Sparks
Entering the seventh decade of my life a few days ago has me thinking about aging. According to AARP and a Harris Poll, old age now begins at 74, which means I am not yet old. My mother, however, died at age 45, my sister at 66 and my dad at 76. That does give me pause for thought. With this in mind, I have decided to take Betty Friedan’s quote to heart.
I think most of you who follow me are old enough to know of Betty Friedan. If not, here’s some information.
Betty Friedan (nee Bettye Naomi Goldstein) [February 4, 1921 – February 4, 2006] was an American feminist writer and activist. She was a leading figure in the women’s movement in the United States. Her 1963 book, The Feminine Mystique, often is credited with sparking the second wave of American feminism in the 20th century. In 1966, Friedan co-founded and was elected the first president of the National Organization for Women (NOW). NOWs’s aim was to bring women “into the mainstream of American society now [in] fully equal partnership with men.” Friedan was a strong supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment and the author of six books.
March is Women’s History Month and recognizing Betty Friedan for her accomplishments on behalf of all women seems appropriate to me.
Sparks began as a blog hop, created by our friend, Annie (McGuffy’s Reader). Annie has been taking a “break” from blogging, so there is no hop. Unfortunately, during this break, Annie has been the victim of a hacker. This has continued to keep her off-line and caused her much distress. Kitties Blue and I ask for your continued prayers for Annie and her family as they try to reconcile this mess and get their lives back to normal.
Many of us believe in Annie’s vision: “If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”
Happy Color
If you are curious about the image for today’s Spark, here’s the info behind it. I created it with a free app I have on my iPad. The app, Happy Color, works similarly to the old paint-by-numbers art my mom used to do when I was a kid. If you like to color, but like me, just don’t have the time, I think you’ll enjoy this. Seven new image outlines with numbered sections are loaded each day. These become part of a massive library, which includes mandalas, flowers, butterflies, quotes, people, nature and a variety of other subjects. Some images are easy and can be completed in a matter of minutes and others so intricate as to take a couple of hours. I find the “coloring” to be restful and have a feeling of accomplishment when I finish one of the images.
I have no affiliation with Happy Color. I just enjoy it and think some of you might as well.
Thanks for the wonderful share. We maybe getting older but I always look forward to the new challenges life brings each day. Just love the photo you shared with this. Have a great week.
One minute, 40 seemed so old … and now I’m past that! I try not to think about it. Then again, I strongly believe age is just a number. I act pretty immature at times because my parents were pretty strict and I didn’t get to as a kid 🙂
That is a great quote and beautiful picture. I am sorry you didn’t have more time with your folks and your sister. XO
I’m a big believer that you are as young…or old…as you feel. Think young…and you are. 🙂 By the way, happy birthday belatedly. <3 ~Island Cat Mom
LOVED the Spark and LOVED the picture and love you for including me in the bLog Hop. ANY time. I will always be happy and grateful. XX
pee ess: Hi Handsome Sawyer. XXXX
Mom is glad to know she hasn’t hit Old Age yet (although she often feels like she has). We love the spark and the colors are fabulous.
The Florida Furkids with smoochies and love to Mau from Allie and paw pats and headbonks to Sawyer (The Great Mouser!) from Noelle (The LIzard Catcher!)
I have to stop and remember how many years I’ve been on Earth, ’cause I certainly don’t feel it! Who is that woman in the mirror?!? Even tho’ The Hubby doesn’t want to travel, I DO, and I want to take photos and pet cats and watch PBS shows and sit around in my pajamas. Thankfully, he says, “Have fun…I’ll feed the cats!” and we are good to go!
guyz,,,,,yur sparkz two day bee awesum N sew iz thiz coloring….we will hafta chex out thiz app !! 🙂 ♥♥♥
Well written post. I should try that app, looks very interesting.
I am just thankful for each day I have. It’s a gift and I get how many days I get. I intend to live them to the fullest. The journey has been wonderful.
Have a fabulous day and week, Janet. Big hug to you and scritches to the kitties. ♥
That was a most beautiful Spark and a most interesting story!
What a beautiful picture that app made and it’s so calming to accompany the SPARKS message. Mom says she’s not getting older – she’s getting slower but not older!
Hugs, Teddy
That Happy Color sounds like a great way to relax!
I, too am now considered retirement ready…but no way! I still work hard and can run circles around those much younger than I…I think they have not learned how to manage their time…