Iris Ruth Pastor's Blog, page 10

Meeting my Cousin Jack for the Very First Time

The vehicle: Ancestry.com
The initiator: My second cousin Jack
The recipient: Me
The outcome: When we realized we lived only four hours from each other, we arranged for an overnight visit. 

Jack and I literally spent 12 hours talking non-stop from 2pm until 2am.

Jack, like me, is VERY verbal. 

I learned about his marriages and children (multiple).
I learned about his career in public education (extensive).
I learned about his talents (many and varied, including professional dancer and chef extraordinaire).

I learned about his favorite saying: OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS ONLY IF YOU KEEP DRAGGING YOUR DOOR WITH YOU.

And, of course, I learned even more when we shared articles which had left a vivid impression on us. Below is one Jack saved in his computer many years ago:

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN’T LOOKING 
(Written by a former child) 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one. 
 
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals. 
 
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life. 
 
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God. 
 
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other. 
 
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t. 
 
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given. 
 
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up. 
 
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry. 
 
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be. 
 
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up. 
 
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, “Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.”

The former child’s identity is unknown. Too bad. That person struck a real and lasting chord.

And thanks to cousin Jack and his lovely friend Nelly for taking the time to visit and engage.

Keep Preserving Your Bloom,

Tidbits of Minutiae

Every week has 168 hours.

Theoretically: 
     If you sleep away 56 of them
     If you work 40 of them
     That accounts for 96 of them

This leaves 72 hours each week to do with them what you so desire.
Meaning: If you really want to do something, you’ll find time to do it sometime within those 72 hours.

I couldn’t figure out why my roasted veggies turned out so soggy.  My daughter-in-law consistently makes THE BEST roasted broccoli and cauliflower. I’ve watched her closely, taking detailed notes. She washes the veggies and cuts them in uniform shapes. She dries the array and lightly coats it with oil, then proceeds to shake garlic powder and salt on the mass of veggies. She then arranges them in a shallow pan and slips it into a 425 degrees oven for 15-25 minutes.
They come out perfectly roasted and toasted – every time. 
Mine never get roasted or toasted.
Only mushy  – every time.
Avidly I search the Internet to clear up the mystery of mushy roasted veggies.
A missing detail emerges: SPACE THE VEGGIES!
It is the one thing I never did. I’m going to use a portion of my 72 hours to experiment.I’ve figured out the key to staying in my two-story house as I age. I hold on tight to the stair bannister no matter what as I go both up and down the 18 steps – at all times. And if I do take a minor or near-miss tumble, I never, ever mention it to my kids or I could end up in assisted living way too prematurely!
If you want to get a good night’s sleep, don’t imbibe caffeine after 3 pm
Don’t eat after dinner 
Don’t use your phone after dinner 
Don’t watch TV after dinner 
Don’t turn on your computer after dinner
Don’t read a stimulating book after dinner 
You will be so bored, you will naturally fall asleep at a reasonable hour.

Family gossip can serve as a coping mechanism. Don’t feel guilty for indulging in this past time, to pass on juicy tidbits of info or chat about a family member’s annoying behavior. Studies show venting helps solidify family relationships and get us through crises and difficult intervals –  utilizing some of those 72 hours to do so. 
Collagen powder is supposed to promote hair growth – I throw a scoop into my smoothie every morning – so far I’ve seen no results. 

Ditto for my expensive under eye cream to minimize my bags, my oily yellow serum to lighten my facial sun spots and my lash thickening mascara to plump up those suckers. 

With 72 hours to fill at my discretion, that means practically speaking I should have time to exercise, read the newspapers that are delivered daily to my door, and fully participate in tracking my food and reading the entries in Noom that I pay for each month. 

That means practically speaking I should have time to  return phone calls in a timely fashion and remove the embarrassing volume of expired bottles of salad dressing lining my refrigerator shelves .

You would think. 

Just one more thing:
As I drifted off to sleep last night, I thought of a dozen more things I could implement with those 72 hours of unaccounted time – none of which I could recall this morning. 
So I have nothing left to say, but Keep Preserving Your Bloom,

The Case of the Almost Emerging Nipples

My husband was reading in the living room. I was sprawled out on the family room couch watching the 81st annual “Golden Globe” awards highlighting individual stellar performances and work in both television and film in 2023.

I started shrieking.

My husband quickly ran in to see what was wrong. 

