Category Archives: Mixed media

Jun13

Just what is OLD?

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I ran across this short video on You Tube, and thought it was interesting. It brings up so many thoughts. So I thought I’d ask all of you a few questions related to perception, reality, thoughts, and ideas.

When I was much younger, I never thought I’d reach old age, not even middle age. I didn’t think I’d leave this planet, I guess I just never thought! Now I can’t imagine not realizing old age was imminent!

What’s worse is that I didn’t even think older people had anything to share. How immature I was! I wondered how old people could even think they had anything to share. It saddens me to think how naive I was, and how much young people miss by thinking that way.

We can be fun too! Just look at us toddling around the neighborhood doing all our old people things at old people speed. Is it any wonder everyone gets upset with us for driving our cars at 15-20 miles per hour to save on gas. After all bread was .25 a loaf when we were growing up, and gas was about .50 when we started driving. No wonder we think this way.

Did we raise our kids to be part of the throw away generation? Because that’s how they turned out! Who taught them that anyway?

I love reusing things, going thrifting, and sometimes nosing around garage sales. Many years ago, and I mean many, on trash night people would put out treasures for others to find, and find we did. It was not illegal in those days, and our homes were eclectic, and fun. My kids would never do this, they are the ones throwing away stuff. Sometimes we would find really good furniture, and turn it from trash to treasure making a little money on the side.

All the affluent neighborhoods would have the best pickings, and we picked, and picked ’till our hearts desire. The thought still excites me, but laws have changed around here, and people aren’t throwing away treasures like before.

There are times when I feel like old furniture, all embellished with nicks, scars, and pale skin. Waiting to see what’s next is the interesting part. We never know, and many times aren’t ready for it. I’m never ready for it!

One thing is for sure, we can only do our best. We are all in the same boat, dealing with the same problems, but we aren’t alone, we are never alone.

And the young people, well they too will have their day. One day they will be old, and wrinkled, they’ll waddle around wondering what happened to the last 50 years.

I guess the Botton line is, you are only as old as you feel. Some days I feel 100, some days I feel 50 again. Keep moving my friends, because we don’t want to walk around like the tin man all stiff and squeaky

Thank you for taking time to stop and read my blog. I hope you have a great day without squeaks, and waddles.

Remember united we stand. Karen

Jun7

The Joy of Travel

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From the time I was a young girl my family always traveled during the summer, and Dad always planned a summer vacation for us all to enjoy. I can only imagine the hours he must have spent researching the perfect place for our little family to explore, and travel to.

Many summers we would go camping into the forest of the great Pacific North West. My sister and I would explore the forest, listening to the birds that lived in the big redwood trees. There would always be a lake involved, and several days of fishing. Dad tried to show us how magnificent our country was, and how to respect nature.

We started out camping with a tent, and slowly progressed to a small sixteen foot Shasta trailer. Mother loved the trailer because it involved a mattress. That made life a lot easier for her. We kids didn’t really care, we were still limber back then.

One time while still using a tent, Dad told us not to take food to bed with us because bears could smell the food, and try to get it. Being the perfect child I was, I complied. However, I couldn’t say as much for my little sister. My sister was afraid of starving to death, so she stashed cookies, crackers, and who knows what else in her sleeping bag. After all it was going to be a long night in a sleeping bag, in a tent, in the middle of a forest, in a camp ground!

Sometime in the middle of the night, I was awakened by a noise outside the tent. I thought I could see an indentation on the side, and noise just the other side. In my mind, I could see a big black grizzly bear getting ready to rip open the side, and take all the food my sister stuck away to keep her alive. Just so you’ll know, that never happened. But the terror was still there all because one fat kid was afraid to starve.

Everything was an adventure to us, and I’m sure Dad looked at it the same way. Mother on the other hand was busy cleaning up after us and cooking. I can only imagine how much Mom looked forward to our vacations where she slaved away feeding the gang. I never thought it was much of a vacation for her, and for that reason I dreaded the thoughts of doing the same thing when I had a family. But eventually, I did the same thing because that’s what you do when you have a young family!

Those years traveling all over the United States shaped my lust for adventure. I still crave going on trips, just not as long or maybe as grand.

I always found it fun to see the reaction of my kids as they explored, and discovered new things on our trips.

One time I sold everything, house, furniture, toys, and we moved lock, stock, and barrel to Alaska. It was a great adventure! My oldest son really loved being able to experience the vast forests of redwoods as we ventured North, the misty meadows in Canada, and the dirt roads on the AlCan Highway. Back in those days traveling to Alaska was much different than it is now. We would actually call those the Olden Days due to the dirt roads, and primitive traders cabins we would explore along the way.

