"Fabulous after Fifty™" is the Syndicated On-Line Weekly Column by Shirley W. Mitchell, a National Author/Writer/Syndicated Columnist/Speaker and Celebrity Radio Talk Show Host, also known as "The Golden Egg of Aging™" -  View some of the most inspirational and motivational articles on aging, baby boomers, seniors, senior lifestyles, health, diet, exercise, business, women's and men's issues, specific topic articles, poems, writings, recipes, area news, and special people. Shirley W. Mitchell's "Passion" for encouraging Aging people is both Contagious and Intense! We have the Ability to Change Aging History with our "Pulse" & "Faith". To Teach. To Educate. To Transform. If you enjoy the Articles posted here, you will certainly enjoy my Column Articles within  "Senior Lifestyle Magazine". "Fabulous after Fifty™" is fashioned after her "Lace Over Steel™" and "Fabulous after Fifty™" Weekly Newspaper Columns that appeared in the Sand Mountain Reporter of Albertville, Alabama. We want to thank the newspaper and all our readers for their support over the past 25+ years Ms. Mitchell's Column was printed. We inspire to bring more Style and Enthusiasm to it in the future.

Jan. 4, 1996

Jan. 11, 1996

Jan. 18, 1996

Jan. 18, 1996 - Baby Boom Generation Approaches Age 50 © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ Happy Birthday Baby Boom! 1996 the baby boom generation approaches the rubicon of 50. What is the baby boom? The 76 million babies born between 1946 and 1964.World War II ended in 1945. Three words that describe the period after the soldiers came home to America are optimism, marriage and fertility. For eighteen years America became one big nursery. Daddy was glad to be home and mommy was excited to have him home. 1946 to 1964 proved to be an excellent family time for The Land of the Free. Love, marriage, children and family is real life USA. Cheryl Russell in her book 100 Predictions for the Baby Boom said, "for the next 50 years, the consequences of two firm lips and a slice of heaven, multiplied by the millions, will power American society." Dr. Ken Dychtwald author of the Age Wave informs Americans that the over 50 group will be like a 76 million pound elephant marching across America for the next eighteen years. The "Age Wave" will be produced by three demographic phenomena. 1. THE SENIOR BOOM. More than any other time in history the burgeoning mature population will be living longer, healthier, with more style and vigor. 2. THE BIRTH DIRTH. Fertility in the U.S. has plummeted to an all time low. 3. THE AGING OF THE BABY BOOM. When middle age baby boom converges with the senior boom, America will experience a demographic change. People aged 50 and over will outnumber people under 50 years old. 8,500 boomers will cross the half-century threshold each day in 1996. It is predicted by year 2007 the number will peak at 11,000 per day. If each positive new elder will strive for better health through fitness, proper nutrition, deep faith, and a healthy lifestyle, America will age gracefully. Whatever your age, start today to age successfully. Dr. Walter M. Bortz II, author of We Live Too Short and Die To Long, (How to Achieve and Enjoy Your Natural 100-Year-Plus Life Span.), believes people who do not become centenarians die prematurely. His new book Dare to be 100, will be on the market July 1996. The changing face of the mature population of America will be the focus of this article during the year 1996.

Jan. 25, 1996

Feb. 1, 1996

Feb. 1, 1996 - Seven Secrets Of Successful Aging © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ As Rev. Billy Graham winds down a stellar career, he is like a gold star glittering to the world. Age doesn't dull his luster, because the shine comes from within. People flock after him as they did Jesus. He is endearing. When one talks to him, he focuses all his attention on that person, making that person feel special. Like Rev. Billy Graham you have the ability to age successfully with the following 7 aging secrets. 1. I will be forever thirty five. I will set my mind at thirty five and keep growing and going. 2. On my journey beyond youth, I will make "The Age Age" the prime time of my life. 3. My personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the life preserver that will save me from sinking into the sea of aging, and empower me to experience the beauty of being God's ageless person. 4. Knowing God through a daily intimate quiet time propels my life into universal and eternal living. It gives me wings to fly through my maturing life. 5. Personal excellence elevates me to superior living. 6. I will open the jaws of middle-age with great habits and great attitude. 7.1 know in my heart each age has it's own beauty. I will not try to make my present age a poor imitation of the past.

Feb. 8, 1996

Feb. 8, 1996 - Keeping Hearts Healthy © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ When a grandfather's clock stops running, it is broken, worn out, or needs to be wound up. So it is with the frailty of older people. You may need to be wound up like the grandfather's clock. Lean, fit, active older people will start their body clock to tick with more energy. George Bernard Shaw said, "I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got to hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." Exercise fans the torch of life and makes it burn more brightly. The heart is the pump of your, machine. It pumps hundreds of gallons of blood through your body every day. Tf the heart stops pumping, the blood pressure fails. The lungs fill up with fluid and death lurks. Heart trouble is our dominate killer. The heart is a muscle and needs to be squeeszed everyday with exercise. Dean Ornish of the preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, Calif, published his study in the September "Journal of the American Medical Association." He proved for the first time that blocked arteries can be opened to avoid surgery when patients adhere to a low-fat diet, stop smoking, lose weight, exercise and reduce stress. These lifestyle changes will reduce heart attacks and retard aging. To the millions of baby boomers inching toward middle age, this study will affirm the notion that honing positive habits will carry one through the portals of old age in glorious fashion. Do it today. Exercise. Keep that big heart pumping at maximum force. The life you save might be your own. Wise old Solomon said, "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance." February is National Heart Month. Let's keep our hearts healthy and happy!

