Being Fuzzy Or Not Being As Fuzzy When We Age

Nestled on one of the branches of my mother's Christmas tree every year is a little fuzzy - well, mostly fuzzy bunny rabbit.





As you can tell from the photos, his fuzziness is missing in spots. At one time, the little bunny had fuzzy fur covering everywhere including the now very worn toes, nose and ears. I think that the bunny is more beautiful now than when it was brand new.





You may be thinking that I need glasses so that I can see the very splotchy bunny more clearly. Let me assure you that I'm wearing my glasses and can see just fine. Have you ever read a book called The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams? It is a story about a stuffed rabbit that was the favorite toy of a young boy and thus became very worn, even more worn than my mother's fuzzy bunny.





In the story, the Velveteen Rabbit is just a toy, but wishes to be a Real rabbit more than anything. At one point of the story he is told that:

"Generally, by the time you are real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

When my niece, Brittany, was a little girl, my mother's fuzzy bunny was one of her favorite things. Each time we visited Mom, Brittany would hold, talk for, talk to, sing to, stare at, pet, hug and kiss the fuzzy bunny. After years of all those kisses, the fuzzy bunny had a lot of his fuzz loved off. To Brittany, the fuzzy bunny was not only one of the most precious possessions of my mother, but he had become Real to her.

Obviously, when I see the somewhat fuzzy bunny now, my mind is filled with memories of a beautiful little girl affectionately holding it for hours on end. I'm sure it is quite apparent why I think the bunny is absolutely beautiful.





I believe the same concept applies to people. Everyone can't look like movie stars and models, not even the movie stars and models. We all know that photos are touched up to make the people look perfect, but there isn't any perfect person. Besides, if we all looked the same, this would be a very boring world. Our diversity keeps us interesting and unique.

We are special. No one else has been, is or will ever be just like us.

As we grow older, parts of our bodies begin to fluff out, sag down, wrinkle, crinkle, splotch, creak and a hundred other things. It doesn't make us ugly except to people who don't understand. By the time the candles on the birthday cake start to look like a bonfire, we have acquired a wealth of information and experience that we can share. Our physical bodies may fail us, but our souls are still quite vibrant. That is really the part that counts.

Beneath the skin and inside our continually aging body is our soul. Have we loved from the depths of our soul and given so much love away that our fuzziness has been worn off? Hmmm...a very interesting question. Well, I refuse to be old inside no matter how old I get on the outside. When I think of myself, in my mind's eye I see an innocent twenty-five year old with long flowing red hair and unblemished alabaster skin dotted with faint freckles. I was so full of hope, life and youthfulness.

I no longer have a twenty-five year old body and my fuzziness is worn off in many places. I can honestly say that I have loved and been loved so much that my soul feels full. As far as my constant changing body goes, I don't really mind that it doesn't look twenty-five any more and the people that matter don't mind either. They think I am beautiful and love me - the Real me.





What about you...are you missing some fuzziness? Have you opened yourself up to be loved? Do you have that warm, peaceful feeling of love for others?

Yes? Then you know exactly what I'm talking about! However, if you answered the question negatively, just remember...It's not too late to start now.

"Accept the things
to which fate binds you,
and love the people with
whom fate brings you together,
but do so with all your heart."~ Marcus Aurelius Antoninus(121-180AD) Roman Emperor, Philosopher

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Abs, Legs, Thighs, Hips And Cute Buns

I do not make New Year's resolutions. I like having continuous goals and dreams that get accomplished and then I just roll onto the next one. Making them at the beginning of the year is too hard because if I bomb the resolution by the end of January, what am I supposed to do...wait until the following year to start over again or make a new goal?

Well, that has always been my problem with resolutions at the beginning of the year.

There have been several very important lessons that I have learned in 2010 and 2011. Actually, they have been life changing. Somewhere in the middle of it all, I started liking myself just the way I am instead of insisting on perfection.

Seems rather ridiculous that I've expected perfection from myself especially since I didn't expect it from anyone else. (rolling eyes)

I do have goals and dreams. One thing that I have been working on is a gift for myself on my birthday in 2013. I didn't want to set myself up for failure, so I had to give myself plenty of time.

"Get on with it! Your title says, 'Abs, Legs, Thighs, Hips And Cute Buns' and so far you haven't said anything about them!"

Patience! I'm getting to it!!

I have always wanted 6 pack abs. No seriously! So I decided that I'm going to give myself a set of 6 pack abs as a gift. Of course, it is a very demanding gift because I hate exercising. Actually, I can give you over one thousand reasons NOT to exercise.

On top of that, I whine about it.

Only the dog and turtle hear me whine, but I still do it. I think of so many other things that are extremely enjoyable to replace the time I spend exercising, however none of them will give me 6 pack abs.

