As this is my 200th brief, I want to use it to thank my readers for their support. I enjoy the challenge of juggling senior oriented advice and humor. Naturally, I write from my viewpoint as a senior gay man, but I try to make the comments and examples enjoyable and pertinent to the entire LGBT readership.
I often include comments to the younger crowd hoping to start generational exchanges since both sides have a lot to learn from each other. Growing old can be difficult, but so can being young. I try to wake up younger LGBTers to some aspects of aging: whether they like it or not, it is coming.
After 200 topics, the challenge of finding new ones is not easy. If you’ve got a subject for me or any comments, pass them on via the published LGBT Weekly or the online edition. Keep in mind my briefs are crammed into a 15-line template, thus restricting the scope of my topic and the depth of my coverage; to say nothing of depriving you of some fabulous puns and jokes due to the length of the set-up. When that can’t be condensed to a workable size, it all gets cut. Also note, I rarely mention specific local businesses and never get political; even the anti-LGBT bigots and idiot governor in Indiana will get no comment from me.
My humor, such as it is, often is just for fun, but at other times it includes a message for those who look deeper. Despite being encouraged, I do not twit, face or blog. All that interests me, but I admit to needing a patient tutor.
I hope you’ll continue enjoying what’s in my briefs as so many have in the past. I welcome feedback and am happy to chat with fans who greet me when I’m out walking the streets.
A blow below the belt
How unkind people can be and how undeserved when innocent words and phrases are misinterpreted. I myself have been accused of filth and degradation in my columns when really it is they-of-evil-mind who have twisted my innocent ramblings.
Imagine my shame and indignation when it was remarked that my recent environmentally inspired and educational paper-making article “smelled and the ending actually stank!” Such blows below the belt do not go unnoticed. It is like when I, and I’m sure you, have been standing on the corner waiting for a ride when invariably “friends” drive by shouting wisecracks about what we are waiting for, price comments and further cruel jibes full of suggestive innuendoes.
True, at a certain age one doesn’t know whether to be flattered or insulted, but that is not the point. I am not safe at home either. A visitor noticed the lovely grey patina on the mantle and smiling sweetly, smugly mentioned dust. Did I retaliate and mention the skunk line in the part of her hair. No. (At least not to her.)
A final example: I am constantly in defense of my man-bag; a chic, modern, masculine accessory. Some might deem it an example of androgynous ambiguity, but when carried by myself there should be no question. It is not a purse! Besides, as I tell everyone, the sequins are on the inside. Joke! Even my lesbian cohorts give me grief about it, but I give them tit for tat and mention their huge tank or macho butch-buggy they call their little RV.
Of course, all these childish exchanges produce negative vibes and at our age we don’t need the aggravation. To recover from these verbal assaults, I suggest finding distraction in shops, restaurants, movies or the inevitable fallback, sex. With various aids, films and ointments, we seniors can still enjoy a wild session; although, speaking for myself, it would probably be more enjoyable with someone.
Bill-Congradulations on 200. May there be 200 more.
On the subject of man bags I proudly carry one and have not been given grief for doing so yet but it could happen. Actually I don’t care what they think of me on the street or my friends. It’s very handy having it what with phone, wallet and other necessary items to tote around.
So as the old comment goes ‘tough titty said the kitty…..’
Regards Dave S