Happy UN-Birthday 39ers DECEMBER 2020 Ho! Ho! Ho!

 Reflect. Rejoice. Rejuvenate. Enjoy! Next Year … 

Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m happy to rush through Christmas and head straight for champagne and the New Year. Especially in view of several states’ new lockdown that keeps us from our loved ones. Ugh. As we used to say, grin and bear it. Do we have a choice?

December of course, is largely about various cultural Holidays (virtual or memories) and the spirit of Christmas. We must keep the spirit alive, m’friends.

I tried to find some other interesting, off-the-beaten-track special days to have fun with, but alas … it’s nearly all about Christmas.

Don’t get me wrong, there is no other Holiday all year that keeps us ALL young, which is what we’re all about at 39 and Holding Club. (Have I driven you nuts with all the “all” references yet?! Haha.)

So let’s quit complainin’ and get on with the fun!

Celebrating DECEMBER 39ers ~ And More! 
I did find a week that is important to consider as some of us reach our tenth, fifteenth, or twentieth+ 39 and Holding UN-birthdays … the rest is all fun, I promise …

December 7-11:
As much as our inner psyche thinks we’re only twenty-five, at some point our bodies take things to a higher level. So it’s good this month to consider Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. Reflexes, sight, and let’s face it—coherent thought, if you ever had any 😊—become a little diminished as we celebrate more UN-birthdays of 39 and Holding. So take a peek at their site and have one—just one—reality day. Absorb their message, then tap into your inner child again and move on! ♪ My pick-up gets me where I please | chuggin’ down the street … ♪ *

December 18^th:
Let me take you back. Waaaay back … for the birth of … no, not the Christmas namesake. Not quite that far, just to the inspiration for …  National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day! Although holiday-specific sweaters enjoyed popularity in the 1950s, according to CNN, it was the 1980s and a plethora of goofy movies and television shows that brought garish red, white, and green festive-themed sweaters into the mainstream. Their fashion acceptance has waned and peaked again through several decades, but from all hilarious appearances, it is back as a semi-permanent Holiday staple. As you read and enjoy, just remember, ugly is in the eye of the beholder! ♪ Don we now, our gay apparel | Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la | troll the ancient yuletide carol ... ♪ **|

December 24^th:
So let’s face it … if you don’t have something done for Christmas by this day, chances are, it isn’t going to happen. Time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labors on Egg Nog Day!

Betcha didn’t know, “The spirit used to make the cocktail often reveals where that version originates …” Apparently Europe prefers white wine while we American counterparts prefer a heavy shot of rum or Bourbon. Wow—since we get a lot of our hard-drinkin’ habits from our European ancestors, they’re kinda lightweights with the white wine. But each to his/her own. ♪ You can say there’s no such thing as Santa | But as for me and Grandpa, we believe …  Why?? ‘Cause … ♪ She’d been drinkin’ too much egg nog … ♪
(Of course, please do drink responsibly. As a nightcap before bed is awesome!)

For 39ers who Follow the Stars

Have you ever been put off by a rather blunt Sagittarian? These 39ers (11/22-12/21) speak their minds, often without considering how what they say will be received. They don’t mean to snap at you, but in their haste to get things done, it might happen. Don’t take it to heart. Chances are, they’re on to another big adventure, and could just take you with them! 
      If you’re the UN-birthday Sagittarian, it’s possible you’re heading for a new beginning with December’s new moon, leading into a dynamic New Year. Add a touch of royal purple to your holiday greenery.

No less determined for success, Capricorn 39ers (12/22-01/19) may seem to be a bit too distant and self-focused. It’s just that they care so much, they want everything to be just right for you! You’ll find them directing the events for the month down to every detail. Cut them some slack and if you lighten up, they’ll come around. But it’s a compromise, Capricorn 39ers. You must be willing to listen. Give those you love your full attention this month, and rejuvenate for the New Year!
      Smoothing ruffled feathers will be easier when you line your bright holiday colors with a soft, silver-grey. After tightening your belt in the first half of December, you’ll see your way to a brighter upcoming year with the full moon. Cheers!

