39 and Holding Club

Thursday, February 8, 2024

39ers Aging with ATTitude February 2024

Ready to do the Hoochie Koochie?

Finally, right?! Happy UN-Birthday February 39ers! ♪ … And many more … If you’re a regular reader of this humble site, you know its monthly article is often not posted until sometime in the first week or so. It is a beleaguered product of life’s travels and travesties. All I can do is try. While it’s fairly complete, a few more images would be nice. In the meantime, enjoy …

֎ Celebrating FEBRUARY 39ers ~ And More!
The month is full of fun for 39ers of any age to enjoy more than frothy cake and frozen creamery. Get your dancin’ shoes on and see what strikes your fancy …

It’s a New Year all over the world, and though we here, began it on January 1^st, if you’re a following of the Lunar New Year, you know it starts on February 10^th. And so begins, The Year of the Wood Dragon. It’s an auspicious year, as the mighty dragon is believed to foster growth, progress, and abundance … um, how does a “wood” dragon do that? With fortitude!

The Wood Dragon hasn’t been seen since 1964, making it especially dynamic. According to one account, “The Wood element will have a powerful influence on ALL zodiac signs. Wood is the element of Yang. It is the energy of spring, of reaching toward the light while deepening roots into the soil.” Although the celebrations end at the Full Moon (February 24^th), the Year of the Wood Dragon guides us through the year, ending on January 28, 2025, when it gives way to the incoming Snake.

So, 39ers, looking for something else to celebrate during your birthday month? Wouldn’t it be fun to create a dragon commemorative keepsake for yourself? It’s also National Embroidery Month. Although the sponsoring link hasn’t updated since 2018, I found a current option. And, it’s National Haiku Writing Month! Pick your creative poison and enjoy!

February 7^th-14^th: Of course, it’s National Marriage Week! It’s so popular, the week has two appropriate sponsors For Your Marriage and National Marriage Week USA. It makes me especially happy, with our own family nuptials celebrating during the week. Cheers to all and may the love, luck, and good fortune of the Wood Dragon be yours always.

February 9^th: February’s special Lunar New Year basks in the glow for heightened New Moon Musings. It’s a great time to meditate, even if you only have ten minutes to breathe deep and refresh, you’ll feel the difference. I strongly recommend, however, that you make time to celebrate this auspicious New Beginning of strength and growth into the month and the year.

February 11^th: Is something new noodling your little pea brain? Let it grow! It’s National Inventors’ Day. Although the sponsoring link is from WIKI, it’s still fun to read how former President Ronald Reagan issued the proclamation in 1983 to "...call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities." You’ll also be celebrating the birthday of Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931). Can you name his first of 1,000 patents? So appropriate for this month: an electric vote recorder.

February 13^th: Party on 39ers! Mardi Gras starts today! You don’t have to be in New Orleans to party hearty …

February 14^th: of course, it’s Valentine’s Day … Be good to your sweetheart.

February 24^th: Ready for some Full Moon Magic? This month’s Full Moon is especially charmed for our

February Aquarius and Pisces birthday 39ers. It helps tie up their loose ends for the month. The Full Moon also marks the end of celebrations for the Lunar New Year, but of course, the Year of the Wood Dragon continues until February 2025. Take full advantage of this month’s Full Moon and spread the good fortune of your lunar year.

February 29^th: Wait … what? I thought I was done! Nope, it’s Leap Year Day! For 39ers waiting another four years just to party ON their birthday, go for it! We talk here, about “staying young” regardless of your age—you are the embodiment of that sentiment!

And if you’re in San Diego, just for fun … 7 days a week you can celebrate your birthday at the Del Mar Fairgrounds playing miniature golf! Don’t forget your military, senior, and group discounts! (Hope you’re better at it than I am …)

֎ Monthly Song of Note ♪
Due to time constraints, this is gonna be a short one. But no less fun! Put on your dancin’ shoes 39ers and let’s do the hoochie coochie to Rick Derringer’s “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo”! February 1974 it was heading up the chart at #21, adding more love to Johnny Winter’s 1970 tune. Recording it solo without Winter’s band, it was reportedly his only solo hit. More tuneful tidbits to manifest your memories of 1974, and keep the Rock Rockin’ from 50 Years Ago this Month! ♪ … Rock and roll, Hoochie Koo | Truck on out and spread the news … ♪

֎ For 39ers who Follow the Stars
From the Lunar New Year zodiac to the Western form of horoscopes, we slide from airy Aquarius (01/20-02/18) into watery Pisces (02/19-03/20). Like the Lunar Wood Dragon, we’re ushering in hopeful, early signs of Spring, officially a month away.

If you’ve been feeling stagnant, you’re in for a treat this month, Aquarius! The 9^th’s New Moon shines on your

need for change. Go after what you want but with empowering verve, not ruthless abandon. Be aware of others’ role in your plans and make changes with confidence. Be it a global endeavor or personal life alteration, you can do it.

Intuitive and compassionate Pisces 39ers are capable of great emotional connection to others. If you’ve been feeling disconnected from that side of yourself, now is the time to rekindle the “real you.” Use your natural instincts to mingle at parties, outings, and even business events, which may result in surprising personal and professional attachments. Throughout the month, remember to take some periodic alone time to recharge.

֎ Aging with ATT-i-tude Platitude
When life gives you a lemon, slice it up and stick it on your glass of vodka lemonade! You’ll survive if you find a way to own it. ~ L. Rochelle

Happy UN-Birthday 39ers ~ FEBRUARY 2024 ~ Happy New Year!
This one’s for you, kids – Sharon, Rochelle, and David!

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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Monday, January 1, 2024

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!