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Honey, I'm Home's Morning Mantra ~~ Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says, "Oh NO, She's up!"

Monday, March 31, 2014

The Real Shades of Gray ~~~

Life is always such a surprise, and maybe that’s the way it’s supposed to be;  after all, it does have the tendency to wake us up and keep us on our toes, doesn’t it.

I was thinking of all the steps and chapters in our lives and those points that always stand out --- you know, like that first kiss, first love, first car, and the list goes on.  But comes the day when the firsts are real eye openers.  I had mine at the age of 62, just a fewwwww years ago (who’s counting), and when I was talking to a blog buddy, the subject came up and so here I am, getting ready to share it with you.  If you are in my age group, we, the now exceptionally learned and bright seniors, you will be nodding your head in agreement all the way. We will call this life chapter,

                                      The Invisibles, part 1, the beginning

 

It all started over a particular Christmas holiday.  As I do every Christmas, I make up gift bags with all sorts of little things and goodies for my neighbors up and down the street.  That year, one of the things going into the bags was a totally yummy homemade candy.  I pulled out the ingredients and realized I was short on the almond bark. Bark is in a block and used in candy recipes, just so you know. This darn candy is on the messy side to make, so once you start, you really need to keep on until it’s done, and that meant I needed to get to the grocery store fast.  I was already dressed, fixed up, and actually looked pretty darn cute, so I went to the store almost hoping I’d run into someone I knew.  You never do, though, unless you’re a mess, true?  On with the story.  I went to the aisle where the bark is always kept and it was gone.  I stood there looking and looking as if by just standing there like a fool it would make the bark magically appear.  Finally an employee, young man of about 20 or so, came up to me and asked if he could help me find anything.  I told him I was looking for the bark and that it was always right here, and he said, he knew exactly what bark was because his mother used it all the time, and yes, it was always right in this spot.  Right then, another young man, also an employee started towards us and he began looking for it, too.  They said, “Could you wait here for a minute or so? We’re going to ask where the bark has been moved”.  Of course I said yes.  Well, I stayed there, barely moved an inch and this was half way up the aisle.  About 5 minutes later, I saw one of them stopping at the edge of my aisle and then the next one calls out to him, “Hey, Bill, who was it that wanted that bark?”  To which good old Bill replied, “That gray haired old lady down there.”   OMG.  Me??  I looked around. There was no one else in the aisle!  Not only did they think I was old, but deaf as well! 

                                                    Part 2, the clincher

This past July 4th, my best friend, Mary, and I decided to go find a place to watch the fireworks.  In the paper was listed a great place to go and it was free and had food wagons and bands, hot diggitty!  We got all gussied up, looked super good if I do say so, and off we went. We zigged and zagged through the crowds until we found a parking spot, then got out and started walking down this very wide walkway packed with people.  We saw the food trucks, we heard the band and boy, it was great, and so decided to stand where we were as it was close to the band.  Feet tapping, almost dancing, beat going down to our toes, it was soooo good!  Then it happened.  Picture this.  Both of us standing there, looking cute as all get out, into the music, and then seeing 2 couples heading straight for us.  Their eyes are definitely looking our way, they are paying attention to where they are, but……they almost mow us down!  And still they didn’t notice!  They just sort of backed up, side stepped, and went on their way without a word or a glance.  Mary and I looked at each other and said, “Holy moly, we’re invisible, they never even saw us before or after!”  Mary said to me, “You mean you’ve never had this happen before?”  No, I hadn’t!  I said, “Hey, let’s just throw off all our clothes and walk around and see if anyone notices, hehehe”.  She nixed that idea.  I’m the much braver of the 2 of us.

And so the next day, I called Mom’s Bob (most of you know who I’m talking about, but he’s down the street and frail and in his 80s and I always keep track of him). I was telling Bob about the night and just before I got to the invisible part, he broke in and he said, “And you both were INVISIBLE, right?””  My mouth fell open. This must happen to everyone!  He said he became invisible in his 60s and always thought it was the most amazing thing.  What we see is that people in our own age group…the Upper Level, if you will (we deserve the caps)….see each other, but the younger never really see us.  Man, what an eye opener!   My blog buddy added to that saying that he isn’t ignored exactly but that if he was speaking, they listened but then went right back to some other subject like it never counted.  Yeah, I get that, too. I think it’s like a science fiction show where time stops for a split second and only one character is still in the Now.  Craziest thing, isn’t it?  

                                             _______________________

And so, that is the end of my rambling thoughts for today. I am headed for the grocery store to stock up on a month’s worth of groceries for the impending Wednesday’s surgery.  Tomorrow, Tuesday, is “getting the house ready for myself day”.  I’ve been told that my recoup will be around 2 months or so.  I may not be able to sit at the pc to either write or blog walk for a bit, I just don’t know yet, but if I’m absent, it won’t be like last time.  I’ll be back. Do that with an accent….”I’ll be back!”

XOXOXO

29 comments:

  1. LOL!! Yes, I am invisible in the stores now, just another old silver haired lady! It really is kind of nice being old, you can say exactly what you want and no one dares to contradict you in any way. I will confess though that foot in the mouth is my biggest problem.

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    1. You know, you're right! I sometimes say something so awful and intentionally off color just for the fun of it, and you know what? They all just laugh and laugh that "isn't she the cutest old thing".....and then go right back to whatever they were talking about, HAHAHAHA. And Beth, Foot in Mouth is a wonderful disease to have now. I find it absolutely endearing. It's better than the alternative of "what's the matter with her". Life is so much fun ;)

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  2. LOL Oh, yeah I'm invisible to many now (unless they want me to do something!).

    I'll be thinking of you on Wednesday, and praying for a speedy recovery.

