Radio Lady: This morning, in the shower, I had a complete revelation...

[Radio_Lady]

The Ages of Women

I started to think about how GOOD Hillary Clinton's life will be if she DOES NOT get elected.

My 69th birthday is on May 31, so I am almost a decade older than Hillary is. It's been an excellent run from age 60 to 69...a devoted husband... volunteer work that fulfills me and my mate ... lots of travel... comparative good health... moving to a new part of the country and gaining new friends... keeping close to those family members who care about us.

I am not as rich as Hillary is, and won't submit to plastic surgery, but if she and her husband can still care about each other for whatever time they have left together, the Clintons may ultimately look upon this 2008 political crossroads in a positive light.

I hope she'll be able to enjoy the rest of her Senate term. After she gets over the disappointment, I believe she will be able to reapply herself to a different kind of life. The world is her oyster -- she has the money and the opportunity to do so many worthwhile things as one of the first women to achieve this level of political acceptance. Millions of people voted for her, and think she could have been an outstanding President. But, the way our system works, it looks as if that is not going to be.

On a personal level, I hope she'll live to see her daughter married, and get to be a mother-in-law to some delightful young man. Then, perhaps she will have a grandchild or two... that is really such a gift to see your own child as a parent. Plus... you can send those grandkids home anytime!!!!

Frankly, I think you have to be on the edge of complete insanity to actually CHOOSE to run for President. That goes double or triple for these times.

Fate seems to be smiling on Hillary, and may give her a chance for a different outcome and a completely transformed future. It's what life does sometimes -- maybe most of the time -- for us humans.

Peace, love and happiness,

Radio Lady Ellen Kimball

[NewHampshireDem]

1. What a nice post

I was thinking the same thing yesterday about both candidates. I'd hate to see the White House age any one else the way it has aged both Bill Clinton and Dubya.

[Radio_Lady]

3. Yes, both men do look so much older.

[JuniperLea]

2. What a lovely sentiment, Radio Lady!

May the fates continue smiling on you while they smile on Hillary.

[Radio_Lady]

5. Juniperex, you are a charmer! We make so much of these short lives we have,

and sometimes the goals don't work out. Each human being can finally say, "I did my best at the time, but didn't get as far as I wanted to. So be it."

Acceptance is supposed to be the final step before death, but if it comes earlier and it transforms a person into someone who is happier in later life -- that is a greater gift than having to wait until the end. Besides, what's left when it's all said and done... a Presidential library and another book deal for some other author?

[SoFlaJet]

4. what we NEED to do RL

what is MOST important, is for us to win back the WH behind our nominee. You saw what kind of crap Bush and McCain tried to pull today. Today they helped pull this party together in a way that neither the Clinton or Obama camps ever could have. We have seen the enemy and it ain't us...

[Radio_Lady]

6. Totally agree. Right now, it isn't clear how that will all happen.

But we are two dedicated and devoted Democrats, Audio Al and myself. Al is the committee chairperson for our area for the Washington County Democrats here in Oregon. We've mailed our ballots (due May 20th) and we will wait for the outcome of this tough primary season.

After the nominee is clear, along with others including the Democratic challenger to our one remaining Republican Senator Gordon Smith, we will be out there in the marketplace with every zestful iota of strength to support the Democrats, and no others.

It's all up at: http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Radio_Lady

[SoFlaJet]

8. I wonder how couples of different ideological beliefs

could ever stand to be with one another? My wife and I are always talking about the issues which we usually agree on. We're both loyal democrats. My father was a George Wallace voting hard RWer and me and my mom worked on RFK's campaign on the local level...

[Radio_Lady]

11. LOL! Al and I usually agree about pretty much everything. But there are those couples who don't...

Arnold and Maria; James Carville and Mary Matalin (sp?)...

and one saucy old Democratic wife who complained to me at the local natural food store that her husband, whom she married in haste when she was a widow! After the ceremony, the guy turned out TO BE A REPUBLICAN! She didn't know what to do about it, but it was pretty clear she didn't like it AT ALL!

[nichomachus]

37. For people who are professional politicians

it's all a game -- sort of like playing chess. In DC, politicians fight and scream, cut each other's balls off, destroy their families, whatever -- and then they all go to the same parties and end up standing around the piano singing together. They are rich. They know that, whatever happens, they will never go hungry and never have to worry how to pay the bills.

As long as they play the game well, there will be corporate board positions for them, their kids will all get good jobs with just a phone call, and they'll be invited to the most wonderful places.

We're the only ones who take it seriously.

