And Just Like That!

 It's mid-November, I'm wrapping presents and planning Pie Day Friday- the day after Thanksgiving. Here's a shot of Pie in July. There were 8 pies in the end. I hope we exceed that for Pie Day Friday.

 

My Thanksgiving is forever changed. No more big dinner for several, just a turkey thigh, stuffing, gravy, Brussels sprouts and cranberries for me alone while I bake pies and watch the parade and set up for company the next day. I like it.

In fact, I'm discovering things I like and don't like, free from any influence. For example, I finally admitted to myself that I don't like being touched all that much. It probably goes back to gods know what, but I just am no fan. The 70s hugging, the hand-holding, the stroking of head/hair, all somewhat repel me and I think always did.  

There are foods I've come to the "ew" point over that I've eaten without complaint all these years. 

There is clothing I refuse to ever wear again. 

There are countless opinions I don't give a rat's ass about. 

There are rules that I deem foolish and ignore.

Religion, and its trappings, are a curious human situation to me. Nothing more.

Is this the benefit of 6.5 decades of living? To finally get to be who You are, sans the imposed and shellacked layers of socializing/programming? Who knows. Not "having to" do whatever is the most freeing thing ever. 

And maybe that's the gift of aging. Saying what I think without interior censors. Doing what I like without caring what others think. Freedom. And for that, I am truly thankful.

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