Another Growing Old Post....OH NO!!

A good friend sent me this.  I don't know who the author is...but it mirrors my thoughts.  I thank Suz for sharing this with me...I hope you all enjoy it.  Remember it's not bemoaning the fact that we grow old, but rather the comfort and joy we should feel when we are comfortable in our sagging skin and enjoying life.  You may not be here yet, but rest assured, it will sneak up on you when you're not looking.    ENJOY!
I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.  I very recently lost a very dear friend...his footprint is forever on my heart.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?   I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 40 & 50's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love... I will. 

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.  I am working on my memory.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. 

And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).



Now this is something that makes me happy...let me show you another one of my favorite ashtrays....CLICK HERE to View My Item This is a circa 1950 Art Deco Eames era Pipe Ashtray.


Now here's a beauty....offered by morerivethead84 

Enjoy CYBER MONDAY Shopping CLICK HERE for Online Auction

Political Correctness...What is the origin?

Terrorism is now called 'overseas contingency operations'.

The 9 11 attack is now called a 'man-caused disaster.'

Global warming is now 'clinate change'.

Merry Christmas should now be 'happy holidays'.

Blacks are now African Americans...(what if they are not from Africa?) We're going to have to be careful or we will not be able to ask for black coffee! I am American and consider ALL citizens of the U.S. as Americans.

Act of terrorism is now 'Fort Hood murders'.

The list could go on and on.

In an effort to find out just where the term 'political correctness' originated I started doing some research...(OK, I could be doing some laundry or some other household engineering project), I was surprised to find a wealth of information.

The theme remained constant and I thought this article from 2002 told it best. Click here to read the entire article.

This is just a small portion of this article:

"Agustin Blazquez with the collaboration of Jaums Sutton
Monday, April 8, 2002 "

"Does anyone know the origins of Political Correctness? Who originally developed it and what was its purpose?

I looked it up. It was developed at the Institute for Social Research in Frankfurt, Germany, which was founded in 1923 and came to be known as the "Frankfurt School." It was a group of thinkers who pulled together to find a solution to the biggest problem facing the implementers of communism in Russia.

The problem? Why wasn't communism spreading?

Their answer? Because Western Civilization was in its way.

What was the problem with Western Civilization? Its belief in the individual, that an individual could develop valid ideas. At the root of communism was the theory that all valid ideas come from the effect of the social group of the masses. The individual is nothing.

And they believed that the only way for communism to advance was to help (or force, if necessary) Western Civilization to destroy itself. How to do that? Undermine its foundations by chipping away at the rights of those annoying individuals.

One way to do that? Change their speech and thought patterns by spreading the idea that vocalizing your beliefs is disrespectful to others and must be avoided to make up for past inequities and injustices.

And call it something that sounds positive: "Political Correctness."

Political Correctness remains just what it was intended to be: a sophisticated and dangerous form of censorship and oppression, imposed upon the citizenry with the ultimate goal of manipulating, brainwashing and destroying our society.

With profound dismay, I have seen how the scourge of Political Correctness has taken hold in the U.S. It is very well entrenched in our educational system, at scientific, religious and community levels, the media, the workplace and even our government.

It is changing the American society from within, and the citizens of this nation are increasingly censoring themselves and losing their freedom of speech out of fear of Political Correctness repression.

All citizens who cherish liberty must reject the scourge of Political Correctness. Freedom of speech must be preserved in America if we are to continue to be free.

It's one thing is to be educated, considerate, polite and have good manners, and another to be forced to self-censor and say things that are totally incorrect in order to comply with the arbitrary dictums of a deceiving and fanatical far-left agenda.

Let's preserve our freedom and say NO to the scourge of Political Correctness."

I guess the best definition by an unknown person is this....."Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

I have spent so many decades keeping myself safe and living under my own personal 'rock' being a 'sheeple'. Now I am using my brain the way it was intended to be...used.  I'm just backing it up to the 'loading dock' and opening the doors to the facts...just the facts. 

Now a brief commercial post. I have boxes of ashtrays, advertising items, tobacciana that need to be sold. I have over 200 items for sale at Supergrannys Treasures . Valentines day is coming and wouldn't a little 'vintage' something make a nice gift? I guarantee all items are bargains.

 
BTW, mark your calendar for the beginning of this Stimulus Extravaganza January 31st to March 13th.