Feb. 15, 1996

Feb. 22, 1996

Feb. 22, 1996 - People With Will, Desire And Tenacity Can Conquer Aging © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ Bob Dole, is a bolt of encouragement streaking across the "Age-Age." His story, as he ranks high in the New Hampshire primary, seeking the nomination for Republican Presidential Candidate for President of the United States, evokes a feeling that people with desire, will and tenacity can conquer aging. Father Time and Mother Nature do not put on us an inevitable sentence of being old. Living old is a choice. Wise old King Solomon gives us a key to longevity. "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments. For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." Proverbs 3:1-2 Michelangelo was carving the Rondanini Pieta' shortly before he died at 89. "And I (the Lord) have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. (Exodus 31-3) Fabulous After Fifty People always live in the NOW. We live in the present tense. How do you see yourself? How do you view the person inside your skin? Like Bob Dole, do you believe you can reach your highest goal, no matter your age? Age isn't a problem. Traditional attitude about age is the problem. To be a part of the aging generation is to be in tune with all the marvelous breakthroughs and change in attitude. Believing the absolutely sensational age of 50 plus is the best time of life, will empower you to make today great. A positive attitude will give you altitude. Make each day a pearl and at the end of your life you will have a string of Pearls. Age will only bring you closer to the Master of the Sea. As you develop a closeness with God,  develop balcony people to cheer you on. Everyone needs encouragement. As you are encouraged, be an encourager. Like Michelangelo, make sure the intrigue of life never ends, no matter your age.

Feb. 29, 1996

Mar. 7, 1996

Mar. 14, 1996

Mar. 21, 1996

Mar. 28, 1996

Mar. 28, 1996 - Approach Life As If Everyday Is The Beginning © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™        Fitness in a Nutshell Maturity and wisdom brings into focus the importance of fitness. It is important to be fit, spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest." A balanced life leads a 50 plus person to (1) put Jesus Christ first, (2) exercise daily, eat properly and practice a positive attitude, (3) keep that brain power alert, (4) be happy. In my personal quest for total fitness, I have participated in the program, First Place, the last 10 weeks, at the First Baptist Church, Albertville. This program has motivated me to live abundantly--spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Motivation: I interviewed Jim Lunsford, a successful heart transplant recipient. I asked Jim, "What advice would you give a 50 plus person?" He answered, "Basically approach life as if everyday is a beginning. The whole key to life is to live it. Whether you are 20 years old, 30, 40, 50, or whatever age you have arrived. Life is not a dress rehearsal!" Jim pounded his fist on the table. "I'm gonna live until I die. And, I can tell you it works!" Life is precious; therefore motivation to live it! Action: In 1982, I met Rev. Grady Nutt, the humorous "Hew Haw" preacher of TV. He lived the philosophy, "Live everyday as if it would be your last." That was the title of the speech he gave the night his plane crashed. Whatever you are motivated to do, DO IT NOW! Now is the time to live life to the fullest. Happiness springs from within yourself, not from your circumstances or the people in your life. Attitude: If everything in your life is taken away from you, you still have the power to choose one thing--your ATTITUDE. Dr. Victor Frankl, author of Man's Search for Meaning, survived prison as a courageous Jew during the Holocaust. He was stripped of freedom, home, possessions, hair, clothes, and dignity. He had no hope; however, they could not strip him of his attitude. He chose the attitude to presevere, forgive, and endure. He lived in a world he created in his mind. His attitude allowed him to survive and be liberated. Dr. Frankl is a good example of the cliche', "Life is10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it." Live it now. Think big!

Apr. 4, 1996

Apr. 4, 1996 - Easter: A Time Of Hope And Renewal © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ I stood inside the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem. My eyes surveyed the tomb inside the cave with hard cold rock walls. The place where they laid his body was one hard cold slab of rock. The drab, no frill, tomb was in direct contrast to the brilliance of his resurrection. The hopelessness of the tomb, gave way to the hope and renewal of life through the eternal hope of Jesus. The bottom line of being "Fabulous After 50," is the hope of eternal life through the eternal hope of Jesus. The life of perfection with Jesus in heaven is the hope of every born again Christian. Celebrating Easter Sunday, we spring full swing into the magnificent Spring season of hope on Sand Mountain. Our God of creative power brings our earth to full bloom life this spring after a hard cold winter, just as He brought life from the cold rock tomb in Jerusalem. The first robin in the tree outside my kitchen window and the tulips blooming near the entrance causes my heart to leap with hope. Anticipating the celebration of Easter, floods my heart with hope. Everyone needs hope and renewal in life. "Many a man with a life out of tune, And battered and scared with sin, Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd, Much like the old violin. But the Master comes And the foolish crowd Never can quite understand The worth of a soul And the change wrought By the touch of the Master's hand." ... Myra Brooks Welch My prayer for you is that you feel the touch of the Master's hand this Easter.

Apr. 11, 1996

Apr. 11, 1996 - A Tribute To Fifty Years Of Marriage © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ Today, this column salutes the people who have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The February 12,1996 issue of USA TODAY featured this "stick-to-it" generation. Postwar couples, role models of loyalty to their mate, have gained my respect and admiration. The couples who married in 1946 have survived the sexual revolution of the 60's, the society of easy divorce, and the decline of the family. When they stood at the alter and vowed, "til death do us part," that is precisely what each one of them meant. Today newlyweds are likely to stay married only 7.2 years. The decline of the holy state of matrimony since World War II, causes us to take a look at what made the 2.3 million couples who married in 1946 to stay committed to each other. The men returning from the battle fields of World War II, were anxious to establish homes and families. It was a time of patriotism, dedication and commitment. These couples were rooted in scripture, including the permanence of marriage. Their highest goals were bearing and raising children. They reaped the benefits of moral purity. The home was the foundation of our free society. The couples who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year grew up in the Great Depression. They struggled to keep body and soul together. Many fought in the most terrible war in the world's history. Friends, family and neighbors were killed or maimed in that war. People living though the Great Depression and World War II, learned to deal with deprivation, inconvenience and danger. Maybe that is the reason they did not flee their marriage when the going got rough. We honor our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents for securing our freedom today through their sacrifice, faith, strong marriages and homes. 1996, our country is slipping into crime, drugs, broken homes and materialism. The couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year cannot believe that our schools are not safe in America. They know America has changed when they are afraid to walk on the streets of our cities at night. They are shocked when they read in the newspapers that 22 states are trying to decide whether or not to legalize marriages between two or more men, or two or more women! People in their 60's, 70 s and 80's are trying to understand how our federal government could spend $3 billion promoting safe-sex nonsense among teenagers. Those of us carrying the torch of freedom into the millennium, gain light and insight from our role models the couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year. HAPPY 50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!

