What Mom Didn’t Know

Posted on May 6, 2013 by christinelondon

…Didn’t Hurt Her

SAME DAY payday loans

Mom has been gone for six years, but to deny that she lived during changing times would be a gross underestimation. A singer on the radio during World War II, she was the quintessential forties babe. Wearing ‘water wings’ gown to sorority bashes (now called halter top), bleaching streaks into her light brown hair and bobby soxing to Sinatra were just some of the indications of her coolness— and choices.

Image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

And then came motherhood. She married dad well after the war, but the mores of the day dictated to that generation that it was time to settle down—waaayyy down. If you were to look at before and after photos of Mom, you would see how the lively young girl turned matronly in short order. In the late fifties and early sixties the nuclear family still largely ruled and provided women the protection a husband had traditionally done for generations. Mom did not have to, nor was she expected to work outside the home.

Ah, but the women’s revolution was about to begin and not unlike many women of her generation, Mom was left a bit bewildered.

Image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Not only had she taken on the Lucy Ricardo housewife role hook line and sinker, she was a natural introvert—uncomfortable meeting new people and exploring new places. But with Dad’s encouragement, she spread her wings, joined in singing groups, worked retail as a candy lady and gave thousands of volunteer hours as a gift shop employee at the local hospital.

Mom never used a computer, nor a cell phone. She took the challenge of her shyness by the horns and navigated her world–face to face. It never occurred to her that she could hide behind a computer screen or text instead of phone. Mom didn’t know the crutch modern technology has afforded the shy. So until her dying day, Mom went against her nature and met the world with courage and fortitude.

As her daughter, I too have inherited the propensity to prefer my cave to the big bad world. It is through her example that I decided to fight the monster in the cave that wants to grab me by the hair and pull me back inside most days.

I learned to pretend.

I learned to act like an extrovert.

Image by L Monterosa

And you know what? People do not bite your hand when you extend it to shake theirs. More than not, they greet you with a smile and are cordial. The imagined terror of speaking or performing in front of a crowd of hundreds can leave one invigorated, not wounded.

I joined the vocal jazz group my parents began, after they retired from it, and learned what it is like to sing under the spotlight. Every time I attend a writer’s convention or go to a book signing I slay the cave dragon just like Mom did when she put on a smile and offered suggestions to people wanting to buy a gift for their sick friend or relative.

Image by L. Monterosa

I have my computer to hide behind. Mom did not.

What Mom did not know not only did not hurt her—it lent to the building of her face-the-world strength. The last five or six years of her life she battled the wages of Alzheimer’s. Using post its and a calendar she made appointments on time and continued to run her household even when her memory had to rely on that self-made paper trail. She continued to volunteer and put on a radiant smile for hospital visitors. She sang next to my dad, wore costumes from ‘the day’ with stage make up and more of that amazing smile— under the hot lights.

Although I never discussed it with her, Mom must have made a life decision to live and not hide, even though her generation and times might have made hiding easier than it would be today when nearly all women work outside the home. She did not use the excuse of her affluence as a woman financially able to stay at home nor did she adopt a computer to do her communiqués for her.

Image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

 

I can only imagine the pep talks she gave to herself in the car on the way to her next public situation or event. Because I do the same.

My readers are often shocked, even deny that I could be anything but an extrovert.

I pretend.  I act.

And you know what? You eventually become what you pretend to be. You strengthen the extrovert muscles and become as comfortable as the best of them–in the spotlight. You even learn to enjoy it.

Today, I have taught writer’s workshops, moderated multi-author speaking engagements and book signings, attended red carpet events and Hollywood awards shows as an outsider looking in so as to share the experience with my readers,

Image by Alex Kent

traveled Europe, The United States, Canada, Mexico and Australia, met people and gone places I never would have dreamed—all because I too made that life decision to reach out— and past my nature.

Image by Alex Kent

 

 

 

image by L. Monterosa

 

Thanks Mom.