Aging with ATT-i-tude Platitude  Without family or friends near, you are still not alone. You have yourself. Reflect. Rejoice. Rejuvenate. Enjoy!  ~ L. Rochelle    

Don’t wait, start now! Cheers to your Happy UN-Birthday DECEMBER 39ers

This one’s for you, kids – Linda, Patricia, Ken, Kevin and Santa Claus!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Club 39 Nifty Gifts
Join the 39 & Holding Club!

Chat on Twitter: @39HoldingClub

*   “Grapefruit-Juicy Fruit” Jimmy Buffett (1973)
**  “Deck the Halls” traditional Christmas song (1862/English)
*** “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” Elmo ‘n’ Patsy (1979)

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Are you a 39er this month? Feel free to share your UN-birthday comments below (click on Comments or if it says No Comments, click that to be the first) and tell us how you really feel about your age and aging. Keep the stories coming!

LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books (of three) in her Blast from Your Past series, available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!

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Happy UN-Birthday 39ers Grateful NOVEMBER 2020

This Month Live Charitably, Love More and Laugh Often 

From 12:01a.m. on All Hallow’s Day (November 1) to the Full Moon on November 30^th, this is an exceptional feast and frolic month! If your birthday falls in this month, all the better … we can’t ignore what went before, but we can certainly cherish life more … and smile.

Celebrating NOVEMBER 39ers ~ And More!

It should go w/o saying that this is Gratitude Month … but I’m saying it anyway, just in case … and yes, it’s a real, recognized designation … so THANK YOU for reading this humble writer’s blog.

And beyond that, we’re into the Foodie Season! Scrumptious foods and their corresponding “special” days await! Let’s get into it, 39ers, like we were ten years old again …

Do you know that in spite of turkey, pumpkin, and various spices that permeate this Thanksgiving month, it is also National Peanut Butter Lovers Month? “By law, any product labeled ‘peanut butter’ in the United States must be at least 90 percent peanuts,” says the National Peanut Board. As it should be.

November 9-15^th:

Another legume that doesn’t enjoy quite the same reputation as peanuts, often suffers a bad rap in the kitchen. I’m one of the few I know who celebrates National Split Pea Soup Week. Also called “pulse” … “a Latin word meaning thick soup used to describe the edible seeds of legumes.” This pea-green dish has been celebrated in America since 1969 … seriously? Excellent. And there you have it. Eat your veggies in pulse.

November 19^th: From food to fashion, join a cause that brings back the core and soul of American commerce … American Made Matters Day is the brainchild of Bollman Hats’ president/CEO, Don Rongione. The employee owned American company tells you why it matters and where to buy American.

      “We have established an organization called American Made Matters and now, we have 365 members in 45 states … Our goal is to emphasize the quality and design of products made by Americans. And our mission is to educate the consumer that buying American-made products strengthens the American dream.” (MR Magazine, 10/12/16, by David Rose) Let’s do it.

November 20^th: Speaking of peanuts, it’s well known in my family that I am a peanut butter nuthead and a bit of a chocoholic. Imagine my delight when I stumbled on National Peanut Butter Fudge Day! “Peanuts are heart healthy, a good source of fiber and contain mostly good fats.” Um, sans the chocolate, of course. It’s also my birthday so guess who’s indulging? (And in case you’re wondering, of course, I’m 39 and Holding—again.)

November 25^th: Are you ready? While we’re prepping for tomorrow’s feast, let’s dance a little merry jiggle to #OldTimeRock&Roll tunes on the jukebox! Call it pre-Thanksgiving exercise. Get your boogie on with National Jukebox Day (day before Thanksgiving) and take some pictures, then hashtag with #NationalJukeboxDay and share ‘em!

November 26^th: Besides the familial food, fun and frolic of Thanksgiving Day … oh who am I kidding? It’s all about food, fun and frolic … if you’re not doing the cooking. Otherwise, it’s all about rushing around the kitchen trying to time a variety of hot dishes to hit the table at the same time! 

November 30^th: Sit back and sip the warmth of Cider Monday (Monday after Thanksgiving) – oh yes, I know it’s also “Cyber Monday” and you-all can spend your time online, shopping away your dollars … me, I’m gonna relax and give myself a break with a yummy spiced-mulled apple cider cocktail to celebrate Cider Monday, and the true beginning of the Holidays. Cheers to you!

