Friday 26 March 2010

Friday Food For Thought




I was contacted recently by the Executive Editor of a women's magazine (which shall remain nameless). She stated that, through my writings, she had discerned that I had been married a number of times, and that they were doing an article in a future edition of the magazine on people who had been married numerous times, and would I be interested in talking to them.

Oh yes, she also asked, how old I was.

I was quite chuffed actually . . . first of all to think that the Executive Editor of any magazine had been reading my stuff, and secondly, just to be asked! I replied that yes, indeed (much to my regret) I had been married three times, and that I was 54 years old. I then went on to briefly explain the circumstances of each marriage, and stated that I was quite willing and happy to contribute to the article. I like to think that perhaps by sharing my own life experiences, that I may be able to help someone else who is going through a similar thing, and that I may actually even be able to give someone else hope that things can and do get better!



I got a very quick reply, however. It seems that, although my experiences were quite interesting, I was too old. They were wanting experiences from women under 35. I guess it didn't really matter that both times, when I had made my earlier marriage mistakes, I had been ages 19 and 21 . . .

I was disappointed somewhat, but then, after thinking about it for a time, I was almost angry. Ageism does exist, and it's a shame really, because I think her readers may have missed out on some really valuable and helpful stuff, not to mention . . . some pretty darn good reading as well!



At what point does a person become too old for their experience in life to be considered as being valuable and helpful to anyone of any age??? I like that think that my readership on here spans many age groups. I know that some of you are quite a bit younger than myself, and that some of you are a bit older, and some . . . even quite a bit older. I like to think that these words that I write on here every day have a validity for each of you, and that most of you . . . at one time or another . . . have gleaned at least a little bit of something from my words that may have inspired or helped. Some little snippet of wisdom, information or inspiration that you have been able to apply to your own lives and that has helped you in some way, however large or small.



I don't really think that one has to be of any particular age for that to matter. Apparently though . . . my experiences are only valid and relative to those over 35 years of age. The under 35's might just as well stop reading now, because what I have to say could not possibly help you and it uninteresting and of no import to you whatsoever! I am a dinosaur . . . albeit, a very experienced dinosaur, with a big heart and a willingness to help, but . . . a relic all the same . . .



Oh woe is me . . . I think I'll go bury my head in a big vat of chocolate or some such and bemoan the fact that I am not someone famouse. . . for I'm quite sure that if my name were Madonna, or Joan Collins . . . my experience would have been quite valid no matter how old and decrepid I was . . . and that, my friends . . . is that!

Here's another oldie. One bowl Vanilla Cupcakes. I can promise you one thing though. They are delicious no matter how old or how young you happen to be when you dig into them!!!



*One Bowl Does It All Vanilla Cupcakes*
Makes 18
Printable Recipe

These are cheap and easy to make, and what's more . . . quite delicious! Everything is mixed together in one bowl so that not only simplifies things, but it is a lot easier for clean up as well£

2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco, Trex or white Flora)
1 cup single cream
3 1/2 tsp of baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 TBS vanilla extract
3 large eggs

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F. Lightly grease two medium size muffin tins, or line with paper wrappers. Use one with 12 holes and one with six. Set aside.

Put all of the cupcake ingredients into a large bowl and then beat them on medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended, for about 30 seconds. Increase the speed to high and beat for a further 3 minutes, or until well mixed and smooth. Divide the batter amongst the prepared muffin cups, filling them only half full.

Bake inthe heated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they test done. They should be lightly browned on top and spring back when touched very lightly with your fingertip. Remove from the oven and immediately remove them from the muffin tins to a wire rack to cool completely before icing and decorating as desired.

Note - I have used a vanilla butter cream here, but chocolate is very nice as well!!



There is a delicious Macaroni Cheese with Cauliflower and Broccoli over on The English Kitchen this morning. It's yummo!



23 comments:

  1. Well I guess you, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Liz Taylor and Joan Collins will be part of your own exclusive, over 35 group instead. Much more glamorous, age and experience trumps youth any day. It's just a shame we don't realize this until we are in our 40's. I spent years trying to stay young and 'with it' but I was never truly happy until I hit 40 and I realized life is what you make of it. I love being in my 40's I have a wealth of experience to share. I wish my teenage daughters agreed with me though!