 

Trevi Fountain, Rome image by L. Monterosa

Posted in Gratitude, Life, life passion, Success, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

The Bitter and the Sweet at Midlife

Posted on May 3, 2013 by christinelondon

The Bitter and the Sweet at Midlife

aging, middle-aged, midlife women, generation fabulous, maturity

Midlife.

Growing older has much to recommend it.

As Oprah once said, “It is definitely better than the alternative.”

Ah, but there is more to it than just staying alive- adding another candle to an already ablaze birthday cake.

Psychologist Erik Erikson has described it so beautifully in his stages of life. In midlife the production of something that contributes to the betterment of society, what Erikson refers to as “Generatively”, is what is most meaningful. But as we move toward late adulthood we all strive to accept the bitter with the sweet and look back on a life well lived: fulfilled and content that life has had meaning and we have contributed well to it.

We experience more and more loss of the old and familiar. Parents pass away, cultural icons, music and technology all change. It is easy to let the bitter cloud your perspective and contaminate your well of life.

aging, middle-aged, midlife women, generation fabulous, maturity

We also have the privilege of perspective. We see the birth of new souls, their development into the hope of tomorrow, and the many advances society makes politically, culturally and technologically. Older people alive today have seen more change in their lifetime than any generation before them.

The pace of human progress shows no signs of slowing. It is through our mature, yet visionary eyes that the end to racism, sexism, ageism, sexual orientation-ism and many other ‘isms’ can actually be viewed as more than possible. They are attainable.

To be middle-aged is sweet. Our life’s work is now bearing fruit. We have the gift of maturity; abilities gained over a lifetime, ripe to mentor those coming up. We know what we like and what we can happily leave behind. We have attained some level of comfort-contentment. Many of us are finally taking the time to explore things we dreamed of as youth, but hadn’t the time or resources to pursue. We are at the zenith of our personal and professional power.

With great gifts comes great responsibility.

It is we at life’s mountain top that hold the key to what it means to be human. It is we who lend a hand to those still making their way up the mountain. It is we who younger people look to, to see how it’s done.

Bitter and sweet.

Erikson suggests that there is still plenty of room for continued growth and development throughout one’s life.

With the arrival of the autumn of our lives come the warm colours, the long rays of the sun still warming our face as we look forward to more days filled with love and laughter and the enjoyment of a life well lived.

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing–the last of the human freedoms-to choose one’s own attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. -Viktor Frankl, MD, PhD

Stories never really end…even if the books like to pretend they do. Stories always go on. They don’t end on the last page, any more than they begin on the first page.
― Cornelia Funke, Inkspell

Life goes on.

Alleluia.

Christine London

Christine is a multi-published L.A. girl who adores all things British. She stumbled into writing romance during a lull after her teaching career fried her work-a-day synapses and has never looked back. Chris considers herself the proverbial late bloomer, but hey–midlife is made for growing fabulous. Hollywood events, international travel and author conventions tickle her passion these days. Three dogs keep her running. That and a treadmill to stave off the dreaded spread. You can find her most days tapping away at her computer– and smiling.

Did you enjoy this article? Subscribe to my blog and you’ll never miss my posts! It’s easy: Just enter your name and email address in the upper right corner of this page. Oh, and I’ll never sell, share, or rent your contact information. That’s a promise!

, , , , 

Posted in Aging, Life | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Z” for Zealous

Posted on April 30, 2013 by christinelondon

Zealous–

Ardent, enthusiastic, eager, fervent, keen, earnest

 These synonyms for zealous sum up what I have gained from this month-long blogging challenge. The expectation that one is to write everyday, and not just drivel, but something coherent through which readers might gain insight, inspiration or entertainment has been a real joy. The very exercise has reignited my appreciation for the intricacies of words and the nearly infinite possible avenues to pursue when dealing with them.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos,net

What are the origins of this word ‘zealous’?

From the Greek ‘zelos’, the word has a close linking to ‘intensity’ and ‘passion’. Used with a capital letter, “Zealot”  refers to a person—a member of a radical warlike, ardently patriotic group of Jews in Judea, particularly prominent  from A.D. 69 to 81, advocating the violent overthrow of Roman rule and vigorously resisting the efforts of the Romans to heathenize the Jews.

