mother nature is a man and other observations..

Leaving 2017

Another year, and certainly grateful for more than I’m sad about. Your emotional plus lists can come in handy when necessary. Just think of all that you have and the voids seem a little less painful. We start a new year with many hopes, dreams and those resolutions that are usually kept for about ten days, if that. As you all know, I always recommend eating healthy, and keeping in mind that living in the moment works when your moments are in good health. The dreams and hopes seem to go from one year to the other. The control you have over your thoughts and what you eat can be controlled by you. Christmas Eve I was at a warm and wonderful party. All ages and all just wanting to have fun. I met a young woman in her 20’s and very fulfilling to have her write down some of my suggestions. One was to practice breathing exercises, a most important exercise for health. Hatha Yoga, a gentle form of yoga focusing on stretching and breathing. Yoga laughter sounds weird, but your body and mind are not aware that yoga laughter is a bit forced, but a laugh is a laugh. What you do when you’re young can affect the quality of your life as you age. Balance is so important and flexibility. Running and Ashtanga Yoga may work for some, but the gentle form of Hatha Yoga and walking at a fast pace 20 minutes a day may work as well. Many of my friends who used to run have had knee and hip replacements. My grandmother lived to be 99 and walked from her kitchen to the bedroom. I once read that lifestyle has more to do with your quality of life than your genes. Stress is something we all have, and I’m not talking about the extremes or tragedy. the usual normal day stress we all deal with. It is how we deal with disappointments, heartbreak,and of course realism that defines us. Fantasy and dreams should always be a part of our lives. Realistically I know I will probably never meet another great romantic love, and it’s ok. I was one of the lucky ones having had a man who loved and adored me. I don’t take that lightly ,and I know his energy is with me everyday. I’m not about to be committed to a “happy place,” but I talk to Barry everyday. Part of my Buddhist practice is a prayer to someone who has died that you loved. I feel his energy and know he “knows”, because I’m Awake.
2018…….the book my co-author and I finally finished and publishing, will actually happen in February. It’s genre is Women’s Humor Fiction, not literary, but edited, and we think a good read. because the characters are likeable and relatable. Hope some of you read and enjoy.
I find the older I become and certainly grateful for the years, the less I put up with people I don’t get and they don’t get me. It just fine because I have enough of the “wonderful others.” I love nourishing people from the same planet I’m from……and my emotional tools that really work. “If you don’t care, I care less.” It sounds harsh, but if said with a smile and not in anger, it works. No room for negative thoughts or people. Selective memory and denial are my favorites……and my role models, in their 90’s… I wish all reading this the most wonderful New Year ahead. A healthy one with laughter and joys galore…..and of course an abundance of love, and some dark chocolate everyday.

–

Taurus

It’s my birthday month. When my husband was alive we celebrated all holidays and occasions with gusto. I still do. I hear people complain about yet ” another birthday”. Well what’s the alternative? Of course the mirror will show you don’t look the same. If you’re healthy you can feel the same. One of my favorites. “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were.” Satchel Paige. I know people who are healthy in body, but their mind told them they were old……at 70. Not for any physical reason, they just gave up and it got worse with each year. They are in their 80’s still bitching. I love positive nourishing friends. We exalt in still being here and doing what we feel like doing. The word grateful is in my vocabulary now, even more than usual. So much to be grateful for and that never goes away. I am grateful I am healthy and can celebrate. I’m not overly vain so I don’t scrutinize myself in the mirror. Of course I see differences….smile more and it’s somewhat of an immediate facelift. There are less invasive options if you want to plump up the hollows. I find candle light the best. If by some miracle, I have a date, it’s always night-time and why not!!!. Lighting is a simple solution. Back to the grateful list….I have children and grandchildren and will celebrate my birthday with family. Sheer joy. I also have a dear friend since five years old and we live near each other and celebrate together. Happy to have her in my life to enjoy all the city venues we love. I have another dear friend who literally got me published so many years ago. We also celebrate together. Of course I wish my West Coast family were here and my grandchildren….but will enjoy their good wishes and love.
Erma Bombeck, the wonderful humorist, once said she looked in the mirror one morning and said ” who is this old lady that moved in last night?’
My friends in NYC would never consider themselves “old ladies.” Nor do I.. If you think you are, then you are. I have a friend who always talks about old age. She relishes talking about it and I don’t relish hearing about it.
The value of vintage increases with each year. I prefer that term and was used to describe me in the New York Post recent video.
Very grateful to producers Heather, Elettra and Lea, They felt Ronni and I had not only something to say, but important enough to “put out there.” It was paramount that my children and grandchildren would be proud, and they were. Most of my family and friends understood its purpose and for that, forever grateful. When people in your life “get you” at any age, it’s very powerful. Those that judge, perhaps, have their own unhappiness or lack of self-awareness. Ronni and I were not interested in sensationalism. We wanted to discuss a subject that has no reason to be under the covers. To quote one of the producers..” I was extremely happy with it and thrilled that we could put a story like this into the world. It’s long overdue.”
I wish I knew it made a difference in some woman’s life who was inspired to try something she read about, and saw on a video. Perhaps to go shopping at Babeland for her birthday and buy something to experience and enjoy.
As someone once said, “try it, you might like it.” Happy Birthday to me and all who still celebrate……..