Apr. 18, 1996

Apr. 18, 1996 - Ageless Life, Spiral In Right Direction © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ Life is more than we know. Life is eternal. An ageless life is a spiral to heaven. Ron Brown's life exemplified a spiral in the right direction. When he died in an airplane crash over Croatia, trying to match American product with the needs of that war-torn country: telecommunications, roads, bridges, airports and jobs, he was a shining symbol of hope. President Clinton described Brown as a life force. He compared Ron's American Spirit to what Abraham Lincoln called "The Last Great Hope on Earth." The U.S. Commerce Secretary diplayed force, energy, and optimism for freedom. Nearly 5,000 miles from home he and 32 other people went to turn on lights, build roads, build lives in a war-torn world. Brown had an absolute sense of self worth. He believed he was a winner and wanted everyone around him to be winners. As President Clinton said, in 54 years on this earth "Ron Brown walked and ran and flew through life." The life of this man has given me a renewed desire to walk, run, and fly through life. I have taken some of the energy of this man into my soul. Who doesn't like elders with a fresh take on life? Someone with stars in their eyes and hope in their heart. Eighty-five years old, Ilene Wilson Smith, is a volunteer at the Acadmey of Acadmeics and Arts in Huntsville. She teaches kindergartners through sixth-graders about art and movement. Eric Schultz of The Huntsville Times in his article, "A Lesson In Living," said, Ilene's eyes flash as young as her students as she teaches them about color and movement. Like Ron Brown, Ilene Wilson Smith is a life force. She radiates energy and hope. Her life is a spiral in the righ direction-hope, love and peace. The intrigue of life never ends. Ron Brown and Ilene Wilson Smith enjoyed sharing their vigor fortified by experience.

Apr. 25, 1996

Apr. 25, 1996 - There Is Quality Of Life After Organ Transplant © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ When Jim Lunsford, President/CEO, of Southern Publishers Group, walks into a room, you immediately sense he enjoys living. His enthusiasm for life is contagious! On his office wall hangs a beautiful picture. Inside a silver frame with blue matting, large scrawled words, shout, "I AM GOING TO MAKE IT TO OBTAIN A NEW HEART." Jim wrote this note to his daughter to comfort her, when he was given only 48 hours to live. Jim Lunsford is one of the lucky people who has been given a new life by organ transplant. He received a 37 years old heart, 1992. Four years later, he feels good, works everyday, and keeps fit with the professional instruction of a personal trainer. In a recent interview, Jim told me with a gleam in his eyes, "There is quality life after organ transplant." April 21-27 is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week. A hearing this week on the Senate floor encourages more talk about organ donations. Sen. Bill First, R-Tenn., a former transplant surgeon, will chair the hearing. Also testifying will be Rep. Joe Moakley, D-Mass., a liver transplant recipient. There is no age limit on signing organ donor cards. Sen. Storm Thurmmond, R-S.C., 93, was one of the first senators to sign a card. The Coalition on Donation, a national group that encourages more people to sign donor cards, recruited Basketball star, Michael Jordan, to be the "poster boy." Jordan's picture will decorate colorful posters, and brochures, bearing the slogan, "Share your life, share your decision." This national thrust will continue a packets of information will be issued to 14,000 members of the American Medical Association. Also, Senators, Thurmond and Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., co-sponsored an amendment to the Senate health insurance reform bill. The amendment would require organ donor cards to be included with federal income tax refunds. It's important for each of us to sign an organ donor card; however, it is equally important to tell your family you want to donate your organs after you die. Many times in the tragedy of death, organ donation is forgotten. If you need information on how to become an organ donor, call 1-888-55-SHARE.

May 2, 1996

May 2, 1996 - New Paradigm - 50 Prime Time © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ Did you know that a 76 million pound elephant has it's right foot on the shore of America, ready to walk across the nation for the next for 18 years. This giant elephant represents the 76 million baby boomers born betwen 1946 and 1964. The young men returning from World War II were mighty glad to be home, and the young women of America welcomed them with open arms. Marriage, home and family was the "IN THING." These couples turned America into a giant nursery for 18 years. Today, every eight seconds, a boomer turns 50. We dig a hole in front of this giant aging elephant by learning to age with vigor, style and power; or, we can shoot darts at his rump as America turns into a giant old folks home. Hey, let's age with style, vigor and power, by understanding the body, mind, spirit connection. In the Bible, John the Apostle, understood the body, mind, spirit connection. "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (III John verse 2 KJV) I challenge you to stay fit: body, soul, and spirit. EXERCISE -- It is the golden egg of aging. EAT  PROPERLY -- It  is another trump card of aging. BUILD YOU FAITH -- Faith gives you hope, love, joy and pace. LAUGH -- Those who laugh, last. Happy people live longer. A documentary on ABC television revealed that happiness is 50 percent hereditary, genes, inborn; while the other 50 percent is choice. A positive attitude, a can-do-spirit, a conscious effort to be up-beat will prolong your life. We should not sing the Battle Hymn without the Glory Hallelujah! We should sing all our song in life. We should not die early. Life is a present! Enjoy it! Life is not a dressed rehearsal! Live it! Find that silver lining to your own dark cloud. The eager elders who are happy, feel in charge of their lives. They do not limit themselves and will not allow anyone to put limits on them. The news is reverberating up and down the streets of America! 50 is fabulous! Gail Sheehy in her book New Passages, said, If one has to pick a norm, 45 represents the old age of youth, while 50 initiates the youth of second adulthood." 50 plus boomers, your time is now! Your prime is now! ***The Month of May has been established as Older Americans Month***