In this ancient context the term takes on the connotation of ‘fanatic’ or overbearing zeal. How so also the modern ‘fan’ that goes to extreme lengths to admire the object of his passion.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos,net

Such scourge as paparazzi would not exist if it were not for the demand of a society that puts their actors, athletes and musicians on a pedestal. Not content to leave them there, the modern fan has an insatiable hunger to know every detail, every facet of the celebrity’s life so much so that the very definition of celebrity has come to mean a loss of privacy.

Modern day zealots may no longer cheer death in the arena, but the demand they create through their need to intrude in the lives of those they admire takes away a fundamental human right. The right to privacy.

Those of you who follow my blog regularly know that I occasionally attend Hollywood events and blog about them. In the glare of the floodlights on the red carpet celebrities expect to be photographed.

image by C London

They are in their working mode there.

My readers also know that I do not and will never take photographs that are not under the umbrella of these public-persona situations. ‘Nuff said.

When it comes to our personal lives, our hearts, it is zeal and zeal alone that will see you through any dark winter of the soul. Anything worth having or doing is going to take consistent effort to achieve. The structure of this world requires payment for all the good stuff. If you want to succeed at anything you will have to give it all that you can give. Every day of your life whether a small step or giant leap, pursuing your dream will take ongoing work. Every step, no matter how small, moves you in the direction of good. Even the mistakes and setbacks are all part of the trail. So you best have enthusiasm to stoke you for the road.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, it is the journey and not the destination. This is a reminder to enjoy all of life with zeal.  I certainly have enjoyed this twenty six blog adventure through the alphabet and thank you for allowing me the pleasure of your company.

image by L. Monterosa

Until next time—whatever your dream, enjoy the journey.

 

image by L. Monterosa

Posted in Blogging, Life, life passion, Success | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Y” for Yuck

Posted on April 29, 2013 by christinelondon

Yuck – The Wisdom of Repugnance–or Not

We all have either intuitive or deep seated aversion to some things. Many think this should be interpreted as evidence of the intrinsic harmful or evil character of that thing.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

So does disgust have its own wisdom? Taken further, does one’s “gut reaction” justify objecting to some practice even in the absence of a persuasive rational case against that practice?

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

The ‘instinct’ to be repelled from such things as incest, cannibalism, coprophagia, bestiality in no way transfers to social questions such as marijuana legalization, alternative sexualities, racism, anti-Semitism, sexism and pornography. Using the yuck factor as a means to legitimize irrationalism is more a fallacious appeal to emotion, rather than a manifestation of some instinctive protection mechanism.

Disgust based morality has been used throughout history to justify persecution. Such prejudices are social decisions and not obvious truths. In these cases repugnancy has definite costs. They are cultural more repugnancies, rather than biological threat. If a culture decides to ban the sale of kidneys, the cost to individuals who might die for lack of vital organ is implicitly accepted.

Such repugnancies vary according to time period and culture. Slavery is an example. Abortion, egg donation, surrogacy, child labour, alcohol use, use of cadavers in research,

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

illegal drug trade, use of horses and dogs as meat, immigration, usury, gambling, product replacement, prostitution, organ donation, simony and even such relative mild evils as metered parking are evaluated via cultural norms.

The disgust over rancid oil, maggots, strong putrid odors is biological revulsion meant to prevent humans from consuming something with the potential to kill or severely disable.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Those acts of choice which may cause repugnance in some individuals are more in the realm of a legal philosophy or political theory. When a large group disapproves of or feels threatened by an activity of a smaller subset of that population, it can and does seek to prohibit that action or group via a statutory law.

Such things as use of guns, alcohol, drugs, types of clothing or dancing; the participation in these are considered a victimless crime where the harm is either non-existent, questionable or only to the individual performing such acts and even then of a magnitude of being relatively small. Such instances can impinged on free will of the individual and the laws prohibiting them are often selectively or not enforced. Such laws and enforcement can also call attention to the very thing or act they are wanting to prohibit thus making it interesting, glamorous or exciting. This can unintentionally increase the thing or act’s popularity. (term coined as the Streisand effect)

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

So next time you say “yuck”— you might want to consider your reaction’s source.  Fascinating.