“Look, look,” I excitedly pointed to the screen. 

“OMG,” he responded. “What if they fall out on national television?”

We watched mesmerized as Da’Vine Joy Randolph walked toward the Beverly Hilton stage to accept a trophy for her work in “The Holdover” as best female actor in a supporting role. 

Her speech was moving, but all I could focus on was her chest – praying her bosoms and nipples would stay covered and in place. 



It got me thinking.

It got me thinking about “The Gilded Age,” a television series I watched recently reflecting the very rigid mores of the day. It was a window into how wealthy women’s wardrobes reflected a narrow view of the world and of each person’s place in it:
The detailed dresses
The physically constraining under garments
The multiple layers
The hats, the gloves, the jewelry painstakingly accessorized even when relaxing at home

OY!

It got me thinking.

Yes, the world has chaotic hot spots, UFO’s, creeping climate change and more than one war zone. But at least if I choose to go out in public adorned in yoga pants and a sweatshirt, my social standing will not be appreciably  reduced nor my femininity and womanliness heavily scrutinized. 

It wasn’t always like this. We didn’t just have clothing restraints. We also had tightly bound social constraints, which I learned all about from a link my good buddy Lynne sent me:
https://historyfacts.com/arts-culture... (https://historyfacts.com/arts-culture...)

Here are some highlights:

In the 19th century, etiquette manuals flourished both in Europe and in the U.S. Emily Post published her first book on etiquette in 1922, focusing on how proper men and women should behave in both social and professional settings.

Here’s a smattering of do’s and don’ts: 
Wives should defer to one’s husband as the head of the household.

A man who is obviously subordinated to a dominating woman is a pathetic and foolish figure.

The most important rule for a child was obedience. Emily Post wrote that “by teaching a child that it can’t stay with mother’ unless it is well-behaved, it learns self-control in babyhood.”
(I love the way she refers to a child as “it.”)

Flirting was a sign of ill breeding. And one guide actually suggested that “a married flirt is worse than vulgar.”

A man couldn’t speak to a woman unless she spoke to him first.                                                                                                             
Our lives aren’t perfect. In spite of that, I’m so grateful to have freedom of wardrobe, freedom of self-expression and freedom to implement a personal parenting style I choose. (My son Sam said it best: ”My mom had few rules, but high expectations.” I think it worked out pretty well, but that’s a whole other column.)

We are free to be who we want to be in wardrobe style, accoutrements and accessories.
We don’t wear girdles anymore. 
Nor panty hose. 
Nor modest maternity attire. 
Exposed pregnant bellies are now the norm.

Maybe flagrantly exposed cleavage and nipples will soon join the ranks of acceptable appearance.

Maybe Da’Vine Joy Randolph will soon get an award for best dressed actress. Stranger things have happened.
Who knows? 

Keep Preserving Your Bloom,

Hope Springs Eternal

Four days ago, on January 1, we slid into home plate on the tails of the old year, 2023. In baseball lingo, I liken the first day of any new year to Opening Day of baseball season.

No one would argue with the statement that 2023 was a challenging year and that those challenges will, unfortunately, probably be following us into the new one:
     The Middle East conflict
     The Ukrainian plight
     The continuous surge of Illegal immigrants across our border
     The upcoming election

There are some bright spots amid the chaos: 
     Inflation is being contained
     Crime rates have actually fallen
     The Supreme Court upheld America’s toughest animal cruelty law

World peace and our own personal inner peace aren’t easy to come by these days. But if you look to the world of sports – and baseball in particular – an abundance of feats not easy to come by are on a regular basis being achieved nevertheless. 

For instance:

In 1969, the New York Mets had never finished higher than 9th in the 10 team National League. And they never had a winning season.

But the Chicago Cubs, which led their division with a stellar line-up and amazing talent that year, had a late season collapse and the Mets ended up finishing 8 games ahead of the Cubs to clinch the National League East title.

And they didn’t stop there!

The Mets defeated the National League West champions, the Atlanta Braves, three games to none in the National League Series. The Mets then defeated the American League champions, the Baltimore Orioles, in five games to clinch the coveted title of World Series Champions.

The Mets became known as the “Miracle Mets.”
WHY? Because the Baltimore Orioles at that time were considered to be one of the finest teams ever assembled and had star players at almost every position. The Mets? Those guys were considered “very mediocre.”

And yet, The Mets won!

