You know you have a book in you. Right? Published author and do-it-yourselfer, Patricia Fry takes you step by step from your ideas to publishing success.
Art Buchwald’s Lessons from the Hospice
A wonderful column by my friend, Suzette Standring, about Buchwald’s “final“ days, then his “final, final” days, then his... you get the picture. It paints a new way to look at hospice, a place where most all of us will end up sooner or later.
Thoughts From Within
Funnyman Woody Harrelson gets serious, to our great delight.
Grandma’s Apron
...was good for drying children’s tears, even cleaning out dirty ears.
GRAYPOW NETWORK
Several years back, Suddenly Senior won the GrayPow Award as one of the 10 best senior sites on earth. Each month we feature an outstanding article from one of the GrayPow Network. Here’s this month’s great article.
Looking For The Dalmations
We looked long and hard, (believe me) and still don't see the dogs. Ladies, see if you can find them!
Florida Hurricane Preparation
What everyone UP NORTH should know: The guts it takes to spend the rest of your life in Paradise!
You Might As Well Admit It
Growing older isn't so terrible, once you grasp the basic rules.
Good Old Days
Ever wonder where some of our most cherished sayings came from? A look back.
Ramblings Of A Retired Mind
Pretty scary what we can think up when we finally have time to think!
Revocation of Independence
From Funnyman John Cleese:
Forget about the Stars and Stripes, you are a British Colony, again. Rule Britannia!
Ancient Words of Wisdom
Hermann Goering (can you dredge up the memory of Nuremberg Trials?) and Julius Caesar weigh in. Like it or not.
Same-Sex Marriages:
BY AND FOR
OUR READERS
Uncle Willie and the Funerals
Reader and author, Asa Sparks, tells this short, short story about Uncle Willy and the good pastor of the First Free-Will Bottom Baptist Church.
Becoming an Elder
When you loose the generation of your parents, and you yourself become an elder, what are you to make of that?
I Should Have Died Last Week
What do you say to yourself and others when you're living a miracle? When you outlast a lethal event with zero chance of survival? A true story for 2007.
The Power of Invisible People
Noted author and Suddenly Senior reader, Steve Roberts, explores how we are influenced by folks we’ve never met.
Everyone Has the Best Seat in the House
Another wonderful short-short story by Steve Roberts, this time getting showered with useful insight about Ground Zero and 9/11. Stopping, looking and listening are key.
Celebrating Your Essence
A wonderful Christmas story by Suddenly Senior reader and writer Steve Roberts. “The last time I did this exercise, here's what my heart brought forth...“
Dispatch from Katrina
Gautier, Mississippi
After the hurricane, it wasn’t all tragedy. This heart-warming letter from Suddenly Senior reader and small restauranteur, Sunny Wilson, will restore your faith in humanity.
Who Do They Think
They’re Kidding?
After seeing Jack Nicholson get it on with much younger Amada Peet in “Something’s Gotta Give,” Suddenly Senior reader and author Jeannine Schenewerk wonders why we can’t turn the tables and have films depicting a torrid, romantic love affair between, say Meryl Streep and Tobey Maguire or Barbra Streisand and Brad Pitt.
New York Times writer, Sally Friedman, writes a charming column for any Suddenly Senior reader of a certain age who has ever been lost in an unsatisfactory job.
I Invented Play Doh (kinda, sorta, maybe)
Suddenly Senior reader, Jim Wooluns, spins a Hoosier tale of childhood invention using a very basic material.
If I Only Knew Then What I Know Now
Kaiser reader, radio personality and author, Jacqueline Marcell gives us a valuable look at Alzheimer's and other senior dementia. How to spot it, what to do. Includes 10 warning signs.
Parts Department, Please!
Here's the aging male's ultimate fantasy. Free new parts for everything and anything that needs to be replaced. By reader, octogenarian, and dreamer, Jack Morrissey.
Easter Lilies
Reader Penny McGee blesses us once again with a short-short story about a country-style Florida Easter, a bee-charming father, and Southern charm. Just in time for Easter!
100 Days, and Counting
Suddenly Senior reader and Missouri florist Jack Royce Smithson tells us what it feels like to be 100 days from retirement.
Thoughts on Approaching
My 81st Birthday
Flying enthusiast, Suddenly Senior reader, and octogenarian, Jack Morrissey, write about how life has changed for him as he hits age 81. There's a lesson here.