 

Posted in Discrimination, Health, Integrity, Life | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

“X” for Xenophobia and Star Trek

Posted on April 27, 2013 by christinelondon

 

 

- xen·o·pho·bi·a- Noun

Intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries.

“In the 24th century there will be no hunger, there will be no greed, and all the children will know how to read.” – Gene Roddenberry

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

All of us have prejudice. It is a natural part of being human. One might almost term it instinctual. We are wired to be concerned about, even afraid of that which is unfamiliar.

In our small world, made so by jet transportation and the internet, we have been thrust into an environment that could not even be imagined by the majority of mankind. Prior to the twentieth century most folks were born, lived and died within the range of a few miles. Dialects developed, cultures within cultures; a man’s world was homogeneous and familiar.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

In the past century or two we have s-l-o-w-l-y learned to live as neighbours with people from the other side of the globe. Most of us have even grown to realize that our differences give us strength.

The path has not been easy. Much prejudice, misunderstanding, hatred and violence has littered the pathway to the mostly heterogeneous planet we now occupy.

The 1960′s science fiction series, Star Trek, embodied concepts of equality in a way often ahead of its time.

“The glory of creation is in its infinite diversity.  And the way our differences combine to create meaning and beauty” -Mr. Spock

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Just one example of social commentary undertaken within the structure of the futuristic characters and plots in which mankind had long since learned to work together. Yet much base desire for power and misunderstandings are often predicated on race and remain as part of the challenge even in Star Trek’s twenty fourth century setting.

We are still a long way from equality for all but have made what could be considered lightning paced advances.  We have see women’s rights move forward, the end to institutional racism, the equal rights struggle and most recently, the massive shift in opinion concerning sexual orientation.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

We may be a long way from perfect but the immense changes in the corporate psyche in our lifetime are greater than hundreds of lifetimes before us.

The majority of us have learned to set aside what may be an inherent  tendency toward fear and rejection. We have made a conscious decision to be tolerant, accepting, even loving toward people and places that are in no way familiar to us.

What is the agent of such fast change?

Education. Exposure. Understanding.

When we understand something or someone— when we have had the opportunity to experience them as only superfluously different, we understand that our similarities are much greater than our differences. That we all want the basic human right to live free of fear, with opportunity to better ourselves and take care of our loved ones.

We are on a course to prove the world of Star Trek and science fiction —as fact. We may even outpace the fictional time line as we learn more and more about each other each and every day.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

May we relegate this “X” phobia to the pages of history as we move forward into the brave new world Gene Roddenberry envisioned…and more. For it is when we stop putting our energy into shunning and fighting those different than us that we have the stuff to move forward as a planet. Borders are now and have always been a construct of men. We are one planet, one heart with one dream—life.

“The strength of a civilization is not measured by its ability to fight wars, but rather by its ability to prevent them.” G. Roddenberry

Posted in Discrimination, Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

“W” is for Weather

Posted on April 26, 2013 by christinelondon

Weather

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

It’s the topic of everyday chatter, the object of complaint and praise. Yet it is the one thing we truly can do nothing about (at least until some sci fi future comes into play)

How does it affect you when the sun glare makes you squint or when fifty shades of gray becomes a mantra rather than a steamy read?

There are those who get a headache when the sun beats on their head. They hate the crows feet of too bright a day and run from shade oasis to oasis to try to prevent freckles or skin damage. And then there are the S.A.D. among us.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Seasonal Affective Disorder is not just in your mind. Science has now verified that low levels of light over a prolonged period of time truly can cause a depression that is every bit as debilitating as the clinical type.

According ot the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders (DSM-IV), SAD is not a unique mood disorder, but is “a specifier of major depression”. If may include some of the same symptoms as depression: sleeping too much, having little energy to accomplish tasks, withdrawal from friends and family, decreased sex drive and increased appetite.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

While Seasonal Affective Disorder has only been so named since 1980, the presence of its symptomology goes back thousands of years. Percentage of those effected increase with the latitude; persons in the Northern climes raising from a less than two percent prevalence in sunnier climes to over nine percent of the Northern exposure population.

