When a decade of yearly celebrations comes ’round, we humans often put a little extra into the revelry, whether they be birthdays, anniversaries, etc. For no other reason than that, I’ve determined that ten years equals a season. So, here I am 60-something; thus I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I am in “the SEVENTH season” of life – NOT the SIXTH; hence the corrected title of this blog. (I forgot that once you enter one decade or century, etc., time leaps into a higher round of numbers.)
While this more accurate title makes me feel older, I am convinced that psychologically it can work in my behalf. (See the comments that follow this update.) Another advantage is that the title won’t be so confusing. “The Sixth Season” was often referred to as The Sixth Sense. Even though I may write about those who have left this realm, that is not the purpose or theme of “Seventh Season.” SEASONS, not senses, are at the heart of my ideas.
While Mother Nature focuses upon 4 seasons, Ecclesiastes 3 teaches us that there are many more than those related to weather. “1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”
Taking my cue from this Old Testament author, “son of David, king in Jerusalem” (Eccl. 1:1), I plan to reflect upon my times and seasons. While Ecclesiastes looks into “the deepest problems of life,” and is “permeated with a pessimistic flavor,” my purpose is to see the light, the love, the larks, and lessons of life and reflect upon them. So, read on …
Writing My Life 
June 10, 2009 at 8:21 AM
I hate for my first comment to be a correction, but. . . seeing as you are the english/history girl, and I’m more of the math girl, I have to tell you that “61” is actually the seventh season. Otherwise, your birth to 10 would not have counted. I’m not sure your mother would be too happy about you “not counting” your childhood! You know how 2009 is actually the 21st century–it’s like that. But I love your background and you writing is so great–makes me embarrassed to write a blog!
June 10, 2009 at 8:31 AM
Oh, gosh, you are so right! Here’s another example I failed to recognize: the END of your first 12 months of life is considered your FIRST birthday. But Seventh Season sounds sooooooooooooooo old! On the other hand, by the time I hit 70, I’ll be thinking, “Hey, I may be in my 8th season, but I JUST turned 70!” Sort of reverse psychology! : ) I’ve been thinking of changing the title, but I like the whole “time and season” theme. One title idea I had was “The New 40-Something” because the media claims that 60 is the new 40, and who am I to argue with the media who knows EVERYTHING?
Thanks so much for commenting, correcting, and complimenting! But I must say your blogs are delightful and the writing is wonderful! Seriously. You are articulate and witty and wise. Keep it going – for the grammas in your life! : ) Love ya!
June 10, 2009 at 8:37 AM
PS Have you noticed I like to string adjectives and gerunds in lists of 3 and that they are usually alliterative as well?
December 3, 2009 at 8:07 PM
I had a friend who had to count hours by saying “12 to 1, 1 to 2.” I always thought that was funny, but then when I try to figure out the international dateline and jet lag, it gets confusing.
So, also I needed to tell you that the Sunbeam lesson is #43 for this week, but I couldn’t find your email address. I hope you get this, instead!