Vigilant Silver Fox

Memorial Day became an official Federal holiday in 1971. As a child Memorial Day was called Decoration Day and was celebrated on May 31 no matter what day of the week.  It was holiday to remember not only those who died in the military, but also those who died in your family. It was a family holiday.  My grandmother closed her business ( a rare occasion).  My dad had the day off.   My family would squeeze into my grandmother's 1952 Plymouth four-door sedan and head up to the North side of Chicago.  It seemed like a long journey in the days before expressways. We would meet my aunt and her clan at the family burial plot.

As we walked up the incline to the site, we were warned not to step on any one's grave. We needed to be respectful. In those days, a grave was very distinct. The black mounds were graves. The grassy area was a free zone for  foot traffic.
This venture in the Spring was a time to commune with my ancestors. We always started the work with a prayer. There was a sho…

Here I sit at my computer. I am gathering up courage to begin preparations for submission to a agents and publishers. It is a scary process for me. I have been writing for a long time for others, corporations, non-profits, individuals, and just for "the heck of it." Submitting the creation of your imagination is different. You own the idea. You see the vision. You know what you want the story to say to the reader.  You want individuals to pick your book and want to know more about your characters.

My first writers' conference I met an individual who was very frustrated. He had submitted was rejected more than 100 times. No one wanted his book. He was crushed. He had the story proofed for grammatical and writing errors. He has several "beta readers" who actually test read for story viability.  They gave him good reviews. He tried to get his story out to the public. My heart went out to him. Timing, taste, demographics, and sometimes just luck can make the diff…

Researching the history of Mother's Day proved fascinating.  The earliest attempts to honor mothers began with the ancient pagan holidays for the goddess Astra (fertility). Through the ages various attempts by both religious leaders and women tried unsuccessfully to elevate the role of mothers in society. Leading to a natio very commercial national holiday complete with advertising blitzed weeks prior to the second Sunday in May.

How and why we celebrate Mother's Day is not important. It is important that we remember mom. Not just because we have a day to remind us, but because as a child, mom is our touch stone. She was our go-to gal. My mom has left this dimension many years ago, but every weekend I still feel like I need to make my Sunday call to her.

When I left my parental family thirty plus years ago.  I moved five states west and more than 1600 miles away. It was the equivalent to moving on the moon to my mother. She wasn't able to "drop by." She couldn…

One out of every eight Americans is 60+ years of age. This group is unleashing their talents and experiences across the nation. During the month of May take time to spot a vibrant American elder. You will be surprise where you will find them.

Look around your gym, dance, or yoga class. They may be a classmate in a language or a art class. You can find members of this group hiking, biking, boating, skiing, sailing, walking, or helping a group of school children across the street.

How about that new coffee shop owner or book store manager? Take a look at who is registering new voters and serving coffee and donuts at church on Sunday. A citizen of 60+ years can fool you not only by what they are doing, but also by their vitality. The senior citizens of the 21st Century are maximizing their "Third Age."

The elderly have been stereotyped as helpless, out of touch with the world, needy, and dependent. While a small part of the senior population needs assistance.   Never should ag…