May 9, 1996

May 16, 1996

May 16, 1996 - New Books Which Deal With Aging © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ We recall the "Greening of America," when the baby boomers were growing up in the '60's and '70's. Now, as the leading edge of this 76 million age group reaches 50 years of age, they shout, "It's a great time to be silver!" This influential age group will lead us into "Graying of America." Many aging Americans are searching for deeper meaning to life. A new crop of books are hitting the market dealing with aging and spirituality. Autumn Wisdom: A Book of Readings (Upper Boom), by Richard Morgan, Presbyterian minister, is one book "Graying America," will enjoy. The Rev. Morgan calls his readers "New Agers," because they "are not senile, spent or sessile," but vibrant and alive. Each devotional offers scripture, an appropriate quote, a story and brief prayer. Aging Without Apology: Living the Senior Years with Integrity and Faith (Judson Press), by Robert E. Seymour, retired pastor. Seymour advocates cultivating a sense of wonder and gratitude as we age. Living a long life allows us to believe more easily in God's grace. Affirmative Aging: A Creative Approach to Longer Life, (Morehouse), edited by Joan E. Lukens, is a sourcebook produced by the Episcopal Society on Ministry to the Aging. This sourcebook is excellent for small group studies, church programs and retirement communities. Toward Holy Ground: Spiritual Directions for the Second Half of Life (Crowley), by Margaret Guenther, an Episcopal Priest and the director of the Center for the Study of Spirituality at New York City. At 67, Guenther, believes the second half of life is to find meaning. The passage of middle age women through menopause and it's spitirual dimensions are explored by three new books on the market. (1) Autumn Gospel: Women in the Second Half of Life (Paulist Press), by Kathleeen Fischer. (2) Coming of Age: Insights on Menopause (Thomas Nelson), by Lois Mowday Rabey. This author believes menopause rocks our boats to cause us to search for deeper, more meaningful, and more personal faith. (3) Dear Heart, Come Home: The Path of Midlife Spirituality (Crossroad April), by Joyce Rupp, (noted retreat speaker). This book makes you acutely aware your own mortality. She proclaims the midlife bell of grief announces our losses and proclaims our healing. Mark Gerzon, who the Boston Globe once called, "the weathervane of the baby boom generation," has written a new book In Listening to Midlife: Turning Your Crisis into a Quest (Shambhala). Gerzon believes we mu see aging as a good thing. It represents the belief that deep faith will spotlight aging into a realm of acute mystery and opportunity.

May 23, 1996

May 23, 1996 - Sometimes Life Is A Hard Row To Hoe © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ Growing up on a cotton farm, I worked in the cotton fields along side my parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, brother, sister and cousins. Each year after the cotton plants were about six inches tall, we would chop and weed the cotton with a long handled hoe. One or two stalks of cotton were left in each hill, chopping down a hoe-length of cotton plants, thus leaving a hoe-length between each plant, giving the cotton room to grow. At the same time we extracted all weeds. If the season had been extremely rainy, the weeds were so thick we had a hard time finding the cotton plants, knowing if we chopped down a cotton plant that should grow, we were chopping away profit that provided our living expenses. The times the weeds were as high as the cotton, we often used the phrase, "this is a hard row to hoe." Many times in life we have, "a hard row to hoe." To be realistic, there are wounds and blessings of aging. The popular attitudes are deterioration, disease, retirement from life, loneliness, empty next, and grief. As a result, many aging people are depressed, have low motivation, and low self-esteem. The mental picture seems to be vegetating in a nursing home, or passing the last days in a hospital. During the down times, God helps us through the pain and teaches us how to reign. God spoke to King Solomon in a dream, "and if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David father did, I will give you in life." I Kings 3:14 NIV Then He told Job, "You come to the grave in full like sheaves gathered in son." Job 5:26 NIV God empowers His children to add life and quality to our years. We rise up from within and climb our own mountain to a higher plateau. THE FABULOUS AFTER FIFTY BUNCH will make life a symphony. Disuse will be swallowed up in the music of travel, reading, communicating, high achievement, sensual times, happy times, family, spiritual growth and sensitivity to real life. Norman Vincent Peal addressed a large audience when he was ninety years young. Though his body was slower, his giant spirit reached out and hugged me with words of hope, enthusiasm, and possibilities. He gave positive hope to millions of people after he turned 50. His books, radio and television programs, preaching and personal counseling touched millions of lives in a positive manner.  Dr. Peal's aging journey was joyful and productive. He did not allow disuse to dwindle, diminish, or shrink him. As you travel your aging journey take Dr. Peal as a role model and let God help you through the pain and teach you how to reign.

May 30, 1996

May 30, 1996 - Humor Makes Life Palatable © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ Spontaneous humor, invading our living, gives life a spicy flavor. Move from youth into middle-age without losing your sense of humor! Laughter is a great stress buster. It lifts the spirits and the face by giving a person a cheerful heart. Wise old King Solomon said, ''A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 NIV If there is one thing 50 plus people do not need, it is dried up bones. The late Minnie Pearl said, "Laughter is a drug, and I'm totally addicted!" When I remember Minnie Pearl, I think of laughter. I get a mental picture of her laughing and people laughing with her. On the other hand, when I remember Dwight D. Eisenhower, I get a mental picture of a somber person; however his attitude about laughter was different. His philosophy, "Laughter can relieve tension, sooth the pain of disappointment, and strengthen the spirit for the formidable tasks that always lie ahead." Laughter juices the chemical endorphins in your brain. It makes you feel good. Laughter facilitates the experience of total joy in life. "Yes! Be filled with outrageous joy in the Lord. Always Be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again rejoice!" Philippians 4:4 The Living Bible. As we anticipate the millennium, a large number of health professionals believe in laughter and a positive attitude as a part of continuing good health. A merry heart, and a cheerful disposition are positive forces to the health of graying America. Chuckles for the people in youth of second adulthood... 1) "Old age: When actions creak louder than words." 2) "Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. was out for a stroll in the park with a friend when a pretty young girl happened by. Mr. Holmes, near 90-years-old, turned to friend and said, 'Oh, what I'd give to be 70 again!"

Jun. 6, 1996

Jun. 6, 1996 - Another Year: A Few More Dents © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ Matthew B. Anderson writes greeting cards for DAYSPRING Cards. He writes his cards with a mission of "making others feel special, putting a smile on their faces, and encouraging them with the hopes that can be found in opening their hearts to the love of God." Anderson says, "My mom tells me the story of my first card-making ventures at four-years-old, cutting out tiny paper-heart valentines for the ants on our front porch." A friend sent to me a Matthew B. Anderson card with a picture of a old beat up car on the front. The caption read, "Another year, a few more dents..." Inside the card read, "Good thing you have a warranty that's good for eternity!" This DAYSPRING card made me think of what Paul said in Philippians 3:20-21 NIV "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, The Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like glorious body." This card is one of Matthew B. Andersen's favorites. He writes, "this card reminds me that no matter how banged-up, mud spattered, or rusted out we end up getting on the road of faith, we still take heart! One day we'll be new models in shiny, show-room conditions for all eternity!" Long life has a way of banging us up, splashing mud on us and rusting us out. But, praise God, as we strive for perfection, we have the hope of perfection through Jesus Christ in eternity. "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 NASB.

