39ers Aging with ATTitude January 2024

 U.S. 39ers: Aging with “Americans”   

Happy UN-Birthday January 39ers! Are you turning 39 and Holding this month? You’re in great company! Millions of people turn 40 every day … are you going to cry about it or embrace it!?

Whether it’s your first 39 and Holding birthday or your 20^th + UN-Birthday, you’re automatically an esteemed member of the club! 39ers’ creed: Life is more fun if you’re Aging with ATTitude!

If you’re a first-timer to this site, or if it’s been a while since you thought about what it means to be a 39er, you may wonder why you’re here. Because you need a place to escape from the daily grind, yes, but more than that, you may have lost touch with your inner child.

We remind you that it’s okay to play. Not just physically, but to let your mind wander, explore, and exclaim, with all the innocence of a child, touched with a twist of knowledge and wisdom. Sometimes in the course of life, we forget that we once liked to giggle or make a funny face, or simply discover with the natural inquisitiveness of a child.

Each month we celebrate your UN-Birthday with mini-horoscopes, offbeat revelries, and silly reasons to celebrate. Sprinkle a few skewed views of the day around (often understood only if you’re a 39er) and our "Aging with ATT-i-tude" axioms will offer a fresh perspective on 39er life.

So, is your auto-response to the nosey age query, always “39 and Holding”? Good for you! Do you know who coined the phrase? Hint: he turned his 1930s vaudeville popularity into entertainment for early radio listeners and transitioned to upstart television broadcasting as a bona fide funnyman. See if you’re right …  

In recent years, it’s being stressed in the medical field that stress is a #1 contributor to mental and physical decline as you age. Whether your UN-birthday is this month or you just need a little pick-me-up, we’ll share the inane side of life and encourage you to take a few minutes to release your inner child. Be silly. Be curious. And smile … laugh … or even snort! Let it all go and let’s have some fun!

֎ Celebrating JANUARY 39ers ~ And More!  
I recently watched the latest Ricky Gervais Netflix special. Talk about skewed news and views! LOL But tucked into his irreverent rhetoric was a jewel of truism: “You can’t control your thoughts.”

Of course, you shouldn’t act on all of your thoughts, and many shouldn’t even be spoken aloud; it reminds us, however, at one point as a child, we did just that. Sometimes, it was much to the chagrin of our parents. Being a 39er with a hint of wisdom and still in touch with your inner child, is the best of both worlds. Enjoy!

January Events & Notable Days 

With low January temps it’s no wonder we celebrate National Soup Month! Betcha can’t guess who sponsors it? If you yelled, Campbell’s, you’re definitely a 39er! The iconic brand has been around long before even we, were born—it celebrates 155 years in 2024 and by 1898 had designed its red-and-white label colors that we all know. It even inspired a fantastic Andy Warhol series of classic pop art. Of course, Campbell’s isn’t the only soup in town—you may even rival it with your own homemade variety! Feed your inner child with a warm blankie and a hot cuppa soup.

Are you a dancin’ fool? Do you know it’s National Polka Music Month? What better way to keep your youthful figure? (Or get it back again!) The energetic dance is often considered just a Polish culture pastime, but besides throughout Europe, it’s been an American dance-hall mainstay since pioneer days. Sponsored by the International Polka Assoc. based in Illinois, check out their list of Polka events around the Midwest and East Coast; or look for fun and festive Polka events in your local area. A-1-&-a-2 …   

January 3^rd & 4^th: Well, I wanted to tell you about The Quadrantids Meteor Shower for these days, but as luck would have it, we’re a tad late. Hope you were in an area that could see the vibrant show. Go here for more meteor showers throughout this year, with a magnificent Geminid Meteor Shower predicted, to wind up the year in December.

January 11^th: Celebrate January’s New Beginnings with New Moon Musings! Always a popular day in January, this New Moon boosts your life refresher course for the month and the year. A great day to meditate (and for three days after).  

January 23^rd: Do you flex your fingers after a full day of keyboarding? Take a break and exercise your fingers on National Handwriting Day! The self-serving sponsor is more for wholesalers than the public (writing instruments, of course), but it does remind us that in a world of keyboards and screens, we should make the effort to enjoy tech downtime and simply write … on a piece of paper … with a pen or pencil. Remember those? Do more than write your name. Maybe enjoy a new practice of handwriting even a few paragraphs daily, in a journal. You’ll find a new writing perspective.

January 25^th: Do you feel it? Full Moon Magic surrounds each of us to create an individually personal energy that works within and without us. If you’re in touch with your inner being, the Full Moon can guide you through the month and connect you with your immediate future. Always a good couple of days (one before, one after) to meditate—even ten minutes is better than nothing—or at least give yourself a half-hour of personal peace. I typically take a whole day to simply “do nothing” and recharge my inner batteries.