The use of light boxes prove helpful in many cases but their requirement of time spent in front of them daily puts some people off. The adjustment of the circadian rhythm they boost may help lift some of the lethargy.   “Studies have also shown that light influences serotonin and epinephrine pathways in the brain, the same neurotransmitter systems known to be affected in people with general depression.” – Dr Norman Rosenthal, author of “Winter Blues” http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/15/health/policy/light-boxes-may-help-melt-those-winter-blues.html?_r=3&

Does the opposite occur? Are there some people who actually become manic in summer months?

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Evidently, though less common-yes. Although this may at first blush seem ideal, symptomology can include anxiety, irritability and insomnia. Weight loss and increased sex drive—hmm..to a low light SAD sufferer that sounds pretty good. lol.

What about the more subtle and innocuous weather related effects. Raindrops and roses and whiskers on kitten are how Julie Andrews handled the volume of a thunderstorm. To our non-human friends who cannot be soothed through such quaint reassurances, thunder can be akin to hyper anxiety leading to some pretty bizarre, even dangerous behavior. Dogs have been knows to squeeze through openings, ostensibly to hide, that cause damage to their skin and limbs. Cats can disappear all together.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Hail can damage property, freezing weather?—busted pipes and cars that won’t start. The ferocity of tornadoes and hurricanes dwarf us in their power. as part and parcel of nature, we are indeed helpless in the wake of what this planet can produce.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Maybe that is all as it should be. We are often the recipients of the fruits of our arrogance. Too many people view humankind as somehow exempt from the laws of nature and weather. We assume this at our peril.

The United States Coast Guard has a duty to save souls who have chosen to ignore the power of the planet, the sea. Although our technological advances have enabled us to do so much more than even our grandparents could have imagined, when it comes to weather beware—erring on the side of caution allows us to enjoy the glory and grandeur of nature’s weather displays.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Posted in Health, Nature | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“V” for Valiant

Posted on April 25, 2013 by christinelondon

Valiant: boldly courageous, brave, stout-hearted, worthy, excellent

The first persons to come to mind might be firefighters, soldiers, police. But of course.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

It is my contention there are more brave and heroic amongst us than those who wear a uniform.

Doctors? Paramedics? Teachers?

You are getting warmer.

 

 

How about YOU?

Rising early to work out so you can be healthy to serve and enjoy those you love.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Dressing to look the part of your work role. Clothes make the man was not written on a whim. Much research has been done as to the effect clothes have on the way we are viewed.

Skipping the donuts in favor of fruit and yogurt? Keep that middle aged spread at bay–arteries clear, heart thanking you.

Read articles and books to keep current in your field–  Allows you to climb the ladder of success so you might provided good things for you and your family.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

 

Keep you cabinets stocked with nutritious snacks. Good nutrition=good health. Congratulations at avoiding the preponderance of empty calories available at every supermarket. It is nothing short of valiant effort to maintain a unrefined, natural diet.

Care for your pets. You have many outside stimuli in your day. YOU are your pet’s day and they love every moment of loving attention you give to them. Helps relieve your stress too.

 

Battle the traffic to and fro. That job you hold down helps so many people. YOU are the reliable presence that so many come to rely upon. Whether you flip hamburgers, change bedpans, teach children math or manage a company, your colleagues or employees look to you to maintain excellence in whatever you do. You are an important element that cannot easily be replaced. You do your work with positivism and a smile. You just may be the one bright spot in many person’s day.

Make the bed with hospital corners? Scrub the grout pearly white?

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Change the diapers? Scrub the pans? Remember to put the seat down so the ladies in your house won’t fall in?—all these small gestures of care add up to smoothing other’s way. There is so much to be said for making those around you more comfortable. It is silent love. It is valiant.

