Guest author: Sally Cronin ~ Why I am skipping old age and looking forward to my second childhood instead

Posted on October 8, 2018 by Sue Vincent

It is always a pleasure to have Sally over as a guest, especially when she is writing about an issue so close to my heart:

My thanks to Sue for the invitation to write a post for her today… always lovely to be over on her spectacular and eclectic blog.

Sally aged 7 years old – looking forward and not back

Why I am skipping Old Age and embarking on my Second Childhood instead.

I have researched the delights of Old Age rigorously, in an effort to determine if I want to actually accept the title. I looked after my mother for several years in her late 80s to her mid-90s, and I would say that she was young at heart until dementia robbed her of that at age 92.

She said that she felt the same inside as she had as a young woman, despite the wrinkles and failing body. She proved to me that Attitude is the key to anti-aging not botox or other miracle wrinkle busters.

I was 60 years old when she passed away and I felt that it was my obligation to carry on the family tradition she had established, to maintain at the very least a young outlook on life. I have spent the last five years attempting to achieve this desired state.

The first stage is to determine if you are already in danger of becoming one of the Old Age Brigade!

I use a little check list to identify where I am on the scale of maturity and I call it the Old Fogies Alert Test... It is a little bit of fun but it is amazing how closely I can identify with some of these statements for myself and friends and relatives who are over a certain age.

  • Conversations with friends your own age turn into ‘duelling ailments’
  • Your idea of a night out is sitting on your patio.
  • You buy clothes that hide your body rather than enhance it.
  • You give up all your bad habits and you still don’t feel good.
  • You feel that no one respects your opinions anymore
  • You keep repeating yourself.
  • You resist going to places where you will meet new people, preferring the comfort of your known friends and acquaintances.
  • You begin every sentence with ‘Nowadays or In My Day or When I was your age’
  • You constantly criticise the younger generation.
  • You feel that it is not worth changing at your age as it will not make a difference
  • You order the same meal every time you go to a restaurant.
  • Happy hour is a nap.
  • You stop celebrating birthdays as it reminds you of how old you are.

As a contrast here is a list of the magical wonder of the world that I remember from when I was seven years old.

  • Everyone is your friend until they prove otherwise.
  • Going to school and learning to read and write is thrilling
  • Soap bubbles, sixpence to spend on sweets, and a Christmas stocking are eagerly anticipated and treasured.
  • You don’t like Brussel Sprouts but you eat them because mum says they are good for you, and you get treacle tart afterwards if you eat them.
  • A book with pictures at bedtime is the best time of the day.
  • Raindrops on the windowpane keep you fascinated for hours.
  • The wonder of your first snowfall.
  • The distraction of a spinning top that was meant for Christmas, but helps ease the pain of an ear-ache.
  • The love of older sisters who let you tag along behind them and who make you smocked dresses with knickers to match.
  • Watching cartoons on Saturday morning and laughing like a drain without worrying about what others might think.
  • Hearing music and dancing as if nobody is watching.
  • Singing along to your favourite songs, especially The Ugly Bug Ball.
  • Believing in fairies and Father Christmas
  • The future stretches ahead full of wondrous possibilities

One of the key differences between a child’s outlook in life and someone who has accepted the Old Age title.. is one is looking forward and one is looking back!

This is why I love blogging and writing books.

I am looking forward to….

  • Getting up each morning and checking my blog for interaction from my online friends.
  • Chatting with friends on Facebook and catching up with the ‘overnighters’ on Twitter.
  • Planning next week’s posts, laughing at the videos of dogs having fun and finding new jokes to make people smile.
  • Writing another short story and looking forward to sharing it with friends.
  • Reading posts from around the world that entertain, inform and expand my knowledge.
  • Trying one of the recipes for a food I think as commonplace that has been elevated by a creative cook.
  • Reading a poem that makes me cry.
  • Wishing someone thousands of miles away Happy Birthday.
  • Looking forward to Christmas and sharing that time with everyone I am connected to.
  • Believing in magic and fairies
  • Changing someones attitude to life, love and the future with my writing.
  • Sharing this post with you today.
  • The future stretches ahead with wondrous possibilities
  • Looking forward and not back.

On the subject of fairies…. and because I believe in healthy self-promotion…. here is my latest book Tales from the Irish Garden.

About Tales from the Irish Garden

The queen of Magia and her court have fled their sun filled Spanish homeland and the palace beneath the magnolia tree.

Arriving on the backs of geese and swans, they seek sanctuary in the magic garden of The Storyteller who welcomes them to the Emerald Island, a place where rain is almost a daily feature. Grateful for their safe haven and the generosity of their host, the queen and her courtiers embrace their new surroundings with delight.

As the seasons change throughout the year, they come into contact with many of the human and animal inhabitants of the garden and the surrounding forest, all of whom have a story to tell. This is a magical fairy story infused with fantasy and romance, as well as opportunities for mischief in the company of goblins, witches and Lerpersians. Suitable for ages 10 to 100 years old…..

Here is a selection of my other books… an amazing gif designed by Paul Andruss… thanks Paul

All my books in Ebook are available: Amazon UK

And Amazon US: Amazon US

You can read more reviews and follow me on Goodreads: Goodreads

Please connect to me via my Blog

Thank you Sue for having me over, it is one of those experiences I look forward to….