Racing Time
Poet Meg Nelson tells what it's like to be Suddenly Senior "when your brain says you're 33."
38 No-nonsense Resolutions for 2005
Writer and educator, MaryJo Thomas, provides 38 ways to make 2005 your best year ever. Read 'em and see.
America, Where is Your Soul? Can You Find It?
Longtime Suddenly Senior reader, Penny McGee, asks you to listen and watch with your heart, and see what she sees: An America that's lost its soul.
Living with Cancer & Other Good Poems
By reader, Cal Begun, the Bensonhurst Poet.
A Heart Problem
Frank's column, "Prejudiced? Me?" reminds Dot Jones of the South in 1940 when she was eight years old. About how things have changed. And how things haven't.
The Day Mother Became Millie
A delightful story by reader MaryAnn McKissick about the day she realized who her mother really was. A perfect Mother's Day read.
My Red Christmas Coat Remembered
Another wonderful story by MaryAnn McKissick. A seven-year-old girl’s Teddy-bear love of a garment makes for an elegant Christmas story.
The Bevy of Boomer Beauties
Also by reader MaryAnn McKissick, here's an idea that will appeal to all women "of a certain age."
All About Undies
Houston reader Etta Richards, 84, takes us on a tour of the underwear she's worn and seen throughout her several years. Undercover work.
"Seeking Flut"
Think you may need a hearing aid but hate the idea of wearing one? Reader David Yelle can tell us all a thing or two about how getting one may just be a sign of true strength and intelligence.
Perfumes Can Make You Sick!
Why you may think is an untreatable allergy may in reality be symptoms of your perfume attacking you.
Senior Fitness
Suddenly Senior reader and fitness expert, Janet Lewis, wrote these simple directions to the road to fitness especially for readers of this site after reading my recent column on exercise ('If God Wanted Me to Touch My Toes, She Would Have Put Them on My Knees.'). Read it! Then, if you have questions, Janet invites comment to her e-mail address.
Walt, Boy Scout
A funny, nostalgic look back to 1958, by reader Reini Strasser.
Les' Instructions for Life
Twenty important instructions from Les Hopkins, a senior reader of Suddenly Senior serving the Peace Corps in Estonia. Here are a couple:
• When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
• Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
When I am 88
Frances H. Kakugawa's classy, classic look at what to wish for when you're 88. "I will have a love affair that will leave me trembling on a windless day..."
The Class Reunion
Reader/photographer Richard Watherwax sends along this fine poem and photo after his recent 50th high school reunion.
Reader Ed Beardshear's "Big 50 Reunion"
A funny, nostalgic look at Newark, Ohio's Class of '53.
Yes, I'm a Bad American
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? A funny man makes aging funny, too.
The Death of Common Sense: An Obituary
We all knew he was dying. But here it is, the death notice. His life's high points and low, and what finally did him in.
Granny D's Latest Speech
Important words from a true 92-year-old patriot defending peace and the Bill of Rights. Care about America? Read this.
Enjoying One's Age
in the Later Stage
Suddenly Senior friend and columnist, Joe Klock, says "Countless euphemisms have been penned about geezerdom, such as 'strolling into the sunset of life,' but anyone who regards aging as the most fun you can have without giggling with glee needs a brain scan (to prove that they still have one)."
Read this funny essay that slyly sums up the age we are.
If Airlines Sold Paint
The perfect analogy to airlines' ridiculous pricing structures. Especially funny if you've just flown.
It's Your Money
A sober look at today's crooks in corporations.
Class Reunion for 50+ Lady
Good chance you have a class reunion coming up. I do. So here's the inside scoop on how to prepare.
Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder
Chances are, you have this malady and didn't know what to call it. Check it out
The Outhouse Poem
What was it that made women scream whenever they used this old outhouse behind the service station?
Alcohol Warnings
The FDA is considering additional warnings on beer and alcohol bottles, such as: WARNING: consumption of alcohol may leave you wondering what the hell happened to your pants. And many others.
Better in Black & White
A delightful poem about TV in its early days, the programs, the feeling, the values.
What a Difference a Century Makes
What America was like in 1902, when the average wage was 22 cents an hour and there were 230 reported murders in the US.
