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The Newcomer

(by Della Bacon - January 18, 2010)

If I asked for the shirt off your back, would you give it to me? I bet you wouldnt. Yet, I found someone in Oroville who would, and did! Thats right—she actually gave me the sweatshirt off her back. I didnt know her; had never seen her before in my life. But this tall lady walked by me. I immediately noticed the little pigs painted on the front of her shirt. I didnt say anything then, but when we passed, I looked back. Then exclaimed: Thats my shirt! Honestly, Karen Barker, was startled (as were many customers in the store). She turned and said, Excuse me?
Well, I had to explain…My name is Della Bacon. Those pigs are darling! We are related, you know? Me, the Bacon, you with the little pigs. Get it?
Karen Barker turned, and seemed to stand tall as she replied, I would give you this shirt, except I have nothing underneath it. She then walked out the store. The customers who were standing around, sorta tee heed, giggled, and tried to pretend they hadnt heard.
Lo and behold, a few minutes passed and Barker comes back into the store, carrying the shirt. Oh My! What could I say? Oh my gosh! Thank you, Karen Barker! I will treasure that shirt forever and ever. Even wear it with my golden hat. You are the first person I have ever known, who really and truly gave me the shirt off their back. (Many folks have said they would, but never actually did.) Of course my son, who witnessed this episode, had to put in his two cents. Gosh Mom, I wouldnt have believed it, if I hadnt seen it, with my own eyes. There were other witnesses. You can ask Marsha, the manager of the Discount Bread Store on Myers Street or Barbara Norton, a regular shopper, who has a son living in Idaho.
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Age is a wonderful thing. Anti-aging is frightening. Would I really want to age backwards? Every time I turn on the television, or read an advertisement, someone is talking about how someone, or something, can magically get your clock to go backwards. They call it anti-aging. It can be an exercise machine, or a soothing lotion or cream. Well, I certainly dont want to look old, act old, or be older than I am. But, on the other hand, I feel I have earned every single grey hair, wrinkle and roll of fat. Turn my clock back? No way, Jose. I would hate to have to relive the aging process. It wasnt easy getting this old, and I intend to hopefully enjoy what is left of my life.
When I retired, a few years ago, I honestly believed I could give my brain a rest. Then I got this information from the YMCA: As the population of the United States ages, more and more individuals are experiencing concerns about their mental sharpness.
I think that means our brain ages? Well, thats okay with me, I always believed the older I got the better informed and the more valuable my experience. Right? No, sorry, that is wrong! The older you get, the more you forget, unless you sign up for this YMCA course.
This new information describes Brain Exercises, as a way to a healthy memory. It is a 7- week program teaching how to keep ones brain youthful. It is directed for people over 50, but anyone can join. I am not old. I am not young. But, I want to remain agile. How about you? Sounds like fun, doesnt it? For a small price and a once a week meeting for 7 weeks, you will learn how to keep your brain active. I hope you will come, join the fun, and be there with me. Please call the YMCA right away (the class starts this month) and sign up (533 9622.) We can learn together.
Talking about programs for those over 50. I confess, I took the AARP Over 50 Driving Refresher Course in October. I met some super folks. I learned so very much. Today, the predictions made in that class for women 5 ft. and under came true. I scraped the paint off a pole at the Beacon Service Station on Oroville Dam Blvd. It happened on the passenger side of the car, just like they said it would. If I dont figure out a way to sit higher in the drivers seat, so I can see over the right fender, it might happen again. I didnt drive away in shame. I really and truly did confess, but not to my insurance company. It is fixable without them. And yes, I bought a cushion to sit on.
Now about my New Years Resolutions. I choose not to get older. But refuse to participate in anti-aging products. Why? Well folks, I put in a lot of time being who I am? And who I am is sorta fun. What about You? Are you doing and being all the things you hoped you would be when you matured? Believe me, there is a Life out there. It is waiting for us. You dont have to be supporting a family, hugging your babies, or feeling sad about how things could have been different. Wake up! Be yourself. You have earned it.
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Is it true? Is the Birdcage Theatre going to the dogs? If it is, I want to be there and see it happen! Last month, Anna Devore was the director in Cliffs End, where Ruffus, a dog set the stage, with the help of Susan Eisenberg. This month its Eisenberg, Ruffus owner, and Barbara Jeanne Daggett starring in Lost. It is a one-act play written by Mary Louise Wilson and directed by Mindy Rose Kubik. All of Wilsons one act sketches combine sophisticated wit with belly laughs. This one is witty comedy as experienced by two delightfully absent-minded women. If you relate to becoming more absent minded, see this play, then sign up for the YMCA 7-week course on Brain Agility.
More about dogs and The Birdcage Theatre: Two other one-act plays, The Scent and I Dont Smoke, are written and directed by a newcomer to Oroville and the Birdcage Theatre, Carol Kitchen. She is a dynamic individual who radiates enthusiasm. Now about the plays—It wasnt the dog that caught The Scent So who was it? Ill never tell, but I encourage you to see it yourself. An Evening of One-Acts, written, performed and directed by local talent.
Please dont miss a great opportunity to enjoy and appreciate our local talent. I promise you that fun, laughter, mystery, suspense, empathy, and sympathy will fill your heart and soul. The dogs? Come see for yourself. Then you tell me, Is The Birdcage going to the dogs? Or are the dogs going to The Birdcage? The one-acts are playing through January 31. Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets are available in advance at Discount Book Store, or at the door.
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When I was in the business world, my bosses told me: Dont bring me a problem, unless you have a solution. Then tell me your solution first. I may or may not want to know the problem.
My request for the week: If you like what I write, tell my boss, David Miller. If you dont like what I write, and you have a suggestion on how this column can be improved, tell me. Drop me a line at: della@diggernews.com
della bacon, The Newcomer