2010 New Anthem...We The People Say Pay Attention...

I think this new song from Ray Stevens would make a heckofan anthem for the next few years. Take the time to see and listen to it from the following Ray Stevens link.

If you've heard it once...listen to it again...the words are soooo appropo...I hope they're listening.  We the People are a force to be reckoned with..

Check out his website....Ray Stevens

Here's a few of the lyrics...this 70 year old songwriter entertainer has managed to hit the nail on the head:

It’s gonna be a big heart breaker,
Grandma needs a new pace maker,

And the doctor says, “I realize she’s ill,

But there’s talk of legislation, on all our medication,

and maybe all we can do is put her on a pain pill.”


Whoa, me! Hey, Congress!

You vote Obamacare,

We’re gonna vote you outta there!
We the People have awakened to your tricks.

You vote to let this pass,

You Will be out on your.....!


‘Cause we the people have awakened…

I would say this song makes Ray Stevens a genuine patriot!

If you get to the point where you have some time on your hands (not a watch) then use some of it to browse Supergrannys Treasures. Do an Ole Gal a big favor...take some of these collectible ashtrays off my hands...I want to clear some space so I can do some watercolor and acrylic painting...

Mark you calendars and watch for the sale of 2010... More details coming soon!

Collectible Hotel Statler Matchstand Ashtray

Remember when every home and place of business had ashtrays of one kind or another sitting around?

With the demise of smoking, ashtrays and advertising tobacciana items are rarely being made any more and they will, one day soon, become a hot collectible. Add to or start your collection today.

EX-SMOKERS, HOLD ON TO YOUR SMOKING COLLECTIBLES
When you quit smoking, keep your tobacciana collectibles. Tobacco stands without the top parts are good plant stands. Cigarette cases are popular as small purses that will hold a credit card, driver's license and a little money.

Tobacco tins and boxes are interesting storage containers, and the box labels and cigar bands work well for decoupage projects. Best of all, ashtrays can be used to hold short stemmed flowers or kept in the bedroom to hold earrings and rings overnight.

A very classy Hotel Statler Ashtray



If you are a collector, visit Supergrannys Treasures. I have been a collector for many decades and I just must dispose of my collection.

If you see several you are interested in...send me an omail with your choices and I will do my best to give you a super bargain.

Remember buy vintage...these will never be made again....

Happy New Year....

White House Party Crashers....Should They Be Punished?

Here's a thought regarding the White House Party Crashers...



Hmmm, sounds like sensible reasoning to me.....



There are HUGE merchandise markdowns on all items at Supergrannys Treasures. Vintage, advertising collectibles with lots of tobacciana ashtrays.

Do we need a Gratitude and a Spread Joy Reminder In Our Attitudes?

This is a reminder of something we can do daily to give us a positive attitude boost! If you've seen them...watch them again...definitely puts a smile on your face...

The Gratitude Dance

This video, produced by the "Gratidudes", infuses an upbeat Caribbean tune with choreography that vaguely resembles a chicken at a square dance. Although there have been no studies done on the subject, you should try dancing it with a frown on your face -- it's impossible.

All of this may feel frivolous as people lose their jobs and struggle financially, but one thing that has been proven is that negativity evokes more negativity. If you spend much time watching the news and wondering why the politicians we voted for are making noises that they know what is best for us, etc etc etc, then an attitude adjustment towards the positive is indeed in order. The theory behind Brightsiding is that we need to be energized in order to have the strength to pull ourselves up by our boot straps.

Breaking it down even more, to break the cycle of negativity, you need to compartmentalize: you do all you can to make your life, your family and your community better. But when you've done all you can, you need to think about something other than the sad scary stuff. You need to fortify yourself with laughter, positive thoughts and the joy of being with the people you love.

So, whether you lighten your mood by watching these videos or doing something fun with the people you love, remember that there is a bright side, and you can find it.
The Gratitude Dance by the Gratidudes needs to be seen and heard. It's amazing...try it!

BRIGHTSIDING....

There are some people who respond to the spirit-crushing and downright scary headlines with a cheerfulness that's almost inappropriate.

It's called "Brightsiding." It's based on the belief that, though you can't control the stock market or your job security, you can control your outlook on life. So why not stay positive?

The best online explanation of the Brightsiding concept comes from an original composition and animation called Spread Joy video The composer, Mike Strickland said the idea just came to him.

