Start the New Year with a Laugh in the Rain
Happy
UN-Birthday January 39ers! ♪ And many more… ♪ I’m
not gonna lie … I’m on the “elder” side of 39 and Holding. Those of us
who are, likely have a different take on life than those who recently turned
40. However, we still share commonalities, like love of family and friends.
You’re never too old or too young to continue or
begin your list of legacy items … what are those and why do you need to list
them? Even the most austere and die-hard minimalists have at least one item
that is dear to you and will likely act as a legacy. By my age, I have way more
of those than I can count!
But I urge you to create a list (dated and
periodically updated) of those items to keep with your important documents.
Making them more than just a “living legacy” (since we know possessions change
fairly often), make a description section to tell why it is important to
you, and if there is a monetary value, how much it might be worth. Trust me,
your family or friends who are left to sort through your life, will appreciate
this special touch, directly from your heart.
That said, I hope you had a wonderful Holiday
Season, and still feel the glow as we step into the New Year, with confidence
and purpose.
My purpose was, of course, to be on time
with this monthly article—for a change. Ahem … so much for that
resolution. I’ve worked to shake the Holiday cobwebs from my brain and focus on
the shiny, bright New Year before us … let’s do it!
Now, on to something ostensibly mundane, but sooooo important in today’s New
World Order. This is your official “AI” notice for
the New Year: The 39 And Holding Club site (and soon to be just 39
And Holding (finally able to buy the primary cliché’s “.com” domain!) has never
and will never (knowingly) be written or assisted, by Artificial Intelligence.
It’s just stupid ol’ “I” and I enjoy writing these
articles. They soothe my soul. So why would I hand that indulgence over to an
artificial, soulless entity that can’t feel pleasure?! And away we go …
֎ Celebrating JANUARY 39ers ~ And
More!
We’re
gonna have a fun start to the New Year, from “Laughter in the Rain,” to an
Irish New Year Toast, to National Soup Month! But first … the stars of this
month’s show …
For
39ers who Follow the Stars
Both Capricorn and Aquarius
need to know that the January 13th Cancer Full Moon shows its
strength throughout the month and reminds us to focus on our well-being, first
and foremost. In, however, uniquely different ways.
Capricorn
(12/22-01/19/25) 39ers might feel the need to reevaluate their
relationships, both personal and business. Something needs to change, but only
you know which may be in jeopardy. Things will likely come to a head by the Full
Moon, and you’ll know which path is the way forward for 2025. The New
Moon on the 29th is full of promises for a new venture you’ve
been wanting to try or an enhancement to your lifestyle. Make the most of it!
Lifestyle improvements are on
this month’s horizon for Aquarius (01/20-02/18) 39ers,
as well. Again, the Full Moon plays a big part in these changes, but
don’t be in a hurry. Take time to look inward and discover what has been “off”
in your life. This need to change will follow you through the month to the New
Moon, when you’ll finally recognize the best path forward for your New
Year. It can be transformational!
♪
January
Vintage Song of
Note ♪
A sweet tune of love and laughter is a great way to begin the New Year. Now, and
back in 1975 when Neil Sedaka made “Laughter in the Rain” a top tune,
sitting at KPOI/Hawai’i’s #5 chart spot. It’s this month’s vintage Song
of Note, joyfully cooing, ♪ … Oo, I
hear laughter in the rain | Walking hand in hand with the one I love ... ♪
Composed by Sedaka, lyrics were
the brainchild of Phil Cody, who recalled how an inspiration finally unlocked his
writer’s block. A short snooze under a tree on a sunny day, aided by just
a tad of a doobie, was all he needed ... more tuneful
tidbits to manifest your memories and keep the Rock Rockin’ from 50 Years Ago
this Month!
֎ More JANUARY
Fun for Everyone
Ya know, I saw something the first week of January that mentioned the
phrase “over the hill,” as if it were a bad thing. Since beginning this odyssey
of “39 and Holding,” I’ve thought of “over the hill” as enduring the uphill
battle to 40 years and from now on, it’s all downhill! Wheeeeeee!
Ah yes, the perennial child
within. As far as I’m concerned, we’re never too old to have fun. If you’re
reading this, then you likely have the same philosophy. With that in mind,
let’s see what January mischief we can get into …
If
you’re not quite ready for mischief this month, just make yourself a nice bowl
of soup on a cold winter’s day, and celebrate National Soup Month! There
is no link to a sponsor, but that doesn’t stop me from finding a few terrific
homemade soup recipes for you! Mmmmm. Now that we’re fortified …
Left
on my own without a supporting link, I choose to interpret Self-Love Month
as an opportunity for 39ers to review how you think about yourself and
if you’re really giving yourself enough credit for all that you do.
As we age, it’s easy to lose
yourself in family, work, and life in general. We’ve seen in recent years how
our world—locally and globally—can spin itself in a different direction in a
heartbeat. This is a good time to reflect on aging and how your present life
and those around you, will affect the future you.
