39ers Aging with ATTitude May 2025

Groove to a New ATT-i-tude & Dance!

Happy UN-Birthday MAY 39ers! ♪ And many more… ♪ Does dancing inspire a new groovy spring in your step? Music changes our mood and our ‘tudes. May I have this dance?  

While we’re dancing, let me impart my own new ATT-i-tude about the due date of these monthly articles. Obviously, I’m not making the 1^st of the month a 39AHC priority. Sadly, since I’m just one old person trying to share my wit, wisdom and memories on two different sites, I must give higher priority to Blast from Your Past articles. I simply don’t have the wherewithal to finish them both by the first of every month. So, all that said, you can now expect, with confidence, 39AHC will post between the 7 ^th and 10^th of each month. (Of course, that’s barring any unforeseen circumstances.) Now, let’s party on! 

֎ Celebrating MAY 39ers ~ And More!  

May is shaping up to lift your mood and update your ATT-i-tude … I have a perfectly apt Song of Note for you, along with Personal History Month and even World Lindy Hop Day! I promise, it was worth the wait … 

First up … let’s celebrate the stars of May! 

For 39ers who Follow the Stars  
As we emerge from Winter and stretch our bodies in Spring’s (hopefully) milder climate, we also need to wake up our inner selves to embrace a vibrant Summer. 

Taurus, if you’ve been sliding through the first half of the year, it’s time to shake out the cobwebs and focus on second-half progress toward stabilizing home and hearth. Mid-month may grant you the power to express yourself easily but still require effort to make it meaningful to someone else. This may result in the need to reassess your business and personal relationships. Does one need special attention to see its value, and require restructuring before deciding to end it? Be assertive but gentle.  

Are you a Gemini, usually full of twin-energy? May’s Full Moon (12^th) may find you looking for a vital shift to soothe your sagging soul. If you’ve peaked out on a profession or relationship, consider your alternatives. No need to be in a hurry, as you draw on the moon’s energy for the next month, but making decisions will help you lift your soul out of the doldrums. You might also want to help a friend who also needs some encouragement. Keep the faith that all will work to your ultimate advantage. 

♪ MAY Vintage Song of Note ♪ 

As you prob’ly know, we’re all about ATT-i-tude at 39 and Holding Club. So it should come as no surprise that when I saw this Carly Simon song on the KOLA/San Bernardino, California, May 24, 1975, chart list, I had to feature it: take “Attitude Dancing” to heart as our May vintage Song of Note! It obviously struck a cord with radio listeners then, too, as it leaped from #36 to #23 in just one week. ♪ … Find the groove in a new attitude | Attitude dancing … ♪   
       And even ol’ “Daddy Longlegs,” Fred Astaire (1899-1987), titled one of his last albums on it (Summer 1975), and included his version in the tracklist. Check out ... more tuneful vintage tidbits to manifest your memories and keep the Rock Rockin’ from 50 Years Ago this Month!  

֎ More MAY Fun for Everyone   

Need another reason to celebrate your 39er UN-Birthday? Late Spring and Summer is crowded with fun special days to use as a theme for your Un-Birthday, or simply focus on it, with 39er ATT-i-tude. I’ve expanded on a few listed below, with comments and links in 39er style, while others are listed with links for you to explore on your own. Enjoy …  

Up first, a few specialty thoughts to spruce up your whole month: It’s Better Sleep Month and the folks sponsoring it have “… the latest in sleep research to put you on the path to good sleep! Plenty of tips to learn why you may not be sleeping well and getting enough rest, and how to remedy it.” More food for sleep thought … 
       Of course, we know—especially by the time we’re 39ers—that sleep can positively or negatively impact our daily lives. However, it’s disturbing when I see headlines like this: “Some schools are teaching teens how to sleep.” Schools are cutting sports and the arts to focus on something kids should be learning at home.  
       Sure, provide information to kids for tools they need and where to locate them—schools are not it. Our children need to get back to basic Reading, Writing, and (grammatically incorrect) ‘Rithmetic. (Yeah, it was pretty dumb.) Not getting enough sleep is a school counselor or community awareness organizations’ responsibility, don’t you think? Besides, teens today are not entirely stupid—they know enough to search “how to sleep better” on Google. Phew! That’s a lot of thinking … time for a nap.  

A few more May thoughts … it’s Personal History Month … though the sponsor link is a good one, you may also want to visit our link that reminds you how important it is to leave a “Living Legacy.” Everyone has a story to tell … don’t leave yours in the dust of time without a voice. 