"I was watching TV news one day thinking, 'There needs to be more positive messages being sent around the world,'" he said. "So I wrote a cheerful song called 'Spread Joy.'" Watch it, take the concept to heart and we can all do our part to Spread Joy throughout the World!

and, so, as a Citizen who happens to be Senior (that means I'll be graduating soon...) I know that wrinkles around the eyes make you look happy. Of course, I cleverly disguise the tiny lines around my eyes with huge wrinkles! Why did I mention the thing about being a senior citizen?....now I feel compelled to ease the worry of you 'youngsters' and reassure you that as you age you will get chin hairs....but...not to worry cuz they give you something to stroke while looking thoughtful, mature and wise! Did that help?

Do your part to stimulate the economy by visitingOnline Auction Whether you're a Buyer or a Seller...it's the PLACE to be.

Just by way of reminder, a visit to Online Auction wouldn't be complete without visiting Supergrannys Treasures where you can find vintage retro collectibles. I have a whack of ashtrays in my store with 100's more that aren't listed yet so start your Christmas shopping early and give VINTAGE.

Remember S&H Green Stamps that you got to lick and put in books way back when? This advertising ashtray is just the ticket for nostalgia lovers...an S&H Green Stamps Ashtray.

I am sad and worried...wanna help me pick out a new t-shirt?

Between being so sad that my only three grandsons have gone home to New Jersey (I am in Colorado) and worrying about the dreadful future of our country, along with sighing and reminiscing of the way things used to be....I am searching for coupons for Depends!! I've lost my 'rose-colored' glasses and am now seeing things in glaring color!! I wonder if that is why so many folks prefer to stay under their rock and not face the facts?

No matter how long and treacherous your life's journey may seem.....Remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

On a lighter note, I am a senior citizen that likes t-shirts with sayings on them. I just found some I have not seen before....check them out...ya think any of them would be good for me?
(I think she's cute!)
I hate when that happens
WOW, guess I wouldn't smile either!

Hey, gals, we aren't the only ones with pieces and parts heading south

Alright, I'll quit...BTW, you may or may not know I have a large collection of Advertising, Casino, Vintage Ashtrays that I have listed at my store at...Supergrannys Treasures. I have many boxes that are not listed. I frequently visit other sites to check on ashtrays. I have to say ebay is getting some action and the prices are good...many are selling much higher than what I have them listed at on OLA.com. I almost always shop for the best price...but these buyers just see it and bid on it! Guess I could sell them on ebay, but their fee schedule is getting truly gruesome and this ole filly can't afford the fees. If you can find it at OnlineAuction, it is generally a bargain...I know mine are. Take a gander and browse around... Supergrannys Treasures.

Keep a cool head and try not to hemorrhage through your eye sockets when you read or hear the news...

Senior Citizen Life Problems...Concerns...Sex

Let's face it....George Burns comment does carry some merit.....

I sure am somber today.....

Death is inevitable so I try to keep the "Energy Vampires" at bay by smiling and laughing more!

Happiness to me is good health and a bad memory!

My daddy used to always say "Life isn't fair...but it's good"!

This is an oldie but a goodie....Remember this motto to live by: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

I LOVE martinis and my body is NOT well preserved and I'm certainly worn out.....so I've got part of it right already....

I hope as I get older I can hang on to that motto.....think I'll print it out and hang it where I will see it repeatedly.

As curiocache

says....Live, Love, Laugh!!


Now if I could get all my treasures to new homes.....check them out....There are lots of vintage bargains and a whole whack of collectible ashtrays...

CLICK HERE for Supergrannys Treasures

Anybody got a good joke?

The Gratitude Dance.....Brightsiding

The Gratitude Dance

This video, produced by the "Gratidudes", infuses an upbeat Caribbean tune with choreography that vaguely resembles a chicken at a square dance. Although there have been no studies done on the subject, you should try dancing it with a frown on your face -- it's impossible.
All of this may feel frivolous as people lose their jobs and struggle financially, but one thing that has been proven is that negativity evokes more negativity. But the theory behind Brightsiding is that we need to be energized in order to have the strength to pull ourselves up by our boot straps.

Breaking it down even more, to break the cycle of negativity, you need to compartmentalize: you do all you can to make your life, your family and your community better. But when you've done all you can, you need to think about something other than the hard stuff. You need to fortify yourself with laughter, positive thoughts and the joy of being with the people you love.