NPR recently
published
an interesting article about ageism and wrestling with stereotypical behavior
in yourself and others. “Experts say that fighting ageism isn't only important
to create an equitable and fair society, it also helps all of us live longer,
healthier — even more fulfilling — lives.”
And the Population Reference Bureau gives us a
fascinating fact to think about: “In 25 years, almost a quarter of Americans
will be over the age of 65.” That’s a lot to chew on!
Even as an adult, I loved the Eragon
series! (Christopher Paolini) Dragon
Day’s sponsoring link is pretty cool too, with fun and meaningful dragon
names—use ‘em for your fictional writing or make a suggestion to an expecting
mom! Like, did you know, “Aiden” means “little fire” in the Celtic language?
Coincidentally, the Celts’ mythology inspired “Pendragon,” meaning “chief
dragon.” Have fun!
Friday ~ January 17th: Although a
man instrumental to our freedoms and still evident in our lives today, was born
on this day in 1706 (d.1790), few recognize Benjamin Franklin Day.
Someone took the trouble to establish the day, but it’s abandoned without a
sponsor. So let me offer a
reminder
just how instrumental Mr. Franklin was—without ever becoming president.
He “… promoted public services in
Philadelphia, including a library, a fire department, a hospital, an insurance
company, and an academy that became the University of Pennsylvania. … His
inventions include the Franklin stove and bifocal spectacles, and his
experiments helped pioneer the understanding of electricity.” That’s just for
starters. Oh yeah, he was also the first postmaster general and an author of
the U.S.
Declaration of Independence.
Wednesday ~ January 29th: New
Moon Musings coming late in the month simply helps us prep for February. Take
advantage of the upcoming Aquarius energy and celebrate the month’s New
Beginnings, applying your New Moon Musings for an early fresh start. It could
help you find yourself in the right place at just the right time. And we know, timing
is everything …
I have turned 39 and Holding too any times to believe in
resolutions anymore … however, I do believe in reevaluating my life at the
beginning of a New Year to acknowledge what’s working and what isn’t. And no matter
my age, I know darn well, I don’t know a darn thing, compared to all that is
available to us for continued learning.
To further my horizons, one site I
will be exploring more in the next month or so, is AARP’s SeniorPlanet.org. Their online and
in-person community learning courses include how to make a website, tech tips,
how to use Zoom, and of course, fitness and wellness, just to name a few. And,
they have a social platform for Seniors … I’ll be taking a close look at that.
If your interest is piqued and you check it out, let me know your thoughts! (And no, I don't get paid for advertising ...)
Back to some January fun … a couple of Irish New
Year toasts:
May your troubles be less | And your blessings be
more | And nothing but happiness come through your door …
And a personal favorite: Though
Dunghills rise and castles fall | we are all equal one and all.
39AHC Public Service Announcement: And, since
it’s January 8th and this article is only now posted, I must say,
that last sentiment is particularly appropriate in the light of our SoCal
wildfires streaking like a Banshee through thousands of homes in Los Angeles
County and beyond. “Firefighters are battling five separate brush fires at once, all of which were at
zero containment as of Wednesday afternoon local time.” (ABC News)
It doesn’t matter how rich you
are, if you’re struggling to pay the bills, or if you’re a sinner or a saint.
When a fire (or any natural disaster) rips through what little or a lot that
you have, it’s devastating and forever life-changing. My heart and prayers go
out to the families of the two people who have already died and the more than
1,000 people who have lost their homes … as of this writing (4:14p.m.PST) … and
a lifetime of personal treasures in just one of the five blazing fires—and
there is still zero containment. Search, “how
to help ca wildfire victims january 2025” for a host of results that you
might consider.
Whether you’re just turning 40 or have seen many New
Years past 39 and Holding, don’t make resolutions … make preparations. Cheers
to your best year ever. ~ L. Rochelle
Happy
UN-Birthday 39ers ~ JANUARY 2025 ~ Happy New Year!
This one’s for you, kids – Reneé, Erin,
Chris, Jodie and Joe!
Join the 39
& Holding Club
Celebrate 39
& Holding Day
Chat
on Twitter: @39HoldingClub
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And dear readers, I just want you to know that I try
my best to create an informative, aesthetically creative article for you each
month. However, Blogger is not a professional hosting site—but they’re free
through Google. So we’re stuck with their crummy platform that doesn’t work
well to manipulate images with writing, if you aren’t a techie who knows HTML.
Trust me, I’ve tried for years to write articles without gaps between
paragraphs and even between sentences. Sigh. Maybe I’ll win the lottery and be
able to afford a professional hosting site someday. Cheers!
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: Book 1 (currently eBook only, until updated) – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five
Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 (eBook, print & color!) – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging
Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!
*Important Message: Any data, links, or opinions on
this site are for your information only and does not constitute legal or
medical expertise of any kind. My proficiency is writing and sensible
reporting. Period. All links have been vetted, but as always, please use all
data, links, or my skewed opinions at your own risk.Are
you a 39er this month? Welcome to the 39 and Holding Club! 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!
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RULE<><><><>