Jun. 13, 1996

Jun. 20, 1996

Jun. 27, 1996

Jun. 27, 1996 - Heaven Is Our Real Home © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ "The trees, like the longings of the earth, stand a tiptoe to peep at heaven." Sir Rabindranath Tagore. Like the trees, the Fabulous after 50 people desire to peep into heaven, our real home. Anticipating the 21 century, we realize we are only a heart beat away from heaven. Our all knowing God knew we would be curious about our future home; so, He gives us a glimpse of heaven in his Holy Bible, Revelations 21:9-21 NIV. "One of the seven angels ... came and said to me, 'come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.' And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear crystal. It has a great high wall with 12 gates, and with 12 angles at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south an three on the west. The wall of the city had 12 foundations, and on them were the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb. The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia (about 1,400 miles) in length, and as wide and high as it was long. He measured its wall and it was 144 cubits (200 feet) thick, by man's measurement, which the angel was using. The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone . . . The 12 gates were 12 pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The street of the city was a pure gold, like transparent glass." Life's imperfections and striving are only a prelude to the perfection of heaven. My heart yearns for the perfection of heaven. I think about some of the beautiful weddings I have attended. The gorgeous bride and many helpers work for months to have detail of the wedding perfect. A radiant bride is the most beautiful sight on earth. I think the perfection of heaven must be a perfect wedding multiplied a zillion times. Included in that perfection will be total communication, ultimate good and living in the presence of God. We can only imagine the intensity and joy of life, where there is no death, sorrow crying or pain. Thinking about heaven during my daily walk, the dying embers of the day turned the clouds into brilliant gold, as the setting sun dropped over the horizon like a fiery ball. Diverting my eyes from the magnificent sunset, I looked to the east to behold a gorgeous full moon, plastered against an azure sky. An airplane cut a path across the surface of the moon, making it's descent into our town's grand airport. Looking west towards the brilliant rays of the sunset, the group of synchronized birds flying in perfect precision caught my attention. My ears picked up sounds of life, - children laughing while playing at the end of the day, dogs barking, tractors plowing, cows mooing and birds singing. The fragrance of honey suckle perfumed the cool evening air. I breathed deep to feel the cool air fill my lungs. The breathing exercise brought tears to my eyes as I remembered the brush with death I experienced earlier that day. I had been one breath away from eternity, when an 18-wheeler hit my car as I stopped for a red light. I praised God that He allowed me to joyfully experience this magnificent evening, soaking into my soul the beauty of life. My feeling of praise widens to cover the past half century oft my life. Hallelujah! It's FABULOUS TO BE FIFTY, while looking forward to heaven.

Jul. 4, 1996

Jul. 11, 1996

Jul. 11, 1996 - God Is The Key To Ageless Living © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ Hurried living finds us sometimes too busy even to catch our breath, let alone discover more about our creator. If an apple a day can keep the doctor away, what can't a scripture a day accomplish? To align one's life with the rule book of life - God's Holy Word - is an aging bonanza. Time for daily communication with your creator will allow Him to direct your path. Prayer is the key to victorious living. Unlike E-mail, prayer is talking to God without a glitch. The trendy buzzword, E-mail, refers to communication transmitted along the cyberspace network by computer. When you click the Send Now command on your computer, you wonder if the party you are trying to contact will turn on their computer to look at their E-mail. Things run through your mind like, will their equipment be in working order? There is always questions when sending E-mail. Will the message get through? However, with God, He is always there. "The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer." (Psalms 6:9 KJV) God is omnipotent. This means He is all powerful. The faintest flicker of faith, he understands and will respond. He can read your faintest   thought. "And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I AM THE ALMIGHTY GOD: walk before me, and be thou perfect." Genesis 17:1 KJV God is Omnipresent. The whole universe is filled with His presence. "I can never be lost to your Spirit? I can never get away from my God! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there. If I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, your strength will support me. If I try to hide in the darkness, the night becomes light around me." (Psalms 139:7-11 THE LIVING BIBLE) God is omniscient. He has all knowledge. He knows more about you than you know about yourself. "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings." (Proverbs 5:21 KJV) Within every aging person there lies hidden wealth. Like an unmined shaft, your depths are teaming with nuggets of golden greatness. But, having the potential for extraordinary achievement that results in the fulfilling experience of satisfactions isn't enough. The nuggets must be mined, brought to the surface, taken through the fires of adversity and polished to their peak of brilliance. The aging people who have discovered this untapped gold mine, have torn the archaic veil of covering from them and opened the window of light to find a prevailing pattern, too long hidden under a defeatist attitude. Once an aging person discovers the common thread of potential that runs through winners, it's easy to tap into it. This can forge a pristine path toward fulfillment, happiness, health and a rewarding state of satisfaction beyond wildest dreams. Knowing God can make you an ageless person.