 

Tell me a story!

If you are a writer, artist or photographer…If you have a poem, story or memoirs to share… If you have a book to promote, a character to introduce, an exhibition or event to publicise… If you have advice for writers, artists or bloggers…

If you would like to be my guest, please read the guidelines and get in touch!

About Sue Vincent

Sue Vincent was a Yorkshire born writer, esoteric teacher and a Director of The Silent Eye. She was immersed in the Mysteries all her life. Sue maintained a popular blog and is co-author of The Mystical Hexagram with Dr G.M.Vasey. Sue lived in Buckinghamshire, having been stranded there due to an accident with a blindfold, a pin and a map. She had a lasting love-affair with the landscape of Albion, the hidden country of the heart. Sue  passed into spirit at the end of March 2021.
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113 Responses to Guest author: Sally Cronin ~ Why I am skipping old age and looking forward to my second childhood instead

  1. Ritu says:
    October 8, 2018 at 17:07

    Always wonderful to read Sally’s thoughts!

    Ever young, that’s what you are 😍

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  2. TanGental says:
    October 8, 2018 at 17:26

    Abso-Sally-lutely. Nailed the mantra. Off to smock the cat to look like Dog and dance to Burl Ives

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  3. janmalique says:
    October 8, 2018 at 17:32

    A heartwarming and wise post from Sally. Lovely!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  4. Alethea Kehas says:
    October 8, 2018 at 18:14

    Wonderful! I especially enjoyed the title. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  5. robbiesinspiration says:
    October 8, 2018 at 18:24

    A lovely post, Sally. When we were in England last year August, we went to a handcrafts market and there was a lady there who made those smocked dresses – lovely.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  6. tidalscribe says:
    October 8, 2018 at 18:24

    I know Sally and I are exactly the same age and I feel as young as she does! There is so much going on for our generation we have no excuse for not finding things to keep us looking forward to each new day. I’m sure we all had some older relatives for whom the highlight of the day was going out to buy a loaf of bread and vowed never to be like them and I’m sure we won’t. But of course the recycled teenage years can come to an abrupt end and when we go out to lunch we can’t help talking about those friends and relatives the same age who are about to leave ‘Summertown’.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  7. Jacquie Biggar says:
    October 8, 2018 at 18:37

    Enjoyed this post, Sue and Sally! I’m guilty of a few of the things in the old fogie’s test, lol, but I also face each day with joy. I’m lucky in so many ways and this post serves to remind me of that fact.
    Congrats on your new release!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  8. Colleen Chesebro says:
    October 8, 2018 at 18:38

    Reblogged this on Colleen Chesebro ~ The Fairy Whisperer and commented:
    Two of my favorite authors here: Sally Cronin and Sue Vincent, hosting. Have a read! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. Darlene says:
    October 8, 2018 at 18:55

    I so agree with this Sally. To see the world through the eyes of a child is the best way to live. Look forward and not back as the best is yet to come.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  10. olganm says:
    October 8, 2018 at 18:56

    Love it! Thanks, Sue for having Sally remind us of life’s important things. ♥

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  11. olganm says:
    October 8, 2018 at 18:57

    Reblogged this on Just Olga and commented:
    Sue Vincent hosts blogger extraordinaire Sally Cronin who reminds us of the importance of looking forward!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  12. Annette Rochelle Aben says:
    October 8, 2018 at 18:59

    I love it! Rock that second childhood, Sally. What a fab idea.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  13. beetleypete says:
    October 8, 2018 at 19:40

    A wonderfully positive attitude from Sally, that is reflected in her good humour around the blogs. I wish I could get a little of it to rub off on me.
    That said, when I hit 65, I decided to have my second childhood from that moment on.
    Unfortunately, I couldn’t remember where I had put it, to ‘keep it safe’! 🙂
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  14. The Story Reading Ape says:
    October 8, 2018 at 20:37

    Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
    As you grow older, you don’t lose your Mojo, it just takes you longer to remember where you last put it 👍😃

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  15. ecellenb says:
    October 8, 2018 at 20:42

    Delightful blog! Thank you.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  16. Bette A. Stevens says:
    October 8, 2018 at 20:43

    Lovely post, Sally… ❤

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  17. John W. Howell says:
    October 8, 2018 at 21:21

    Thank you, Sue, for having Sally on your blog today. Thank you, Sally, for the lovely example of young at heart.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  18. amreade says:
    October 8, 2018 at 21:24

    Wonderful post! I’m bookmarking this to read it again and again. Thanks for always inspiring me, Sally!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  19. dgkaye says:
    October 8, 2018 at 22:20

    Double delight to come here and find Sal sharing her words of wisdom. I’m with you on all counts Sal. And I’ll add, reading your short stories and making sure I have Kleenex nearby. Let’s always keep looking forward!!! ❤ ❤

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  20. D. Wallace Peach says:
    October 8, 2018 at 22:30