    Nicole

    ReplyDelete
  2. As I'm in my 60's now I'm really obsolete. It is the culture today though that is so youth oriented and everything from clothing on it seems is directed at the younger generation. I never married more than once and never divorced so I'm sure my stories have no value to them for sure. Don't take it to heart though. Wisdom comes with age often and I pity those that don't want to listen.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am much younger, in my 20s, and I love reading about your life experiences. You always think about it in a reflective and often positive way and I love the fact that after everything you've been through you've finally found your soulmate. You have great life experiences that are relevant to a wide range of ages. I can't believe they weren't interested in you. You definitely aren't too old!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Marie I am close to your age and I am thankful for your thoughts as they have truly helped me over the last year or so. Anyone who thinks someone's age invalidates their opinion or life experience is being "ageist". Heaven I would rather spend a day listening to an older person than listening to modern music etc.

    Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh, Marie... I'm laughing and crying along with you! Very flattering to be approached by that magazine... but hurtful to be "labeled" too old. In this modern world, the current culture, anyone over 30 is too old. I turned 37 just after Christmas, so technically I'm middle aged now...LOL! But I'm loving my 30's. Every age has value. Every person and their experience has value. We can learn from each other at any age. :o) And I always learn something from your stories, Marie. And so happy you share them freely here. Let's raise a cupcake to ripe, beautiful, experience, wise and fabulous women! :o) Happy Weekend, dear friend...Hope we get a chance to chat before you move next week! LOVE YOU HEAPS!! OXOX ((BIG HUGS))

    ReplyDelete
  6. Well you know Marie, you and me have the same age.
    Maybe a lot of people thinks about me how old but really I dont think dear Marie, I still feel how a girl in many things and I dont think is bad. Hugss and kisses,Love ya! gloria

    psst! we are a pair of little girls!! ja,ja, !!! huggs (LOL)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Marie, this is very annoying albeit quite funny as well. I am gonna have to try that old cupcake recipe!

    The editor is obviously an airhead...what is it about dumb people and making important decisions in various aspects of OUR lives? There seems to be a lot of them at the helm of various entities. Very telestial, huh?

    Ageism is alive and well but they haven't fully dealt with the baby boomers yet, right?

    You just keep on being your wise and sage self, you have followers with substance and appreciation for the finer things in life, like experience!

    Love you, sweet friend. I hope your anonymous reader comes back and reads all these comments! If I had a subscription..I'd cancel it!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Just think - its the magazines loss !! Age is nothing these days, isnt the new '40' at 50 nowadays ? I am on my third go,(2nd marrage, but 3rd partner, i know confusing) and im only 42 ! Life is what you make it, shame magazines have an 'image' of what is considered in vogue.

    Love you blog,
    thanks,

    vicki

    ReplyDelete
  9. Marie I suspect it had to do more with their reader's ages than your age. Since I don't know the name of the magazine I can't be sure but as we know some magazines are primarily read by younger women and some by older. The Bible is quite clean about the wisdom of age - we'd best pay attention! blessings, marlene

    ReplyDelete
  10. Well, I said that I wasn't going to add yet another account to my list, but after this post I had to create a google account, LOL. I used to post under theAmericanGirl until I could no longer post anonymously on your site.

    At any rate, I have to say that I VALUE your posts very much. By God's grace I am approaching my 30's and sometime last year God brought to my attention that He had indeed given me something I asked for. You see, I prayed that God reveal to me how to have a happy and successful home life, how to make my children feel loved, and just how to be a better woman in general. He did not send me mentors in the physical form...but I am GRATEFUL that I have bloggers like YOU that impart wisdom to young people such as myself. Your stories are valuable to me and a host of others. Your blog is the only blog that I ready every single day. I can skip a day of some others, but not yours!!!!

    Thanks for doing what you do best...share God's love and the wisdom He has given you!

    This was long, but I had to let you know that your experiences are valuable...keep the stories, tidbits of widsom, recipes, and general life musings coming!

    Love in Christ,
    theAmericanGirl

    ReplyDelete
  11. From one dinosaur to another......I agree with you....I often wonder to myself when did I start getting invisible. The older I get the more invisible I feel......

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm 75, and I think someone threw a switch when I was 50, as I really don't feel any older than that. Sometimes I feel my middle-aged daughters are more sensible and mature than I am.
    Good luck with the move, Marie; will miss you during enforced silence!