May is naturally, Military Appreciation Month. Don’t wait until Memorial Day to pay respects, or focus only on those who lost their lives protecting us. Reach out today and ask how you can participate as a civilian.

May 11^th: Pretty difficult to forget Mother's Day isn’t it? Not only are ads blasting from every broadcast media, but chocolate and flowers are on sale! Of course, Moms are special and those who truly devoted themselves to caring for their children, deserve only our best today (and really, every day) … though, for most Moms it isn’t what you can buy them, it’s the bearhug or long-distance phone call that matters most. And for those whose mothers have joined the club of eternal maternal spirits, raise your eyes skyward and say a special prayer. Thanks, Mom. 

May 12^th: It’s time to blossom with the Full Flower Moon! Do you feel a special kinship with the full moon? May meditation is especially potent to work with your personal Full Moon Magic. It’s called the Flower Moon for a reason—perfect time to flourish and burst into summer with great energy and splendor. Its power is effective three days before—most powerful at its zenith—and up to three days after. Aptly named by the Algonquin and Ojibwe peoples, the Flower Moon shares its name with a Cree designation of Budding Moon, as it awakens life on Earth. Meditate and bloom with our Full Flower Moon.  

May 12^th-18^th: Guess what?! It’s officially the start of Beer Season! At least so says the sponsor of American Craft Beer Week. Those of us at a “certain age” have (hopefully), learned to “enjoy” (being the key word) our alcohol without overdoing it. And visiting craft beer brewpubs or taprooms is a fun way to do just that.* If you make a great, tasty new discovery, take it home and combine it with a potluck party and friends. It’s a winner! (*They have a great nationwide map of locations!)  

May 15^th: Ok ya’ll, it’s time to stop wearing your felt hats and honor Straw Hat Day! Stop laughing! It’s a serious day! Or at least, it was, and sometimes I miss how our once-beloved traditions have skulked into oblivion. However, thanks to Wiki, who sponsors it, we can read how fun and sincere traditions once were. This day is mostly due to the antiquated “boater” style hat that evolved from traditional straw hats worn by the city of Venice gondoliers. Hence the name and evolution for men worldwide in late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.
       You’ll likely enjoy Wiki’s historical info on the Straw Hat, however, methinks it’s time to stretch the celebration to include all summer hats of straw, for all genders. Straw hats help reflect the hot and damaging summer sun, yet they’re lightweight and stylish in every generation. Wear yours proudly today and throughout the summer! 

May 20^th-25^th: Feeling stubborn? Could be you’re sensing the character of Mule Days! Yup. We’re havin’ fun now! It’s a huge celebration in Bishop, California, but even if you don’t live near enough to join in, you can enjoy their enthusiasm for this unique celebration. It’s been “An Eastern Sierra Tradition Since 1970.”  

May 26^th: Put on your dancin’ shoes, and bounce your way through World Lindy Hop Day. So, since I share the name (tho different spelling) and my mother was a dance instructor—yes, I appeared on stage at three years old—I kinda gotta feature this day, even without a sponsoring link. But you know me … I’ll always find a link that will work. The one above proves it’s a viable, historical dance, celebrated with master annual competitions. And if you don’t know what the Lindy Hop is, you haven’t been watching Dancing with the Stars have you? It’s one of their go-to swing dances that is so energetic, it’d kill me if I tried it now! LOL  

May 26^th: Of course, it’s also this year’s (observed) Memorial Day. Many of us have military relatives and/or ancestors who perished in order to keep our country safe. There is no “official” sponsor, but a history link is included above to remind you or let you learn anew, why this day of observance is so important. They also recommend, “Instead of saying ‘Happy Memorial Day,’ the Code of Support Foundation offers an alternative phrase: ‘I wish you a meaningful Memorial Day.’” Make it a day with family and friends, to pay tribute to our military. It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle. ~ Norman Schwarzkopf  

May 27^th: Break time! Yep, just in time to lead us into a new Summer, the New Moon pops up to offer a seasonal change of New Moon Musings. Always signaling an opportunity to refresh, this month’s New Moon is especially comforting as it brings innovative insights to nagging issues. What have you let lay around all Spring without making a decision? Give it a fresh perspective and follow through. Wouldn’t you rather enjoy your summer than worry over it?  

