Bitter&Cranky

Astonished each year at the blaze that has become your birthday cake?

Increasingly vigilant about yellowing teeth and thinning hair?

Driven frantic by those deepening facial gorges where once there were only suggestions of nasal labial folds?

Freaked at how invisible you've become?

If you've answered yes to some of these questions--and you're a fearless, bright, fun-loving, "way-past-fifty" woman who would find it helpful dealing with the traumas of aging within a community of like-minded souls--this blog is for you.

My attitude toward the knee-deep process we're slogging through is, well, bitter and cranky. I've always had attitude, a cynical outlook, and sharp elbows. But I'm working on morphing into a somewhat more optimistic me. A carpe diem me who savors each day but also takes muted pleasure in the blighted irony of it all. A me who, perhaps like you, wants to re-energize and re-create myself. Even at this late date.

So if you, like me, want to avoid slipping into "demented old cow syndrome," please join the discussion. It will include everything that makes our lifestage both sweet and sour: from the benefits of afternoon naps, supportive old friends, and the lasting joy of never having to buy tampax again...to sleeplessness, dwindling options, and obsessive thoughts of having your driving license taken away.

I hope that our exchange will be livened by wit's end ravings, cautionary tales, gallows humor, and purposeful sarcasm--as well as kindlier insights and wise advice. The aim is survival. But the goal is droll.

I'll be sharing my own twisted take on this sobering end of the voyage. In my "Ms. Cranky's Daily Rule," "De-Stresser of the Week," and "Staying Your Very Best." I'm determined to make the most of whatever the always uncertain future holds. With gusto, courage, and a good defense. My motto will remain, as always, "Everthing, all the time, forever, now."

For inspiration, I give humble thanks to the well-known--and rather peevish--writer, Mary McCarthy, who summaraized her life view in one dazzling proclamation: "I'd rather burn than rot."

Light your match! And blog on...