Work more hours to save for the kid’s college. Take others to music events, theater, museums, amusement parks. Donate to charities. Roll up your sleeves and give blood. The spirit of giving cannot be underestimated in the impact it has on other’s lives.

You are valiant when you keep your cool in traffic. When you let the other guy go first because you know they probably had a bad day. Hold the door open for any stranger (not just women!) Send links and articles that might help a friend or family member (this is the equivalent of grandma clipping articles from the newspaper and passing them on in snail mail)

Give up the last piece of chicken, last piece of pizza.  Share the wine and the blanket.

Smile when your son or daughter leaves to go to their first military assignment–or to university–or far away job, even though your heart is breaking with grief at the separation—and pride.

image by C London

Have the strength to know when it’s time for a disabled parent to receive better care in assisted living than at your home.

To live humbly and within your means.

To say goodbye to a beloved parent at their graveside.

To know when to give and when to accept help.

These are but a few of the daily choices we make—you make to make that day better for others. To look to the future with hope and love.

You are the stuff of miracles. Your choices. Your gifts and talents make this world better.

It’s so easy to destroy. It takes only a second.

But you are the stuff of creation, of the future, of care and joy. You know you have to care for yourself so you can best serve others. You are among the daily valiant.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

You.

 

Posted in Health, Integrity, Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

“U” for United

Posted on April 24, 2013 by christinelondon

Seldom is there such a week as the United States experienced last week. The attack on the Boston Marathon and the horrific explosion in West Texas focused a spotlight on what makes Americans the people they are. United.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Do we have a wide variety of political opinions? religions? ethnicities?  tastes? —Perhaps the broadest range of any country on the planet. These are not the things that unites us. Humanity does.

It is in adversity that the true heart of a person, of a people is exposed.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Americans have always been generous. We come to the aid of the world when there is flood, earthquake or famine. Are we perfect? Of course not, but when we are made aware of need there are always more volunteers than can be utilized.

But when our country, our central beliefs in self expression, freedom of speech, the pursuit of life, are threatened or attacked, we shine bright as the symbolic flame carried by Lady Liberty in New York harbor.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Patriotism. The good side.

In moments of terror, our humanity trumps any thoughts of patriotism. We help, we sacrifice, we put our time, effort and very lives on the line.

Are we unique? Of course not. People around the world shine in such moments. Is it our affluence that enable us to volunteer in such numbers? Perhaps that is an element, but there is something at the heart of an American that propels him to place his own safety aside, to go that proverbial extra mile.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

To every positive there is a darker side.

               Americans have very short memories.

Perhaps it is the very affluence that enables us to act that also wipes our memories clean in short order. We are constantly inundated with information. Tomorrow there are a hundred other news events and causes vying for our attention. We are so plugged in that we tend to tune out things that have scrolled by, in short order.

Had the mechanism to vote on reasonable gun registration for all been poised on December 14th 2012, it surely would have passed. With a four month lag, the bill was defeated. Even with the presence of families shattered by the Sandy Hook tragedy, our national attention had long shifted to other horrors.

The controversy over the election Of George W. Bush—the hanging chads, the decisions in Florida, the uproar over the need for electoral change—quickly forgotten.

Even the horrific 9/11 mass murder has slipped into the national rear view mirror. Knives allowed back on airliners? Amazing.

Where does the outrage, the indignation go? Is the power of instant social information also its damper?

What do you think?

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Posted in Cost of freedom, Integrity, Opinion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“T” is for Tall

Posted on April 23, 2013 by christinelondon

Tall.

There is no way to deny it. At five foot nine, I am tall.

If I’d been born a man I would be slightly on the short side of American normal, but as a woman, I stand out. I live in Los Angeles where there are many nationalities, many immigrants and second generation-ers. Not a lot of Northern European types around. So—my blonde hair? Also a beacon.

Ah but you can get blonde from a bottle. Height? Not so easy. Even the gals who risk their skeletal alignment and feet with stilettos may just look me in the eye.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

“Oh, but you can reach the top shelf in the kitchen.”

“You look so much better in clothes.”

“It’s easier to see in a crowd.”

Wow.