So, whether you lighten your mood by watching these videos or doing something fun with the people you love, remember that there is a bright side, and you can find it.

Go here to see the Gratitude Dance Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9z2ELaBVJY

It's amazing, try it......

BRIGHTSIDING....
In the face of recent economic news, there are some people who respond to the spirit-crushing and downright scary headlines with a cheerfulness that's almost inappropriate.

It's called "Brightsiding."
It's based on the belief that, though you can't control the stock market or your job security, you can control your outlook on life. So why not stay positive?

The best online explanation of the Brightsiding concept comes from an original composition and animation called "Spread Joy." The composer, Mike Strickland said the idea just came to him.

"I was watching TV news one day thinking, 'There needs to be more positive messages being sent around the world,'" he said. "So I wrote a cheerful song called 'Spread Joy.'"

Go to http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/JobClub/story?id=7154760&page=1 to read more and see the uplifting video - it WILL put a smile on your face. Go to the Good Morning America website for the series on how to feel good.....

In addition to the above, sales will put a smile on my face. I have a variety of vintage collectibles from antique books, craft patterns, glass and pottery to a LOT of ashtrays or serious "bling" to wear . Do yourself a favor and check out my sites for SERIOUS bargains.....

My OLA House: http://www.onlineauction.com/store/supergrannyMy website: http://supergrannystreasures.mybisi.com/

John Stossel Give Me a Break!....Political Correctness....plus a Senior Moment

For an interesting viewpoint, WATCH ABC with John Stossel: "Give Me a Break!"
"This Friday, March 13, "20/20" airs my special, "Bailouts and Bull" 10 p.m. ET."

PC Update............
Speaking of government, politics, bailouts, bull, PC, political correctness. Here is the latest in PC requirements suggestions................

Kentuckians, Tennesseans and West Virginians will no longer be referred to as'HILLBILLIES.'
You must now refer to them as APPALACHIAN-AMERICANS .

HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT WOMEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:
1. She is not a 'BABE' or a 'CHICK' - She is a 'BREASTED AMERICAN.'

2. She is not 'EASY' - She is 'HORIZONTALLY ACCESSIBLE.'

3. She is not a 'DUMB BLONDE' - She is a 'LIGHT-HAIRED DETOUR OFF THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY.'

4. She has not 'BEEN AROUND' - She is a 'PREVIOUSLY-ENJOYED COMPANION.'

5. She does not 'NAG' you - She becomes 'VERBALLY REPETITIVE.'

HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT MEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:
1. He does not have a 'BEER GUT' - He has developed a 'LIQUID GRAIN STORAGE FACILITY.'

2. He does not 'GET LOST ALL THE TIME' - He 'INVESTIGATES ALTERNATIVE DESTINATIONS.'

3 He is not 'BALDING' - He is in 'FOLLICLE REGRESSION.'

4. He does not act like a 'TOTAL ASS' - He develops a case of 'RECTAL-CRANIAL INVERSION.'

5. It's not his 'CRACK' you see hanging out of his pants - It's 'REAR CLEAVAGE.'


Enough political type "stuff" - here is a slice of life from my own. I swear this is true!!

Does anybody out there watch American Idol? Well, my husband and I were watching Tuesday evening and was really irritated when the judges were so mean to Anoop so we decided to vote (we had never before voted - just watched).

SO at the conclusion of the show I started dialing the phone over and over again. The proverbial "light bulb" went off - we have redial. DUH...........anyway, I got tired of pushing redial so I asked my husband to do it for awhile. He pushed redial and is sitting there listening to the phone. I thought, "wonder what they're saying to him they didn't say to me?" All I ever heard was "Thank you for voting".


I finally said, "Bob.......what are you doing?" He says, "they said "thank you for holding" so I am!!!" Can you say HEARING AID? We had a good time laughing .....

Such is the life in a senior household.............

We quit smoking many many moons ago.....I was collecting ashtrays....now I want to put them in new homes. Please mosey on over to My OLA House and browse........ CLICK HERE for supergrannys store


Here's some other Houses you should check out..........

CLICK HERE for curiocaches store

CLICK HERE for draggontaggers store "Home of the Famous Draggon Turds"

CLICK HERE for 2txladybugs store

CLICK HERE for who8dmous store


This is just four examples of the 100's of vendors that offer the opportunity for shopping for bargains at the...