While sitting here today, I had such a great idea! I decided to create a very motivational desktop for my monitor. I wanted one that would inspire me to work hard on my exercises. A desktop that would let me know it is possible if I just persevere. Something that would be very visual.

Have you ever heard of Jennifer Nicole Lee? She is a woman that used to weigh two hundred pounds after having two children. Jennifer decided to work hard on her weight, so she lost eighty pounds, toned her body and has become a fitness guru.

Great story, huh?

Yeah, well, I found great photos of her and have made a new desktop to inspire me to tone my abs, legs, thighs, hips and buns. Alyssa is going to think I have lost my mind when she sees this barely clad woman exercising as my desktop AND my screen saver.

Go ahead and click the photo and then click it again to blow it up big! Look at those abs! They are going to be MY abs minus the tan.



I am determined.

I will have have 6 pack abs in twelve months and it will be one of the best gifts I've ever given myself.

It's late and I still haven't done my 500 sit-ups yet. The new desktop is haunting me, so I better get exercising. Please eat doughnuts for me and make sure you lick the sugar off your fingers too.

You know, I might be really inspired and go for the whole package! It is possible that I could have the abs, legs, thighs, hips and toned buns. I just can't bring myself to say "cute" buns.

(looking at buns in mirror)

Let's just stick with toned buns.

Yes, I would be satisfied with ripped abs and tight jeans on toned buns.

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Put On Your Big Girl Panties - It's Not Too Late!

Little girls basically start off wearing the same type of panties - cotton material that completely covers the booty and has elastic at the waist and legs.

The transition from diaper to panty is often not easy. First we are encouraged to "pee in the potty" and as a seemingly great reward, we will get to wear panties. We have no idea why panties are so much better than diapers because we enjoy going to the potty in our diaper anywhere and any time. However, since all the women we look up to and love wear panties, it must be a good progression.

After much thought and some brainwashing, we decide that we want to wear panties.

Eventually, we get it all right and the diapers are discarded and replaced by bright colored panties. Suddenly we feel that we have arrived even though we are still not quite sure where the arrival has landed us. But we have accomplished a huge goal and that feeling spurs us onward. The belief that we can do anything begins to grow and our dreams get larger.

After many years and a varied collection of panties in their wake, the little girls grow into women. At this point, the group breaks into many directions based on a wide variety of circumstances, choices and opportunities.

I want to talk to the women who wake up one day to find that they are wearing granny panties.

Yes, I said it and I posted a picture of granny panties. Now you don't have to tell anyone if you are wearing granny panties right now, but if you are, listen closely.

Granny panties are safe. They are found in abundance at almost every department store. Most of the time, the fabric is neutral and pastel colors. The most exciting (I use that word loosely) aspect of the granny panties is the lace that is sometimes found at the waist and legs. The lace isn't imported from Italy. It is just simple and plain, stretchy lace.

Is your life like your granny panties?

Are you coasting along and just playing it safe?

As time has been sneaking on your face to create wrinkles, have you given up all hope of accomplishing more of your dreams?

My grandmother was one of the most negative people I have ever known. I don't say that in any mean fashion, but just state it as a fact. As far back as I can remember, Mam-Maw talked about being sick or about to die even when she was extremely healthy. By the time she was fifty years old, Maw-Maw said she was ancient. Her attitude was more that life was nearly over and there wasn't anything left to look forward to any more.

Fifty years old. That's all.

Good grief! Life wasn't anywhere near over for her! Mam-Maw lived to be in her eighties!

Mam-Maw wore granny panties in life. She didn't stretch her mind, talents or experiences. Mam-Maw played it safe and by doing so, she didn't accomplish or experience many things that could have enriched her soul and life. My grandmother's life experience was small because she chose to live in her fears.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not criticizing my grandmother to be mean, but I want you to see that playing it safe in granny panties is very sad in many ways.

Maybe you are thinking that you are like Mam-Maw and don't want to stretch yourself because it is scary. No kidding! However....It is no more scary now than it was when you were in your twenties. It is just that the granny panties have been on your booty for a very long time.

It is easy to play it safe. There isn't any shock, disappointment or rejection, but there isn't the fullness of happiness and joy either. Wearing granny panties isn't the answer!

There is no way to know how many years you have left to live on this planet. You could live to be one hundred years old! Don't shake your head "no". You simply do not know your expiration date. It is a huge disservice to yourself to assume that you will die any moment and therefore no longer need to hope, dream and set goals.

Discard the granny panties of life.

Stop playing it so safe!

You've lived a long and eventful life up to this point and there is absolutely no reason to quit now.

It is time to put on your big girl panties and forget your fear of failing, rejection and all the other ugly things that enter your mind. Travel deep within the recesses of your girlhood fantasies and find your dreams.

