10.29.2014

"WISE WOMEN"

A few weeks ago, a friend lent me a book she'd recently purchased, Wise Women.  Sub-titled "A Celebration of Their Insights, Courage and Beauty," this book of photographs is all that and more. The heavy, smooth, matte-finished paper is a tactile pleasure, while the varying shades of sepia used throughout create warmth and comfort as we discover these womens' worlds.  Did I mention the "wise women" are all between the ages of 65 and 100?  And, in this book 100 looks surprisingly good.

Wise Women opens with Zelda Kaplan, aged 85, bright, erect, head held high, who begins her story by sharing: "I used to dance a lot, but unfortunately, all my partners are dead."  Age and Stage at its worst threatens to defeat us, but it doesn't win every time.  Not by a long shot.  We're strong creatures, and if we can't dance, we can always choose to wear hats that make people smile.  Just like Zelda explains.  

Gloria Steinem caught my attention when she wrote:  "Many of us are living out the unlived lives of our mothers, because they were not able to become the unique people they were born to be..." Steinem, a pioneer of the women's movement to the nth degree, no doubt believed what she said that day.  I wonder now if my mother felt unable to be the person she was born to be.  I don't think for a minute I'm living out her ambitions.  If she dreamed at all, she didn't share it with us, and I'm convinced anything she might have considered would be way beyond my meager accomplishments.  However, I'm definitely planning to spend more time with Steinem's comment.  

Christine Lee, at 67, realizing how swiftly the days fly by, offered advice:  "If you wake up in the morning and you have a choice between doing the laundry and taking a walk in the park, go for the walk. You'd hate to die and realize you had spent your last day doing the laundry."  Amen to that, but in my heart of hearts, I know that if someone told me I would die tomorrow, I'd be hard pressed not to clean house all night.

Sadly, this book carries a copyright of 2002 and many of these wonderful ladies aren't with us any more.  But their thoughts remain.  I've only given you a bare taste because I don't want to spoil the feast that awaits when you have a chance to pick up Wise Women.  And, when you do, I would recommend a wonderfully rich latte or a full-bodied Cabernet as an accompaniment..  It's that kind of thoughtful experience.

 Margie     

10.06.2014

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY READING

In our neighborhood, we have a variety of little newspapers and magazines filled with advertisements designed just for us.  Us being "Active Adults," poorly disguised code for "Old".

"DON'T DIE IN YOUR BATHROOM!"  God knows, I really hope I don't die in my bathroom, especially before I get rid of the ten-year-old bargain basement towels we're trying to wear out prior to popping for the Pottery Barn set.  This ad promises its readers that "NOW YOU CAN MAINTAIN YOUR LIFESTYLE AND STILL BE SAFE IN YOUR BATHROOM!" simply by installing a walk-in tub.  I don't know...I still see some possible problems, but maybe that's just me.

Next is the neighborhood Funeral Chapel and Cremation Center that will "FORWARD OUT-OF-STATE." Unfortunately, I can only assume it will be me they are forwarding out-of-state, and can I be sure my kids gave the FC&CC the correct address?  They're wonderful children, but there's still a little nagging concern.

Farther down the page, I spot a Private Investigator who specializes in "INSURANCE FRAUD, MORTGAGE FRAUD", and "ADULTRY" (sic).  You may laugh at that, but let me tell you, in the mid-1990s Sun City West suffered a huge adultery outbreak that made national news and still raises eyebrows today. And...Sun City West is where I picked up the little paper this morning.

On a more solemn note, the local flower shop is proud to be "SPECIALIZING IN SYMPATHY DESIGNS FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CORPORATIONS".  Do people send flowers when a Corporation goes face down?  Considering the "Citizens United" Supreme Court decision, it could be and we're overlooking a profitable niche market.

And, finally, (I've got to quit because God may consider this whole exercise pretty tacky) the "GENTAL (sic) WOMAN DENTIST" who offers "PAINLESS DENTISTRY FOR SENIORS."  Under 65?  Brace Yourself!

Margie
All quotes from "Coffee News", September 29, 2014.