I chuckled when I read the list of topics for blogging in February. I'm sure you all know why. I mean, Spunky Old Broads? We all know I resemble that remark.
So tell me, when did we start admiring older women? I think it began in childhood with grandma. Remember those aprons, those enveloping hugs and sugary treats? And wasn't it the neatest thing when Grandma told our parents to stop scolding us? We were just being children, after all.
Those Mother Goose rhymes further reinforced the fact that old women were good, entertaining and full of love. When other adults were too busy to read to us or hear our silly jokes, older women had the time to devote to us.
When Mom declared fast food was unhealthy, cute old ladies campaigned for more meat in our sandwiches. Fact was, the more seasoned ladies were never happy until our tummies were full.
When we hit our teenaged years and looked at our parents with disdain, who did we look to for role models? That's right! Spunky old broads. They taught us it was right and good to be our own person. That marching to the beat of a drum was passe, but to dance to the beat of our internal flutes was a groovey way to inner happiness. "Don't be a cookie cutter," they instructed.
Perhaps that's why Maxine is so popular. Is she not the epitome of we older women? Sassy. Outspoken. Ballsy.
And who doesn't love Betty White, spunky old broad that she is? She's an advocate for humane animal treatment, and for that she has my gratitude. Still, old women are more than warm cookies and smiles. Try crossing one once, and see what happens...
I'm telling you, it's not a pretty sight.
I'll be 64 in May, easing into that old broad status. "When I am old, I shall wear a purple dress and red hat, which doesn't go..."
Vonnie Davis is author of Storm's Interlude, a contemporary romance set in the hill country of Texas, available now from The Wild Rose Press and Amazon. Her novella, Those Violet Eyes, is part of the Honky Tonk Heart series and will be released June 25th. A romantic suspense set in Paris, Mona Lisa's Room, will be released this year also with the Wild Rose Press.
30 comments:
Love it! I'm in my apprentice-ship for Spunky Old Broad. I'm a Spunky Middle-Aged Gal. LOL
Hugs, Vonnie!
Hugs to you, too, Jennifer. I fell you'll make a beautiful, spunky old broad in 30 or 40 years. Thanks for stopping by.
What a great blog! Entertaining and so true!!!
Hi Vonnie,
Great blog. I'm a spunky old broad also.
Cheers
Margaret
Thanks, Jerri. It was a fun post to write.
Margaret, we'll band together and form OBN...Old Broad's Network. LOL
I'm working up to Spunky Old Broad status. I have my 96 year old grandma for inspiration! Thanks for an entertaining post after a looooong day.
I'm right there with you--61--and, my God, what fun it is! Loved your post.
Great post, Vonnie. The pictures are wonderful. My mother always said there was no sense growing old with grace when you could grow old having a good old time. Gotta love that attitude!
Love the post - I'm fast heading towards that age and stage and I want it to be memorable for all the right reasons!
Jannine, I bet your grandma is sweetness and spunk personified. Sometimes the weekend days are "longer" than week days.
Liz, 61? You're still a pup. (grins) After raising the kids and doing the job gig, I'll take this stage of life even with its creaks and groans and cottage cheese thighs. Thanks for stopping by!
Laura, I love your grandma's way of thinking! Positive and plucky.
Rosemary, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. Being remembered as a fun-loving and supportive individual who tried her best to leave the world a better place is a noteworthy goal.
Hi Vonnie!
I loved the blog. I look forward to saying anything that pops into my head (no self-censorship)to anyone I want, it's one of the privileges of getting er more mature - I'm not far behind you, so we can be plucky old broads together.
Lynne, I can't think of anyone I'd rather be plucky with. Thanks for stopping by.
LOL, Vonnie, I can relate to not being happy until my kids', grandkids' stomachs were full. I'm Italian, and I'm just like my mother, ready to feed everyone. And, of course, if a person didn't want to eat, we couldn't understand that!
Great post. I can definitely relate.
I'm not Italian, but I do love a full tummy! Eating has never been a problem. My weight...well...
Vonnie,
Welcome to my world. LOL
At 77 I think I can qualify as already arrived at old broad country. Just ask my critique partners how spunky, outspoken, and set in my ways I am.
Although, I've adapted to many different lifestyles during my ride here on earth. I'm re-adapting right now since moving across country from warm Florida to "chilly" Northern California. If I have any say about it, I'll keep trucking and re-adapt as many times as called upon.
Don't know how to post my photo as you "younger whippersnappers" have, but you can see my proof of "aging" mug shot over at www.joycehendersonauthor.com
Cheers! :)
I knew I wouldn't be disappointed when I saw your name on this blog. You always make me smile. I have never thought of myself as a spunky old broad before, but since I am a couple years older than you (a May baby, too) I am now thinking to expand my spunkiness. I mean, if I can sell my first book at 67, I can do anything. Spunky sound good. My daughter calls me cute when I demonstrate my quirks, but now that I have a title, I will smile more often.
My grandma on my mom's side was the life of the party like Betty White. She stole my hubby's heart the first time he met her - she was at Lake Tahoe, sitting in front of two slot machines and never missed a drop of the coins as she checked him out. He passed muster until he dared touch one of the slots...luckily he still has his hand.
Thanks for making me smile and giving my quirkiness a title. :)
Joyce, anytime someone wants to group me into the "young whippersnapper" status, I chuckle. Hon, my whipper has done snapped.
Paisley, thanks for the compliment. You'll be pleased to note I took your permission to heart about naming a heroine after you--and as you stipulated, the story takes place in Scotland. I'm currently writing chapter four of "When Paisley Meets Plaid."
Great post, Vonnie!
As a member of the older broad club, I can affirm I am smarter and sharper than when I was young. If I didn't have an old man finally in line, maybe I'd take on a younger man.
I'm smiling, Vonnie. I love the title and want to be one of the first to purchase the book when it's done. :)
What a lovely post, Vonnie. Yes I keep feeding my grandkids with whatever they want, and the hell with healthy food. As long as they like it, it's perfect in my book. Their hugs is all I need to be pleased. I warned their parents they better go on a time out and leave the little ones with me to make us all happy.
Oh, Ana, I can't imagine training another man. Calvin and I have only been together for nine years. He's just now getting used to my quiks which gives an indication to how many there are. ;-)
Thanks, Paisley. My Paisley's grandmother is a spunky old broad you'll fall in love with...in fact, I'm having trouble keeping her from stealing the show.
Mona, my kids know it's "Gramdma's Rules" at grandma's house...which basically means there are no rules.
Hi Vonnie,
I worked at the nursing home where one sharp woman told me she'd spent all her life holding her tongue and she was done with it. Well, she did speak her mind, and people would just shake their heads and mumble "dementia." All because a woman said what she really thought for a change.
I wouldn't label you old, but spunky yes!
Morgan, my generation was taught to hold one's tongue. I failed at that, too.
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