    What wonderful lists, Sally. I’m happy to say that I don’t have many matches with the Old Fogey Alert. Phew! I love your cheers for imagination and magic, your sense of adventure, and the joy of friendship that pervade your lists.”Old” really is just a state of mind for the vast majority of us. Great post and lovely to see you guest posting at Sue’s. ❤ Hugs to you both.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  21. Gwen Plano says:
    October 8, 2018 at 22:54

    What a fun read, Sally! I thoroughly enjoyed each aspect of the post. Old is just a state of mind. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  22. Pingback: Guest author: Sally Cronin ~ Why I am skipping old age and looking forward to my second childhood instead | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

  23. balroop2013 says:
    October 9, 2018 at 03:58

    What a wonderfully young post! I love that 7 year old Sally, what a happy child you are! I wish I had such a charming picture to share!
    I also chose second childhood and this one is happier as I smile and laugh more, I play and jump more while having fun with my grandchildren. Hide and seek and catch are our favorite games and drawing monsters with big teeth is our first introduction to learning. I may order the same food when I dine out but I am loving this phase of life…growing younger wth each day!
    Love, love, love your list of looking forward Sally. Stay blessed!

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  24. CarolCooks2 says:
    October 9, 2018 at 05:23

    Reblogged this on Retired? No one told me! and commented:
    Ahhhh as always I can relate…Haven’t smocked a dress for years but remember it as if it was yesterday and definitely the second list for me..so much more fun and frolics…I hope you enjoy and don’t forget to get your copy of Sally’s new book 🙂 xxx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  25. Victoria Zigler (@VictoriaZigler) says:
    October 9, 2018 at 08:11

    You reminded me of a well known quote that says, “We don’t stop playing because we get older, we get older because we stop playing.” I never plan to stop playing. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  26. joylennick says:
    October 9, 2018 at 11:50

    What can I add, Sally? You’ve done it again. I too (though older than you…) ignore such remarks as “I bet your back goes out more than you do!” We are all maturing like wine (not cheese or bananas) and hurray for that. You probably do more in a day than many forty-year-olds! All power to you. Hugs xx (Thanks, Sue!).

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  27. Jennie says:
    October 9, 2018 at 12:00

    I love this!! 😍

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  28. Lucinda E Clarke says:
    October 9, 2018 at 13:09

    Oh Sally, the first thing I saw was the pic of the smocked dress – i had so many of those and hated them they were always so scratchy and my mother made the matching knickers as well! Yes, I do look forward – so much of the world to see, so little time and even less money!!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  29. Chuck says:
    October 9, 2018 at 17:36

    HI Sue,
    Thank you for promoting Sally. She does so much for our writing community on WP, it’s great to see her get some attention. I agree I think we should skip old age and go straight back to childhood. No cares, no worries, and have fun every day. The group I hang out with, we have a ritual. We allow only specified minutes talking about our “ass aches” then we move on to other discussions. It doesn’t always work, but we try. HUGS around to all.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  30. rijanjks says:
    October 9, 2018 at 17:40

    This is SO profoundly beautiful, Sally. Your mom was a wise lady and now you’re carrying on that tradition. I don’t want to talk about my aches and pains as I continue to age. I want to talk about new story ideas, the fascinating journey of watching my grandchildren grow and the music I love!! Thank you, ladies, for bringing this to us today!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  31. writerchristophfischer says:
    October 10, 2018 at 05:43

    Reblogged this on writerchristophfischer and commented:
    True and inspiring words about age and attitude

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  32. Cynthia Reyes says:
    October 10, 2018 at 08:26

    What an insightful and relevant post. Thanks, Sally.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  33. Teagan R. Geneviene says:
    October 10, 2018 at 13:38

    Hi Sue! I can agree with Sally’s sentiments. Yes — skip old age! 😀 Both of you have such great attitudes. Hugs on the wing.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  34. Pingback: Smorgasbord Blogger Daily – Meet the #reviewers – Wednesday 10th October 2018 – Sue Vincent, Judith Barrow and Lizanne Lloyd | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

  35. Mary Adler says:
    October 11, 2018 at 02:25

    What a great photo, Sally. I love the quiz and join in your celebration of being alive! I re blogged this on MaryAdlerWrites.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  36. noelleg44 says:
    October 17, 2018 at 16:04

    This is so you, Sally. I love the picture of you as a seven year old – you still look the same, smiling and happy in aspect. Yes, a nap is a gift! and managing aging is all about attitude. I am 74 years young now!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  37. joylennick says:
    November 14, 2018 at 18:26

    Sue, Can I butt in with another subject please! I notice that you are on Jim Webster’s list to do a ‘blog tour’ any day now.. Are you wised up as to what is required of you? Because I aint…I can produce a page or two of nonsense as fast as the next writer, BUT surely there has to be some frame-work? I haven’t viewed anyone else’s efforts, so it’s difficult to gauge exactly or even roughly what’s required. Could you throw light on it for me, please. I have emailed him but he hasn’t been helpful at all?! Many thanks. Joy x

    Like

    Reply
  38. Rachel McAlpine says:
    November 21, 2018 at 19:20

    This is a fun post, but I can confidently say that I am old at 78 without doing a quiz. It’s not horrible, it’s just a fact.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

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