Jul. 18, 1996

Jul. 18, 1996 - Catch The Olympic Spirit This Week © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ The theme song of the 1996 Centennial Olympic games in Atlanta, Ga., "The Power Of The Dream ," sings out the Olympic spirit. The Olympic Torch Run inspired us to think stronger, higher, swifter. The passion, persistence, perseverance, power and prayers of the 10,000 athletes from 197 countries participating in the 1996 Olympics keeps that flame burning. It's the power of a dream that brings the largest peacetime gathering of the world, 2 million, to our beloved South. There will be a lot of energy in Atlanta this week, as many people are dreaming a dream and pushing to the limit. Atlanta will have the midas touch.   There will be gold medals awarded; hearts made of  gold; and an economy boost of $5 billion. We have had our own boost of energy in Marshall County this week. The Boaz-Albertville Medical Center celebrated it's 40th  anniversary, providing new additions, "new staff, and services. The Cancer Care Center and the new medical office building are now in service along with receiving the highest accreditation given by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. Our Medical Center has come a long way from the time it opened it's doors in 1956. The B-AMC's Auxiliary has been an active part of the success of our health care for the past 40 years. The Charter Members were Johnnie Thomas, Marcelle Chandler, Eloise Colvin, Mrs. C. J. Walker, Cecil Stamps, Demile Chitwood, Elee Williams, Mrs. W.T. Young, and Obie Cobb. Four of these charter members attended an Auxiliary luncheon during the l0th celebration. The 82 members of the Auxiliary give support to the patients and their families, while operating the surgery waiting desk and the new gift shop. The auxiliary is responsible for the Lifeline Emergency Response Unit. This is a personal emergency system that calls for help. A person can have voice communication with the Medical Center by pushing a button worn around the neck or wrist. Trained medical help is available day and night. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." The vision and hard work of the Medical Center Administrator. Marlin Hanson, the community, Medical Center employees, Auxiliary and the Governing Board have made our health care dreams come true. Administrator, Marlin Hanson, expressed appreciation for the united effort and support of the community, hospital employees, medical staff, auxiliary, and governing board. He said, "We have a tremendous challenge ahead. To keep up with the changes taking place in the health care delivery, we need the continuing support of the community." The 1996 Centennial Olympic games in Atlanta, and the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Boaz-Albertville Medical Center are making giant accomplishments. However, Paul says in the Bible. Life is like a race. We are striving to obtain an incorruptible crown. "In a race, everyone runs but only one person gets first prize. So run your race to win. To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would keep you from doing your best. An athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly reward that never disappears. So fight to win. I'm not just shadow-boxing or playing around. Like an athlete I punish my body, treating it roughly, training it to do what it should, not what it wants to. Otherwise, I fear that after enlisting others for the race, I myself might be declared unfit and ordered to stand aside." I Corinthians 9:24-27 TLB

Jul. 25, 1996

Aug. 1, 1996

Aug. 1, 1996 - Energy Is A Hot Commodity For The Over 50 © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ Did the courage and energy of the Olympic participants in Atlanta make you tired? Are you tired of being tired? Pamela Smith, author of Food For Life, said, "Doctors in the United States report that one in four patients complain of debilitating fatigue." Energy is a hot commodity for the over 50.        Four basic steps help keep energy high. (1) Good health is the trump card of aging and energy. Eat smart. Registered dietitian Pamela Smith gives some advice. Drink plenty of water, start your day with breakfast, eat power snacks, eat breads, cereals, and pastas made from whole-grain flour, eat lean-protein foods, and eat colorful fruits and vegetables. (2) Exercise is the golden egg of aging and energy. Fatigue triggers a desire to rest Being tired distracts from exercise. However, regular exercise boosts the normal body functions to increase energy. It creates more enzymes which convert fat and carbohydrates into energy. It builds muscle strength in the heart and blood vessels. It increases lung capacity. FIND THE EXERCISE YOU WILL DO REGULARLY. (3) Adrenalin, a hormone secreted by the central part of the adrenal glands, releases energy-producing glucose from the liver. To get that adrenalin flowing, keep moving. Be enthusiastic. Keep your life full of zip. (4) Stress management such as rest and relaxation, sleep, avoiding overwork and overload, learning your own stress release, and taking a vacation, will help you reduce stress. Stress is an energy zapper. If you are tired of being tired, your not alone. Fatigue is common in America. First get a good physical examination from your doctor. If he finds no problems then examine your lifestyle. GET UP AND GO! I say to you as the Apostle John to his dear friend Gaius, "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." III John 2 NIV

Aug. 8, 1996

Aug. 8, 1996 - Reach To New Heights Of Excellence © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ "Unconditional love is so important to get you through the pain and fear." Gloria Estafan Singer, Gloria Estafan, didn't know if she would ever walk again, after her tour bus crashed, six years ago, breaking her back. Watching on television Sunday night, this drop-dead gorgeous Cuban woman captivated her world-wide audience at the closing of the extravaganza of the Centennial Olympic Games. I knew the fear and pain of her accident had only made her stronger. She belted out the song, "Reach," that she and Diane Warren had composed especially for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Being the theme song for the Olympic's, the words encourages the human spirit to soar to new heights of excellence. The power of the human spirit is a miracle of God.        Reach... If I could reach higher Just for one moment touch the sky From that one moment in my life I'm gonna be stronger Know that I've tried my very best I'd put my spirit to the test If I could reach Cuban-born, Gloria now lives in Miami with her husband and two children. She claims America as her country and Miami her town. She sings in Spanish and English. She kicked off her singing tour at the Olympics last week. Gloria believes in unconditional love and prayer. She encourages reaching for excellence. She is a role model for strength. The pain and fear of aging could certainly soar to new heights and excellence through unconditional love and prayer, reaching for the sky while doing her very best.

Aug. 15, 1996

Aug. 22, 1996

Aug. 29, 1996

Aug. 29, 1996 - President Clinton Hits The Big 5-0 © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ The leading edge of the 76 million baby boomers celebrates the big 5-0 birthday this year. Our president being one of those. USA Today ran a picture the President and Chelsea blowing out 50 candles atop a huge cake decorated like an American flag. Our president represents the positive new elder aging with vigor, power and style. This senior boom will last for the next 18 years as the baby boomers age. Causing the demographics of aging to make America look like a pig going through a python. The demographic imperatives of aging America is not a change in the weather, it is a sea change. A 76 million pound aging elephant will be marching across America. People are living longer, better and healthier. The centenarians are the fast growing segment in America. President Reagan, in 1987 declared July 1, National Centenarian's Day. Faith, family, health, virtue, and positive attitude seems to be the wave to ride into mature years. The future is coming. As boomers migrate into 50 plus years, the norm will illustrate aging people live longer, better. America has never lived in a society to see the advantages of aging. The baby boomers are our pioneers of aging. As we unpeel the aging onion we become optimistic. Baby boomers who have survived the tides of accidents and disease to become 50 have high hopes of a quality life until 100 with new knowledge about diet, exercise, health care, and positive mind set. I can hear Frank Sinatra crooning, "If you should survive to 105, think of all you'd derive out of being alive. And, here is the best part, you have a head start if you are among the very young at heart." Moses is a biblical character who was young at heart. "Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was perfect and he was as strong as a young man," Deuteronomy 34:7 TLB.

