Kimberly Dalferes | Author

Crazy, Southern, Irish Gal, Author

What Would Mae Say?

by

I’m a picker. I love to scavenge through flea markets, estate sales, and yes, even other people's trash, looking for cast-off treasures. I come by it quite naturally via my Irish nana who never passed by a thrift store without first stopping in to peruse the bins, shelves, and dusty corners looking for items that deserved a second chance. I recently did my nana proud when I found this gem tucked away in a pile of forgotten photographs for sale at the annual Luckett's Spring Market: Added … [Read more...]

Dear Doctor, Please Speak Human

by

It’s one of the things we midlifers, hanging out here in the middle-aged cheap seats, most dread: the idea that our parents may someday become ill. On a rational level, we know it’s highly likely that at some point we’ll need to step up and help take care of our moms and dads. But at an emotional level, we want our parents to remain in the driver’s seat, firmly planted in the position of authority figure, indestructible and steadfast. My dread became reality two weeks ago when my kid brother … [Read more...]

Is ‘Know Your Audience’ Sexist BS?

by

Awhile back I was having coffee with a fellow who I consider to be one of my writing and networking mentors. We were discussing this past year, my book, and the future of this blog. As we were sipping our lattes and talking about our latest projects, he noted that he admired how I’ve been able to really drill down to my target audience: women; of a certain age; who like to laugh and share their wisdom. I agreed and noted how much I was enjoying this creative work. I shared that I’ve been … [Read more...]

7 Years in Fuzzy Bunny Slippers

by

Many of you who regularly join me here in the Middle-Aged Cheap Seats (bless you, by the way), have come to know me as Kimba: King Salmon Slayer, Estate Sale Junkie, sometimes writes books. What you may not know is that I also have a day-job working in public policy. Image provided courtesy of morgueFile, http://mrg.bz/Lli5uc For the first 44 years of my life, I was a “rules girl.” I traveled a common baby boomer path, from high school classroom to college lecture hall to … [Read more...]

Uterus Declares War!

by

Warning: what follows is an unabashedly truthful rendering of one woman’s journey through menopause. Men who are squeamish about discussions of blood, periods, Aunt Flo, cramps, tampons, sweating, vaginas, or middle-aged women in general should probably stop reading right about now. Bless your hearts. Image provided courtesy of http://www.gratisography.com/ In the past few years, my uterus has declared war. This was not a gradual shift, a kind or slow and steady progression of the … [Read more...]

Kimba Unplugged. Sort Of.

by

I am not the type of person who can easily relax–I know, shocking, right? We type A’s, with a good dose of Virgo thrown in as a present from the Universe, are a core reason why social media thrives. Task mastering and to-do lists and super-sized organizing are all enabled by the array of gadgets and gizmos we carry as if our very lives depend on them. However, I can unplug any time. I am the master of my domain. I am my own counsel. I am truly full of it. I was not always like this. … [Read more...]

Dollars to Doughnuts

by

I have come to love February. Not because of Valentine’s Day and certainly not for the weather. My fondness for this second month of the year has evolved per my family’s involvement in charitable fundraising.   My admiration for February began several years ago with my son Jimmy’s participation in THON. Each February–this year it’s February 20 thru 22–something magical happens at Penn State. Thousands of students stay awake and on their feet for 46 hours straight; all united in working … [Read more...]

Do They Really Throw Chicken Bones?

by

I’m a southern gal. Born and raised in the South. My mama’s family is from the South. My entire life to date has been lived in the South. However, I recently attended an event that despite my southern pedigree and upbringing had me feeling like a Yankee in King Earnhardt's court. I experienced my first NASCAR race. The National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing–NASCAR–is the governing body over one of the most profitable enterprises in the U.S. Since its beginnings back in 1947, NASCAR … [Read more...]

Midlife Swagger: We All Deserve An Anthem

by

The State of the Union address happened this week. As I watched President Obama it occurred to me that part of the swagger, in addition to being one of the most powerful people in the world, is that he has a theme song. Interestingly, they didn’t play Hail to the Chief as he walked into the House chamber–guess they figured all eyes were already on him. Hail to the Chief – A Brief History There’s some fun history behind Hail to the Chief. First Lady Sarah Childress Polk is most often … [Read more...]

The Year of the Challenge Envelope

by

“Hon, what exactly do you do with your allowance?” “Well, that’s my business.” “Yeah, but, you work from home…” “Hey, we made an agreement a long time ago that we each get the same amount of cash each week to blow as we see fit. No questions asked, remember?” “Yeah, but…” “Yeah, but, what?” “You’re right, forget I mentioned it.” Kiss kiss. Throughout 2014 this exchange between me and the Hubs reared its little head a few times. In each instance, I managed to dodge the … [Read more...]