    So glad you're back among us, young lady.

    xoxo

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    1. Sally, you are still the sweetest thing ever. I saw your new pic and love, LOVE it. Keep that one up forever! Thanks SO much for the well wishes. I wish it was all finished, but I can tell you one thing, and that is I am SO glad to be back here and see/read you all. It's like a family reunion! Giant hug to you :D

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  3. That is so funny!-Everything- from the old lady in the aisle looking for almond bark to being "invisible". lol Praying for you for your surgery and for a quick recovery for you. Now-don't be gone too long cuz I am just getting to know you- You're kinda crazy and I LIKE crazy! xo Diana

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  4. I haven't become invisible yet and I still get flirted with sometimes. :-) But my day will come.

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    1. Well maybe and maybe not, Carol. You're so darn cute, the invisies might just pass you by :D

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  5. Of course I DO remember when the oldsters were invisible to me and if I listened to what they said it was so WRONG, so lame. If you are old enough to remember the Twist dance craze, you probably can recall old the parental units commanding us to show their friends, "Come on, kids!" or worse, having a couple of beverages and joining us to do a woggle that Chubby Checker never envisioned in his worst moments. How our eyes rolled! Karma is a bitch, they say, and so damn good at spotting what will hurt most. For a while I thought people gave me gret license to speak my mind - I was quite chuffed with myself - but now I realize I was just some old guy and it doesn't matter.
    I wish you the speediest recovery and most painless surgery possible. One nice thing; old folks don't feel pain as much - remember when the world seemed to end if you bumped your head and you'd yowl the house down? Or is it just me?

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    1. I'd love to say it was just you, David, but well....what gets me is when I stub my toe on the door jamb, scream bloody murder, and then actually get all out of joint because there's no one to say, "awwwww, it'll be all right". I'll never grow up. "HEY, what time is it, kids?" Better yet, let's go back to The Shadow on the radio or my favorites, The Romance of Helen Trent and Fibber Magee & Molly, and Young Doctor Malone. Ring a bell? I'd sometimes feign sick just to not miss an episode. Blessed days for sure.

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  6. Well there ya go. What do THEY know? The young'ins seem invisible to me most times these days. I must be invisible (never thought of it though). No wonder I am always alone in my pew (don't laugh) in church! No wonder people jist walk in front of me in LINE at the checker. Maybe that's why some have guns? To be noticed? Jist say'in. Ennaway these days I like to people watch and if they don't notice...well more fun. I wish you the best on your surgery. No excuses, you come back here. It only takes one finger to type. You may choose which one *smile* Hugs and kisses. Your friend forever Toodie.

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  7. I am howling with laughter here, my Toodie! Which finger indeed! Lemme guess, hahaha, Do you have any idea how glad I am to see you?? Oh boyyyyy.
    (PS/ I am trying this reply here just to see if you end up seeing it in some kind of notification, If you do, let me know. SO much has changed and I still cannot for the life of me "follow". Geezy PEEZY!

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    1. No, didn'y get any heads up on your reply. I too can't figure it out. I came back to see if there was a reply. I am so glad to SEE you too! I hope your surgery went well. Prayin for ya.

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  8. Hi Jenny, Good to have you back, you will be in my prayers and thoughts too for Wed. Yes I am reluctantly a member of the old lady club and often say when people just barge into me, I must be invisible - lol - Take Care and hope to see you here again soon, Hugs Nita

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  9. Hi Jenny, I'm new here and just jumped in from Nancy's after returning from a two month stay in SC. I've joined to be a follower and am one of the invisible ones at age 78. I must read more and catch up but already know that your have surgery tomorrow. Hang in and hang on and I'll be baaaack!

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  10. I will be saying a prayer for you Jennie that all goes well for you tomorrow!!

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    1. Just saw your sweet, sweet note to me about tomorrow, Beth. That is so you to do such a thoughtful thing and that's exactly why I love you.
      Thank you so, so much.
      Xoxoxo
      (I put this on your page, too, just to make sure you saw)

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  11. Hi Jenny, I'll be praying for you. Get the rest you need .Blessings for s speedy recovery. xoxo,Susie

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  12. Hope everything has gone OKdoky for you to-day Jenny, I loved reading this post, so much is true, I've realised that o matter how well I do my hair, make up, nails the lot, I'm never going to be that young attractive [ well you'd pass in a crowd, as my M|um would say] girl anymore, I'm 77 this year but stuff them all, I don't feel it. Keep fighting. we're all behind you. XX

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  13. Stopping by to let you know that you are still in my prayers. I hope all went well. HUGS!!

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  14. Me too Just a short visit to say HOWDY and hope you are doing okay..get well soon as you can.. keep us updated!!

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    1. PS to answer your question I am exactly your age and was invisble about 5 years ago or so..decided to color my hair because everyone kept thinking I was my sister's MOM.. ughh I hated that.. Our minds are young I guess that is what counts.. :-)

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  15. Just a pop-in to let you know I'm thinking about you and hope you will appear here again soon.

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  16. Stoppin in to visit for a minute and let you know I'm thinking of you.

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  17. Thinking of you, and hoping the surgery went well. I hope we'll see you as soon as you can update, but certainly appreciate your need to recovery. Bless you!

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  18. I have to let you know how good it is to hear from you again! I'm praying you quickly recover from your knee surgery my friend.

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  19. and wow does life change. Its been awhile. You know I never forgot you.

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  20. Well you will never be invisible to me. I am bad in that I let the everyone when I am in the outside world become invisible to me. I can go to town and just be in my own head trying to run around and get all my errands done. Sometimes I have to stop myself and make eye contact to remind myself we are all people of existence and need to be acknowleged.

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