Sept. 5, 1996

Sept. 5, 1996 - Remember To Honor Grandparents Sunday © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ There is a special link between grandparent and grandchild. That link is true love. True love is a warm fussy feeling. Both grandparent and grandchild feel loved. Grandparents are positive life forces in helping grandchildren grow up in a fast paced, dangerous world today. True love, wisdom, maturity, the ability to listen, a slower pace are advantages for grandparents to bond with grandchildren. Grandparents are tender hearted toward grandchildren. They get to the heart of living. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow expressed our feeling towards our grandchildren. "A torn jacket is soon mended, but hard words bruise the heart of a child." The beautiful power of love caused a magnificent phoenix to rise up out of the ashes of tragedy for June Scobee, wife of Dick Scobee, commander of the Challenger 7. She said in her book Silver Linings, "...the orbiter with our loved ones exploded in the cold blue sky, and like our hearts it shattered into a million pieces." As God walked through the tragedy with June, He challenged her to live her new life to the fullest. One person who helped her to step into her new future with faith and joy just happened to be her grandson. A short time after his grandfather had been killed, June's year-old grandson toddled toward her and fell pell-mell into her arms. He gave her a new insight into the beauty and joy of living. This bond between grandparents and grandchildren is a two way street. We give each other a new insight into the beauty and joy of living. As grandparents we strive to give our grandchildren faith, encouragement, laughter, positive imagery, motivation and hope for the future. We will have faith in the divine teacher who said in Isaiah 54:13, "And all they children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children."

Sept. 12, 1996

Sept. 19, 1996

Sept. 26, 1996

Sept. 26, 1996 - The Autumn Season Has Arrived © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ I have a deepening love affair with the fall season. We are ushering in fall this week with cool mornings and mild days. A few signs of changing of the color of leaves cause me to visualize the vibrant scarlet, deep purple, sunshine yellow and glowing orange, our Sand Mountain will portray in a few weeks. Driving to Ohio recently, a huge pumpkin farm caught my attention. What a colorful sight. Thousands of  bright orange pumpkins decorating the landscape. Positive proof that my favorite season has arrived. Autumn is a transition time. Mellowing into autumn we feel a sense of change. A welcome change from the hot summer, as we move slowly to the cold winter. A perfect time to hit the road and enjoy the beautiful sights in our area. Fall has a heady charm. The birds migrating north, the wildflowers splashing the fields with color, the cool, crisp air in the mornings, and the bright autumn sunshine during the day. invigorates us to make each day special, for we know the short, cold days of winter are ahead. This autumn feeling translates into mid-life. It is certainly a time of mellowing, ad changes; however, excitement and anticipation permeates the autumn of life. In the autumn of her life, Elizabeth Dole, is marching into the future full speed ahead. She is a leader full of faith, hope and charity. The positive aura surrounding this great lady gives us an excellent image of the empowerment, super energy and excitement that can be achieved in the autumn of one's life. "In these hours of Gold, I find the quite center of my soul. Life has the Midas touch, During the autumn I love so much"... Shirley W. Mitchell

Oct. 3, 1996

Oct. 3, 1996 - It's A Great Time To Be Silver © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ "It's a great time to be silver!" shout the marketeers. This silver age will crest in the year 2025 when the median age will be 50 and the 65 and older will out number the teens. Gordon Parks, author of The Learning Tree, at age 83 believes he is a better writer, photographer, musician and better at living. His philosophy is that young people should not limit themselves and neither should older people. Along with silver hair, a silver lining to aging is enhanced by great habits and great attitudes. Aging is cumulative. The culmination of the little things we do everyday and the way we treat our bodies determines how successful we age. A positive attitude will make becoming a member of the silver group a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. If you form good habits, it carries over as you age. Listen to your body. Keep those muscles in motion. Be active, attractive, and healthy. Keep the stars in your eyes,hope in your heart, and change your scars to stars. Keep yourself interested, motivated and involved. Moses of the Bible was certainly a person who made a difference. Yet Moses was ageless. "Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone." Deuteronomy 34:7 NIV Just as Moses, we have a divine presence in old age. "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:4 NIV Gravity, sun and time wrinkle the skin; depression, worry, a broken spirit, and failure to dream can wrinkle the soul. But, with God, after 50 you are fabulous, both of countenance and spirit. Let's you and I walk arm and arm into the future of hope. Mid-life can be the years that crackle with adventure and excitement. Life is a series of renewals. God renews us day by day. Each morning, I feel new. I take the gifts of each new day as a new beginning. Birthdays can be renewals. Remember that sixteenth birthday? Certainly a renewal for the 16-year-old who receives a driver's license. Another mile stone along the lifeline is graduation. Graduation opens the door for career, marriage, family. Middle-age is one of the times of renewal in life. This time in life may lead you to different activities, higher goals, and deeper relationships. As we are renewed day day, we only must deal with moment. Just as one grain sand drips through the nan space of the hour glass; so live our life one moment in time. With longevity, better health and ageless attitude, It's a great time to be Silver.

Oct. 10, 1996

Oct. 17, 1996

Oct. 17, 1996 - It's Never Too Late To Follow Your Dreams © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ She is 105. Henriette Bolane, the totally fit matriarch of the Bolane family, became a citizen of the United States of America. She is the oldest new American in history. She wanted to take advantage of Medicaid. Which proves my theory "it's never too late." Age should not put limits on anyone's life. On the brink of the 21st century age is going to become more of a positive and less negative situation. Each precious moment drops through the hour glass like a single grain of sand. We live one moment at a time. Each moment is impregnated with vast potential. Today is a day we have never experienced and will never experience again. Talmage said, "It rose from the great ocean of eternity, and again sinks into its unfathomable depths." Each one of us is given 24 hours a day. We can't buy, trade, sell, or manufacture time, but the quality of our lives depend upon how we spend it. "For Yesterday is but a Dream. And To-Morrow is only a vision; But To-Day, well lived, Makes! Everyday Yesterday a dream of Happiness, and every To-Morrow a Vision of Hope." (The poem, "Building," from Leaves of Gold) Wise old King Solomon tells us "There is a right time for everything: A time to be born, a time to die A time to plant; A time to harvest; A time to kill; A time to heal; A time to destroy; A time to rebuild; A time to cry; A time to laugh; A time to grieve; A time to dance; A time for scattering stones; A time for gathering stones; A time to hug; A time to find; A time to lose; A time for keeping; A time for throwing away; A time to tear; A time to repair; A time to be quiet; A time to speak up; A time for loving; A time for hating; A time for war; A time for peace." Ecdesiastes 3:3-8 TLB Henriette Bolane fulfilled her dream of becoming an American citizen at age 105. It's never too late for new beginnings.

