Learning To Embrace Your Age: I'm Turning 55 And I Don't Care Who Knows It

At the end of this week I'll be turning 55 years old.

FIFTY FIVE. Double nickels. Rounding up to 60. But alive, yes alive, YES ALIVE!

Yes, that's right. I am not afraid to shout to the rooftops how old I am.

Ever since I was a little girl I've loved celebrating birthdays. Anyone and everyone's. Because birthdays always feel so special. They're about joy and a celebration of life.

My kindergarten picture - 1965

I've never been able to understand why some women feel the need to hide their age. Why? What's the point? Is it vanity? Do they want to stop aging? (Hmm, what's the opposite of that?) Do they think there's a Fountain of Youth they'll discover by not admitting how old they are?

It's all so ridiculous.

We are who we are, and whether or not you admit your age, there is nothing you can do about it. Life will always move on.

So embrace who you are, and be proud of it.

I've loved every stage of my life, but I'd never want to go back to being a teen, twenty or thirty years old again. Been there, done that.

It's time for the next chapter. The next experience, next lesson, next thing to learn, to cherish, to lose or to gain.

Life is all about moving on and being ready for what lies ahead.

As part of my birthday celebration, I've always enjoyed reminiscing about what's happened on the day of my birth, such as past birthday parties, famous people born that day, and events that occurred.

Shirley MacLaine and her daughter appeared on the cover of LIFE Magazine the day after I was born. Jack Lemmon shares my birthday.

Everyone who knows me knows that I'm wild about the world of entertainment. So it's fun knowing that I share my special day with two actors I greatly admire: Jack Lemmon and James Dean. The successful writer, John Grisham, was also born on the same day. Perhaps his writing magic will rub off on me. Hmm.

I also get a kick out of paging through my book, What a Year it Was! (Beverly Cohn, MMS Publishing, 1998) to see what was going on in the world in 1959.

Don't you love the "datable" information? Too funny.

When it's your turn to celebrate your birthday, remember that it's a gift to be another year older. Who cares how many candles are on your cake? It matters more how you live your life in between each birthday celebration.

How A Boy, His Grandfather And A Bottle Of Port Reminded Me Of My Blessings

There are moments in our lives that move us. Moments that quietly present us with a gift so magical that they weave themselves onto a permanent patch of our heart.

If we listen very carefully and quietly, we may notice that these unforgettable moments are shouting to us as if to say, “Hey, I’m about to do something grand, so live in the NOW because you won’t want to miss this.”

Last night I had such moments. And as they busily attached themselves onto my heart, I realized they would sum up best what my past year has been all about.

Blessings.

My son was born in 1992, and this month he turned 21. At the time of his birth my father, a wine aficionado, knew that the year 1992 was a great year for vintage port. He presented us, and our infant son, with a case of it, and affixed a handmade sign to the top of the crate that looked something like this:

Through the years we’ve talked of how this vintage port will taste after 21 years, how luscious it’s fruity flavors will feel on our tongues, and how we’d marvel at its rich and velvety texture.

Carefully decanting the port to remove any sediment

The anticipation was palpable.

The moment had finally arrived.

Last night we dined over Chinese food at my parent’s apartment. It was an intimate and informal gathering of the five of us.

To me, the stars of the show were not the food or the conversation. It was not the pleasantries exchanged, the sports scores watched or the discussion about The Kennedy Center honorees.

As we slowly sipped our first tastes of this extraordinary port, I drank in the moments that were presenting themselves to me as a perfect year-end gift.

I lovingly watched these two men talk and sip, being ever so mindful to realize what was happening right in front of me.

While everyone is busy publishing their year-end reviews, “best” of series, top 10 lists, what they did and who they spoke to in 2013, my post is a very simple one.

It’s about a boy and his grandfather, and the opening of a bottle of vintage port.

It’s about two of the blessings I have in my life. And their gift to me of a new patch on my heart.

What are your blessings?

The Holidays Are A Season Of Joy, Possibilities And Hope

This was an extraordinary week. I know it is supposed to be the season of magic. The season of joy and possibilities.

One thing I know for sure. It is the season of hope.

We're all running around like crazy trying to get things done by Christmas Eve. It can drive us to sheer madness.

Are we happy and excited? Are we anxious and weary?

When we're young the holidays are a time filled with wonder, of great joy and anticipation. As we age what happens to us? When did that childlike wonder leave us? Or is it possible to carry that innocence somewhere in our hearts?

On a snowy, gray day that matched my mood, I threw on my snow boots and down coat to maneuver our long driveway to collect our mail. To my great surprise, there was a large package addressed to me.

I was so happy see it.

Remember how we used to feel when we opened our mailbox, and there was an envelope with your name and address handwritten on it? The anticipation of birthday or holiday cards was so exciting I couldn't wait for the mailman to come.

I quickly tore my package open.

What was inside is what the holiday season is all about. It brought tears to my eyes, and lifted my spirits.

My dear friend saw a photo of our cat, Max, and created this portrait. She sent it as a gift and surrounded me in joy and friendship. In an instant, my heart felt lighter.

Do you ever become nostalgic over the holidays? Thinking of past celebrations and the people you miss; thinking of those who are gone, and those who live far away?

Every year I get a box of Kleenex ready to watch the short TCM video tribute to people in front of and behind the camera who have passed. I feel sad they are gone, yet thankful for the many gifts they left for the ages. They are all treasures.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6gXi67ueD0

We live in a world where headlines buzz daily about greed, hatred, sickness and violence. We become cynical, wary of the guy next to us, doubting the sincerity of our fellow man. We cut ourselves off from seeing the simple things, the generosity of spirit and beauty around us.

It's no wonder we lose our innocence as we get older.

Another surprise gift I received from another dear friend. It touched my heart.
Photo: BooksIsWonderful.com

At this time of year I take time to reflect on the beauty in the world, and, in doing so, try to create a better "me" by telling myself I am blessed and have so much to be thankful for. I think of those blessings and hold them close.

On our darkest days we must prevail by remembering the blessings in our lives.

The video above was sent to me by fellow blogger extraordinaire Sharon Hodor Greenthal who first invited me into her blogging community. I was welcomed with open arms. Sharon shares my love of Peanuts and Frank and Broadway. She and her partner in crime, Anne Parris, and all the midlife bloggers at Midlife Boulevard, support each other on a daily basis.

In my fifties I am blessed with all of the new friendships I have found with them, both online and in real life.

The world may seem cold at times, and life can feel dark and bleak. But I have hope that tomorrow will always be a better day, and that the holidays are filled with magic and wonder and joy.

The innocence and wonder of childhood can last a lifetime. As I said, this is a season of hope.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year.

A Quick Post To Thank You, With A Little Help From My Musical Men

I hope you and your family enjoy a joyous and peaceful Thanksgiving while surrounded by those you love. May your belly be filled with magical moments and delicious treats.

As much as I love writing, I enjoy hearing from you even more. Your opinions and stories matter to me, and I thank you for your continued support and interest in my blog

As my beloved uncle once told me, what a wonderful and joyous world we live in.

I'd like to offer you four songs that are special to me at Thanksgiving. My taste in music got stuck somewhere between 1935-1975, so these are oldies but boy, are they goodies.

From my table to yours, I wish you safe travels, lasting peace and good health.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2VCwBzGdPM

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