To wind up the month, while you have the family all in one place, or together on a Zoom-fest, ask each to share a reminiscence for Family Stories Month. Make it dessert.

For 39ers who Follow the Stars
There’s a common misconception that Scorpio folks (10/23-11/21)  are out for blood, with their mighty stingers. In truth, those sharp-pointed tail ends are designed for defense and they would rather die than attack. However, when backed into a corner, make no mistake … they are formidable opponents. In contrast, they do love a good party!
      In the latter part of the month, Sagittarians (11/22-12/21) are perfect Thanksgiving party planners. They’ll track every detail and if you don’t want them to take over everything and go a little crazy with exotic designs, be specific. They love specifics. If you’re close to an Archer, be ready for adventure. They’re never without it.

Aging with ATT-i-tude Platitude 
If you’ve made it to 39 and Holding, you have stories to share. Laugh, relive, and enjoy. Do it now.  ~ L. Rochelle

Don’t wait, start now! Cheers to your Happy UN-Birthday NOVEMBER 39ers
This one’s for you, kids – JV, Jackie, and Moi!

Club 39 Nifty Gifts
Join the 39 & Holding Club!
Chat on Twitter: @39HoldingClub

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Are you a 39er this month? Feel free to share your UN-birthday comments below (click on Comments or if it says No Comments, click that to be the first) and tell us how you really feel about your age and aging. Keep the stories coming!

 LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books (of three) in her Blast from Your Past series, available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!

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Happy UN-Birthday 39ers Spooky October 2020

39er Music, a Blue Moon & Magic! 

Of course, although we love our 39ers, October is much more than 39er UN-birthdays … we explore a gamut of revelries from “Country Music Month” to “Magic Day,” with plenty of bewitching gifts of the month in-between. So let’s get our 39er pumpkins rolling out of the shadows and down the road to motivations and myths for October!

Celebrating OCTOBER 39ers ~ And More!
        Do you know that 50 years ago This Month, Nixon turned October into Country Music Month, says the New York Public Radio site. He may not have been the best prez, but “Nixon became the first president to visit the Grand Ole Opry.” Gotta give him props for that.
        Though I am most known for Rockin’ out to Rock & Roll, I shamelessly admit to my country upbringing in the Sierra Nevada Foothills of Lake Tahoe’s California side. Do you have a hankerin’ to celebrate the music roots of American pride and go a little Country? Let’s not go too Country, after all, some of the best Rock & Roll music is “a little bit Country, a little bit Rock & Roll.” Yeehaw!
        As far back as I can recall, this month has playfully been dubbed ROCKtober … so howl at the moon and get Rockin’!  

October 14^th: So 39ers, instead of feeling like an old fossil, celebrate like one with National Fossil Day! “Join paleontologists, educators, and students in fossil-related events and activities across the country in parks, classrooms, and online …” at the National Park Service. Learn about prehistoric life and times—yes, dinosaurs!—and the myriad of fossils collected from then to now, that teaches us all lives matter on our Earth. Color and learn with their wonderful Prehistoric Life Coloring Book!

October 19-25^th: While I hesitate to include “Freedom of Speech Week” in our venerable list of monthly inspirations, it is particularly important this presidential election year. Why hesitate? There certainly seems to be no loss of open speech in our country right now. So why stir the pot? Because our messages have escalated from an exercise in the right to speak our minds, to exercising our fists and gun rights. Not acceptable.
        With Freedom of Speech comes responsibility for actions. And yelling and fighting never solves the issues. As we prepare to vote, let’s offer our definitive, innovative and wise thoughts, but not lose sight of pride in commendable character.

October 26^th: is Howl at The Moon Night!* They get my shout-out every October if for no other reason than their intriguing name. Howl at The Moon is an energetic sports bar and restaurant/concert venue.
        October 2019 they threw a party at every location for the full moon. No, I’ve never had the pleasure of joining them, but based on their Events page this year, only two of their seventeen locations are currently open at this time, and serving on a limited schedule—Foxborough Massachusetts and Kansas City Missouri—so I’m assuming they can use the shout-out (like most other restaurants/bars). Howl at The Moon also brings parties and events to you. Awwwoooo!

