WOOF: Media Monday - The "Old As Dirt" Syndrome

Fess up: How many of us WOOFers buy into the "old as dirt" imagine? In posting thoughts I received in one of those anonymous, supposedly uplifting emails, I added my own interpretation, in red.

As I've aged, I've tried to be kinder and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. (I'm my own worse enemy! Not buying into this kinder, gentler garbage)

Whose business is it, if I choose to read, or play, on the computer, until 4 AM, or sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50, 60 and 70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will. (Still feelin' guilty about all my Facebook time!)

I will walk the beach, in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves, with abandon, if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the Gen X set. They, too, will get old. (Are you kidding me!! I won't walk through my own house without a coverup!)

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And, I eventually remember the important things. (Okay. I'll buy into that)

Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break, when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But, broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding, and compassion. A heart never broken, is pristine, and sterile, and will never know the joy of being imperfect. (Check)

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. (LOL, ROFL, LMAO! Gray hair and wrinkles? Not feeling so blessed)

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. (Feeling more positive? About what? Sags and bags? Ever shrinking retirement income? Knees that creak when I walk? You don't agree? Guess what? I don't care!)

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day.  (Now, that's more like it!)

And, don't forget: Laughter is the key!

WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty 

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WOOF: Media Monday - Letter From A Stranger

For all you Barbara Taylor Bradford fans! I became one years ago when I read Woman of Substance. While I haven't read all her books, I was recently sent the audio version of Letter From A Stranger by publicist, Esther Bochner of MacMillan and Co, and was reminded why I'm a fan.

Justine Nolan is a documentary filmmaker who lost her beloved grandmother a decade ago – the person who was the only source of love and comfort in her life. Her own mother, Deborah, has always been distant and uninvolved, following her own agenda in pursuit of her career as an interior designer.

But when Justine inadvertently opens a letter addressed to her mother, she discovers that not only is her grandmother, Gabriele, alive, but that Deborah has deliberately estranged the family from her for all these years. Justine’s search for her grandmother takes her to Istanbul, where she begins to uncover the family’s secrets, which stretch all the way back to World War II. As the layers of deception peel away, Justine begs to understand a woman she never really knew… and she begins to ask questions about the true desires of her own heart.

My Review:

As usual, Barbara Taylor Bradford sucked me, imediately, into this beautiful story of family secrets and intrigue. Vivid descriptions take the reader on a magical journey as Justine Nolan struggles to find answers to troubling questions revealed in a letter that could change all she's believed about her family.

At first, I wasn't sure I'd appreciate Nicola Barber's reading of the audio book, but her soothing voice quickly engaged.

I enjoyed this book every bit as much as other Barbara Taylor Bradford novels, although Woman of Substance remains my all-time favorite.

"Letter..." is captivating from start to finish.

Speaking of captivating! Don't forget about the

fun side of fifty!

WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty on

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WOOF: Don't Scare The Dog!

Two elderly women were out driving in a large car - both could barely see over the dashboard. As they were cruising along, they came to an intersection. The stoplight was red, but they just went on through. The woman in the passenger seat thought to herself 'I must be losing it. I could have sworn we just went through a red light.'

After a few more minutes, they came to another intersection and the light was red. Again, they went right through. The woman in the passenger seat was almost sure that the light had been red but was really concerned that she was losing it. She was getting nervous.

At the next intersection, sure enough, the light was red and they went on through. So she turned to the other woman and said, 'Mildred, did you know that we just ran through three red lights in a row? You could have killed us both!'

Mildred turned to her and said, 'Oh, crap, am I driving?'

I'm sure Mildred's dog can relate!

For more senior and dog humor,

WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty on

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