It isn't too late.

You can still have wonderful experiences!

The big girl panties can still be exciting if you simply believe, let go of the fear and shake your booty.

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Chuckle of the Day - The Old and The Young

The Old

Number One

How to be cruel to old guys: AARP Eye Chart




Number Two

Because they had no reservations at a busy restaurant, my elderly neighbor and his wife were told there would be a 45-minute wait for a table.

'Young man, we're both 90 years old,' the husband said,'We may not have 45 minutes.'

They were seated immediately.



Number Three

The Young

Larry watched, fascinated, as his mother smoothed cold cream on her face.

'Why do you do that, Mommy?' he asked.

'To make myself beautiful,' said his mother, who then began removing the cream with a tissue.

'What's the matter,' asked Larry. 'Are you giving up, Mommy?'

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Dear Secret Diary, My Orange Recipe

Dear Secret Diary,

As I walked to my car in the pouring rain, my pants got completely soaked. I'm sure that wasn't good for me because there's that almost-got-a-cold feeling inside my body.

It was a long drive, but the vision of a calm respite loomed ahead beckoning me home.

Acting like a woman gone mad, I stripped off my clothes as I walked from the front door to the shower. Turning the knob full blast, I stepped into the steamy heat letting it cascade down my aching muscles. Why does a body get so worn down?

Thoughts of work, people, undone chores, responsibilities began to leave my mind.

The foggy steam began to fill the bathroom.

Overcome with the heat, I was forced to relax as I remembered younger days when energy oozed from every cell of my body. Oh to be that young again and filled with abounding hope and the wisdom I have accumulated.

With the water trickling down my neck, I closed my eyes and willed myself to not be sick and then I sneezed. My will isn't that strong any more. I've lost so much of my oomph and I miss it. Now this overwhelming feeling of "not well" is taking over my body.

The steamy fog was so thick that everything in the bathroom started dripping moisture, so I turned off the shower and dried off with a big fluffy, white towel. Burying my face in the thickness reminded me of Mom and the wonderful mother she has been. My clothes were always ironed, delicious food prepared for each meal and the laundry always smelled clean and slightly like her perfume.

I miss those simpler days where responsibilities were few and far between.

Stepping into my olive green pajamas, thick socks and fluffy slippers I headed for the kitchen. There was only one thing I wanted and that was my Orange Concoction for Sickness.

Fill a microwave safe measuring cup or mug with 1 cup of orange juice.



Add 1- 4 teaspoons of vanilla extract.



Add the juice of 1/2 a lemon.



To cut the sharp twang, add 1- 4 teaspoons of luscious honey.



Stir. Place in a microwave for about 2 minutes or until very hot. Stir well and serve.



Wrapped in a huge blanket, I lounged on the couch sipping my Orange Concoction for Sickness. The warmth permeated from the inside out and the outside in.

Closing my eyes, I vowed only to remain still for just a few more minutes. Languishing in the quiet peacefulness and healing warmth, I contemplated how quickly life is moving and at times, it feels that it is going on without me.

Dear Secret Diary, why does time go by so fast? It seems that with each day I find another part of my body that is aging. Can this really be happening to me? I'm still young inside this flesh and bones. Can't you stop time for just a little while my dear Secret Diary?

The thoughts melded into the warmth that permeated from my body and I drifted into a very sound sleep.

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Throw Away The Aging Generation

Putting up a new fence around any property is a lot of hard work. It includes measuring, digging, cutting, sanding, hammering, leveling and painting all while sweating profusely. After many hours, days, weeks and sometimes months, the fence is finally completed and looks fresh.

It rains.

The sun beats down on hot summer days.

Winds blow.

Birds sit atop the fence posts.

It snows.

The elements of weather, nature and time begin to show on the fence.

At first, the fence is able to remain standing straight, but eventually it droops and slightly leans. It is during this time that the paint begins to chip, peel and pop off.

A passerby looking at the fence will have thoughts that range from pity, disgust or have the wish for a new and better fence.

The same life cycle happens to people.

We all become weathered, droop, lean and the form that used to cause others to admiringly compliment suddenly only draws quick glances. There are, after all, more beautiful people to admire.

I'm glad that everyone doesn't have that opinion, but the world today is so motivated for new and better that they are often missing the wealth of wisdom held by the older generation.

There were people who lived through the tough times of the Great Depression, the oppression of women, segregation by race, and numerous wars. Even now, I remember vinyl records, eight track tapes, black and white television, the first man walking on the moon, skateboards with wooden wheels and even life before computers.

Age is quickly becoming something that is no longer valued. The mentality is to throw it away and get a new one. With the mind set of the throw away generation, people are also becoming more and more selfish. The mantra of "Do less and get more" is rampant.