    ReplyDelete
  13. A friend of mine just posted an audio clip of Al Gore telling a group of students that they know better than their parents. I was a bit warm with anger to say the least. I, personally, tend to take the advice of women my age with a grain of salt. We share tips, relate to each other's current challenges, but I'm well aware that they know about as much as I do... and that we'll all be much wiser later in life.

    My 91 year old grandma's is the opinion I value more than any other but my mom's. She lived through the Depression and raised children in a simpler time. I think it makes her keenly aware of what it important and truly valuable in life. Plus, at 91, she's not the least bit afraid to state her honest opinion!

    I think it's ridiculous that anyone would seek advice of great importance from people in their 20's. We're valuable, yes, but not terribly wise yet. I can say that because I'm 26! I know how clueless I was at 24, and I imagine I'll be saying that about my 26-year-old self in a few years!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ooh Marie the cheeky things - typical media industry though I guess. I work in recruitment and we have to be so careful not to discriminate, but I think this evades the media industry. Well I am just past it as well then at 36:-) I have friends of all ages and in fact so does my mum, surely this is what makes for a great balance in life xxx

    ReplyDelete
  15. that editor lost a very valuable moment when she failed to use your experience...too old, how else would you have had live experiences to share and help others through. She was probably some young inexperienced young girl and sadly she will learn all too soon that life passes quickly and what she thinks is too old now will be young before she knows it. Oh well it's her loss, sadly also the loss of those you could have helped. I do believe I'm a tad annoyed myeself, I'm turning 54 soon and I don't consider myself old!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Marie,

    They will never know of their readers enormous loss (because of their lack of insight). They were very mistaken about the wisdom and hard learned lessons you have lived through which only you could tell in your beautiful, gifted, spiritual and insightful way which could help women of ALL ages. You truly are one of the most prolific writers and share what is in your heart that touches us all deeply in such a special way.
    Your wisdom has blessed my own life and I am grateful for the friendship across the not so large pond! The world is small. Age doesn't matter... I guess, I too being in my fifties, must be ancient;]
    I cherish the wisdom my mom at 84, imparts with me daily.
    Truly it is their loss.
    I appreciate you and pray for you my friend. Good luck in the coming weeks during your transition. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. How funny that you post this....last night I was talking with my daughter while we were watching some TV show and I said "When I was younger, I thought 50 was ancient, but looking at all these women who are in their 50s and beyond, they are pretty foxy, YOUNG women with amazing experiences!"

    Like the saying goes - age is just a number.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hello there Marie...sorry I can't write in much bigger print as I am sure at your advanced age you must need bigger letters LOL !!
    I think it is really quite a problem these days this aversion to anyone over 50's opinions etc..We just need to look at the TV programmes etc to see how they treat their "older" readers....mind you it is always the WOMEN who appear to be regarded as past it !!
    Much Love Sybil xxx

    ReplyDelete
  19. Well I will be 52 in May and I read blogs of many different ages, and I am sure there are many different ages that read yours and mine! Really, if we didn't have photos and advertise our age who would know the difference? I would think it rude of the magazine editor to come to you and then reject you based on age. Clearly she didnt think your views were too old or irrelevant when she was reading your blog or she wouldn't have approached you. Her loss, I'll take one of those cupcakes and a serving of mac & cheese while I'm here, they look fabulous;>)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Well said, my friend. I don't understand that age logic at all! You are filled with wisdom for every age.
    Thanks for the delicious looking old recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I think you are full of knowledge and great advice and I for one love that you share it on your blog.

    I say, it's the editors loss, and I agree with the other ladies, age is just a number.

    I'm in my thirties now and I'm enjoyed every single moment of it, I think everyone has something important to share and valuable information, no matter what age they may be.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Marie, it is strange that they would ask you all that information having known your age from the start. I believe that ages become irrelevant after you reach a certain age. I am 33 and work with someone 64 and I consider her a close friend. I look to her for assurance on things I have little experience of, and she looks to me for advice or matters which are new to her. We inspire each other in different ways. This editor has missed a trick not using your wisdom - their loss Marie! Lots of Love Lucie x

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Dino!! As one dinosaur to another, and being charitable to your erstwhile interviewer, I suppose she was only doing her job. But I want to know, where do old magazine editors go? When they get past, say, 35?

    Old magazine editors never die, they air brush themselves out!

    love, Ange, xx

    ReplyDelete

Your comments mean the world to me, and while I may not be able to address each one individually, each one is important to me and each one counts. Thanks so much!