39 and Holding Club

Monday, August 6, 2018

Happy UN-Birthday 39ers AUGUST 2018

Hot and Steamy Rock & Roll 39ers!

We’re breaking heat temperature records across the country this summer. It’s no wonder August is often known as the hottest month of the year.

While you’re seeking ways to thrive and survive, and celebrate 39er birthdays, enjoy reminiscing about …

39 Years Ago this Month ~ AUGUST 1979

August 24^th: Rock music cult film, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School featuring the Ramones, hit the streets on this day. Do you know it could have been called Disco High (as a dirge for its demise?) or Heavy Metal Kids (a nod to its uptick in popularity)? Punk Rock prevailed …

August 25^th: “’My Sharona’ by The Knack hits #1 on the Billboard charts.” So says Wiki. But super-competitive radio station, KFRC/San Francisco, jammed it to the top at least two weeks earlier. What made this simple tune so special? Sharona wasn’t that compelling, but apparently, we were tired of saccharin songs and disco. Sharona’s #1 status knocked them off the top for the first time in more than a year! It was enough to signal the coming resurgence of Rock and Heavy Metal.

August 25^th: Castle recently ended its long run (2009-2016) on ABC as America’s “sweetheart” sleuth dramedy. But on this day 39 Years Ago, ABC debuted another adorable and cutesy series, Hart to Hart, starring Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers. Jennifer Hart: “After all the trouble we’ve been through, you want to marry me?” Jonathan: “Well, I’m sure we won’t get into trouble on a weekly basis.” Romantically prophetic.

For 39ers who Follow the Stars …

Got a summer party to make a splash at? Chances are you’ll meet one or two party-loving Leos (07/23-08/22), and look out for the impish Virgos (08/23-09/22)!

Don’t worry, you’ll be able to tell them apart. The boisterous Leos command attention in any gathering, even during our hot and steamy heatwaves. They make it easy for Virgos to sneak in while your head’s turned, and plant a big, wet (but refreshing) kiss on your cheek.

Also commanding attention in August is its statuesque birth month flower, the Gladiolus stalk, embodying its nickname of “sword lily.” August 39ers, hold your stance, and take your slice of summer fun to the hilt!

To cool off, peer into the depths of this month’s soothing green birthstone. It’s easy to believe stories of the Peridot’s magical powers and healing properties, as it mesmerizes with multi-layered cool, green facets.

Aging with ATT-i-tude Platitude

“Wrinkled was not one of the things I wanted to be when I grew up!” ~ Anonymous

[Hence, the booming business of wrinkle creams!]

Cheers to Senior Citizens Day August 21^st!

Great cheese and wine need aging, but for 39ers Age is just a number … LIFE is ATT-i-tude!^TM

Happy UN-Birthday AUGUST 39ers,

(This one’s for you, kids – 39AHC UN-Birthday 39ers: Linda, Jim, Stephanie and Tanya!)

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Saturday, July 7, 2018

Happy UN-Birthday 39ers July 2018

39ers Live and Learn!

At 39 years old, you’ve seen a bit of the world and learned a thing or two (hopefully). You’ve honed your right-or-wrong values and sharpened your skills to spot B.S. in most situations. However, when you’re 39 and Holding for a bunch more years, your perspectives continue to evolve, and you know there is so much more to learn …

39 Years Ago this Month ~ JULY 1979

July 14^th: The best read you’ll have all month—then-President Jimmy Carter voiced his concerns about Americans’ lack of faith in the nation’s administration. “President Carter speaks to Americans about the "crisis of confidence" in American government, values, and way of life, as the public expresses doubt in a better future for their own children. Carter challenges citizens to unite and address the problems in America by first addressing the energy shortage.

My takeaway from his speech? Mr. Carter said, “But after listening to the American people I have been reminded again that all the legislation in the world can't fix what's wrong with America. … The threat is nearly invisible in ordinary ways. It is a crisis of confidence. It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will. We can see this crisis in the growing doubt about the meaning of our own lives and in the loss of a unity of purpose for our Nation.” What have we learned in 39 years? Nothing.

While you read through it, compare what Mr. Carter says, to today’s issues. Replace energy shortage with terrorism or rising rates on everything, or any number of other crises. Little has changed. They are much the same, just more acute. Although I don’t agree in the way Mr. Trump conducts his public persona, I do believe he is trying to affect much- needed changes. They were needed then. They are needed even more, now.

One difference between then and now? We didn’t vilify the president for inadequacies. We worked with what we had, and we voted to make changes. But we still need to unify. “Whenever you have a chance, say something good about our country,” Mr. Carter said. Take heed, “United States of America”!

For 39ers who Follow the Stars …

According to Wiki, until the 15^th century, July’s birthstone was a turquoise/onyx duo. The royal red ruby didn’t come into favor until the 20^th century. Which do you prefer? Whatever floats your boat.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) 39ers should enjoy the majestic qualities of whatever adorns them. Perhaps the ruby better fits their nature. Gleaming with hard brilliance on the outside, but you’ll find so much more, if you peer into its soft-hued interior. Get on a Cancerian’s good side, and you’ll never enjoy a more loyal friend.

If you rule life by the Zodiac though, the birthstone changes for the second half of the month. Leo’s (July 23-Aug 22) majesty rules with the mysterious and dramatic onyx. The powerful stone is the perfect pairing for Leo’s benevolent supremacy. Leos can love as big as the summer sun; sometimes with an ego to match. That’s the lion for you!

Aging with ATT-i-tude Platitude

Aging is letting go of who you were yesterday, coming to terms with who you are today, and planning how you will live better tomorrow.

~ L. Rochelle (Writer, editor, armchair philosopher, and your humble 39er hostess.)