on how I viewed things at the age of 20... No easy task! That's been 40 plus years. I guess I took a leap of faith, thinking I knew what love and marriage were, all those years ago. It's worked out well but marriage and love have a different feel to them now. I still get excited when hubby comes home each night. Not that "jump on him" kind of excitement...more like a comfort that someone who knows me so well is still here -with me. And I like that... a lot!
Same with parenting. I certainly felt differently, when I was in my twenties, about child-raising than I do now. With my parenting chores behind me, my views were bound to change, weren't they? A kind of relief, I'd say. But I remember worrying about some of the dumbest things, as a young Mom. Those things either never came to fruition or it all turned out fine...and all that worrying! For what? The things that seemed so important back then seem so silly now.
I guess the biggest change in my views has been about aging and no wonder! I'm in the throes of it! I used to think, when I was in my 20's, that 60 and 70 year olds were dried up old things, who were just biding their time til they headed to a nursing home. And, as I've matured, I've found there's nothing further from the truth! Some of the most interesting, vibrant folks I know are in their 6th, 7th, and even their 8th decade. Maybe I was too arrogant to notice it when I was younger...or maybe it's just that they're my peers now, but my views on aging have certainly changed.
So I guess, according to Muhammed Ali, I haven't "wasted 30 years of my life" because I've grown and my views have changed. And I hope I can say, in 20 years, that they're still changing.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
The Food Police
I read the other day, that a school district in a suburb of Seattle, told parents that they can no longer bring birthday treats to school. Instead, parents are encouraged to send alternatives, like stickers and pencils. Pencils? How celebratory is that?
I am well-aware that obesity is at near-epidemic proportions. Parents need to get their kids outside, get them active, cut down on the junk food and frequent fast-food meals. But come on! In this case, it's the Food Police run amok!
I'm not saying it was wise, but do you remember candy cigarettes? Or bubble gum cigars? Now, I can understand if there were an uproar, these days, over THOSE things...but a cupcake?
There's a push for healthier options in school cafeterias across the nation. And that idea has some merit. Maybe the teachers don't want the kids wired from all the sugar... Maybe they should rethink that. With the state-mandated testing, the kids (and teachers) could use a boost, perhaps!
Kids' birthdays bring back memories of my attempt to make a "school bus" cake, with garish yellow icing, complete with the boys' school pictures in the bus "windows". I thought it was darling, but I took so much teasing over that cake (from hubby, a six, a four and a two year old, mind you!) that I never baked another birthday cake again. It was Kroger's Bakery from then on out!
So it's no skin off my nose if they do away with baked goods for birthdays. It just seems sad to me that another little joy of childhood -celebrating birthdays at school- is on the verge of disappearing. Well, I guess the kids could just chew on those pencils....
I am well-aware that obesity is at near-epidemic proportions. Parents need to get their kids outside, get them active, cut down on the junk food and frequent fast-food meals. But come on! In this case, it's the Food Police run amok!
I'm not saying it was wise, but do you remember candy cigarettes? Or bubble gum cigars? Now, I can understand if there were an uproar, these days, over THOSE things...but a cupcake?
There's a push for healthier options in school cafeterias across the nation. And that idea has some merit. Maybe the teachers don't want the kids wired from all the sugar... Maybe they should rethink that. With the state-mandated testing, the kids (and teachers) could use a boost, perhaps!
Kids' birthdays bring back memories of my attempt to make a "school bus" cake, with garish yellow icing, complete with the boys' school pictures in the bus "windows". I thought it was darling, but I took so much teasing over that cake (from hubby, a six, a four and a two year old, mind you!) that I never baked another birthday cake again. It was Kroger's Bakery from then on out!
So it's no skin off my nose if they do away with baked goods for birthdays. It just seems sad to me that another little joy of childhood -celebrating birthdays at school- is on the verge of disappearing. Well, I guess the kids could just chew on those pencils....
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Pessimist, Optimist or Realist?
"The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects it to change.
The realist adjusts the sails."
I don't know a single soul who is just one of those. I am all three, depending on the day, the topic, the mood. And I bet most folks would agree.
Many times, I'm a pessimist when I return from a store where the service is awful. Or when someone rudely misses a traffic light because she's yakkin' on her cell phone. Or when a kid is disrespectful to their parent, when I'm within earshot. I'm pretty sure, during those times, I'm convinced our society is going to hell in a handbag. The world news on TV usually leaves me in a pessimistic mood, longing for the "good old days". It's these instances -and more - that leave me "complaining about the wind". Pessimists attract other pessimists because pessimism is a great conversation-starter, isn't it? Folks love to grumble and share their woes. Maybe I'm a magnet in the line at the store because of my pessimism?