It was through all these adventures that I developed my love of traveling. I still love experiencing the sounds of nature, the music of whatever region I’m in. I love the foods of new places, and the colors that people paint their houses, and the clothes they wear.

As I was thinking about all the places I’ve traveled, I realized that many of us haven’t traveled very much throughout our lives. Maybe we never get to travel as much as we would like. Or maybe some of us never had a desire to explore, and experience different cultures.

I’m curious as to where are some of the places you have traveled? Would you go back again, and would you do anything different this time around?

Can you still travel, because for me, it is becoming more difficult as time goes on. Certainly it is helpful to have travel companions. Someone to carry luggage, or figure out where to go next.

Airports can be tricky, or even more so, train stations. I really like traveling by train because the people are so interesting, and the experience more enriching. Also moving around a little while on a train is helpful. I always find interesting people to talk to, and share experiences with regardless of how I get there.

Sure flying is faster, but it’s so confining, and many times cramped.

When my husband and myself have traveled by train, we have met the nicest people at dinner, and shared many stories with new found friends. I never know what interesting stories we will hear, or where our conversations will take us. These things feed my soul.

Where are some of the fun places you’ve traveled to, some of the stories you have been told. Stories feed our imagination, and I think our imaginations are most precious.

Do you have any plans to take another trip? Even if it’s a short day trip, it’s a trip that can feed your imagination, and enrich your life.

We don’t have any plans, however as I get older, I rather like making little impromptu trips that are unexpected. I call them surprise trips that give me something special to plan, and think about.

Let me know what your thoughts are. Where you would like to travel to if given the chance. How you love to travel, who you travel with etc. I want to know it all!

Thank you for taking time to read my blog, as always, together we stand!

Karen

Apr12

Red Hair, Blue Hair, Short Hair, Long Hair

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What style do you prefer your hair to be? I see older women wearing the same style they wore in high school. Whatever floats their boat! I don’t think real long hair does much for an older woman, but that’s only my opinion.

My hair is fine, and when I turned “silver” it looked thin, and stringy. That kind of hair is both a blessing and a curse. Sure when I was younger it was pretty, but never very long

Now chin level is about as long as I can stand on myself. I have many friends who love their hair really long, and even more that love a shorter cut. If they’re happy, then I’m happy. Who am I to tell them they can’t wear their hair a particular length. What I think of the way they wear their hair, is none of their business!

We each have our own style, and I think that’s what makes us more interesting. If we were all alike, wouldn’t it be boring?

Let me know what you think, how you feel about hair styles, and trends for seasoned women like ourselves.

Meanwhile, thank you for reading my blog. I appreciate all of you. Remember, “Together we stand.” Much love, Karen

Mar29

Having Fun Too!

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Fun is different as we get older. Did you use to go to concerts, or big parties? I did, and loved the energy. I don’t know how you feel, but I really don’t like large crowds anymore, or the chaotic energy. Don’t get me wrong, I love people, and getting to know their culture, colors, or even the different music. But, I really don’t like large crowds or rallies, meetings, and gatherings. Well, that just about covers everything that involves people doesn’t it? Maybe you are much the same. It looks like I might be antisocial, but I’m really not!

I really enjoy my home, and maybe having a few friends in for tapas, and a glass of wine, or a beer. One might say I’m a home body. I guess I am now. It’s more comfortable to be in my own home curled up with a good movie, a book, or even a friend. However, I’m missing my furry companions, (not my husband, he’s not fury! and he is my life partner!) but my dog, and cat. They use to curl up with me especially when it was raining, or just cold.

You might feel the same way. Is it because we are tired, and don’t enjoy the effort it takes to get dressed up to go out, or are we past putting up with a bunch of people that many times feels a waste of time. Sometimes I just can’t justify socializing with people that either don’t have the same interests, or complain a lot.

I don’t happen to enjoy drinking like I used to. And, I particularly don’t like being around people that don’t know when to stop drinking! I’m not against drinking, just excessive drinking.

Maybe it is more about driving. I still enjoy driving, but many of my friends don’t enjoy driving at night, or even at all. I’ll get there I’m sure, but not yet! There are ways to get around not wanting to drive. How about Uber, or share a ride with a friend? Something like, you fly, I’ll buy!

If you like to play board games, I’m told they are a lot of fun. Card games can be fun also, try a simple game to start, and work up to something more complicated. I’d have to do that since I haven’t played cards or board games in years.

As I close this blog, I’m reminded that I have a beautiful back yard to enjoy. My chimes hang from almost every tree, and they are beautiful to listen to. When the weather gets warm, I sit on my patio, or in my garden and quietly listen to the birds singing, or the trees whispering in the breeze. I am very blessed!

