Aha, it has arrived—my seventieth birthday. Pictured is part of the detritus of a party that will not happen. A few days ago, I called off the 70’s Fondue Extravaganza Slumber Party and Games Night that I had planned. At that time, I was so sick with some mysterious intestinal and stomach disorder and I didn’t have the energy to do the last minute preparations—plus I feared I’d still be ill and have to call it off at the last minute. In addition, Yolanda was with her husband in the hospital and I didn’t have her to fall back on as usual. At any rate, I’m feeling better today and so I’m meeting a few friends for an impromptu comida at a restaurant and chocolate fondue at Blue’s house later, so there will be some celebrating done. This morning brings the welcome messages from friends on Facebook and I really do appreciate them, but as usual, they, combined with the daily prompt, have brought me to reflection.
I hope no one is offended by the below poem. It is meant in no way to disparage the very welcome communication with old friends that such a day brings. On the other hand, I can’t help but reflect on how our world changes and changes and how the cyber networks have not only brought us closer together but made it easier to drift farther apart. I am as guilty if not guiltier of this than anyone else I know. This is not an indictment, but rather a pondering over where we’ve been, where we are and where we are going—the sort of pondering one does at the age of 70, and if one is a writer or artist, probably at a much earlier age as well:
Facing up to Facebook
Facebook quips and tweets with hashes
have replaced the dot dot dashes
of telegrams we used to send
to functions we could not attend:
birthdays and other days once meant
to celebrate with an event.
But now we sit in different places
pretending we’re exchanging faces
when in fact, for many years
our facial contact’s been in arrears.
They might have better renamed “Facebook”
“Those Who Have Vanished Without a Tracebook.”
It does not bring us face-to-face.
That is simply not the case.
Rather, it keeps us more alone
than even talking on the phone.
Old friend, it’s good to hear from you.
I know, there’s nothing more to do.
I’m just as guilty of it as you.
It’s what the whole world’s come to do.
We’ve simply moved too far apart
except in memory and heart.
It’s the new age’s way of seeing—
avoiding closer you and meing.
The prompt today was dash.
True. One long-distance child asked me to go on Facebook “so that we could keep in closer touch.” Ha! Daughter WHO? Mom WHO? Anyway, I’m wishing you a happy day and year, and a healthy one — I’m so sorry your party had to fizzle out, but it sounds like folks are celebrating you nonetheless! ❤
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I had one of the most fabulous birthdays of my life. Just relaxing into it and seeing what happened brought magic. Thanks as usual for the warm wishes. You always cheer me up.
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Oh, I’m so glad!! 🙂
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P.S. 70 is the new 55. 😉
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I am going to choose to believe that. Thanks, friend.
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Good. 🙂 You’re welcome. (P.P.S. Send this back to me in 4.5 years, ok?)
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Welcome to the club of golden oldies – I joined last year in December. And Facebook, it’s fun to read about the private lives of everyone everywhere. I am supposed to join in? My life is too boring compared to what the others are doing. Idon’t know how they get the time to tell everyone about it.
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What your photos reveal about your life is anything but boring, Angloswiss! Glad to join the club.
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First, happy making it to another year! 70 is NOT the new 40, but if you are alive and reasonably well, that’s good! Really good! Whatever partying you do, that’s good too. I miss the live people I knew. All of them have drifted into the cyber world. I hear of them, but I don’t see them hardly ever. Since I doubt that’s going to change, I try to find my way to enjoying it … and I do. It really beats never hearing from them at all, which for many long years would have been the alternative.
Happy Big Day from all of us to you and yours!
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Thanks, Marilyn. You are one of my oldest blogging friends. One day I’ll show up on your doorstep demanding to play with your dollies! xo
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And you will be very welcome 🙂
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I’m glad you’re feeling better! And that you’re celebrating after all! Happy 70!
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Had such a good day all day long. Must explain later..It’s been a looooong day. xo
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Will look forward to that!
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Happy birthday! Also, though I am only in my 20s, I agree with you about Facebook. I like your clever rhymes!
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Thanks, writer. Keep doing it!!!!
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Happy birthday and it’s great you are feeling better. Your witty poem made me smile.
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Thanks, Jacqueline. You always make me smile. You are such an upbeat and supportive person.
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It’s a pleasure Judy 🙂
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Happy Birthday!