My husband and I are baby boomers. When coming of age, no game reflected and captured our anguish and our aspirations more accurately in the world of sports than the game of baseball. And this strong affinity for bats, balls, strikes and homers continues today down to our kids, grandkids and extended family.

The announcers shout out at every Opening Day “Play Ball.” And no matter how illusive victory may be, we secure our tickets, we gather our friends and family, we argue over trades and plays and umpire calls. Why?  Because hope springs eternal and every spring in every new year is another opportunity to “get it right” by outplaying and out witting our opponents. 

If the New York Mets could win against such great odds, perhaps by some unforeseen miracle the world’s ills can also be reversed and we all emerge “victorious.”

https://www.mlb.com/video/mets-win-1969-world-series-c1889909583

I fervently hope in the year ahead that our team – our citizens, our nation, and our world – sees peace and harmony blanketing our playing field.

Miracles happen to those who believe in them. And I believe in miracles. 

Play Ball and Keep Preserving Your Bloom,

Nurturing Longevity

To my dear sister, Lori,

This week’s column is devoted to giving you advice to start off the New Year – which I am SURE you are so very anxious to hear. Being ten years younger, you’re probably quite sick of not only my advice, but gleaning wisdom from the host of experiences I have had over the years – not all of which ended in victory, progress or satisfaction on my part.

But on the subject of nurturing longevity – since I’ve decided to live until age 96 – another twenty years – I’m waxing verbose when it comes to your longevity too.

Here goes on what can you expect in the next decade:

The only things that will get thinner are your lips, the hair on the crown of your head and the skin on your skinny arms – where you will surely develop capillary fragility. Look it up if you want.
https://www.wellrx.com/hn/us/assets/health-condition/capillary-fragility/~default/#:~:text=About%20This%20Condition,a%20person%20has%20capillary%20fragility
Mom had it and so did our Aunt Mel. And so do I.

Your eyelids will get more fuggy – I mean puffy – and the bags under your eyes will become more pronounced.

In less than ten years, no one will exclaim with wonder when you tell them that you have no more children in their thirties.

The grandkids you are so eagerly anticipating will be over their adoring stage with you and your husband and heaven only knows what techy toys will be capturing their rapturous attention. If they are “raised right” they may still acknowledge your presence when you cross the threshold into their homes. 

Your daily life will become less efficient as you forgot more and more things, events, facts and how to perform certain tasks. If you are wise, you will write EVERYTHING DOWN and KEEP IT HANDY (IN PLAIN SIGHT). If you are flush with cash, you may consider utilizing a concierge doctor.

I don’t have to again reiterate about the abundance of facial hair you will notice – that has been adequately covered in many of my former columns.

Any trait that irritates you about your husband will magnify – and vice versa with him in regards to your behavior and quirks.

Oh yes, you may need hearing aids.

And you will be giving away any shoes with the least bit of a platform because your balance will suck. 

NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS:
You will wake up each day with a profound sense of gratitude. I’ve been reciting the Hebrew prayer Modi Amie very morning in recognition of my good fortune – you may want to also.

Modeh ani lefanekha melekh ḥai vekayam sheheḥezarta bi nishmati b’ḥemlah, rabah emunatekha. 

I gratefully thank you, O living and eternal king, for you have returned my soul within me with compassion – abundant is Your Faithfullness!

You will be happier and more at peace as never before. Even though you are surrounded by the inevitable decrements of your aging, you will recognize it’s better “to be over the hill, than under it.”

You will take profound pleasure in the little things – a candle with a pleasant aroma, a text from a grandchild, an unexpected Face Time call from an old friend, a newly found picture of our parents, a distant relative tracked downs through Ancestry. 

You will feel deep gratitude for your home, your financial security, your burgeoning family and the good deeds you and your husband have performed in the community and beyond over the past decades. 

Of course, again We Plan, G-d Laughs, so what’s the harm in a little projection as long as we do so tongue-in-cheek, right?

And yeah, one more thing, when speaking of tongue-in-cheek – your teeth will yellow if you are fortunate enough to still have them. But, if I know you, you will still be smiling that fantastic smile forever.

I sure hope so.

Keep Preserving Your Bloom,

PS: You will constantly misplace your phone and every once in a while, you will ask me why I never write about you in my newsletter. 

Where Did The Time Go?

How many times do we ask ourselves this question:
Where did the time go?