[Radio_Lady]

38. There is another side you don't treat upon. Fate's hand can also deal them:

Children who don't do well -- overdose on drugs, commit suicide, get involved with cults, or just die in traffic. (Sen. Gordon Smith and Senator John Edwards come to mind)
Parents who abandon them (Senator Obama) or spouses who become ill and are in a great deal of pain (Sen. John Edwards' wife, Elizabeth)
Misfortunes and tragedies of great magnitude embracing virtually all of the family (the Kennedys come to mind)
These "self-chosen" few can also undergo massive illness but try to struggle through (Sen. Joe Biden and Sen. Arlen Specter)

[Jamastiene]

7. I would rather have a decent health care plan.

She's eventually going to get old anyhow. I'd rather have her help on health care now, so that I can have the surgery I need. I'm tired of hurting. I'm tired of the pain day after day all because I am uninsured.

[Radio_Lady]

12. Sorry to hear that you are in pain, Jamastiene.

I hope you are able to get surgery and sad you are not insured. Perhaps it will truly be addressed by the next President.

We are older folks with less lifespan left -- on fixed incomes. We regularly have to pay more than $15,000 a year for minimal coverage. Medical and pharmaceuticals are the largest payments we make each year. We can afford it now, but who knows about tomorrow?

Cordially,

Radio Lady

[Jamastiene]

14. Affordable health care is something

that is needed across generational spans. It's rough all around.

[Radio_Lady]

22. Hillary tried a revamp of healthcare in the 90s. We can assume she would not do less if she became

President. Some of the same pitfalls still exist now, but she has more knowledge and a better plan this time. Perhaps others will actually take hold of the reins and DO SOMETHING about our atrocious system.

I wish I knew how to help you except by offering you my condolences. I struggled with oral pain for more than a year, but surgery has cured me. I have occasional back pain, but know that exercise, walking and swimming help a thousand percent.

Your situation sounds so much more difficult... unending pain and no surgical options. How in the world can anyone face that day after day? What kind of strength do you have to have to endure this?

Peace,

RL in OR

[Rowdyboy]

9. If she wants it, I imagine the Majority Leader in the senate is hers for the taking....

I expect Harry Reid would be happy to turn over the job to someone with a safe seat who would play hardball with Republicans.

[greguganus]

26. lmao! n/t

[Hawkeye-X]

10. This morning I had a vision of you in the shower..

Yes, dirty mind and all that!

:spank:

[Radio_Lady]

13. Indeed! Well, I do hope that I stood up to your scrutiny... I'll scrub your back if you scrub mine.

Ellen at the Venetian Pool, Coral Gables, Florida -- August 1956

[Window]

15. Lovely post and beautiful pictures!

[Hawkeye-X]

16. I think you were just fine. :)

[Radio_Lady]

19. I'll try to hold on to that endearing phrase:

"We were all just fine..."

Thanks, HawkeyeX!

[slinkerwink]

17. kicking!

[Radio_Lady]

20. Goodie, goodie... much appreciated, especially on a beautiful summer night.

The weight of the world is off my shoulders --

Remember the story of Ferdinand the Bull?

He didn't want to be a hero in the bullring...

He just wanted to smell the flowers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Story_of_Ferdinand

[Seabiscuit]

18. I love your wisdom and compassion, Radio Lady.

At 63, I hope to acquire some small portion of that in the next 6 years.

I also hope to live to see my child become a parent. In order to do that I'll have to live at least another quarter century, because he's only 3. So I'm planning on doubling my years.

[Radio_Lady]

21. Seabiscuit, that's such a worthy goal. There must be a story behind this which I would

love to know, should you wish to share it! Anyway, bravo for you!

Of course, my former mentor and occasional "boyfriend" in the 1950s and 70s, CNN's Larry King, married for the umpteenth time several years ago, and produced two young boys, Cannon and Chance. Those two little boys are now in grade school; Larry was born on November 19, 1933. He will be 75 years old this year.

(So, you think YOU've got a story? Here's DADDY!)


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_King

http://au.movies.yahoo.com/Larry+King/biography/94328/family/

I wish both you and Larry a very long, happy and healthy life.

Radio Lady Ellen Kimball in Oregon

[marions ghost]

23. I look forward to seeing

Hillary Clinton do "many worthwhile things." I'm not sure she has the flexibility (or the plan B).

After I get over the disappointment about Hillary Clinton I hope not to have to think about her. She has betrayed some core progressive (& feminist) values. She let all of us who'd like to see a woman president down. I no longer admire her or her husband.

I'm not identifying with Hillary's pain at this point. :eyes:

Just another point of view.

[Radio_Lady]

30. Well, she may just drop out of sight nationally, but not in New York State.

Thanks for your comment, marions ghost. We'll just have to see where it goes.

[marions ghost]

41. yes, see where it goes...

I do agree with you that she might actually (at some point) have a sense of relief that she doesn't have the weight of the world on her shoulders...damage control after the Bu$h disaster is going to be a very difficult job, Herculean.

