Fine Wine - my darling, Darlene

Just a reminder.

Women are very much like fine wine. We really do improve with age. I wouldn't trade by wisdom for anything. I am truly grateful that I know longer need the approval of all those I meet. It would be nice but certainly isn't necessary.

Only with age does a woman realize that other people's opinions don't matter all that much. We needn't worry what they think about us cause most likely their not thinking of us at all.

It's enough now to walk into a room knowing that we're looking our best. We don't need admiring glances and false compliments. Again, it would be nice but certainly not necessary.

Only with time do we blossom and become the very best us. I know this to be true because there are those fascinating women in my life who only continue to improve with each birthday.

My darling, Darlene is among those woman. They are smart and brave and have endured things that young woman can't imagine. And having endured every kind of disaster and loss, they remember what's important and they remember how to smile and they remember how to keep going.

And that is far more impressive that anything a bunch of grapes can accomplish.

So celebrate and enjoy. Treat yourself with kindness. We'll teach the next generation of woman what true grace and style really is.

And remember, I will always picture you standing on a hill, your hair blowing in the wind and you... to proud to chase after it.

Happy Birthday, darling, Darlene.
With love.

Goodness Gracious Me

Once again, I can only give credit where credit is due.

First of all, most of the credit for this blog goes to the inspirational encouragement of my darling cousin Ken. A little credit goes to the guy names Guido who made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

Secondly, I must thank the teachings of King Stephan for the deeply embedded need to always do and say the proper thing. The title says it all. Goodness. Gracious. Me.

So no matter how drunk and mouthy the golfers are on men's night, I smile and bring them another round. No matter how cheap the seniors are and how they complain about the price of coffee ($1.25 - unlimited refills and who the hell knew that men who should be suffering from prostrate trouble can still consume on average 4.6 cups per sitting) I smile and bring them another round.

No matter how the golfers who like to do 18 holes a day for 6 months of the year complain about the fee of $350.00 which would work out to less than $2.00 a round. I smile and make a joke.

No matter how the employees complain about missing their alotted 20 minute coffee break and how it was someone else's job to fill the ketchup and clean the grill. I smile and encourage them and assure them that they are doing a bang up job and are in the running for employee of the month.

No matter how much grief I endure, I smile and am gracious. Cause King Stephen raised me to be nice and get along. Well King Stephen, thanks a lot.