My Starfish Online

Permission to Relax

 At the weekend I decided to take some time off, to do nothing except relax on my swingseat and enjoy the peace and traquility of my garden. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and the lawn mowers were silent for once.

To start with though my head was full of all the "should be doing" things, so I mentally ran through the list running in my head and asked myself what would happen if I didn't do any of them.  When I realised that nothing earth shattering would happen I gave myself permission to do nothing for a while.  Once I had done this the "should be doing" voice went silent.

Growing Old Gracefully

I have always admired Joan Bakewell and believe she is an excellent role model for women growing older with integrity and grace. 

She has just written a book 'The View from Here. Life at Seventy' which I certainly intend reading.

Last week I listened to an excellent interview with her and philosopher MM McCabe on Womans Hour.  They both talk very eloquently and amusingly about "the perils of trying to grow old gracefully"; "when is the right time to let youself go"; "and how much your appearance as a woman is bound to your identity".

I recommend listening to it as I believe it captures the essence of how many of us feel.  Click on the link below to listen online:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/ram/2006_37_wed_01.ram

In praise of older women...

"Too often, older women are seen as victims, but I know lots of formidable women who have marvellous jobs as well as a full erotic life, and children and friends and family."

Francesca Annis

Picture Source: http://www.geocities.com/francescasite/francesca.html

Day of Peace 21 September

Help create humanity's first day of peace on the United Nations International Day of Peace on 21 September.  I will be as it is something that is really close to my heart.

For more information on this please click below.

BetterWorldCalendar.com/peaceday.htm

Now We Are Over 50

This poem by Lauren Mellor inspired me some time ago.  It certainly captures how I feel some days and is one of the reasons I launched My Starfish Online.  I hope you enjoy it too.