Snark & Sensibility

PLEASE WELCOME

PAT JEANNE DAVIS

TO

HAVING THE PRIME OF MY LIFE

            I couldn’t wait until my birthday, but my husband wasn’t overjoyed by the prospect. Then I’d retire and enjoy this new phase in my life reserved for those "62 and better." At last, I’d be able to devote more of my day to writing. Money wouldn’t be as plentiful, but we’d manage.

            When at last the day arrived, I planned food, clothing, and household purchases for those times designated by stores as senior citizen’s day. I was delighted when salespeople asked to see proof of age and made such remarks as, "I can’t believe you’re over 50!" Or occasionally, "You can’t be more than 45!"

            Once the clerk wanted to know, "What have you done to deserve 15% off at such a young age?"

            I smiled and said, "Raising kids should qualify."

            However, My husband objects when I request the senior’s discount when we go out together to eat.

            "Why do you have to advertise your age?" he wants to know.

            Recently I asked him to request the customary senior discount on a repair bill when he picked up my car.

            "I feel uncomfortable in asking," he complained.

            "It’s all right for me to save money as long as you don’t have to get involved," I replied.

            Later, I told him, "We only received the discount because the mechanic thinks you’re 62 because of that gray hair."

            John is 58. He wasn’t amused.

            I enjoyed my new status as a "golden girl" until one day a family member accompanied me to the post office.

            As I was paying for the stamps—no discount requested—the clerk asked, "How old is your grandson?"

            Joshua immediately replied, "I’m 14. She’s my mother." I felt for my son as he’s always proclaiming that I look 10 years younger than his father.

            I sensed the postal clerk didn’t know what to say.

            Now I began to wonder whether this experience was only an exception. Surely those salesclerks weren’t just flattering me.

            Soon my 63rd birthday would be here. To celebrate the event, my husband took me to a new and pricey restaurant. When it came time to pay I didn’t ask him to request their courtesy discount.

            The waiter looked straight at my husband. "Would you like the discount, Sir?"

            There was a long pause. Then John looked at me. He’s so self-conscious about his age.

            Feeling much satisfaction I said, "No, thank you," Now I knew those nice salespeople were sincere in their compliments.

            When my hubby reaches 62, he’ll still want me to apply for our discounts. Until then I’ll gladly accept what is mine. But I won’t be seen as often with my adolescent son. This “golden girl” wants to feel like she’s experienced enough of life to be equipped to write about it, but still too young to be a grandma.

ABOUT PAT JEANNE DAVIS

PAT JEANNE DAVIS lives in Philadelphia, Pa with her British-born husband, John. They have two grown sons. She enjoys flower gardening, genealogy research and traveling with her husband. Pat has published essays, short stories and articles online and in print. She has a keen interest in mid-twentieth-century American and British history, particularly the period of World War II. Pat’s father-in-law served in the British Eighth Army during the war. When Valleys Bloom Again is her debut historical romance set in that era. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Historical Novel Society. Pat loves to hear from her readers. Subscribe to her newsletter here www.patjeannedavis.com

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ABOUT WHEN VALLEYS BLOOM AGAIN

As war approaches in 1939 Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London—but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London too? Abby becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.

Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England? Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for a lifetime and to hope for a happy marriage?

Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love with Jim—soon to be drafted by the U.S. Army—or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home and find happiness with Jim?

When Valleys Bloom Again can be purchased here:

Amazon:  

https://www.amazon.com/Valleys-Bloom-Again-Jeanne-Davis/dp/1948888920/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=154

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