That's a cute pic of you in the vintage bathing suit by the way, reminds me so much of my Mom (now gone). I bet you had one of those swim caps with the big flower too... I get what you're saying, Radio Lady --the message to live in the moment and keep it all in perspective.
:thumbsup:

[Radio_Lady]

45. Whenever I get "too big for my britches" -- I head out to a place nearby and look at the night sky.

I love the constellation Orion. Look at those pinpoints! Light that travels so fast each second, but I'm actually seeing beams of light that may have taken CENTURIES or more to reach my eyes! I bless my eyes, ears, nose, tongue, fingers, feet, brain and even the female parts (not working anymore -- in some ways, but who cares?). I've always liked what stripper Gypsy Rose Lee said, "I have everything I used to have, only LOWER."

On really stressful days, I think about whether I would have chosen NOT to have lived at all. We have to realize this is ALL such a big lottery anyway you look at it. You can take it back to the beginning and question everything that produced just ME -- right down to Dad's particular sperm and Mom's particular egg.

Anyway, I've not waxed poetic in a long time, but I must wain at this point.

Dinner anyone? I'd love to meet so many of you in the flesh, hand extended in a friendly gesture. We could bat around some great ideas, I'm sure.

Peace, love and happiness,

Radio Lady

(A woman who worked her butt off for 51 years in broadcasting and other pursuits, and is now contributing as a volunteer in a completely different way.)

PS. Thanks so much for all of your wonderful contributions. The glass is definitely half-full for me today, and will hopefully be ALL FULL after November 2008.

[ruby slippers]

24. I agree....Hillary needs to just be a grandma. She will love it! That

will fulfill her dream more than she will EVER know as President....

[phrigndumass]

25. You have a unique insight that comes from experience, Ellen

Excellent post. K/R

:hi:

[Radio_Lady]

31. Yes, and it's hard to convince anyone at this time and in this space.

After all, Hillary's political experience doesn't seem to count for a huge bunch of folks. So, the thrashing around just continues for at least another (week) (month) (year) (Forever -- because it's politics).

Thanks for your post.

The bottom line is, "Everyone is dust in the wind."

Sometimes, when I'm least expecting it... I get a flash forward to the thought, "Someday, I just won't be here." It really takes my breath away (no pun intended). It also takes the wind out of the sails of my inflated ego.

Have a great weekend!

RL Ellen

[olkaz]

27. olkaz: I like this post.

[Radio_Lady]

32. Hi olkaz. Appreciate your comment. RL

[sandyj999]

28. I am in total agreement.

Sometimes fate steps in and we don't get what we think we want but in the end it's even better. At 72 I am very proud to see that we have come this far and I wish her only the best for the rest of her life.

[Radio_Lady]

34. Sandyj999, I bow to your wisdom and thought processes.

I hope to continue to emulate people such as you. Right now, that would be dear Aunt Marian in California.

She's 84 years old, with spouse deceased a few years ago, her only child mentally ill and little or no family support except from me, her sister's only child. She's going to come up here to visit in July.

Marian trudges on bravely with all of her charm, wisdom, and a big fat sense of humor about everything. She has an immense amount of knowledge gathered over her lifetime and she pours it out regularly, much to my delight.

She rarely complains, and if she does, it's about loneliness and frailty. That's understandable.

[sandyj999]

43. Thank you so much Radio_Lady n/t

[Catchawave]

29. Just when I think DU's slipping into the freeperlike abyss.....

Along comes a really great post from a really great DUer.

Thank you for this :hi:

Rec.

[Radio_Lady]

35. Quick! Out of the abyss! We didn't have an earthquake! We missed the tornadoes!

The arsonists didn't get us.

We got up this morning and our name wasn't in the obituary section of our local paper!

The azaleas and the rhododendrons are in bloom. The sun is shining. This is the day we have and it's all we have.

This is the life we inherited and it's so short... it will be over in a heartbeat. Why waste it?

Halleluah!

I think it was my German-speaking father-in-law who used to quote, "Ve get too soon old, und too late schmart!"

:hi:

[lumpy]

64. Some of the best people on the face of the earth live in Oregon

I am sure. Lived there for quite a few years and it is the best. Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful posts. I am one of those who have appreciated Hillary Clinton for her steadfastness and democratic spirit. She has been denigrated so often and she hasn't deserved it by any means. I am in my 80th year, still optimistic hoping to live long enough to see a change for the better in this country. Unfortunatly there has been an increase in some of the less desirable aspects of human nature; I'm hoping the pendulum will swing back to delivering a sense of atruism, decency and integrity.

[Radio_Lady]

69. We are latecomers to Oregon ten years ago, but on behalf of the people of OR, I thank you.

Altruism, decency and integrity would certainly be wonderful qualities to accentuate in the coming years.

I appreciate your post, Lumpy, and everything you said above. Happiness and long life to you from Ellen & Al.