I'm an optimist when I'm in church because, there, I'm reminded that there's something more than what we have "here". I'm an optimist when I'm around certain people-usually other optimists. Friends who always see the good in others...or give others a second chance, because we don't know their circumstances. I'm an optimist when I'm around my kids and grandkids. They have so much going for them...so many opportunities within their reach....so much promise..maybe, just maybe, they can "change the wind".
I'm a realist many days. I'll see things as they are...pure and simple...no rose-colored glasses here. I may not like what I see but to use an over-used phrase " It is what it is". During those times, I guess I better just "adjust my sails".
Which one are you most of the time?
The optimist expects it to change.
The realist adjusts the sails."
I don't know a single soul who is just one of those. I am all three, depending on the day, the topic, the mood. And I bet most folks would agree.
Many times, I'm a pessimist when I return from a store where the service is awful. Or when someone rudely misses a traffic light because she's yakkin' on her cell phone. Or when a kid is disrespectful to their parent, when I'm within earshot. I'm pretty sure, during those times, I'm convinced our society is going to hell in a handbag. The world news on TV usually leaves me in a pessimistic mood, longing for the "good old days". It's these instances -and more - that leave me "complaining about the wind". Pessimists attract other pessimists because pessimism is a great conversation-starter, isn't it? Folks love to grumble and share their woes. Maybe I'm a magnet in the line at the store because of my pessimism?
I'm an optimist when I'm in church because, there, I'm reminded that there's something more than what we have "here". I'm an optimist when I'm around certain people-usually other optimists. Friends who always see the good in others...or give others a second chance, because we don't know their circumstances. I'm an optimist when I'm around my kids and grandkids. They have so much going for them...so many opportunities within their reach....so much promise..maybe, just maybe, they can "change the wind".
I'm a realist many days. I'll see things as they are...pure and simple...no rose-colored glasses here. I may not like what I see but to use an over-used phrase " It is what it is". During those times, I guess I better just "adjust my sails".
Which one are you most of the time?
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
"This Body Is Me"
"This body is me...... She's held my soul and carried my heart for all of my days. Each wrinkle and each imperfection is a badge of my living and of my giving life."
Robin Korth, age 69
The above lines were penned by Robin, after she was rejected by a "gentleman" she was dating. His comment that "she was too wrinkly" was the reason he didn't want to take their relationship to the next level. This caused her to really look at herself in a mirror and that's when she wrote those beautiful words. After seeing her on TV and hearing her words, I couldn't stop thinking of her. Here was a beautiful woman, who's lived a full and successful life, raised children and at the age of 69, was being judged in such a harsh way. When does that kind of judgement stop? Obviously not even at the age of 69...
First, I'd like to see the ass who made that comment of rejection....see how age has treated him. Second, I would tell Robin that she should be glad she's rid of him. Life is too short to spend one second of time on people who are that shallow.
I probably spend too much time on make-up and hair...on my appearance. I know that! Maybe it's just a habit that I've repeated day, after day. Maybe I enjoy playing around with how I look. Or have I, too, fallen for the idea that looks matter more than they do? I hope folks don't think I'm shallow or vain...
I'm blessed, beyond measure, to have someone who loves me, wrinkles, imperfections and all...someone who loves who I am, on the inside, as much as on the outside. We have a certain comfort because we've grown old(er) together, maybe... I don't know.
But I DO know that life has a way of evenning things out... And it will for Robin Korth, the woman who was judged so harshly by that fella she thought she loved. In the end, I think we'll all find out that we won't remember the beautiful face and body of those we love... but the beautiful heart and soul within. I hope so.
Robin Korth, age 69
The above lines were penned by Robin, after she was rejected by a "gentleman" she was dating. His comment that "she was too wrinkly" was the reason he didn't want to take their relationship to the next level. This caused her to really look at herself in a mirror and that's when she wrote those beautiful words. After seeing her on TV and hearing her words, I couldn't stop thinking of her. Here was a beautiful woman, who's lived a full and successful life, raised children and at the age of 69, was being judged in such a harsh way. When does that kind of judgement stop? Obviously not even at the age of 69...
First, I'd like to see the ass who made that comment of rejection....see how age has treated him. Second, I would tell Robin that she should be glad she's rid of him. Life is too short to spend one second of time on people who are that shallow.
I probably spend too much time on make-up and hair...on my appearance. I know that! Maybe it's just a habit that I've repeated day, after day. Maybe I enjoy playing around with how I look. Or have I, too, fallen for the idea that looks matter more than they do? I hope folks don't think I'm shallow or vain...
I'm blessed, beyond measure, to have someone who loves me, wrinkles, imperfections and all...someone who loves who I am, on the inside, as much as on the outside. We have a certain comfort because we've grown old(er) together, maybe... I don't know.
But I DO know that life has a way of evenning things out... And it will for Robin Korth, the woman who was judged so harshly by that fella she thought she loved. In the end, I think we'll all find out that we won't remember the beautiful face and body of those we love... but the beautiful heart and soul within. I hope so.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Those GreeksWere Onto Something!