We tall are the first asked to retrieve things from that top shelf.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Often it is nearly out of our reach too, but we stretch and strain to assist.

Look better in clothes? Yeah–if you can find any that that are cut to your frame. It has only been the last few years that jeans and trousers have been made in ‘tall’. And they are usually the first to sell out (seems the shorter want their trousers to drag —a fashion statement).  I remember the days when there was one ‘talls’ store and all the clothes looked like they ought to be worn by my grandmother. You can cut fabric to hem something too long. Too short and you are S.O.L.

Easier to see in crowds? Nope. Remember–we tall women are medium to short-ish guys. We are still blocked by those over six foot ‘gentlemen’ who insist on standing in the front. And they always seem to be right in front of us.

So what are the benefits of being somewhat vertically challenged? My BFF is a five foot nothin’-er. Diminutive, cute, often mistaken as someone half her age she garners doors open, unending supply of clothing in her size —’petites having been cut to her frame available for years, gallant offers of help, flirtatiousness from men and the ability to try on shoes off the rack. Yeah—little feet that fit the floor models.

She would argue these points, but hey—this is my blog. Lol. “They all look at you when you enter a room.” (There’s that ‘stick out in a crowd thing) Is that good? Seems tall can also be intimidating. Certainly makes it tough to ‘disappear’ in the crowd.

“Miss, the company doesn’t make shoes in such abnormal sizes.”

“We’re out of talls.”

“You can’t reach that either? Oh comeon–try.”

*clears throat* “I can’t see.” *Shuffles to the back* Now I can’t see. (Remember those six foot five guys?)

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

I have found a plethora of links to positive kudos from tall guys about being tall. *cricket chirps* on links to exuberant tall gals.

So what think you tall gals?? What are the blessings of being ‘stretch’?

image by L Monterosa

 

Posted in Life, Musings, Opinion | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

“S” is for Sugar

Posted on April 22, 2013 by christinelondon

Our love affair with refined sugar is killing us.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

“Just a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down.”

My–how times and our knowledge have changed.

A calorie is not a calorie as our bodies see it.  Not only does sugar contribute to obesity, there is a direct correlation to type two diabetes. Research tells us that the majority of those sugar calories are being drunk. Sodas.

In countries where the incidence of diabetes went up, the availability of sugar has increased in roughly the same proportion. –So says a recent 175 country study conducted by research teams from Stanford and UC San Francisco (http://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/27/science/la-sci-sugar-diabetes-20130228 )

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

This does not absolve the preponderance of cake, cookies, donuts and generally cheap sweet eats that flood every convenience and grocery store. We have literally grown to crave the sweet and refined.

Does agri business know it? Of course they do.

Does the average citizen know it. In the developed world–you bet.

Then why continue?

Ask a smoker.

As much as we are educated. As widely known as the detriment to health is. We continue.

Sound familiar?

Yes.

Addiction.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

We are a society addicted to sugar— and sugar causes the inflammation in our blood vessels that catches the bad fats that circulate through our blood stream. The roller coaster of blood sugar levels places demands on our pancreas, our insulin levels, that our bodies simply have not developed to be able to handle.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

The thing is, we don’t need more medications. We don’t need to be sold expensive interventions. We don’t need a ‘pill’ to fix us. All we need is to break the cycle.
It takes a few days to a week of withdrawal. The cravings mimic the strength of a drug. Withdrawal is not for the faint of heart. But it can be done.

And when you are free from the gravitational pull of sugar your body will thank you by returning your blood sugar levels to normal. Your pancreas will be able to rest, not called upon incessantly to dump more and more insulin into your blood in a losing attempt to mitigate the flood of sugar. You will have increased energy and clarity.

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

The complexities in naturally sweet things will explode across your palate.
Removing unnecessary sugar from your life will improve your physical and emotional health. It will actually energize you and abolish those never ending cravings.(http://www.naturalnews.com/038804_sugar_addiction_withdrawal_tips.html#ixzz2R1ANRXO1 )

image courtesy freedigitalphotos.net

Posted in Food, Health | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments