One does not think too much about bucket lists when one is young. You’re too busy rushing forward to be concerned about the things you’re not doing. At least for me, during my first five decades I was full steam ahead, go-go-go, to-do list in hand busily checking off items and then quickly moving on to the next adventure. Hey, I’m a Virgo, of course I had a to-do list: don’t judge. Something started changing the closer I got to Club 50 status. There’s been a small yet perceivable shift in … [Read more...]
Away, Not Gone
I cannot breathe. I stand awkwardly in the parking lot, unable to force air into and out of my lungs. One of the greatest loves of my life, a person I’ve held onto as tightly as possible for the past eighteen years, is leaving me. As much as I’ve tried to prepare for this day, a day I knew was coming, I’m now paralyzed, unable to speak or think or breathe. He’s scared too, I can tell. He’s also eager to get this over with and I’m not helping matters. One last hug and he turns away, walking … [Read more...]
Steals, Deals, and Splurges
A few weeks ago I asked my Club Fifty gal pals to help me choose a new mascara for my increasingly skimpy eyelashes. As a result, many of you also forwarded your recommendations for additional products that are must haves for anyone, but especially those of us in our fifth decade and beyond. This got me to thinking: What products would I recommend, from thrifty to expensive - but worth every penny? photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/benmcleod/991447665/">Ben … [Read more...]
Who Ya Callin’ a Girly Girl?!
Back in 2005, I shocked the majority of my gal pals by announcing that I would be heading to Alaska to go… wait for it… salmon fishing. This crazy southern Irish gal is a bit of a weird hybrid: love pretty pedicures, but will also happily get downright muddy in the garden. I’ll rabidly watch a college football game, followed by my favorite DIY show on HGTV. I am as comfortable wearing a frilly dress as I am relaxing in torn jeans and a sweatshirt. However, fishing?! A little … [Read more...]
I’m Walking On Sunshine
Summertime! Having come of age in Florida, I didn’t truly appreciate the importance and beauty of a cloudless bright sunny day until I moved north to Virginia. In Florida, except in January, every day is cheery and sunshiny. Now I know that for the rest of the country, these summer months are provided by the Universe to help us forget about shoveling snow and heating bills. I’ve been a bit lax when it comes to my personal summer prepping. Just this week I finally got around to a cute short … [Read more...]
Dog Wisdom
This month one of my best friends left this world. Our dog Taz, the little miracle mutt who survived a crazy emergency surgery last year, finally succumbed to old age at thirteen + years old. Up until very recently he was still chasing squirrels and had hauled ass after a fox that had shown up in the flower bed. For most of his life he was a happy, healthy mutt from the pound who we loved dearly. I sure do miss him. For those of you who have by chance read my book, you know that my … [Read more...]
What’s On Your Desk?
“Hello, my name is Kim, and I’m addicted to house porn.” “Hello Kim.” Well, at least that’s what my husband calls it. Yes, I may have a wee bit of a problem: I really can’t walk away from a shelter magazine. The darn things are everywhere: right there next to the snickers in the check-out line, at the nails salon, in the airport kiosk. But, hey, take the magazine, leave the snickers, and no one gets fat! So, what’s the harm? One of my favorite columns is featured each month in … [Read more...]
It’s the Little Things
Walking my dog Taz this morning, I passed a mom and son waiting for the school bus. As we slowly trotted past, I overheard the boy, I’m guessing about nine years old, regaling all the fascinating intricacies of the silk worm. Mom listened intently as he displayed his prowess in all things silk-worm-esque. As he finished she smiled and said “I think you’ll do fine on your test today.” His little face beamed as he grinned back. When you reach your perch in the middle-aged cheap seats, you are … [Read more...]
The Erma Zone
You're traveling through another dimension -- a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's a signpost up ahead. Your next stop: The Erma Zone. On New Year’s Day, son Jimmy threw down this gauntlet: Mom, what are YOU going to do this year to get out of YOUR comfort zone? He was just off to graduate school and I had asked him this same question. FYI, you are an official occupant of the middle-aged … [Read more...]
Is Bigger ALWAYS Better?
It used to be true that bigger was considered better. Big bank accounts, big cars, big houses were the battle cry. The pendulum seems to now be swinging back the other way. Financial independence is great, and being poor is no picnic, but the excessive wealth and greed of the 80’s and 90’s (see “Wolf of Wall Street”) is making way for a generation who doesn’t necessarily aspire to be part of the 1%. Gas-guzzling Hummers and SUVs are transitioning into fuel-efficient hybrids. McMansions have … [Read more...]
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