It’s happening. And there’s nothing I can do to stop it. I’m turning 80 next month, and I will be what I never thought possible — an octogenarian.
Until I wrote that last sentence, I didn’t even know how to spell octogenarian.
I did a web search. I got the spelling down. I’m ready to throw that word around for the next ten years.
If all goes well.
I’m Turning 80
Birthday No. 80 is a big deal. It announces the last of the major life stages — childhood, youth, middle age, and now old age. The Big Eighty calls for celebration.
Which is why I’m asking for presents.
I’ve sent a request to the grandchildren, ages 2, 5 and 16, for refrigerator-worthy art work.
I’ve asked the grown-up kids for something alive and growing — plants! Deer-resistant, fire-resistant, drought-resistant, preferably California native, plants for the new backyard.
A Birthday Present
That done, I’m asking you, my faithful, long-time readers, for a gift as well.
It’s this: Invite your friends to pay a visit to this website. Give them this link: https://BarbaraFalconerNewhall.com.
Ask them to sample the stories I’ve written over the years:
- Push My Funny Button
- My Rocky Spiritual Journey
- My Ever-Changing Family
- A Case of the Human Condition
Encourage them to sign up for my weekly email updates.
This would be a wonderful gift for me. Like most writers, I find it hard to toot my own horn. Writers write. Self-promotion does not come naturally to most of us. So up until now I have hesitated to ask my readers to send my writing out into the bigger world.
But I’m turning 80 now. Time is running out. And I’m hard at work on second book, which I hope will get the readership it deserves — before I come up against another birthday with a zero at the end of it.
Thank you for whatever you feel comfortable doing.
Meanwhile, thank you for being there. It means a lot.
I was middle-aged once. Read about that at “Early Late Youth Gives Way to Middle Middle Age.” Read about teenagers at “Telephoning Those Teenaged Babysitters — Rejected Again.”
Welcome to the 80s Barbara. I’ll be leaving them in January when I turn 90. Where did all that time go? Happy Birthday today, Carl! You crazy kids!
I’m doing my best to follow in your footsteps, Jan!
I think there’s an error … don’t you mean 60 ?
You’re sweet. Actually, 80 does feel about the way I always thought I’d feel at 60: a little creaky in the joints.
Old age is a state of mind, not a number. Keep as lively and engaged in new experiences as you are. Visit friends, especially those who are not far away (hint, hint).
OK, friend. Gotta come see you!!!
I’ve seen milepost 80 in my rear view mirror so I understand how you feel. Sunday August 22 is my 88th birthday.
Just got back from a camping trip to the Sonoma coast. Three nights under the redwoods. So my present to you is to wish you more trips to point Reyes and points north. Don’t hesitate. You only go around once. Carl Nolte
Carl! 88! How can this be happening to us? We were the young and cool ones! Well, I guess we’ll have to be satisfied with being old and cool.
Thanks for the reminder to spend some nights under the stars and the redwoods every time I get the chance. Good idea!
Carl,
You turned 88 today! Happy birthday, old man. I’m seven years behind you. As long as you’re around, I am confident about our future generations. Have a happy one, old friend.
Tony