PRACTICAL MATTERS
Here's good, simple, practical advice on what to do when your wallet or purse is stolen.
Looking for a Job?
Start Small, Think Big
Some good advice from people in the know, plus links that may help in your search.
Medicare Supplements 101
By reader Regina Lopez-Torres, Licensed medicare Agent. Everything you need to know to make intelligent choices, including the right questions to ask.
Good Advice on How to Buy a Car
Realizing that the cost of new transportation can really throw a budget into reverse? Here's good advice from the author of How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money.
How to Get Bumped by Your Airline, and Love It.
From the NY Times. Tips
on getting bumped for fun and profit.
Caregiver's Bill of Rights
What every caregiver should have hanging on the wall in front of them.
Here it is in a nutshell: Great truths little children learn, and never tell; great truths adults learn, and should remember; and great truths about growing old.
Secret Cat Diary
What your cat's REALLY thinking. Or, how cats plan to overthrow the world.
Growing Old is Mandatory?
An inspiring story of a very young 87-year-old college student.
Not by physical force, not by bodily swiftness and agility, are great things accomplished, but by deliberation, authority, and judgment; qualities with which old age is abundantly provided.
Courting Rituals in 1900 vs. Courting Rituals in 2001
Romantic. Charming. Chaperoned. Be thankful we don't date like our grandparents.
At The Beep:
What to Put on Your
Answering Machine
Ten ideas, some you wouldn't dream of using. Ever.
The Power of Prayer in Medicine
A November 2001 article by Jeanie Davis reports on serious research indicating that prayer definitely helps in healing.
25 Signs You've Grown Older
2. Having sex in a twin-sized bed is absurd. 12. You don't know what time Taco Bell closes anymore. 17. Dinner and a movie - The whole date instead of the beginning of one.
The Joys of Womanhood
One of life's mysteries is how a 2 pound box of candy can make a woman gain 5 lbs...My mind not only wanders, it sometime leaves completely. The best way to forget all your troubles is to wear tight shoes...and other truths.
A Child's View of Retirement
Grandpa worked all his life and earned his retardant. Some of the people are so retarded they don't know how to cook at all, so my grandma and grandpa bring food into the wrecked hall and they call it "pot luck."
How Many Do You Remember? Start Counting!
Another trip back to your youth of P.F. Flyers, S&H Green Stamps, Drive-ins, and other memory joggers.
Seniors Prayer
Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my shape to keep. Please no wrinkles, please no bags- And, please lift my butt before it sags. Please no age spots, please no gray- And, as for my belly, please take it away. Please keep me healthy, please keep me young- And, thank you Dear Lord for all that you've done!
Winning My Wings After Fifty
"To begin with, my instructor can't tell his left hand from his right. Now, this made for some verrrrry interesting 'discussions' as to which end of the runway I was supposed to be landing on!" Reprinted from AardvarkExpress, new pilot, Katharine Barr, proves it's never too late to learn.
For Mature Women Only
Great advice and truths that only mature women will understand.
My Rememberer is Broke
My forgetter's getting better But my rememberer is broke...
Quotable Quotations
Feeling down? Depressed? Need some inspiration? Click here for the lift of splendid words.
MORE NEW "GOOD OTHER STUFF" EVERY WEEK!
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
Elvis Presley's landmark song, tuned this time to senior citizens.
Don't Look Back. You're Not Headed That Way.
There could be adventures you never imagined just waiting around the next bend and wishes and dreams just about to come true in ways you can't yet comprehend!
Sayings of the '50s
These statements were quite common during the 1950s. How many of today's sayings will ring as true 50 years from now? How many can you remember today?
10 Ways to Terrorize a Telemarketer
Absolutely essential in this day and age. Use any of these tactics and they will never, never call you again.
Look How Things Have Changed
What a difference 40+ years can make! The following is from a 1950's Home Economics textbook intended for high school girls, teaching them how to prepare for married life. LIKE ARCHIE BUNKER SAID, "THOSE WERE THE DAYS!" BUT THEN, EDITH WASN'T WORKING, WAS SHE?
I'm Just Mature
Many observations on getting old. "Today at the drug store, the clerk was a gent. From my purchase this chap took off ten percent. I asked for the cause of lesser amount: And he answered, 'Because of senior discount.'
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