Where will it end?

What will become of the aging generation?

How can we change this prevalent attitude?

"Wrinkles should merely indicate
where the smiles have been."
~Mark Twain~

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Chuckle of the Day - Poof The Light Goes On

A 72-year-old man goes for a physical. All of his tests come back with normal results. The doctor says, 'Jerry, everything looks great. How are you doing mentally and emotionally? Are you at peace with God?'

Jerry replies, 'God and I are tight. He knows I have poor eyesight, so he's fixed it for when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, *poof*!, the light goes on. When I'm done, *poof*!, the light goes off.'

'Wow, that's incredible,' the doctor says.

A little later in the day, the doctor calls Jerry's wife. ' Ginger ,' he says, 'Jerry is doing fine but I had to call you because I'm in awe of his relationship with God. Is it true that he gets up during the night and *poof *!, the light goes on in the bathroom, and when he's done, *poof*! the light goes off?'

'Oh my goodness!' Ginger exclaims. 'He's peeing in the fridge again!!!!'



Isn't aging fun?!

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Chuckle of the Day - Elderly Dog Named Killer

As I get older, aging jokes get funnier. I hope you enjoy this one too.


A wealthy old gentleman decides to go on a hunting safari in Africa, taking his faithful, elderly dog named Killer, along for the company.

One day the old dog starts chasing rabbits and before long, discovers that he's lost. Wandering about, he notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the intention of having lunch.


The old dog thinks, "Oh, ho! I'm in deep doo-doo now!" Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the leopard is about to leap, the old dog exclaims loudly, "Boy, that was one delicious leopard! I wonder, if there are any more around here?"

Hearing this, the young leopard halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees. "Whew!", says the leopard, "That was close! That old dog nearly had me!"


Meanwhile, a monkey who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So, off he goes, but the old dog sees him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figures that something must be up.

The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard.

The young leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here, monkey, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine!

Now, the old dog sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back and thinks, "What am I going to do now?" Instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet, and just when they get close enough to hear, the old dog says...

"Where's that monkey? I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another leopard!"

Moral of this story...

Don't mess with the old dogs because age and skill will always overcome youth and treachery! Wisdom and brilliance only come with age and experience.


Have you ever known any monkeys?











Woman Aging With Style and hoping to emulate
an elderly dog named Killer,

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Chuckle of the Day - Being Old

An elderly couple is
attending church services.

About halfway through,
she writes a note and
hands it to her husband.



It says,
"I just let out a silent fart.
What do you think I should do?"

He scribbles back,
"Put a new battery
in your hearing aid."

Thinking it must be freeing to be
really old and get by with this stuff!

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Softly Aging Without Regrets

When You are Old

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When you are old and grey and full of sleep,


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And nodding by the fire, take down this book,


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And slowly read, and dream of the soft look


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Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;


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How many loved your moments of glad grace,


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And loved your beauty with love false or true,


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But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,


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And loved the sorrows of your changing face;


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And bending down beside the glowing bars,


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Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled


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And paced upon the mountains overhead


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And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.

~~W. B. Yeats~~




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Did you notice that this poem begins
"When you are old," not now that you are old?
Maybe he wants to catch her attention
while she is still young and hasn't
suffered the pain of regret.
Ahhhh, regret is such a huge price
to pay for a poor choice.


Source: Image



Have you ever been "nodding by the fire"
and "Murmur, a little sadly" because
you lost the person that
"loved the pilgrim soul in you"
or maybe you haven't ever
experienced that kind of love?
Someone that loves you for the
real, the authentic, deep inside,
all facades torn down person
that hides in your soul.


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There are many that will love
"your moments of glad grace" or
in other words,
will love you while you are beautiful,
wealthy or powerful.
Is it worth casting aside the
people who truly love you
and will continue to love you
when age shows the
"sorrows of your changing face"
and the experiences of a lifetime
show in your countenance?


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Just maybe,
by reading and understanding
this poem and the message within it,
you open your eyes
to the people,
nature,
and love that is freely offered
just for you...
Life can
offer something beautiful
and magical.


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Maybe your life will be filled
with
heartache,
hardships,
unhappiness,
stress,
and sadness.
But don't hold it all in alone.
Share it with those who love you
and let them
love you.


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Just close your eyes
and think about it
for just a minute
and let the message
sink deep down
so that your mind
will consider the possibilities
and your heart
will appreciate true love
instead of giving in to
the whim of the moment
or the enticements of the insincere.

Source: Image



Now,
what are you thinking?









In contemplation -
a woman Aging With Style
and striving to have fewer regrets,

P.S. Did you like the pictures?
All of them can be purchased!

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