May 27^th: Looking for a reason to show off your awesome new “cheap sunglasses” or a great summer outfit? Today is Joe Cool Day! If you don’t know who or what Joe Cool is, I’m sorry. You’ve been living in a vacuum. Click the link and enjoy a few laughs. Thanks to Snoopy creator, Charles Schulz (1922-2000), Joe Cool personifies that suave, enigmatic individual everyone wants to be … whether they actually achieve it or not …

May 31^st: Quit your squawking! Yes, it’s World Parrot Day, but you don’t need to be so loud about it. And no, we’re not talking about Parrotheads (overzealous Jimmy Buffett fans). You can learn about their species on the sponsor link, and have some fun with your kids, grandkids, or simply yourself, with these pretty parrot crafts! Enjoy the last day of the month with a smile. 

֎ Aging with ATT-i-tude Platitude 
No matter your age, even if your dance moves have turned into a soft-shoe shuffle, music makes the mood. Play the music and dance! ~ L. Rochelle 

Happy UN-Birthday 39ers ~ MAY 2025 ~ Get ready! Summer’s comin’! 
       This one’s for you, kids – Craig, Susie, and Pauline!  

Celebrate 39 & Holding Day
Flaunt your 39er ATT-i-tude 39 & Holding Gifts!
Chat on X/Twitter: @39HoldingClub

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And dear readers, I just want you to know that I try my best to create an informative, aesthetically creative article for you each month. However, Blogger is not a professional hosting site—but they’re free through Google. So we’re stuck with their crummy platform that doesn’t work well to manipulate images with writing, especially if you aren’t a techie who knows HTML. Trust me, I’ve tried for years to write articles without gaps between paragraphs and even between sentences. Sigh. Maybe I’ll win the lottery and be able to afford a professional hosting site someday.

LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books (of three) in her Blast from Your Past series, available on Amazon: Book 1 (currently eBook only, until updated) – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 (eBook, print & color!) – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon (eventually) … The Psychedelic Seventies!

*Important Message: Any data, links, or opinions on this site are for your information only and does not constitute legal or medical expertise of any kind. My proficiency is writing and sensible reporting. Period. All links have been vetted, but as always, please use information, links, or my skewed opinions at your own risk.

Are you a 39er this month? Welcome to the 39 and Holding Club! Feel free to share your UN-birthday comments below (click on Comments or if it says No Comments, click that to be the first) and tell us how you really feel about your age and aging. Keep the stories coming!

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39ers Aging with ATTitude January 2025

Start the New Year with a Laugh in the Rain 

Happy UN-Birthday January 39ers! ♪ And many more… ♪ I’m not gonna lie … I’m on the “elder” side of 39 and Holding. Those of us who are, likely have a different take on life than those who recently turned 40. However, we still share commonalities, like love of family and friends.

You’re never too old or too young to continue or begin your list of legacy items … what are those and why do you need to list them? Even the most austere and die-hard minimalists have at least one item that is dear to you and will likely act as a legacy. By my age, I have way more of those than I can count!

But I urge you to create a list (dated and periodically updated) of those items to keep with your important documents. Making them more than just a “living legacy” (since we know possessions change fairly often), make a description section to tell why it is important to you, and if there is a monetary value, how much it might be worth. Trust me, your family or friends who are left to sort through your life, will appreciate this special touch, directly from your heart. 

That said, I hope you had a wonderful Holiday Season, and still feel the glow as we step into the New Year, with confidence and purpose.

My purpose was, of course, to be on time with this monthly article—for a change. Ahem … so much for that resolution. I’ve worked to shake the Holiday cobwebs from my brain and focus on the shiny, bright New Year before us … let’s do it!

Now, on to something ostensibly mundane, but sooooo important in today’s New World Order. This is your official “AI” notice for the New Year: The 39 And Holding Club site (and soon to be just 39 And Holding (finally able to buy the primary cliché’s “.com” domain!) has never and will never (knowingly) be written or assisted, by Artificial Intelligence. It’s just stupid ol’ “I” and I enjoy writing these articles. They soothe my soul. So why would I hand that indulgence over to an artificial, soulless entity that can’t feel pleasure?! And away we go …

֎ Celebrating JANUARY 39ers ~ And More! 

We’re gonna have a fun start to the New Year, from “Laughter in the Rain,” to an Irish New Year Toast, to National Soup Month! But first … the stars of this month’s show …

For 39ers who Follow the Stars  
Both Capricorn and Aquarius need to know that the January 13^th Cancer Full Moon shows its strength throughout the month and reminds us to focus on our well-being, first and foremost. In, however, uniquely different ways.

