This is what growing old looks like from the back!!!!!!

(laughing with you)!!! ~~~~~ Fran~~~~~~~~

The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old.

I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old.

Upon seeing my reaction, she was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let her know.

Old Age, I decided, is a gift.

I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be.

Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt.

And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!), but I don't agonize over those things for long.

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 more kind 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.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 a.m. 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.

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) Author Unknown

That Little Penny in the Parking Lot

Remember this every time you pass that little penny in the parking lot.

I always thought that it was for good luck, but I love this version better

.I found a penny today laying on the ground.

But it's not just a penny, this little coin I've found.

Found pennies come from heaven, that's what my Grandpa told me.

He said Angels toss them down.

Oh, how I loved that story.

He said when an Angel misses you, they toss a penny down; Sometimes just to cheer you up, to make a smile out of your frown.

So, don't pass by that penny when you're feeling blue.

It may be a penny from heaven that an Angel's tossed to you.

So now pass this on to people you care about and who you feel are Angels to you.

I just did.

An Angel is now watching over you.

Have A Great Day! ~~~~ Fran~~~~~~~

HELLO TO EVERY ONE WHO VISITS ,, MAYBE YOU WONDERED WHAT HAPPENED TO ME?? (MAYBE NOT!) WE HAVE HAD A FAMILY EMERGENCY AND IT HAS TAKEN UP MOST OF MY TIME,,AND WILL FOR SOME TIME. SO, I WILL
GET BACK HERE WHEN EVER I CAN,,
YOU ALL TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES,,
LOVE ONE ANOTHER, SOME TIMES THAT IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE (I KNOW IT TO BE TRUE) DO THE BEST YOU CAN,,, KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE MAN UP STAIRS!
HOPEFULLY HE IS LOOKING OUT FOR US,,
THERE MUST BE A PLAN,
BUT OH BOY, IF I CAN SEE IT FROM HERE! ~~~~~~~~~~ FRAN !!!!!!!

Wishing every one a very happy Easter!
Let it be a blessed one for every one,, and ask for the Lord to bless the guys and gals over in this DAMN war, and ask for it to be over soon and get the military back home to the U S A where they belong with their families !!!!!!! Fran

Please take the time to read this one,,, it might save your life.... there are some STRANGE people out there... do not let them hurt or take advantage of you.
Copy it and sent it to your friends!!!I did!!! FRAN


BEWARE OF PAPER IN THE BACK WINDOW OF YOUR VEHICLE
NEW WAY TO DO CAR JACKINGS (NOT A JOKE)
Heads up everyone!
Please, keep this circulating...You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. You start the engine and shift into Reverse.
When you look into the rear view mirror to back out of your parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift into Park, unlock your doors, and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car, that is when the car jackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. And guess what, ladies?
I bet your purse is still in the car. So now the carjacker has your car, your home address, your money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised!
BEWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED....
If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just drive away. Remove the paper later. And be thankful that you read this e-mail.
I hope you will forward this to friends and family, especially to women.
A purse contains all kinds of personal information and identification documents, and you certainly do NOT want this to fall into the wrong hands. Please keep this going.