Thank you for stopping to read my blog. I know many of you have been with me for a very long time, and I really appreciate that,

Remember we stand together, share issues, send out love, while always supporting each other.

Much love, Karen

Mar15

Finding Joy in Rainy Days

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Finding Joy in Rainy Days

Many of us get the Rainey day blues when it rains. The last couple of days it has been raining off and on. I don’t hear many birds flying around. But as soon as it stops raining, they will be out and happily looking for worms, and bugs to feast on.

For me, I love the rain. The plants and trees get a bath, and the air smells crisp and fresh. It’s one of my happy places. I definitely feel like watching a good movie or two, and I also enjoy drawing, and painting. Unfortunately the rainy days also make me feel like I want to graze, or nibble all kinds of food I shouldn’t eat.

How does it make you feel? Do you enjoy reading, watching movies, or maybe playing games or cards, or even doing puzzles. We all have our favorite projects or hobbies that keep us busy.

I have a friend that loves to bake, and her rainy day projects are cupcakes, cakes, and muffins, or cookies. The funny thing is, she doesn’t eat all those good, yummy, decadent treats, she gives it all away while watching her friends blow up like a ballon at the Thanksgiving Day Parade. She is a better woman than I am!

A landscape showing a muddy field with tire tracks, rolling hills in the distance under a partly cloudy sky, indicating recent rainfall.

Some people get depressed with the gray, cloudy, rainy days, and I probably would to if it lasted too long. Here in San Diego it never lasts long enough to create depression in our household. Only very wet gardens, and sometimes large puddles, and ridiculously wet streets.

These days are a perfect time to plan out what you might like to do when it stops raining. My garden will need attention as the grass grows green, and tall. The flowers are getting leggy, and will need attention. And, we all have an abundance of happily growing weeds.

Weeds, oh yes… the weeds! They seem to know when to hide, and when to pop their little weedy arms out, and wave.. Just when you thought you have the garden where you want it, you look over and there is another green weed waving happily, and sitting in the middle of a beautiful bed for flowers. You wonder how that happened, and how you missed it. It’s because they hide…it’s a proven fact, weeds hide! They will really appear when the flowers are waving, then the weeds want to be part of the show and will again appear only to be recognized sitting in an amongst the flowers.

While our gardens are getting generously watered, the flowers will soon be coming into their own and blooming beautifully. We will all be happy to see such precious little faces of all colors looking up and proudly waving in the breeze.

I love this time of year where everything is being renewed. Those beautiful trees are starting to bloom and get little green leaves, the flowers are budding, and all is well in the plant world.

Thank you all for reading my blog. I hope you can find happiness in the renewal of our plants and trees. Be happy, remember together we stand, Much Love Karen

Mar1

Hair Color Choices for Older Adults

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As I adventured through all my years, I had so much fun with hair color. The only color I didn’t have was black, or anything dark. Being of fair skin, the darker colors washed my skin out. It just wasn’t done in the olden days. The days of Hippie Love, and sex, drugs, & rock ‘n roll. So having long hair with bleached blond was about where I belonged. I could never grow my hair very long. Maybe to my shoulders was about it. Probably because being a blond, I had fine hair, and adding it all up didn’t amount to the same thing a handful of dark hair did. The longer it grew, the more straggly it became.

Today as I’m approaching the Golden Years (ha, ha), I have let my hair go completely gray, or silver as I like to call it. Many of my friends have let their hair grow gray, and why would that be? It’s easier than taking time to color, they might be allergic to the dye, it’s very expensive in our present climate to budget that expense into our monthly obligations.

Don’t get me wrong, I’d like to look younger with even a slightly tinted hair color. I’ve thought about it, asked about it, but I’ve not done anything about it. Several of my friends who are older than I still color their hair, and it does make them look younger. They don’t seem to mind going to a stylist for color correction, and a cute cut.

For me I think attitude has more to do with looking younger than the color of our hair. And…I’ve always said I was going to grow old gracefully. Now that I’m saying it, gracefully sounds quite boring! So I’ll rephrase that statement.

I want to skid into home plate with a “paint brush in one hand, and a glass of Champagne in the other!” The other thing is, I’m not ready to skid anywhere!

I have oh so many thoughts and ideas. Thoughts that you only have when you get “Older Than Dirt!” I share them with you because many of us seem to have the same thoughts and ideas about staying upright, and the challenges facing us as we glide through our Golden Years. Hair, and hair color and/or length is only part of the exciting process of growing old, we have to make sure we have a positive attitude even if it seems impossible.

Well, what do you think? Gray or Red?

Let me know what you think about this subject, I would love a different perspective.

Thank you for reading my blog, don’t forget to send me a quick not with your thoughts and ideas. Much love to all of you, Karen