This month, the Full Wolf Moon (as known by Native Americans of New England and the Great Lakes), shines on the wolves howling in hunger. A fitting alternative name, the Full Center Moon, comes from the Assiniboine people, denoting the middle of the cold season when creature food stores may be dwindling.

January 26^th: For San Diegans (California) this is a good day to head out to the San Diego County Fairgrounds and enjoy a tribute concert to the Grateful Dead, by Dark Star Orchestra. They focus on offering full setlists from the sizable repertoire of the Dead’s massive list of concerts. Not in San Diego? Check out this site of fun festival listings across the country. 

January 28^th: Get out your wax paper and a plastic comb—it’s National Kazoo Day! Although the sponsoringsite suggests this day to celebrate, they also say, “… or anytime around there that suits you.” That’s the laid-back style of the simple musical instrument made popular in the Southern U.S. around the 1840s. It debuted at the Georgia State Fair in 1852 as the “Down South Submarine,” but wasn’t commercially produced until 1912. Think it’s only for “simple songs”? Think again … the Kazoo has made appearances in Rock greats’ musical tunes from Pink Floyd to Jimi Hendrix and the band Weezer. Start humming and enjoy!

֎ Monthly Song of Note ♪  
Finally, we come to the 39AHC vintage Song of Note for January 1974—and the inspiration for our article title. 39ers “of a certain age,” not only remember much of what the song’s lyrics speak, but the patriotism we once shared 50 Years Ago.

Byron MacGregor (born Gary Mack, a Canadian radio/TV news anchor and director), topped the charts with a heartfelt recording of “The Americans” as a reminder of our contributions to the world. At the time, MacGregor was a news director at the powerful CKLW radio station in Windsor, Ontario, with proceeds donated to The American Red Cross.

Now as then, America has suffered turmoil within and without … but even through all the chaos and mayhem in 1974, we were still collectively proud and doggedly strong. Perhaps this reminder of our history is again, in order for all of us. ♪ … And this Canadian thinks it's time | To speak up for the Americans | As the most generous and possibly | The least appreciated people | In all the Earth … ♪  Click this link for more tuneful tidbits to manifest your memories of 1974, and keep the Rock Rockin’ from 50 Years Ago this Month! 

֎ For 39ers who Follow the Stars  

2024 starpower begins as an election year, a Leap Year, anoints the first week of January with a Quadrantid meteor shower, and finishes up with a spectacular Geminid meteor shower in December. Buckle up, it’s gonna be a fun ride!

In the first quarter, we’re celebrating the Capricorn Goat (12/22/23 – 01/19) as we head into the New Year, urging you not to ignore your stringent goals, but ease up a bit to evolve with your heart’s desires. By the New Moon on January 11^th, you’ll be charged up and ready for action! Make sure you know what you want …

Our Aquarius Water-Bearers (01/20 – 02/18), however, need to stay the course on forging ahead with career, talents, and monetary gains, all year. This should prove to be a stellar year for you, right from the beginning. The 25^th’s Full Moon will trigger a change you’ve been considering … do it now, and move forward.

֎ Aging with ATT-i-tude Platitude  
In the beginning of a New Year, it’s imperative that 39ers in all facets of life … personal, community, country, and world … review to improve.  ~ L. Rochelle 

Happy UN-Birthday 39ers ~ JANUARY 2024 ~ Happy New Year! 
       This one’s for you, kids – Renee, Erin, Chris, Jodie 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 data, links, or my skewed opinions at your own risk. And, if you're being tracked, my apology. It isn't me, it's Blogger. :-(

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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Happy UN-Birthday 39ers FEBRUARY 2022

February 39ers ~ Hearts ‘n’ Flowers ‘n’ Stuff! 

Yep, it’s actually posted on the 1st, not the middle of the month. It’s been spruced up a tad, but I’m hoping my on-time trend continues ... enjoy!

Don’t look now, but your heart’s showing. Are you a closet Hallmark channel watcher? Romcoms are a staple this month and though we may not be nurturing a romantic dalliance, it’s tough to ignore this month’s cuteness. No matter how much you try. It’s everywhere. So’s the chocolate and flowers. Go ahead. It’s okay—get some for yourself. You deserve it! Love starts with yourself ...

We have a full month of fun and frolic for you, beginning with a reminder for 39ers that we owe our existence to funny guy, Jack Benny, who first uttered, “There’s nothing funny about 40. I’m 39 and holding!” We honor his birthday every Valentine’s day—yep, he was born on this day in 1894—towards the end of the romantic Victorian Era.

Hope you find something interesting in our hearts ‘n’ flowers ‘n’ stuff to help celebrate your 39 and Holding month ... 

֎ Celebrating FEBRUARY 39ers ~ And More!
Speaking of lovers and stuff, word has it, it’s also Library Lovers Month! It doesn’t come with an official link, but of course, writing, words, and books are in my blood. I have spent many hours in a library over the course of my life, so couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sing their praises! In-person or virtually, there is no better place to immerse yourself in the words of your passion. Enjoy! Maybe grab a history of ...

