Smart, Sharp & "Snazzy" Seniors

We are blessed and fortunate to have a diverse group of women in attendance each year. By diverse, I simply mean with relation to age.

Each year guests ages range from the 30s to the 90s and everything in between. Mama and I discussed this often and how this "really" speaks to the universal language and appeal of literature.

When I would labor over the book selection, trying to assure the senior readers would not be offended; Mama would say, "Don't worry about us, we can read whatever you select - after all, its literature, right?"

All the "Fancy Hatters" regardless of age, have an opinion and viewpoint. It is amazing to see the interaction within the group once the discussion and dissection of the prose begins. I've learned that the varying viewpoints have nothing to do with age and everything to do with personal convictions; everyone "gets into" the debates and discussions.

One of our most senior guests, Cousin Maple (pictured above) is turning 93 today, February 24th. She is Mama’s 2nd cousin – Both descendants of the Russell Land Grant of Yulee, FL (R-U-S-S-E-L-L... Can I get a "WHOOP WHOOP") Sorry, I get a little hyped when I speak of my lineage and ancestral heritage.

Our Cousin Maple knows a thing or two about literature. She is an amateur playwright and has even appeared in a few motion pictures. She is proud of her age and does not mind telling anyone who asks (or doesn’t ask) how young she is.

At the 2010 literary luncheon, I can remember Cousin Maple commenting on some personal experiences with relation to the book we were discussing, God, Dr. Buzzard, and the Bolito Man, by Cornelia Bailey. She captivated and held everyone’s attention.

So come on seniors, this year, “do your thing” keep it smart, sharp, and snazzy. Do Mama proud!!