Capricorn (12/22-01/19/25) 39ers might feel the need to reevaluate their relationships, both personal and business. Something needs to change, but only you know which may be in jeopardy. Things will likely come to a head by the Full Moon, and you’ll know which path is the way forward for 2025. The New Moon on the 29^th is full of promises for a new venture you’ve been wanting to try or an enhancement to your lifestyle. Make the most of it! 

Lifestyle improvements are on this month’s horizon for Aquarius (01/20-02/18) 39ers, as well. Again, the Full Moon plays a big part in these changes, but don’t be in a hurry. Take time to look inward and discover what has been “off” in your life. This need to change will follow you through the month to the New Moon, when you’ll finally recognize the best path forward for your New Year. It can be transformational! 

♪ January Vintage Song of Note ♪  
A sweet tune of love and laughter is a great way to begin the New Year. Now, and back in 1975 when Neil Sedaka made “Laughter in the Rain” a top tune, sitting at KPOI/Hawai’i’s #5 chart spot. It’s this month’s vintage Song of Note, joyfully cooing, ♪ … Oo, I hear laughter in the rain | Walking hand in hand with the one I love ...  ♪

Composed by Sedaka, lyrics were the brainchild of Phil Cody, who recalled how an inspiration finally unlocked his writer’s block. A short snooze under a tree on a sunny day, aided by just a tad of a doobie, was all he needed ... more tuneful tidbits to manifest your memories and keep the Rock Rockin’ from 50 Years Ago this Month! 

֎ More JANUARY Fun for Everyone  

Ya know, I saw something the first week of January that mentioned the phrase “over the hill,” as if it were a bad thing. Since beginning this odyssey of “39 and Holding,” I’ve thought of “over the hill” as enduring the uphill battle to 40 years and from now on, it’s all downhill! Wheeeeeee!
       Ah yes, the perennial child within. As far as I’m concerned, we’re never too old to have fun. If you’re reading this, then you likely have the same philosophy. With that in mind, let’s see what January mischief we can get into …

If you’re not quite ready for mischief this month, just make yourself a nice bowl of soup on a cold winter’s day, and celebrate National Soup Month! There is no link to a sponsor, but that doesn’t stop me from finding a few terrific homemade soup recipes for you! Mmmmm. Now that we’re fortified …

Left on my own without a supporting link, I choose to interpret Self-Love Month as an opportunity for 39ers to review how you think about yourself and if you’re really giving yourself enough credit for all that you do.           
       As we age, it’s easy to lose yourself in family, work, and life in general. We’ve seen in recent years how our world—locally and globally—can spin itself in a different direction in a heartbeat. This is a good time to reflect on aging and how your present life and those around you, will affect the future you.
       NPR recently published an interesting article about ageism and wrestling with stereotypical behavior in yourself and others. “Experts say that fighting ageism isn't only important to create an equitable and fair society, it also helps all of us live longer, healthier — even more fulfilling — lives.”
       And the Population Reference Bureau gives us a fascinating fact to think about: “In 25 years, almost a quarter of Americans will be over the age of 65.” That’s a lot to chew on!

Monday ~ January 13^th: Look up! We’re ready to embrace the magic of January’s Full Wolf Moon! We may try to hibernate this month and just enjoy our hot, yummy soup, but just like the wolves who howl to meet up with their pack-mates, or coordinate their food foraging, we should use this Full Moon to communicate beyond the obligatory Holiday chats. Much can be gained from honest conversations and sincere discussions. Don’t worry about timing … Almanac.com reminds us, “Traditionally, each full Moon name was applied to the entire lunar month in which it occurred, not just to the full Moon itself.” So feel free to spread its enchantment through the whole month!

Thursday ~ January 16^th: If that’s a lot of serious stuff and your Inner Child is bored, take a break and fly! It’s Appreciate a Dragon Day! If you’re a reader at all, chances are you’ve read a book or two with a cool or even frightening dragon. My Inner Child recalls the dragon-laden fairytales of yore with wide-eyed glee. Just a couple: The Dragon and His Grandmother (aka, The Devil and His Grandmother), Grimm’s Fairy Tales, c.1812-1858; and The Prince and the Dragon  (The Crimson Fairy Book, edited by Andrew Lang, c.1903).    
       Even as an adult, I loved the Eragon series! (Christopher Paolini) Dragon Day’s sponsoring link is pretty cool too, with fun and meaningful dragon names—use ‘em for your fictional writing or make a suggestion to an expecting mom! Like, did you know, “Aiden” means “little fire” in the Celtic language? Coincidentally, the Celts’ mythology inspired “Pendragon,” meaning “chief dragon.” Have fun!

