‘At my age I should be slowing down, but that’s not happening’

Grab life by the throat! Do it, try it, and live for the day. It’s a mantra to live by, because the days we have left are so special; as I approach my 79th birthday I am taking stock of what I once imagined I would be at this age.

I should be in a chair knitting and dozing. While that may happen on the odd afternoon, mostly it is just not my thing. I am out several days a week, hardly enough time to do the essentials — I belong to a writing group, an art group, and meet up with friends once or twice a week. Then of course I try to write for Starts at 60, and even find time to read a book or two. I also love cooking.

At my age I should wear a slick of lipstick and be perfumed with lavender water. Wrong! I wear full war paint most days, and love all perfumes, when I can afford them or when a beautiful friend sends me some! I have been lucky this year. I also put my makeup on as I drink my first cup of tea, as I hate the pale faced old trout I am. I’ll do that for as long as I can see the face in the mirror.

I should be wearing plain clothes, simple shapes boring colours. While I do like classic shapes and lines — I even like pearls — I also own a pair of silver leggings, a see-through kaftan, and many glittery items more at home on a stage than in the high street. I love flowing clothes and a bit of drama!

At my age I should listen to symphonies and Glen Campbell or some new age crooner. Sure, I like Rod Stewart doing the old songs, and listen to classical ballet music, but I also play reggae, heavy rock and music from my mad days in the ’70s. If you catch me bopping around the kitchen it is a truly scary sight.

I should be ‘slowing down’, playing Bingo with other seniors, and my days should be structured and organised. I suppose I am the most unstructured person. Today, I made an impromptu apple cake, no recipe, but it was divine. I broke some glass into small pieces and made two mosaic pictures for a miniatures exhibition. Instead of housework, I wrote a blog.

At this advanced age I could be frail and divorced. Nope, that didn’t happen. We’ve been a team for fifty-nine years so far. We both have health issues, but nothing that has yet stopped us moving or getting out of the house. As long as life is kind and we remain fit I know we will both paint, write and drink wine with our friends. For that small mercy I am delighted.

A year or so back I taught a disabled group how to paint. One lady was nearly blind and challenged in many ways, but this particular week she did a design of her own. Impressed and delighted, I asked her what she called it? She said ‘Happy’, and for me that says it all. With her difficult and restricted life, she can show us how to live. Be happy.

Do you have a mantra in life? Share it with us.

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