Tag Archives: Septuagenarian

I Created New Age Categories.

5 May

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

It’s been a few months now since I became a septuagenarian. I am not really sure how it happened. And don’t get me started on how my children are now the age I was as they began to leave the nest. Except for some aches, pains and less mobile joints, none of my friends feel as old as a septuagenarian must surely feel. 

Image by ❄️♡💛♡❄️ Julita ❄️♡💛♡❄️ from Pixabay

The word elderly is often used to describe septuagenarians. I have to dispute the description. We are not elderly. I am adding new categories, sub-elderly and uber-elderly. I would say this could be applied to those over 85 years of age. Although, I know some who defy the elderly image.

So, if according to my scale, 70 is sub-elderly and 85 is uber-elderly, then somewhere around 77 years of age would be elderly. I am certain I will reassess this conclusion in a few short years.

I have enjoyed keeping up with advances in technology but I am sure that one day I will decide to step off the train and park my brain somewhere. I do hope to hang on until teleportation becomes the mode of transportation.

https://ggwash.org/view/76340/would-you-rather-teleport-to-work-if-you-walk-or-bike-maybe-not

I am in a quandary about AI. It can do fascinating things. I bet if I asked, it could tell me the perfect Father’s Day gift for my husband. Imagine never having to decide on a perfect gift! One could type in the recipients name and it would produce an answer.

I tried it!

Here is an example: I asked Chat GPT: What is the perfect birthday gift for author Rebekah Lyn? Within seconds I had suggestions!

As an AI language model, I cannot know for sure what would be the perfect birthday gift for Rebekah Lyn. However, I can suggest some general ideas that might help inspire you:

  1. Books: As an author, Rebekah Lyn might appreciate receiving books as a gift. You could consider getting her a new release or a classic novel that she hasn’t read yet, or even a signed copy of a book by one of her favorite authors.
  2. Writing tools: If Rebekah Lyn is someone who enjoys writing by hand, you could consider getting her a nice notebook or journal, or a set of high-quality pens or pencils. If she prefers writing on a computer, you could consider a subscription to a writing software or a new keyboard.
  3. Personalized items: Personalized gifts can be a great way to show someone you care. You could consider getting a customized coffee mug or a t-shirt with her favorite quote or saying on it.
  4. Gift card: If you’re not sure what to get Rebekah Lyn, a gift card to a bookstore, writing supply store, or even a local restaurant or spa could be a great option. This way she can choose something that she really wants or needs.
  5. Experience: You could also consider giving her an experience, such as a writing workshop, a trip to a literary festival, or a book signing event with one of her favorite authors.

Ultimately, the best gift will depend on Rebekah Lyn’s personal tastes and interests, so try to think about what she might really enjoy and appreciate.

Not bad suggestions at all! I do think AI must be carefully managed.

I may be classified as a septuagenarian but I am definitely sub-elderly.

In my 70 years of life I have known joy and sorrow, people have disappointed me and I have disappointed people. Cultural values have changed drastically. I remember talking with my daughter during her teen years as she struggled to find her value standard. I told her something like values and morals change with the times but the Word of God is constant. Make it your go to when you are confused.

I have long loved this verse. It puts life into perspective for me;

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Isaiah 40:8

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2022 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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My Mother’s Chair

8 Sep

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

My mom and dad had matching easy chairs. I inherited one of them. It’s not in the best of shape, but I can’t seem to part with it. A lot of good memories are tethered to the chair. But there is one not so good memory, or so it seemed at the time.

As my mom aged, I lent a hand with the housekeeping. One of the chores I found annoying was dusting their dual level end tables. I think when my parents passed to Glory, we donated them to a local charity. They are now called mid-century collectibles and I found this picture on Etsy. If you like mid-century, check out their store, this one is handmade! The picture below is a modern version.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1072100018/two-tier-mcm-mid-century-end-table-in?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=mid+century+end+tables&ref=sr_gallery-1-24&frs=1

Back to the annoying part…dusting was easy but moving all the stuff my mom kept scattered all over it was a pain. I frequently murmured internally, “geez mom, can’t you put stuff away?” Hand creams, foot creams, nail files, peanut butter crackers that she called “nabs”, lottery scratch off tickets, a magnifying glass..you get the picture. Some items I would return to their proper places but for the most part, I moved them, dusted and put them back.

I didn’t get then why she was so messy but having just attained septuagenarian status, I am beginning to get it. One, my septuagenarian self tires more easily than my forty-ish self. Why put something away that I am going to have to go back and get. Two and this is the big one for me, if something gets put away, there is a good chance I might not remember where I put it!

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

I was thinking this week that mom would have gotten a kick out of seeing my messy self now.

One of our friends made up this cool gift for my big 7-0. On each dollar bill she placed a Post-it note with a birthday message on it.

The length of the one dollar bills brought to mind Proverbs 3:1-2

My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments,
for length of days and years of life
and peace they will add to you.

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2022 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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