39 and Holding Club

Sunday, May 1, 2022

Happy UN-Birthday 39ers MAY 2022

MAY 39ers – Age is a State of Mind

While the lead-in title is nothing new at 39 and Holding Club, it seems we all need to be reminded now and again. And since May is finally finished, there is lots to remind you that age is just a number! So think young as you celebrate May ...

Our special holiday expert at Brownielocks gives us a brief scoop on the history of this lovely springtime month: May is named after the Roman goddess Maia, who oversaw the growth of plants. Also from the Latin word maiores, "elders." So, see? We fit right in!

֎ Celebrating MAY 39ers ~ And More!

And to help celebrate the mature month of May, it’s Older Americans Month! Many sites and organizations support this designation, including the US government, on their ACL (Administration for Community Living) site. But it also fits right in the 39AHC premise too! Older Americans Month generally honors those who have passed the 50-year mark, and many of our 39AHC members fit that category! So give yourselves a pat on the back and treat yourself to a month of self-congratulatory pampering for the life you’ve lived so far.

Ten-hut! May also recognizes Military Appreciation Month. As their office site tells us: May, marked officially as Military Appreciation Month, is a special month for both those in and out of the military. Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Armed Forces day. A esteemed cause, and a worthy website to peruse. Do it!

May 8^th: Of course, we can’t forget dear ol’ mom! It’s Mother’s Day in case you’ve forgotten. How could you? Every commercial on TV (streaming or cable), every store ad, and any other avenue of
advertising overload, bombards us with reminders. So you have absolutely no excuse. Give Mom the credit she’s due, in person, by phone, over Zoom, or by sending a heaven-bound hug. 😊

May 12^th: The story goes that Limerick Day—yes, that’s today!—popped up to celebrate the birthday of Edward Lear (1812-1888) for his stellar, creative career and notably, the fun, inane imagination of his works. After all, he did write the first Book of Nonsense! Written in 1846, the pages of limericks are mostly silly and often don’t exactly rhyme, but still fun examples of the literary form. Lear’s limericks are also predominantly “clean,” which according to Gershon Legman (writer and folklorist, 1917-1999), is literarily incorrect.
Even WIKI says, “From a folkloric point of view, the form is essentially transgressive; violation of taboo is part of its function.” In other words, m’dears, a little off-color is right on. I love this example of unknown origin:

The limerick packs laughs anatomical
Into space that is quite economical.
But the good ones I've seen
So seldom are clean
And the clean ones so seldom are comical

Create your own limerick, squeaky clean or humorously bawdy!

May 23^rd: See a penny, pick it up. All day long you’ll have good luck. It’s National Lucky Penny Day! Without an official link, a little research turned up its basic origin. How much do you know about the ubiquitous U.S. penny?

Once as large as the Susan B. Anthony dollar when first mass minted in 1793, they began shrinking in size in 1856 with the Flying Eagle Cent. Our current Lincoln cent began minting in 1909. They’re everywhere now ... weighing down your pocket or purse, or perhaps collecting in jars and containers to the point of needing a wheelbarrow to redeem. Many would like to see the once-copper penny go away altogether, as its value is seen as a coinage albatross.
When you see a penny on the sidewalk, do you still pick up the “lucky penny”? If it’s tails side up, turn it over and leave it for the next lucky person!

May 30^th: And of course, we finish the month off with Memorial Day. In whatever way you honor and/or enjoy the day, give thanks to the many military personnel who have given their lives to keep us all safe.

♪♪ Monthly Song of Note ♪♪
When you’re looking for an upbeat tune, you can’t beat Michael Jackson’s “Rockin’ Robin” from a time when we were all more upbeat. It quickly climbed to #4 on KSEA/San Diego’s rockin’ music chart by May 22, 1972. Next time you’re outside, close your eyes and listen to the birds, I swear you’ll hear them cheep, ♪ All the little birdies on Jaybird Street | Love to hear the robin go tweet tweet tweet ... ♪
What did our Big Bro site, Blast from Your Past designate for this month’s Song of Note? Not “Rockin’ Robin” ... tune in to more tuneful fun and a full chart of MAY 1972’s top tunes, 50 Years Ago this Month!

֎ For 39ers who Follow the Stars …
Do you have a Taurus (April 20-May 20) mom? Break out the May flower! Those lovely little white gems, Lilly of the Valley. Taurus, known for your (mother) Earthiness, is often the levelheaded one in a group. In

taking care of everyone else, however, you often forget to take care of yourself. This month—do it, Taurus. Soothe your soul and nurture your physical and spiritual self. Then you can do for others.
What is our dual-hearted Gemini (May 21-June 20) doing while Taurus refreshes? The smart ones are taking a break on life, reviewing their options, and perhaps prepping to head down another path. This year, the mantra for a good many, regardless of Zodiac sign, is change ... change ... change. Be receptive, dear Gemini, to new directions and people, as you eagerly traverse this merry month of May.

֎ Aging with ATT-i-tude Platitude
There was an old woman who wrote
Words of wisdom and wit in her notes
ATT-i-tude! said the sage
Means more than your age
Last seen, sailing away on her boat
~ L. Rochelle

Cheers to your Happy UN-Birthday 39ers ~ MAY 2022!
This one’s for you, kids – Susie, Pauline, Vicki, and Judith!