Bargain Place OnLine!!! OnlineAuction.com

Corporations Scrambling to Economize and Streamline.....Collecting Tobacciana Ashtrays

Corporations Scrambling to Economize and Streamline

If you've ever worked for a boss that reacts before getting the facts and thinking things through, you will love this!

Arcelor-Mittal Steel, feeling it was time for a shakeup, hired a new CEO. The new boss was determined to rid the company of all slackers. On a tour of the facilities, the CEO noticed a guy leaning on a wall. The room was full of workers and he wanted to let them know that he meant business.

He walked up to the guy leaning against the wall and asked, 'How much money do you make a week?'

A little surprised, the young man looked at him and replied, 'I make $400 a week. Why?'

The CEO then handed the guy $1,600 in cash and screamed, 'Here's four weeks' pay, now GET OUT and don't come back.'

Feeling pretty good about himself, the CEO looked around the room and asked, 'Does anyone want to tell me what that goof-ball did here? '
From across the room came a voice, 'Pizza delivery guy from Domino's.'

Now that's what I call a GENEROUS TIP!!

ON A MORE SERIOUS NOTE...........
I have been working "overtime" listing a whole whack of ashtrays that I have been collecting for years. A lot of them bring back memories....others just tell a little story about where they came from.


Actually, the term for a receptacle to dispose of your ash and butts ....... "ashtray" was conjured up in Great Britain about 1880. Smoking tobacco has been used since the 1500's. As the different eras were born, so were different ashtray designs. Materials used to make them ranged from the precious gold, silver, marble, etc to cheap metals, ceramics, porcelain, glass.


As smoking increased in popularity, businesses got the idea to advertise their business or product on ashtrays. After all, ashtrays were everywhere. Advertising ashtrays were born and folks started "borrowing" them as mementos of stays in hotels, motels, vacations, etc. Pretty soon every business had them on tables, in lobbys, kitchen tables, gas stations, mom and pop diners to the most luxurious of places.

Vintage ashtrays that are high on collectors' wish lists include those from early- and mid-20th century luxury hotels and popular nightspots, like New York's Stork Club; automobilia (especially tire companies); defunct casinos; and planes, trains, and ocean liners. For example, a Pullman Company smoking stand (free-standing ashtray) recently sold online for $710, while a MetalCraft airplane smoking stand went for $995!


Here is a list of the Casinos in Las Vegas that are no more......
Aladdin Hotel & Casino
Barbary Coast Hotel & Casino
Binion's Horseshoe
Boardwalk Hotel & Casino
Bourbon Street Hotel & Casino
Castaways Casino
Castaways Hotel & Casino
Desert Inn
Duns Hotel & Casino
El Rancho Hotel Casino
El Rancho Vegas
New Frontier Hotel & Casino
Hacienda Resort
Holiday Casino
Klondike Hotel & Casino
Lady Luck Hotel & Casino
Landmark Hotel & Casino
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
Marina Hotel
The Mind Las Vegas
Moulin Rouge Hotel
Northern Club Casino
Pioneer Club Las Vegas
Sands Hotel
Silver City Casino
Silver Slipper
Silverbird Hotel
South Coast Casino
Stardust Resort & Casino
Thunderbird
Vegas World
Westward Ho Hotel & Casino

I am sure there are more that I do not know about, but this is a start. If you come across an ashtray from a little unknown Casino from some obscure place, snap it up.

You can learn lots of trivia researching ashtrays. I have one listed at Onlineauction.com from the oldest hotel casino in Las Vegas. Opened in 1906 and in 1907 was the first telephone customer and their phone number was 1.....
Here's the link...CLICK HERE to View My Item


Today, we all know smoking has become a generally unacceptable habit and health risk. There are very few places where one can light up. "No Smoking" signs are everywhere and even some new cars no longer have Lighters and Ashtrays as interior equipment.

It only makes sense that since advertising dollars are no longer spent on ashtrays, the value of these items from earlier eras are becoming more valuable and one day will be highly sought after.

I have to stop buying them and clear out boxes of them...so if you want to start collecting or add to an existing collection, here's an opportunity to find some deals. Start with buying one a week and grow it from there....
It would just tickle me if everyone would check out My OLA House CLICK HERE for my store