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SHIFTING GEARS

9/25/2022

13 Comments

 
Picture
                                      Shifting Gears
                                                           

Am I getting old?   No, really!   Am I reaching old age?   It was only yesterday when I performed in a ballet as Snow White with those shiny pink toe shoes ribboned up, eating away at my feet while taking  many steps and twirls slipping me into an imaginary world of delight.  I was 12!

My hair continues to get thinner as I attempt to wrap skinny thread-like strands around the barrel of a curling iron each day.  Creases all over the face are voluminous as I take time to look into the mirror holding a jar of wrinkle remover.   The once loved tiny freckles are now called age spots.   I cake on newly purchased Clinique #9 Sand-colored make-up.  This daily routine is more than a habit.   It’s a job!

During decades of teaching, I recall when that make-up came in handy appearing in front of the students and parents.   Attempting to involve sixth graders into the world of diagramming sentences, making sure a subject and verb was a daily happening.   Producing polished papers occurred weekly.   Over a period of thirty years, I had a ball spending twelve-hour days planning, creating, trying to make Ancient Rome come alive with Roman dress and tasting grapes while teaching about life during those times.

I’ve dropped out of volunteering at the Chamber of Commerce and have dismissed myself from the Camden Kitchen Tour responsibilities.   Bridge playing has been replaced by MahJongg.

My mind is happily flooded with memories of sailing adventures, the excitement of fly-fishing, screaming happily as the golf ball entered the hole.   Traveling while learning about the happenings of life in visited areas all flood my mind.   Treasured reflections extensively travel swiftly, swiftly speed by as recalled details are brought back to life through photographs, letters and journals of passing times.

Today the majority of my time is spent finding misplaced car keys or remembering to check the calendar for previously set up dates.   I often discover I’ve written that same grocery list on three different scraps of paper found throughout the house.   How quickly these behaviors take over, replacing “sharp-as-a-tack” routines.   

In her 90’s my mother, told me, “Enjoy the daily adventures.   Observe slowly as those memories become a diary of life’s happenings”.   Such wise words I try to live by each day.

I love taking trips through remembered experiences.

Cherished matters I thought were so desperately important no longer exist, as a spotlessly clean house gives way to reading a good book and the sailboat has been sold providing time to producing a well-written story.

As I grow older the days change into a quiet, less hectic, peacefulness.   I love each stage of life I have experienced, including this one.   I am encountering a slowing down reality and need to treasure this piece of my life.

I no longer fit into that size 10 dress, flirting with that good-looking guy who just took my order.   I have changed.  I am getting older, embracing each day as my mind jumps from previous adventures while treasuring the joy of memories.


13 Comments
Barbara Chase
9/27/2022 04:02:08 pm

You're aging in the very best way, Barb. It all sounds familiar.

Reply
Barb
9/27/2022 06:05:35 pm

I'm still having a whole lot of fun, Barbara...as are you!

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Pat
9/27/2022 05:09:48 pm

Oh Barbie, you are aging beautifully! Every day is a new adventure even if it’s a quiet one! I always keep that smile and that gleam in your eye! You are so special to so many! Love you dearly

Reply
Barb
9/27/2022 06:06:56 pm

Those kind, loving words mean something, Pat. Aren't we having fun in this time of our lives?

Reply
Pat
9/30/2022 08:25:14 am

🤗😊❤️🥰

Carol
9/27/2022 05:31:16 pm

LOVE that new pic of you Barb. You are aging gracefully and beautifully. And it’s ok to take a nap in the afternoon😘

Reply
Barb
9/27/2022 06:10:47 pm

I just got up today's nap and Spencer and I took off on our daily walk - watching that ball of sunshine as it drops slowly over the horizon. It's going to be a wonderful evening, Carol.

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Ellen
9/28/2022 12:21:50 am

Barb, love that you are continuing your excellent writing. Always love it when you share your thoughts on paper!
Bravo!

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Barb
9/28/2022 08:52:28 am

That's a GREAT BIG compliment, Ellen. Makes me want to continue to write!

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Pam Parsons
9/30/2022 11:45:30 am

Oh Barb, you expressed the the “joys” of aging so well. I absolutely love your way with words. Love you and sending happy thoughts, Pam

Reply
Barb
9/30/2022 01:06:19 pm

Oh, Pam, we must delight in growing old. There are so many things we've learned throughout the years. I treasure everyone of them and think I am a better person for all the things I've attempted to do. Thanks for your kind thoughts.

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Jane Babbitt
10/1/2022 06:37:08 am

Barb, you’re my idol. I’m sending this one to my kids (41 & 44).

Reply
Barb
10/1/2022 08:28:11 am

WOW! What kind thoughts you share. We must have coffee one day because I'd love to hear about your adventures.

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