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Original Intro: 39ers BULLETIN 05/01/22: In keeping with my philosophy that I offer only reasons, not excuses, this time it’s true! 😊 Your MAY article full of fun and frolic, is not here yet because I attended an intense, three-day writing event, which ended today. I learned the in-depth scoop on Amazon’s recent changes in their convoluted publishing model. It’s necessary to move forward in my efforts to support myself through writing (a life choice that I’m so far, failing spectacularly). I know you’re anxious to see what’s up with Taurus and Gemini 39ers, pay your respects to Military Appreciation Month, and learn about National Lucky Penny Day! Look for the stretchy version wit and wonky wisdom, sometime May 2^nd. Have you had a chance to laugh and wonder over APRIL’s Spring article yet? Check it out while you’re waiting ...

*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<><><>

39ers BULLETIN 05/01/22: In keeping with my philosophy that I offer only reasons, not excuses, this time it’s true! 😊 Your MAY article full of fun and frolic, is not here yet because I attended an intense, three-day writing event, which ended today. I learned the in-depth scoop on Amazon’s recent changes in their convoluted publishing model. It’s necessary to move forward in my efforts to support myself through writing (a life choice that I’m so far, failing spectacularly). I know you’re anxious to see what’s up with Taurus and Gemini 39ers, pay your respects to Military Appreciation Month, and learn about National Lucky Penny Day! Look for the stretchy version wit and wonky wisdom, sometime May 2^nd. Have you had a chance to laugh and wonder over APRIL’s Spring article yet? Check it out while you’re waiting ...

Friday, April 1, 2022

Happy UN-Birthday 39ers APRIL 2022

39ers—Your April Wild Side wants a Kite ...

Okay. it’s done ... for the most part. Still lacking a few links and need to add more images for your visual pleasure, and of course, there is the non-stop nitpicking for elusive perfection. But feel free to peruse as is ...

We’ve been splashing our feet in 2022’s waters for a quarter of the year (already!). Before we dive into its full-on Summer waves, let’s enjoy April’s power for Spring flowers!

֎ Celebrating APRIL 39ers ~ And More!
How do you get to be 39 and Holding again next year? Simple ... pay attention! Life is full of distractions. But some are more detrimental to your health than others, especially while driving or walking in public. Be prepared, in Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The National Safety Council has all kinds of ideas to help you focus and stay safe.

Am I being too serious for you? Awwwww, go fly a kite! No—really—it’s also National Kite Month! You can’t possibly feel grumpy and gloomy while running with your kite through a park, across a meadow, or along the beach. (But do watch where you’re going!) Nowhere to run? Don’t have a kite, or care to fly one yourself? Kite Flying Festivals fly high across the country this month. Some suggestions:

Atlantic Coast Kite Festival                          Virginia Beach VA         04/30-05/01/22
Blue Ridge Kite Festival                               Greenhill Park VA          04/16/22
Morro Bay Kite Festival                                Morro Bay CA               04/29/-05/01/22
Kites Over Mobile                                         Mobile AL                      04/09-04/10/22
Flights of Fancy Mega Kite Festival             Lees Summit MO           04/24/22

April 12^th: One day, someone decided to create Walk on Your Wild Side Day, but there is NO official supporting link, so we’re absconding with this day! What a delicious thought—everyone wants to feel a little adventurous now and then. Go ahead. Walk on your wild side and enjoy a whole day to do whatever makes you feel excited and carefree!

April 16-24^th: Do you know there is an official charity for America’s national parks? What a great way to give back to the great country we live in and celebrate National Park Week! You realize, of course, that those living in America are very fortunate. Visiting our spectacular and scenic national parks, whether in person or virtually, brings perspective to the beauty of our country. Go ahead ... wander!

April 29^th: It’s been a while since we’ve featured this day, but this year is ripe for anything sweet and whimsical. Poem in Your Pocket Day reminds us not to forget who we are ... the type of poetry we choose to read or write is a peek into our inner selves. Nurture it. Enjoy it.
Hand write at least a stanza of your favorite classic poem, or create your own, and put it in your pocket. Go about your day with the secret pleasure of knowing it’s there and it reflects your mood of the moment. Poets.org are the folks who originated this day, and you’ll find lots more ways to wax poetically, as we celebrate with them.

♪ Monthly Song of Note
Tuneful tidbits to motivate your memories of 1972, 50 Years Ago this Month! If you think you have nothing in common with your parents or grandparents—remember the music. Our Spring fling song for April is “Rockin’ Robin,” #4 on the KAFY/Bakersfield, California, song chart.
Michael Jackson took an old hit song from 1958 about the quintessential Spring songbird, and made it into a modern hit this month, fourteen years later. Hoppin' and a-boppin' and singing his song ... ♪

֎ For 39ers who Follow the Stars …
Watching an Aries Ram (March 21^st–April 19^th) throw everything into the ring to make things work, is nothing but inspiring. It can make the rest of us want to follow them everywhere, to see how it’s done.
       Leading the pack is probably a Taurus Bull (April 20^th–May 20^th), who is certainly no slouch in the charging department, while keeping a balanced brain on the whole project.
       Keep in mind that while Aries is free-thinking and demanding free rein, your Taurus friends are tied to Earth Day (April 22^nd) for practicality.
       Shopping for birthday gifts? Red flows dominantly through the Aries psyche; and of course, Earth green with tinges of golden-brown falls into Taurus’s healthy color spectrum. But it’s the clarity of the lustrous diamond that will capture the attention of both, as April’s glamorous gemstone.

֎ Aging with ATT-i-tude Platitude
Although a walk on the wild side might mean just an alternate route to the grocery store, that’s enough. It’s all in the ATT-i-tude. ~ L. Rochelle

Cheers to your Happy UN-Birthday 39ers ~ APRIL 2022!
This one’s for you, kids – Varoujan (John), Les, and Uncle Elvin (RIP)!