One of my sons sent me an early morning  text a few days ago asking that same question – prompted by the reality that that particular day his oldest child turned 17.

I shared his disbelief.

In our modern world, we have the capability of stopping or slowing down many things.

Just peruse the plethora of articles and advertisements on the internet all directed to counteract deceleration of our aging process – through surgery, supplements, exercise, diet, mental stimulation, meditation, massage, physical therapy, etc. 

And in reality, probably a fair number of these products and services do make us healthier and will help prevent some aspects of aging from overtaking our lives.

But in reality, the one thing we can’t slow down is the grains of sand flowing through the hour glass – hurtling us through time into an unknown future.

I’ve been giving this subject a lot of thought in the last few days. Soon my oldest granddaughter will be taking her driving test. Soon she and her first cousin (who is already driving!) will be going off to college – not tomorrow, of course, but not years away. 

Soon my husband and I will have no children in their 30’s.

Geez.

So if we can’t stop time, how can we fully utilize the time we have?

I am a planner. At the same time, I like to think I am somewhat in touch with reality – although my kids, I’m sure, would partially disagree with that when I display some emotional craziness.

With this in mind and kinda tongue-in-cheek, I am announcing my intention to live until age 96. I recently determined that reaching that milestone would give me enough time to accomplish all that is on my To-Do list plus fulfill many of my more aspirational desires for things I have yet to even discover I want to accomplish and add to my To Do list.

With this in mind, I also firmly embrace the adage that WE PLAN. GOD LAUGHS.

How do I reconcile these two conflicting states of being?

I do this by simply living in the moment and being very picky – nit-picky really – on how I spend my time and with whom I spend my time.

I’ve always been a maniac when it comes to time management.
     Wasting time makes me cry 
     Waiting in a long line upsets my equilibrium
     Putting something in the computer over and over again because I’m not doing it properly makes me crazy
     Forgetting how to do something and then having to start from scratch – that drives me bonkers too

The difference is that as I age I realize that the quality of my time is the only thing I can control – at least partially. And so, when I’m detained, I try to have something on hand to help me productively pass the time – I phones are a great resource for this.

Another difference in my outlook is staying healthy is now more about preserving my quality of life and less about my physical appearance. 

I’m hoping for 96 years of quality life (the heavens are rumbling with huge gales of laughter right now, which I am ignoring). If I’m destined for less, it’s okay because I’m making the most of each minute that flows through  that hourglass.

I hope you are too.

Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanza to my loyal readers who celebrate these holidays. 

And for us all, let’s keep those watering cans handy to  continue Preserving Our Blooms for as long as we can. 

A Brand New Experience

I had an experience over Thanksgiving weekend that I’ve never had before. I had an opportunity to see a Broadway show before its official opening at the Belasco Theater in Manhattan. 

The show was How To Dance In Ohio, a musical based on the Peabody Award-winning documentary of the same name that can, at present, be viewed on Netflix. Both the musical and the documentary explore common themes of belonging, courage to put yourself out in the world and the universal need we all have for connection and engagement. The setting is a counseling center in Columbus where seven autistic young adults are preparing for their first ever formal dance – a coming of age experience that forces them once again to grapple with finding their way in an often bewildering world.  

How To Dance In Ohio would have its official opening a few weeks later, on December tenth. This would be the day the critics let loose with their personal views of the play – ripping it to shreds, praising it highly or a little bit of both. 

Like everything in life, there are so many ways to slice a cake. 

Theatre-goers described How To Dance In Ohio as “delightful, entertaining, absorbing, relevant and enchanting.”

Here’s what some of the critics wrote about How To Dance In Ohio after its official opening performance:   

     New York Times: musical breaks new ground on Broadway

     Variety: big hearted, earnest…too much telling and not enough showing…

     Entertainment Weekly: the music is only okay…but the moments that do hit…hit hard…just ask the folks in my row reaching for tissues

     Deadline: the show is destined to live in the inescapable shadow of Kimberly Akimbo, that perfect show just a block away

     The Daily Beast: a funny, joyful and cheering assertion of both diversity and self-determination

That afternoon I sat in the dark with strangers – in a filled to capacity theatre. I listened to stories that illuminate a  shade of humanity I had not experienced. It was a different kind of community – a temporary community – that felt safe and in sync and yet the possibility was ever present of something going wrong on stage that kept us all awake, aware and fully present. 