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Thanks, Nelkumi. You’ve helped to make my entire year happy. I always look for your wonderful and whimsical art. Still think you should do a book.
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Thank you for your words of encouragement and support. They mean a lot.
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Happy Birthday, Judy! I hope you’re feeling better now.
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I am, Sue, and my birthday was as fabulous as it could possibly be. I’ll explain more tomorrow. Just got home after an entire day of activity..
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Facebook may not like your poem, but I love it. It’s a necessary evil in my book. BTW, Happy 70th.
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Thanks, Laura. I bet Facebook doesn’t even notice it.
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So glad you are getting out to enjoy comida and dessert with friends. Have lots of laughs. I will be sending my distinctive laugh through cyber space. Bezos y abrazos, Allenda
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It was one of my best birthdays ever, Allenda. Turned out so much better than my original plans. I’ll tell you more later. Love you, my friend.
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Very true, fabulous poem!
I hope you enjoyed your day – Happy Birthday 🎉
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Thanks, Liza. So glad that so far no one was offended.
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As long as you had a good day, it doesn’t really matter 😊
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great you get to celebrate in your own way, stay healthy and keep posting 🙂
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Thanks, Kate, for this and all of your former comments. The best gift of all.
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Cheers Jamie
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I defy anyone not to dance in their computer chair to that music. Luckily, I have a swivel chair which made it easy! Thanks, Jamie.
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Whoa….happy birthday Judy! Always thought u were younger …wot a gal. We’ve 2 yrs before we embrace the big 70. Hope u r fully recovered and able to enjoy your BIG day. We so love your writing, u r such an incredibly talented writer. Thank you for sharing. Life rolls on DownUnda. Returned from a 6 week journey to France, just feeling ourselves again, after such a long flights and all the fun, frivolity and exhaustion of travel. Will keep in touch! Xxx
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But are you going back out again? You haven’t been to Africa yet, have you? I take it this is Pen and Ian?? My birthday was perfect. So glad my original plans went awry. oxox
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Happy birthday – you are 70 years young! Enjoy 🙂
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I was one of those who disappeared without a tracebook…great poem, and very accurate. Happy birthday 🤗 as they say on FB…hugs
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Thanks Mary. I’m glad we have caught up with each other after all these years. Still expecting your visit.
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Me too Judy…I hope I can make that trip one day. I would like to see in person what I’ve seen such colorful pictures of.
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Happy birthday!
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Thanks, Helen. I could not have had a more perfect birthday. So happy right now.
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Happy Birthday, Judy. I’ll eat a piece of cake in your honor. Keep celebrating.
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The kitties are wild! They love birthdays.
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What flavor, Judy? I need this vicarious flavor as I mistakenly left mine at my friend’s house and haven’t had a bite yet!
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Happy Birthday to you, Judy. What a blessing to be 70. And thanks for a lovely poem. So true about Facebook… 🙂
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Thanks, Dimple. Love your blog name!
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Thank you. 🙂
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I see what you mean, but if you are a woman (or other) of action, Facebook may lead to excellent get-togethers. I just met twice with a FB friend from the USA who was travelling around Italy and who I’ve never seen before. When I visit Slovenia, there are people from my past there who I meet again solely upon our FB communication. I say if you wish for it, it shall happen. But those who use FB just as an uninspired keep-in-touch tool – it serves them right.
In other news – I knew you’d party, at least a little. I wish it never ends. ❤ Cin cin from over her.
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Thanks, Manja. All you say is true. No argument from this sector!!!
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Happy birthday and I do agree. I’m trying to wean myself off Facebook.
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I spend waaay more time on blogs than facebook, but I guess either can lead you away from the real world.
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True! I’m trying to watch Netflix to get me away but that’s not living in the real world either. My goal is to write more and read more so this is the place to be!
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Have you watched “Growing up Smith?” Just watching it in shifts today.
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I’ve never heard of it. Is it good?
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Yes.. very. I was thinking I found it on Netflix but realized I’m wrong.
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Thanks for your other advice.
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But.. Master of None on Netflix is good. Also with an East Indian male lead.
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Thanks for some great options.
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Belated birthday blessings.
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Thanks, Daisy.
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Loved this post and your Facebook poem because it’s very true! Happy Birthday!!! 🙂
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Thanks, Debbie.
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