Friday ~ January 17^th: Although a man instrumental to our freedoms and still evident in our lives today, was born on this day in 1706 (d.1790), few recognize Benjamin Franklin Day. Someone took the trouble to establish the day, but it’s abandoned without a sponsor. So let me offer a reminder just how instrumental Mr. Franklin was—without ever becoming president.
      He “… promoted public services in Philadelphia, including a library, a fire department, a hospital, an insurance company, and an academy that became the University of Pennsylvania. … His inventions include the Franklin stove and bifocal spectacles, and his experiments helped pioneer the understanding of electricity.” That’s just for starters. Oh yeah, he was also the first postmaster general and an author of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. 

Wednesday ~ January 29^th: New Moon Musings coming late in the month simply helps us prep for February. Take advantage of the upcoming Aquarius energy and celebrate the month’s New Beginnings, applying your New Moon Musings for an early fresh start. It could help you find yourself in the right place at just the right time. And we know, timing is everything …     

I have turned 39 and Holding too any times to believe in resolutions anymore … however, I do believe in reevaluating my life at the beginning of a New Year to acknowledge what’s working and what isn’t. And no matter my age, I know darn well, I don’t know a darn thing, compared to all that is available to us for continued learning.
       To further my horizons, one site I will be exploring more in the next month or so, is AARP’s SeniorPlanet.org. Their online and in-person community learning courses include how to make a website, tech tips, how to use Zoom, and of course, fitness and wellness, just to name a few. And, they have a social platform for Seniors … I’ll be taking a close look at that. If your interest is piqued and you check it out, let me know your thoughts! (And no, I don't get paid for advertising ...) 

Back to some January fun … a couple of Irish New Year toasts:
May your troubles be less | And your blessings be more | And nothing but happiness come through your door …
       And a personal favorite: Though Dunghills rise and castles fall | we are all equal one and all.

39AHC Public Service Announcement: And, since it’s January 8^th and this article is only now posted, I must say, that last sentiment is particularly appropriate in the light of our SoCal wildfires streaking like a Banshee through thousands of homes in Los Angeles County and beyond. “Firefighters are battling five separate brush fires at once, all of which were at zero containment as of Wednesday afternoon local time.” (ABC News)  
       It doesn’t matter how rich you are, if you’re struggling to pay the bills, or if you’re a sinner or a saint. When a fire (or any natural disaster) rips through what little or a lot that you have, it’s devastating and forever life-changing. My heart and prayers go out to the families of the two people who have already died and the more than 1,000 people who have lost their homes … as of this writing (4:14p.m.PST) … and a lifetime of personal treasures in just one of the five blazing fires—and there is still zero containment. Search, “how to help ca wildfire victims january 2025” for a host of results that you might consider.  

֎ Aging with ATT-i-tude Platitude 
Whether you’re just turning 40 or have seen many New Years past 39 and Holding, don’t make resolutions … make preparations. Cheers to your best year ever. ~ L. Rochelle 

Happy UN-Birthday 39ers ~ JANUARY 2025 ~ Happy New Year! 
       This one’s for you, kids – Reneé, Erin, Chris, Jodie and Joe!  

Join the 39 & Holding Club
Celebrate 39 & Holding Day
Chat on Twitter: @39HoldingClub

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And dear readers, I just want you to know that I try my best to create an informative, aesthetically creative article for you each month. However, Blogger is not a professional hosting site—but they’re free through Google. So we’re stuck with their crummy platform that doesn’t work well to manipulate images with writing, if you aren’t a techie who knows HTML. Trust me, I’ve tried for years to write articles without gaps between paragraphs and even between sentences. Sigh. Maybe I’ll win the lottery and be able to afford a professional hosting site someday. Cheers!

LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books (of three) in her Blast from Your Past series, available on Amazon: Book 1 (currently eBook only, until updated) – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 (eBook, print & color!) – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!

*Important Message: Any data, links, or opinions on this site are for your information only and does not constitute legal or medical expertise of any kind. My proficiency is writing and sensible reporting. Period. All links have been vetted, but as always, please use all data, links, or my skewed opinions at your own risk.Are you a 39er this month? Welcome to the 39 and Holding Club! Feel free to share your UN-birthday comments below (click on Comments or if it says No Comments, click that to be the first) and tell us how you really feel about your age and aging. Keep the stories coming!

<><><><>39ers RULE<><><><>