And that’s the beauty of live performances. They are immediate. They are evolving. And each performance is slightly different. Live theatre encourages discourse and dialogue, especially important when viewed against the backdrop of our current world – a world filled to the brim with social media, digital technology and virtual experiences – all delivered through our oversized screens gracing our homes. 

Actress Janelle Snow‘s take on the magic of live theater expresses my feelings so well: “It’s like a sporting event of the heart – where you’re gathered in a space, often shoulder to shoulder, breathing the same air, experiencing the same sensory input and letting your thoughts and emotions go on an unpredictable ride together.”

The applause that afternoon was at times deafening.  The standing ovation at the end for the entire cast was particularly poignant given the fact that the seven cast members playing autistic young adults were autistic themselves and making their debut on Broadway. 

Me? I loved it. 

I left the theater on that dismal, rainy afternoon with a buoyant heart and a hopeful spirit. If these seven autistic actors and the autistic young adults they portrayed could face life with humor, courage and determination, so could I.

I walked out with renewed resolve to power forward with personal goals which up to this point had been shrouded in fear and anxiety. 

In closing, click on this link to experience a little taste of the magic of How To Dance In Ohio:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx3sRu_2TBQ

Keep Preserving Your Bloom,

Crawling Into Bed At 4:21 AM

I crawled into bed at 4:21 AM – bleary eyed, exhausted and berating myself for staying up so late.
 
Around 11:00 PM, I had been restlessly searching for something to binge watch. I came across The Golden Bachelor.
 
I NEVER WATCH REALITY TV but something about the premise caught my attention: finding love for a golden-aged, widowed bachelor with 60 to 75-year-old contestants. Having so many friends who are widowed, divorced or never married, I was curious to see what people experience when looking for “the perfect match” later in life and The Golden Bachelor seemed like it would deliver.
 
I was drawn into the drama immediately. Apparently I wasn’t the only one intrigued by the concept of senior citizens finding lasting love and marriage. According to The Hollywood Reporter, 139 million viewers tuned in.
 
Here’s Gerry….
 

ABC News
 
The Golden Bachelor features a cast of 20 very attractive and well-preserved women vying for Gerry’s attention and ultimately his proposal of marriage. Premiering in September, it concluded in November with The Bachelor, Gerry Turner, choosing Theresa Nist to marry, which will be televised on January 4 on ABC TV.
 
Here’s the happy couple….

Disney/John Fleenor
 
I watched the first five of nine episodes in one night, thus the late bedtime. I witnessed genuine tears. I witnessed  heartfelt emotions and shared confidences about past loves and losses. And I witnessed in-fighting among the women when feelings began to intensify for Gerry. 
 
Gerry Turner, a handsome, fit man, wooed each woman passionately – causing me to marvel at his ability to do so. 
 
And the entire time, I wondered how I would cope with the situation of bonding with other women – strangers – who I was also avidly competing against. That’s a tall order. I’m not so sure I’m that secure.
 
Before I could finish the last few episodes, controversy surfaced on social media over Gerry Turner’s lack of transparency. He had related to Entertainment Tonight that he hadn’t dated in 45 years and hadn’t been kissed in six years.
 
Whoa Gerry!
 
But as Parade previously reported, a shocking Hollywood Reporter article revealed the claims of a former girlfriend, who said Gerry romanced her just one month after his wife Toni’s sudden death. 
They allegedly lived together for more than a year and then split up after Gerry expressed his displeasure over her 10-pound weight gain before his high school reunion.

For the more lurid details, click on this link:
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a44565012/the-golden-bachelor-gerry-turner/

After that revelation, I lost interest in the show and never watched the last couple of episodes – until, that is, I read about how gut wrenching The Golden Bachelor finale proved for all concerned. I couldn’t resist. 

What did I learn  from watching and reading about this reality show? Two things:
     Next time those involved in the production should check-out their candidates’ backgrounds more thoroughly. 
     The basic premise of the show remains intact: both men and women have a need for connection.
As Theresa said, “You can’t put an age limit on love.”

Interested in auditioning for The Golden Bachelor Season 2?
If so, you can apply online at www.goldenbachelorcasting.com

Be prepared to answer lots of questions and submit at least two photos. BTW, bachelorettes don’t get paid and can accrue considerable styling costs.

Happy hunting, keep preserving your bloom, and let us know if you make the cut.

What happens when my reach exceeds my grasp?