October 27^th: Black Cat Day ~ This UK cat lovers organization dedicates October 27^th every year to black, and black-and-white cats, which often experience a longer than average adoption stretch. I can imagine this is true in the US as well. Black cats especially, find many people regard them as bad luck. Oh, please. Black cats need love too! And they’re just as loving and portend good luck, as a pure white cat. Purrrrrrr. #BlackCatDay   

October 31^st: And for the final spooky day of the month …
        Magic Day: There is no attributed link on the Brownielocks calendar site, so create your own brand of magic! Let’s limit it to white magic, or light shades of gray though … we’ve had enough blackness for a decade.
        Samhain: The official link takes you to Wiki, but for a real origin of Halloween you must travel to Ireland …
        Blue Moon:
*We don’t need a full moon to howl, but in case you’re wondering, yes, it’s “once in a Blue Moon” this Halloween night (31^st of course), in addition to its standard name of Hunter’s Moon. We’re so accustomed to “full moon” images in Halloween art that we rarely wonder, how often does that actually happen? According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, “… a full Moon occurring on Halloween is not a common occurrence and only happens every 18 to 19 years.” And now you know.

For 39ers who Follow the Stars … 

Are you ready for the quick wit and justified mystery of our two October reigning sun signs? Libra (09/23) – 10/22) leads the month with a gentle sense of balance and order. Look to the new moon on the 16^th for a welcome bright spot in your month, Librans. Your personal goals could get a boost … keep those scales level!
        Meanwhile, the latter part of October, to include Halloween, belongs to Scorpio (10/23 – 11/21). Scorps lean toward intrigue and unpredictable behavior which often sends others running. While fiddling with your mindset, Mercury opens up a can of worms around the 13^th. Adjust your sails, then flip-flop those numbers and expect the unexpected on the 31^st. Boo!  

Aging with ATT-i-tude Platitude  
Feeling spooked with another birthday? Never fear. Play peek-a-boo in the shadows with your inner child. ~ L. Rochelle

Don’t wait, start now! Cheers to your Happy UN-Birthday OCTOBER 39ers
This one’s for you, kids – Ron, Darlene, Cheryl, Tammy, Kim, Lin, and Terry!

Club 39 Nifty Gifts
Join the 39 & Holding Club!
Chat on Twitter: @39HoldingClub

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Are you a 39er this month? Feel free to share your UN-birthday comments below (click on Comments or if it says No Comments, click that to be the first) and tell us how you really feel about your age and aging. Keep the stories coming!

LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books (of three) in her Blast from Your Past series, available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!

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Happy UN-Birthday 39ers SEPTEMBER 2020

♪ Hey. You! Get Off of My  ♪ … UN-Birthday!  

Skilled scriptwriters come up with some great thought-provoking dialogue, and some that are just catchy. “Picture this” … Sophia on the vintage sitcom, Golden Girls began her reminiscent stories. When it debuted, we mimicked her prelude to start our own silly tales.

 I enjoyed a couple episodes recently and one of Sophia’s lines, caught my attention. “Kids! Once they turn 50 they think they know everything.”

 The realization of those words had me rolling in laughter. I thought that very thing about my children (twin boys) when they turned 12 … they’re turning 52 this month … and it’s true! 1) That we are back to that scenario in our lives … 2) that I’m that old … and 3) Sophia was right!

My point? Age is relative. It’s what you know and understand at any age that is important—to you. Keep your mind young and you will be young. Celebrate your youth at any age! Let’s do just that 39ers …

Celebrating SEPTEMBER 39ers ~ And More!

America has taken a beating so far this year—literally and figuratively—so let’s bury the hatchet (and guns and knives and pepper spray and …) and celebrate September together, as Bourbon Heritage Month!

            A 1964 Act of Congress inspired the official declaration (2007) that bourbon is “America’s Native Spirit” and embodies our family heritages, traditions, and time-honored legacies. I’ll drink to that!

Let’s start with an innovative bourbon recipe to calm our nerves and raise our patriotic spirit: the Maple Old-Fashioned, as shared by Epicurious. This lively fall libation is made with bourbon, vermouth, bitters, and orange twists wrapped around fresh cherries. Oh my! (Of course, please drink respectfully and responsibly.) 

