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!
Always wonderful to read Sally’s thoughts!
Ever young, that’s what you are 😍
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you very much Ritu… must just remember not to wear the reading glasses when putting on my lipstick!! ♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Abso-Sally-lutely. Nailed the mantra. Off to smock the cat to look like Dog and dance to Burl Ives
LikeLiked by 3 people
I remember all the words to that song apparently 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
We remember the important stuff Sue…♥ Thanks for having me over… I like being here. ♥♥
LikeLike
That song brings a host of other memories back with it too 🙂
Always lovely to have you here, Sally! xx
LikeLike
Thanks Geoff and don’t remember the knickers to match!! And say hi to Burl… xxx♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
A heartwarming and wise post from Sally. Lovely!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree with her too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, having the right attitude is essential. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jan… see you in the future.. hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful! I especially enjoyed the title. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Alethea… hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 3 people
My sister was very talented and still makes a lot of her clothes today.. I preferred crochet and tapistry… I did love those knickers to match and when complimented on the dress would lift the skirt obliging.. I grew out of that by about 18… hugs xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
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’.
LikeLiked by 3 people
We can listen and empathise…but we don’t have to let go of how we feel inside 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Janet.. and we are really the first generation in our 60s to have such amazing access to the world through the internet.. but there are still people of my age group who think it is voodoo. Hopefully by the time I leave this planet they will have installed a fibre optic bridge so I can keep in touch from the other side.. there has to be a story in there somewhere….. hugs xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes I’m sure it won’t be long before the internet is connected to the ‘other side’ – maybe they have had it all along and have just been waiting for us to catch up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jacquie… if ever there was regression into second childhood this one is it….hugs ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
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! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing, Colleen ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so welcome. You both are an inspiration to me. ❤
LikeLike
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for sharing Colleen.. hugsxx♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
A splendid post, Sally. I’m right there with you! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You got it Darlene and because you are writing for the younger generation it must help maintain that balance as you put yourself into their shoes.. ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love it! Thanks, Sue for having Sally remind us of life’s important things. ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Always a pleasure to have Sally over 🙂 x
LikeLike
I just hope that second childhood does not mean that you cannot drink alcohol.. a little red wine and teguila do help retain the joie de vivre…hugs Olga.. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Just Olga and commented:
Sue Vincent hosts blogger extraordinaire Sally Cronin who reminds us of the importance of looking forward!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reblogging Sally’s post, Olga x
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing Olga..hugs ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it! Rock that second childhood, Sally. What a fab idea.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Annette.. from the original inner child… love it.. ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks Pete.. I am sure having read your posts that your second childhood has already been activated.. like a muscle we have to keep exercising it… so easy to fall into bad habits.. hugs
LikeLiked by 3 people
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 👍😃
LikeLiked by 3 people
😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
You got it Chris. Here is to our mojos and perhaps we need to put a GPS tracker on it for search and rescue missions… hugs ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great idea, Sally, or, at least put one of those key finder beepers on it 😂😂😂❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Delightful blog! Thank you.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Glad you enjoyed.. and thanks for commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely post, Sally… ❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Bette… you are a great example of young at heart.. ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Sue, for having Sally on your blog today. Thank you, Sally, for the lovely example of young at heart.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you John.. and for keeping us on our toes with all your Ten Things Not To Do and your books.. hugs ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
At 77 I find all this is the stuff of youthfullness.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love having Sally over, John 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wonderful post! I’m bookmarking this to read it again and again. Thanks for always inspiring me, Sally!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Amy… so pleased that you enjoyed… ♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!!! ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 4 people
I have no doubt that you are looking forward and are young in heart and mind Debby.So many great things to look forward to… exciting. Some of them I feel sure we will share. ♥♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know this Sal!!! ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you Diana, and another reason that I love blogging. Out of the billions of us across the world and the millions here on WordPress and other blogging platforms, we have managed to find a community of amazing people who share the same drive and outlook on life. hugs ♥♥
LikeLiked by 3 people
❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a fun read, Sally! I thoroughly enjoyed each aspect of the post. Old is just a state of mind. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
It certainly is Gwen… hugs xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Guest author: Sally Cronin ~ Why I am skipping old age and looking forward to my second childhood instead | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
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!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you Balroop and having grandchildren is a great excuse to revisit childhood. And I have to admit that when I see certain foods on the menu that I might not get at home… I might be guilty of always ordering it!!! hugs ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
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
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing, Carol! I was never any good with a needle… apart from embroidery. x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Embroidery is an art, Sue my mum taught me how to smock which is a form of emboidery as well and you are welcome for the share 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great Granny taught both me and my mother… and I taught my sons, though doubtless they ahve now forgotten 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You never know stranger things have happened , Sue 🙂 x
LikeLike
Well at least the younger one knows how to sew 😉
LikeLike
Thanks Carol and for the promo…. hugs xxx♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Most welcome, Sally Hugs xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
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. 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
I agree wholeheartedly Tori and with your children’s books to keep you young and playful, you will never lose that… hugs x
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s one of the reasons I enjoy writing for children so much. 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
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!).
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Joy.. and I quite agree, nothing like a good vintage port or wine.. hugs ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 xx
LikeLike
I love this!! 😍
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Jennie..hugs ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome, Sally! Hugs to you. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
They were a bit scratchy on the inside.. and I know.. so little time and not enough money.. hugs xx♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Great to hear Chuck and sounds like a good plan… thank you for your kind comment.. it is so appreciated. hugs xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
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!
LikeLiked by 3 people
You always radiate youthfulness and love of all things Jan. I know from reading your articles that it cannot have been easy always… This is one hell of a support team and I look forward to being part of it for a very long time.. hugs ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
I couldn’t agree more, Sally! We shall all age together while we continue to create, share, uplift and encourage people whom we most likely meet face-to-face. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on writerchristophfischer and commented:
True and inspiring words about age and attitude
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for reblogging Sally’s post, Christoph.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure- it’s awesome so I can see why it’s doing the rounds in The blogosphere 💕
LikeLike
Me too 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you very much for sharing Christoph.. hugsx
LikeLiked by 2 people
What an insightful and relevant post. Thanks, Sally.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you very much Cynthia… hugs xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Sue! I can agree with Sally’s sentiments. Yes — skip old age! 😀 Both of you have such great attitudes. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Teagan.. hugsxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hugs, Teagan 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Smorgasbord Blogger Daily – Meet the #reviewers – Wednesday 10th October 2018 – Sue Vincent, Judith Barrow and Lizanne Lloyd | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
Thanks, Sally xx
LikeLike
What a great photo, Sally. I love the quiz and join in your celebration of being alive! I re blogged this on MaryAdlerWrites.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you for sharing, Mary.
LikeLike
A belated reply Mary and apologies for the long delay.. a year is far too long and I should have checked the post again.. hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 3 people
You would never guess, Noelle!
LikeLike
Thanks for the lovely comment Noelle, apologies for not spotting before now..hugs xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
LikeLike
Hi Joy,
I believe Jim is away at the moment.. I know he was.
You should have a part of the story that he sent you to post, which just needs linking back to Tallis’ blog.
You can see one of the previous guest posts he has done on this blog here: https://scvincent.com/2017/05/31/guest-author-jim-webster-tallis-steelyard-on-etiquette/
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people