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Posted on 06/19/2007 6:14:42 PM PDT by Soaring Feather
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“Shangri-la”
Two blocks down and one over, just under the Dairy Queen sign.
You know, I haven’t been to a DQ for 30 years . . . no wonder I’ve been thinking about it so much.
This morning I was thinking of Lost Horizon, the old movie. I went searching and found all these silly resorts!!
Never did find any Lost Horizon frames of their Shangri-la.
You’re welcome, Lady!
Isn’t this odd, I was thinking about Shangri-la — low and behold the old movie was on the tube.
A Gift
by Unknown
The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction, he was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let him know.
Growing Older, I decided, is a gift. I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body ... the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror, but I don’t agonize over those things for long. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly.
As I’ve aged, I’ve become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I’ve become my own friend. I don’t chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn’t need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to be messy, to be extravagant, to smell the flowers. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 a.m, and then sleep until —???
I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50’s & 60’s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will. 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 bikini set. They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But then again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things. 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 a 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.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. I can say “no” and mean it. I can say “yes” and mean it.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don’t question myself any- more. I’ve even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being older. 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.... if I want.
Today, I wish you a day of ordinary miracles.
Oh, no! And I missed it!!!!!!! ARRRGGH!!!!!!
Turner Classic Movie Channel I do believe.
Fascinating as ever.
Cheers!!!
Good evening Soaring Feather. How was your day?
Lazy as all get out-thanks. Gorgeous day today, I had to stay outside to warm up like a lizard, the house remains so cold below the 60 mark!!
Working on your summer tan are you?
LOL yeah, my arms and hands are a little tanned. *GRINS*
I guess that it is not warm enough to wear shorts.
Oh the sun is hot when it’s out, but that is....
Only for a few shorts hours and my legs don’t tan anyway- never have.
Oh, okay. I have a tendency to get dark in a hurry. All except for the time that I had to take a bath in berry juice.
Mine
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