1. The amusing aspect of ageing is in words, not numbers. Consider rebel and repel as magnetic poles that attract or repulse, for instance! This change in meaning, not because of the natural evolution of word usage but a typographical error, can ignite a fervent discussion.
2. My siblings’ children are having children of their own. The word gran is uttered often. And I meticulously browse through the dictionary to uncover reasons behind my new status, each time I hear it. Memory fails me, just as the lexicon. “What if you simply call me by my first name?” I ask. A radical suggestion in a culture that puts respect for elders high on the list.
3. A deficiency in language production is observed in older adults. Yet, the idea of creating my unique language fills me with excitement. I practice grace with words.
4. At a friend’s place, we discover grace is a nuanced word. A theist takes us down a supernatural path. A gym rat proclaims, “Dumbbells are my church!” To pacify, for we’ve all found new religions, I confess poetry as my church.
5. Gracefully, an adverb to capture our relaxed and confident ways as we age, is what we are aiming for.
6. On dining out. A waiter with impressive biceps flashes a smile at me and says, “Sexy Chick.” Feeling flattered, I flutter my mascaraed eyelashes and say, “Oh, thank you!”
7. One friend, with a trace of smugness in her voice, places her manicured fingernail on the menu, and where ingredients of the sexy chick dish are elaborately explained. The other friend bursts into laughter, prompting an urgent dash to the bathroom. I grin as I contemplate who is having the last laugh, now.
8. Ageing is a blessing, growing up is optional.
9. Middle age can feel like a crossroads or a crisis, as chicks fly the nest and parents demand care. I write to a friend. And she responds, “There’s no need to jump off the building yet. Our small town offers three powerful remedies to ease mental distress: a hardware store, a liquor store and a pharmacy, one is bound to work.”
10. Life is beautiful—
11. It’s true, life becomes more beautiful as I age. Of course, that was before I got new prescription glasses.
12. I ponder the best way of looking at ageing. With or without glasses?
13. Maybe one way of looking is with friends. You can always remind each other not to take yourselves too seriously.
Happy October, Good People! I celebrated another birthday at the beginning of the month. And I’m navigating the delicate balance between humour and darkness, autumn’s delicate dance. 🙂
As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, 