A Patriarchal View - Well NOT Quite!

Although I don't perceive of myself as being an old geezer, a codger or a dotard I must face the fact that I am in the autumn of my life. In one sense life is a continuum but because we live from day to day, moment to moment, we don't place ourselves along that continuum very often. It seems there are occasions when you  suddenly become aware you have changed, that you have moved a little bit along your own horizon. I remember becoming aware of that once when I looked into the mirror and realized my 'father' was looking back at me!

But for me those changes have been physiological rather than psychological. My arthritic discomforts are starting to slow me down. I now avoid the moguls on the ski hills for example. However, in my fantasy, I still feel the urge to take just one last run. Prudence however, screams "No Way!"

I can remember as a child when my father had a portrait picture taken for his fortieth birthday. It still hangs in our bedroom. When I first saw that picture I thought how ancient he was. Why would this old man want to sit for a "mug shot". He was already over the hill in my young mind. Being forty was beyond my ability to grasp. Today, when I look at that picture, I think how young and handsome he was at forty.

I suppose it is the change of seasons that turns my mind to these thoughts. The Fall Equinox was September 23rd this year. The four seasons are a constant reminder of our own "seasons" of life. During the Equinox the sun is directly above the equator and day and night are of equal length. Actually you can see the word 'equal' and 'night'  in that ancient Latin word, equinoxium. But as we all know it will be followed by the Winter Solstice on December 22nd this year. There is a Spring and Fall Equinox and a Summer and Winter Solstice based on the tilt of the earth on it's axis as it rotates around the sun.

As I approach my Winter Equinox I realize getting old is not as bad as I thought it would be. I love the many funny stories on the Internet poked at old people. Most give me a good laugh as I can associate them with my own experience. But  I still feel the same inside, as it were. I enjoy the simple things that life has to offer and I realize that you do not need great wealth to be happy.

When I was young and single I remember enjoying a beautiful sunset on a summer evening. The amazing colour combinations, the reds, gold, the  deep purple and serene blue. As I stood and watched this amazing spectacle that particular evening, even though I was filled with awe, I realized there was something missing - someone special to share that moment with.

These many years later we are still moved by a beautiful sunset, but also by the quality of our friendships and the joys others bring into our life. Bring on the winter - this Leo is ready.

And That's Dick's View of the World this Week