Starting September 2020 with a heat wave, let me remind you not to leave anything that will melt in your vehicle. Some of us still recall when that applied to vinyl records, and …

September 15^th: National 8-Track Tape Day

8-track tapes! Think back, and hold a moment of silence for that favorite 8-track left on the car seat so long ago. Its plastic case melted onto the filmy tape and you still shed a quiet tear for the Rolling Stones’ “Get Off of My Cloud!” ♪ And I sit at home looking out the window | Imagining the world has stopped … ♪

Dry your tears, 39ers, and celebrate National 8-Track Tape Day this month. Do you still have any? Some of us 39ers tipping the top of the scale, collected 8-track tapes like the young’uns do/did CDs and Mp3 compilations. If you’re feeling nostalgic, but long ago tossed your tapes and player, they’re still available on eBay. Go forth and Rock Out!

September 17-20^th: 32^nd Annual Hummerbird Celebration 

Not old enough to break out the ol’ 8-tracks? Spend some time with flora and fauna. Most especially the adorable but surprisingly competitive little winged creatures featured in this month's Hummingbird Celebration!

The folks in Rockport-Fulton area of Texas have celebrated the tiny flutterers since 1988; and no dumb ol’ pandemic is going to stop them—they’ve gone virtual!  

            If you have anywhere to hang anything outside one of your windows, and haven’t hung a hummingbird feeder yet, boy are you missing out. Just watching nature in action is calming, which fosters youthfulness and keeps you young!

But beware! Their flighty antics may be fun and humorous for us, however, hummers are amazingly like humans … or we’re like them, take your pick … they are very combative and territorial. Dive-bombing each other to hog the feeder is normal, yet for us, oddly comforting; we’re not the only warring species.

Watching them in the backyard is one of my favorite pastimes. Maybe it’ll become yours!

September 18^th: Read an Ebook Day!

Like we needed a reminder … eBook sales have soared during the pandemic. If you already have a tablet, it’s a cheap—even free—way to enjoy the world outside in fiction and nonfiction.

      Do you LOVE Old Time Rock & Roll? Combine your musical and reading enjoyment at the same time! Please allow me a moment of self-indulgence (I love sales) and self-promotion to help you celebrate this day ….

For Read an eBook Day—one day only, Friday September 18^th—I have drastically reduced the prices of my digital books on Amazon! Six days of fun discounts and sales. DETAILS.

BFYP's Rock & Roll Radio DJs series special starts with The Swinging Sixties discounts Sunday, Sept. 13th and ends with The First Five Years 1954-1959 FREE for a day on Read an eBook Day (Friday, Sept. 18th at midnight). The books are fun, funny and teeming with not-so-different signs of the times told by pioneering Rock Radio DJs, framed in your tinny transistor radio.

Take a break. Grab a book (in paperback too, if you prefer) and enjoy Read an eBook Day! Details.

For 39ers who Follow the Stars … 

Hey September 39ers! It’s your birthday month. That’s no reason to despair … you know that age is just a number. And for Virgo 39ers (08/23-09/22), this month is all about the numbers—finances are on your side. Take a number and multiply it!

      Those judicial Librans (09/23-10/22) on the other hand, follow a quiet early part of the month getting ready to par-tay with an eye toward change and fun. Give it all you’ve got, Libra!

      So, birthday 39ers, feeling a bit of stress or pain? The blue sapphire is September’s birthstone and may be able to help alleviate symptoms, while you work on the root cause. Wear it and enjoy it!

Aging with ATT-i-tude Platitude  
Think young and you will BE young. ~ L. Rochelle

Don’t wait, start now! Cheers to your Happy UN-Birthday SEPTEMBER 39ers
This one’s for you, kids – Bob, Karen, Jennifer, Thomas, Scott, and Verne!

Club 39 Nifty Gifts

Join the 39 & Holding Club!

Chat on Twitter: @39HoldingClub

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Are you a 39er this month? Feel free to share your UN-birthday comments below (click on Comments or if it says No Comments, click that to be the first) and tell us how you really feel about your age and aging. Keep the stories coming!

LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books (of three) in her Blast from Your Past series, available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!

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