Oct. 24, 1996

Oct. 24, 1996 - Daily Quiet Time Gives Divine Personal Power © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ A daily quiet time is not out of date. Elizabeth Dole told her television interviewer, "I have a daily, thirty minute quiet time." The interviewer asked Ms. Dole to explain "quiet time." Elizabeth confided to her audience that she put thirty minutes daily into her busy schedule for a time of meditation. She sometimes reads the Bible or devotional material of her choice. She prays and listens to God. This is a special, private time to connect with her creator. A sure way to get in touch with God is to read the Bible. A quiet time and intimacy with God keeps life on God's track so aging becomes a positive instead of a negative. King David wrote a song in the Bible, "Be still, and know that I am God:..." (Psalms 46:10) The fall season of the year is very busy on Sand Mountain. However, a quiet time gives Divine, personal power. Elizabeth Dole's daily schedule is extremely full, but her "quiet time," gets priority. A daily "quiet time," propels life into eternal and universal living. Just as handsome antique furniture gleams with character and value, so does life become richer and more mellow with age. A meditation time with God will make life gleam with character and value. Solitude is a treasured time. Meeting the master face to face is life changing. The empowerment of perceiving God's holiness, perfection, incredible power, love and majesty, explodes mature living  into heights never experienced in younger years. "God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God."  Psalms 53:2 New International Version of the Bible.

Oct. 31, 1996

Nov. 7, 1996

Nov. 7, 1996 - Seniors Should Shatter The Stereotype Of Negative Aging © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ As you age, your role changes. Do you find yourself staring into a large window of time after the kids are grown and long before sedentary life begins? Do you feel uneasy and fear this new territory. A mind set that the best years of life are just beginning is a plus in making this stage of life the best stage of life. For some middle age people this is a more-free-from-responsi-bility stage of life. The kids are grown, the house is nearly paid off, and careers are established. The world is open to adventure and opportunity. Lets shatter the stereotype of negative aging and take the positive approach that it is time to do what you want to do. Think out-Side the box and don't limit yourself. It's never to late to go back to school. New innovative senior programs are being offered in colleges, trade schools and seminars. It's a great time to exercise and join in sports. Keep active physically and mentally. Travel is a great possibility. Most churches have senior citizen programs. These program offer great planned group trips. Also, the AARP include trips in their activities. Healthy living, joys of family, starting your own business, volunteer work and hobbies put a positive spin on aging. Mature adults have experience and wisdom. Life experiences both euphoric and tragic make you rooted and strong. As you age a door is opening not closing. With high energy and zip for life the "boom" of the boomers will be heard across the nation. I wish you joy in the journey that you and God are on.

Nov. 14, 1996

Nov. 21, 1996

Nov. 28, 1996

Dec. 5, 1996

Dec. 5, 1996 - Trees Represent Season © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous after Fifty™ Trees are significant during the Christmas season. Trees represent the continuance of life. The Bible tells us that "the trees of the Lord are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon which he hath planted." The cedar stays green all year long. Our tradition of red decorations on the green tree started with the Germans. They put red apples on their paradise tree to symbolize the blood of Jesus shed for our eternal life. Much of our celebration of Christmas centers around the Christmas tree. God gives us hope of eternal life and long life on earth. God told King Solomon, "...if you follow me and obey my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life." Just as the cedar tree, the new generation of seniors can be full of sap and live a long life. The November issue of Time magazine's feature article revealed "How Science is Searching for Ways to Keep Us Forever Young." The writer of this article tells us, "There's no reason today's adults could not realistically hope to see 120." When I observe a dark green cedar tree covered with shiny white snow, I translate that in my mind to an older person, full of energy and love of life. Last week, I followed a pick up truck hauling a cedar tree. I visualized that tree, brilliantly decorated, making someone's home cheerful and bright. Yes! The Christmas tree is part of the magic we feel during the exciting Christmas Season.

Dec. 12, 1996

Dec. 19, 1996

Dec. 26, 1996

Shirley W. Mitchell is the Owner and Founder of Fabulous after Fifty™ - a Motivational, Inspirational and Educational Company located in Northern Alabama providing products and services related to Organizing and Conducting Educational Conferences, Classes, Symposiums, Seminars, Workshops, Speeches and Training Courses in the fields of Aging, Seniors, Senior Lifestyles, Health, Wellness, Nutrition, Generational Women and Men's Issues, Faith, Passion and Purpose, and Distribution of Materials including Multimedia Audio, Video, CD, DVD, Books, Newsletters, Journals, Magazines, Articles, Periodicals, Electronic Books, and other Written and Audio Publications. Ms. Mitchell and Fabulous after Fifty™ are managed and represented by Lighthouse Coastal Productions 466 Sardis Cutoff Road Sardis City, AL 35956. ***Copyright © and Trademark ™ Notice: 1967-2011 All Works, Venues and Content by Shirley W. Mitchell™ including "The Golden Egg of Aging™", "The Fabulous Author™", "Fabulous after 50®", "Fabulous after Fifty™", "Sensational after 60®", "Sensational after Sixty™", "Aging Outside the Box®", "Passionate Sparks™", "Spiritual Sparks for Busy Women™", "Lace Over Steel™", "Ageless Living™", "Endless Energy™", "Better Half of Life™", "Citrus Park™", "Crosstown Info™", "The Amazing System™" and "Aging with Glamour™"are © Copyright and ® Trademark protected*** No part of this Web-Site or Column may be reproduced without the prior written consent of the Agent. If you would like to purchase copies of the articles, please send an E-Mail to us with your request. If you should encounter any problems with this Web-Site please E-Mail the Webmaster.