Okay
Okay
Okay

I know I’m 76 years old.
I also know that everyone in our day I notice more signs of aging on my body such as those “adorable” age spots popping up on my hands, neck and cheeks.

The conundrum is how to dress fashionably funky without looking ridiculous at my advanced age.

The first rule of thumb is (IMO – in my opinion) to cover up the body zones showing age – I do this daily with my various colored body suits .

My go-to favorite body suit color is black.

My second rule: NO MORE RULES – WEAR WHAT THE HELL YOU WANT. (IMO)

My go-to favorite style of dressing is (drum roll)…..BOHO CHIC.

I couple this with a bold philosophical statement:
Always let your reach exceed your grasp.

I know my more savvy classical-dressing friends find this idea appalling – that’s part of the fun of pushing the envelope of propriety.

Here are some essentials to create that eclectic, wild woman look:

     Maxi or midi skirts that are not too pouffy – in solid colors or with minimal pattern

     Floppy brimmed or brimless hats

     Graphic t-shirts, oversized tanks or camis – worn underneath denim or crocheted vests or paired under loose knit, slouchy cardigans

     The more fringe the better

     Flared jeans

     Head-wraps – worn across your forehead or one or two inches past your hairline. This fashion accessory is greatly enhanced if you are lucky enough to have wild curly or wavy masses of hair (that ship has sailed for me).

Choice of handbag: oversized boho, cross body, canvas skinny or one of my hand-knitted purses are perfect accoutrements.

Ankle booties or strappy, lace-up sandals are a good boho chic choice or canvas high tops.

Accessorize like crazy:
     Oversized sunglasses
     Bright red lipstick
     Lace detailing
     Layered beaded bracelets and necklaces

After all that time-consuming expenditure of energy assembling your boho chic image, you have ‘been successful if your look comes off as “breezy and effortless.“

Hee hee.

Short-cut to success: Use Pinterest to find outfit ideas and then take a trip inside your own closet to re-create the outfits using what you already own.

Here’s the result of my my most recent closet foraging:

This is it :

Jean jacket over a body suit combined with a multi-layered black skirt – topped  off with an ancient pair of nylon boots and plenty of silver jangly jewelry (that you can’t see). Notice my close proximity to my neighbor’s Harley – beats my SUV for coolness any day!

Watch out world – here I come – another fine example of my always letting my reach exceed my grasp.

Keep Preserving Your Bloom,

I Can’t Remember So Many Things

I can’t remember so many things:
     When I last saw my sister-in-law JoAnn who lives in Israel
     What I had for dinner two nights ago
     What my husband and I did last New Year’s Eve

I can’t remember:
What I read about CBD and gummies to help the elderly cope with aging’s ills (yikes – I am elderly too – I need to pay more attention!!!!).

What AARP said in its monthly magazine about how to be “a super-ager.” It was something about connectedness and engagement with others.

And I only vaguely remember the article I read about “less is more” when putting pen to paper – but the impact of that particular article lingers in the blurry recesses of my memory. And it guides me as I process just exactly what and how I choose to write.

For instance: using one or two adjectives to describe something is more powerful than a string of them

Ditto for citing an example of something: one clearly written example suffices over two or three wordy ones 

More will simply exhaust AND dilute the message.

I collect quotes centering around the word Bloom. I have many.

     My favorite is: Bloom Where You Are Planted

     My newest is: Whoever Doesn’t Laugh, Doesn’t Bloom

If I continued to list every BLOOM quote I have ever collected, you’d probably become incredibly bleary-eyed and rapidly desensitized to the power of the word BLOOM itself.

But – if I only list a few – you may be so motivated to jot them down, marvel at their punchiness and utilize the gems in your next conversation – if you can remember them, of course.

With brevity and its effect on emphasis in mind, I’m presenting one quote and one quote only as your tummy is finishing digesting your Thanksgiving meal. I’m presenting one quote only to hold close as we finish up with the holiday focused on gratitude and thankfulness for our bounty in life. 

I am consciously not imparting any more information than to name the person who wrote the words of wisdom below and how I know her. Your imagination – and your own life’s circumstances – will fill-in the rest of the story behind her words

Her name is Dena. We share three grandchildren. Only months ago she became a widow after many years of marriage. This is what she recently texted to me:

“Some days are difficult, but I think about all I’ve had – and still have – and I smile.”

Thanks, Dena.

Keep Smiling and Keep Preserving Your Bloom,