February 9^th [Wednesday]: PIZZA! I can’t believe no one claims the fame for National Pizza Day! In celebration, says WFMZ-TV in Pennsylvania, “... over 200 pizzerias across the country will come together on Wednesday, February 9th to feed the hungry through the Pizza Across America campaign from Slice Out Hunger and the World Pizza Champions.”  

February 14^th [Monday]: Besides pizza, what else is a food staple? Chocolate! Oh ... it isn’t National Chocolate Day?! Obviously, it should be. The traditional St. Valentine’s Day with flowers and cards has somehow morphed into the next big chocolate-consuming day, after Halloween (and preceding Easter). Like we need a reason to love it. Although Hallmark found their card-giving Valentine niche as early as 1913, the Cadbury British confectionary family first perfected and sold their decorated boxes of chocolate on this day in 1868.
      And no, you can’t give your sweetie a chocolate pumpkin. It’s a dead giveaway that you really don’t care. So dump the eats and go back to a sweet sentiment in a card with a handful of beautiful roses.

February 22^nd [Tuesday]: Oh, yum, I’ll take a Margarita any day, but today is National Margarita Day! The Margarita is one of the most versatile libations for creating your own recipe. The associated link is nice, but its articles are seven years old, without a viable update. With a little research, my advice is start with the basics, then go a little wild-‘n’-crazy!

February 22^nd [Tuesday]: And if you’re into things a little on the New Age side ... this month’s 02/22/2022 is even more numerologically unique in the ‘70s style of New Age than the multiple ones (11) karmic experience of 2011’s 01/11/2011 and 11/11/2011. Back in the day we learned about numerology and the three master numbers ... 11 / 22 / 33 ... in some circles, 02/20/2022 is special for the U.S., because it heralds the return of the Pluto cycle to the U.S. (its cycle takes approx. 247 years); while 02/22/2022 will be considered a triple-whammy portent of great changes and good things to happen. It is the third and last multiple twos for another couple hundred years. There obviously can’t be a “33” calendar date, so this is it for a while!

February 27^th [Sunday]: The creative folks at National Day Calendar go a step further than simply

listing special days. They try to make them fun and give a little history or their take on the day. Such is the case for National Retro Day! It’s a day for everyone to climb in a time machine and head back ... “Every generation looks back and asks, ‘Remember when?’ This celebration indulges our love for the good ol’ days while remaining in the present.” What are your “good ol’ days”? 1960s’ hippie rebellion? 1970s’ wild psychedelia? Howz-about the ‘80s’ hip and cool looks? Leave the cellphone at home and go Retro!

February 28^th [Monday]: Although this day comes a little late to help with Valentine’s Day, it still has merit for the rest of the year’s flower-giving and home decorating moments. It’s Floral Design Day! Of course, the official link is for a floral school, but hey, that simply makes them enterprising. And obviously the perfect folks from which to learn some design tricks.

♪ Monthly Song of Note: Is there anything sweeter in February than teen love? Donny Osmond sung his heart out in the hearts and flowers month of 1972. He tried desperately to tell the world ... ♪ How can I, oh how can I tell them | This is not a puppy love ♪ ... Wonder how he feels about that now? 😊 Bringing back tuneful memories that climbed to #5 on the WAPE/Jacksonville, Florida, “Hit List” of 50 Years Ago this Month! 

֎ For 39ers who Follow the Stars …
If 2022 and February in particular, are times of change and new beginnings, we want Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) and Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) 39ers in our corner. Starting with the community-oriented water tenders, not only have they lived enough life to see the good and bad without rose-colored glasses, but Aquarians feel the world’s needs, as well as see them. With an instinct to help, their practical ideas and sparkling wit will follow through to  dynamic change.

      Coming into their own on February 19^th, Pisces are no slouches in the caring department. Although, their empathy can at times, be overwhelming. With a strong spiritual world behind them (whether they know it or not), they too, are a great balance for making change happen for the good of all.
      The royal purple amethyst gemstone reigns this month for Aquarius and Pisces, enhancing their efforts with strength and clarity, while protecting them from harm. And it’s full of love! According to our gemstone source, “St. Valentine, the patron of love, is said to have worn an amethyst ring carved with the image of cupid.”

֎ Aging with ATT-i-tude Platitude 
Love is a gift from your heart. Give it often and you will find it helps keep you young. ~ L. Rochelle

Cheers to your Happy UN-Birthday 39ers ~ FEBRUARY 2022! 
      This one’s for you, kids – Sharon, Ms. Rochelle, and David!

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

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*Important Legal Message: Any data, links, or opinions in this site are for your information only and does not constitute legal or medical expertise of any kind. My expertise is writing and sensible reporting. Period. Please use all data, links, or my skewed opinions at your own risk.

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!

<><><>39ers RULE<><><>