Cordially,

Radio Lady Ellen

[DU GrovelBot]

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[Kerrytravelers]

36. Ooops. Misread the OP!

:hi:

[Radio_Lady]

39. No worries. Cheers for a happy weekend, KerryT.!

[JTFrog]

40. Don't worry about Hillary.

She'll get over her disappointment and enjoy the rest of her life on a level of excess that almost all of "us humans" in the world can only dream about or be ill about.

[Radio_Lady]

46. JTFrog, just jump over here and let's hug...

:hug:

[KittyWampus]

42. Exactly! As a 45 year old woman who had to give up her dream- once you do, you find

so much energy available for WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE!

The world is her oyster.

After she gets over the heartache, she can choose another path.

Her best days are ahead of her.

[Radio_Lady]

48. Beautiful! Besides, I just adore your Mary Cassatt avatar!

Those two little kiddos playing -- Cassatt is probably my favorite female painter.

I don't remember the name of that painting, however.

Here's another of my favorites:

[MethuenProgressive]

44. Thank you for the very nice post, RL!

:hi:

[Radio_Lady]

50. Hey, Methuen! Here's a wave back at you from two former Bostonians!

We had hoped to get back there this summer, but we had to scrub our plans due to "circumstances beyond our control."

Have a wonderful weekend!

:hi:

[Sundoggy]

47. Hey, whatever helps you accept the inevitable n/t

[Radio_Lady]

56. What I hope will be INEVITABLE will be the election of a Democratic President and VP!

[AllentownJake]

49. Look at Al Gore

It would have been better for the country if the election wasn't stolen from him however he's now one of the most respected men in the world and he has a Nobel Peace Prize, A grammy, and an Oscar. Plus he's made more money than God.

Losing isn't the worst thing.

[Radio_Lady]

52. Yep. A perfect example. Sometimes a loss actually becomes...

the best thing that ever happens to you!

Thanks, Jake3463...

CU@theDU

[AllentownJake]

53. She has a database

full of people who adore her. I'm sure once she's had time to think she will find a cause that she believes in, most likely health care, and use that information to build a new organization devoted to fighting for that cause.

[Radio_Lady]

55. Excellent point!

[AllentownJake]

57. Also there is a rumor

Chelsea is about to get engaged to a guy whose Dad was involved in some scandal. You can't pick your parents. I heard it was postponed not to distract from the election. She's probably got a wedding in her future as well.

This was no way a shot at Hillary or Chelsea. The guy she's with from what I heard is awesome its just his dad screwed up.

[Radio_Lady]

60. Children are not responsible for the errant ways of their parents.

[AllentownJake]

61. No they aren't

and I agree with their decision because the media would make an issue out of it.

[lumpy]

66. No , of course you wouldn't take a shot at Hillary or Chelsea.

uh, never.

[lumpy]

65. Hillary Clinton's cause has always been to work for the

betterment of this country, that has always been her cause.

[Shine]

51. Yes, it's all for the best. I agree.

and, for what it's worth....I also have some of my best insights and inspirations while I'm in the shower!

I can totally relate.

:hi:

[Radio_Lady]

54. Thanks. It must be something about how the water rubs the molecules of air...

Charging electrons or something like that.

Actually, much of my best thinking comes when I'm swimming, but that counts, too.

:hi:

[Madam Mossfern]

59. I think many people do.

I know that most of my best insights come when I'm in the shower or bath. As a matter of fact when I'm faced with a dilemma or tough situation in my life I usually take a nice long bath and I usually gain the insight to resolve the situation. I've spoken to others who have the same experience.

I wonder if there have been any studies on this?

[Shine]

63. The element of water connects us with our intuition and feelings.

:thumbsup: I wouldn't need to see "science proving the obvious" on that, because I already it's true. :D

:hi:

[Madam Mossfern]

58. What a wonderful 'glass half full' post

every cloud has a silver lining...and all that. Yes, every moment in our lives is an opportunity. Hillary is a survivor and she has a survivor's spunk. No matter what the outcome, she'll make the most of it.
K&R

[Bucky]

62. Thank you for this post, Radio Lady.

You know, when I saw this headline about you revealing things in the shower, my brain went in a completely different direction. But I enjoyed this post almost as much ;)

[kitfalbo]

67. Hmm

Much better than the last post I saw. Grats on the upgrade.

[blondie58]

68. what a lovely surprise to read this positive and inspirational post, Radio Lady!

After your last post, especially. I don't remember if I even replied; I know that I didn't know what to say. I am a firm believer that life throws some curveballs at you- it may change your path, but you can't give up. Life is indeed a giftto be lived fully.

Thank you again!:D

[Olney Blue]

70. Thank you for this wonderful thread!

I will always appreciate how inspirational Hillary has been to me!