"A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall
never sit in." Greek Proverb
Guess we're going to find out how smart those Greeks were!
That saying caught my eye recently, probably because we're facing the removal of 6 big trees in our yard.... And I LOVE trees! Some darn bug, an "ash borer" by name, is practically decimating our beloved woods. Sure, I'll miss the shade these beauties have provided, but it goes deeper than that. I'm taking this personally because we purchased this home from my folks 10 years ago. The house has had its share of problems but it's our home now. It just seems the very things my late Dad had a hand in, are being chipped away at, needing to be replaced or repaired and that makes me sad.
I remember Dad, taking a break from his yardwork, sitting on the deck, enjoying the shade of these trees. The lot was wooded when they built the house...he didn't do the actual planting - but he tended to them to make sure they thrived.
It's probably good that my Dad's not here to see these trees come down. Would've been hard on him... he loved the woods even more than I do. We'll probably plant something hardier than the ones we're losing. We have no idea how long we'll be here to enjoy them...you know how life goes... Maybe those Greeks were onto something...
never sit in." Greek Proverb
Guess we're going to find out how smart those Greeks were!
That saying caught my eye recently, probably because we're facing the removal of 6 big trees in our yard.... And I LOVE trees! Some darn bug, an "ash borer" by name, is practically decimating our beloved woods. Sure, I'll miss the shade these beauties have provided, but it goes deeper than that. I'm taking this personally because we purchased this home from my folks 10 years ago. The house has had its share of problems but it's our home now. It just seems the very things my late Dad had a hand in, are being chipped away at, needing to be replaced or repaired and that makes me sad.
I remember Dad, taking a break from his yardwork, sitting on the deck, enjoying the shade of these trees. The lot was wooded when they built the house...he didn't do the actual planting - but he tended to them to make sure they thrived.
It's probably good that my Dad's not here to see these trees come down. Would've been hard on him... he loved the woods even more than I do. We'll probably plant something hardier than the ones we're losing. We have no idea how long we'll be here to enjoy them...you know how life goes... Maybe those Greeks were onto something...
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
When Did This Happen?
When did this happen? These purplish marks on my arm??? I remember my Grandpa having something similar on his arm but I'm too young for that, aren't I? "Oh, not so fast, Keemosabi!"
I'm exactly the age he was at when I started noticing things like that, as a youngster..I noticed, back then, he took a lot of naps, too. "Gulp!"
And my Grandma's housedresses? Sure I've been known to don my robe in the middle of the day but that's not the same thing...Or IS it? Am I going for comfort too much lately?
I remember teasing hubby's Mom about her loss of hearing and giving her heck when she wouldn't use her hearing aid... never thinking that one of her "heirs" (without naming names-but I live with him) would be in be same spot! (He calls it "selective hearing").
When did the years creep up on us, like they have?
"Aging gracefully" ... a term I had hoped to put into practice, as the golden years approach. You know, dress appropriately, nothing flashy, nothing too gaudy. Tone down the make up a bit... Act "age-appropriate", whatever THAT means.
But then I got to thinking... If I'm going to get these bruise-like marks on my arms anyway, wouldn't it be more fun to "earn" them? Like by flailing them, while dancing around the house, instead of sitting around it?
A Today Show contributor recently coined the phrase "aging with a vengeance". Going all out.... Yep, I rather like that. Hmm..."aging with a vengeance" or "aging gracefully"? Well, those of you who know me or follow this blog, know I've never been "graceful" about anything. So who's with me? Vengeance? GRRRR!
I'm exactly the age he was at when I started noticing things like that, as a youngster..I noticed, back then, he took a lot of naps, too. "Gulp!"
And my Grandma's housedresses? Sure I've been known to don my robe in the middle of the day but that's not the same thing...Or IS it? Am I going for comfort too much lately?
I remember teasing hubby's Mom about her loss of hearing and giving her heck when she wouldn't use her hearing aid... never thinking that one of her "heirs" (without naming names-but I live with him) would be in be same spot! (He calls it "selective hearing").
When did the years creep up on us, like they have?
"Aging gracefully" ... a term I had hoped to put into practice, as the golden years approach. You know, dress appropriately, nothing flashy, nothing too gaudy. Tone down the make up a bit... Act "age-appropriate", whatever THAT means.
But then I got to thinking... If I'm going to get these bruise-like marks on my arms anyway, wouldn't it be more fun to "earn" them? Like by flailing them, while dancing around the house, instead of sitting around it?
A Today Show contributor recently coined the phrase "aging with a vengeance". Going all out.... Yep, I rather like that. Hmm..."aging with a vengeance" or "aging gracefully"? Well, those of you who know me or follow this blog, know I've never been "graceful" about anything. So who's with me? Vengeance? GRRRR!