LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
ON TODAY’S
HAVING THE PRIME OF MY LIFE
“If you can’t beat ‘em…join ‘em,” my mother always said. Why she took up bowling lessons. Dad wasn’t going to stop doing the things he loved. She either had to learn new things or go without companionship.
We fear change as much as the humans of the Star Trek NGT feared the Borg. We think we are giving up something intrinsic and uniquely us if we adapt and assimilate.
Years ago, movies were banned by those who feared the infiltration might ruin impressionable minds. While I was in school, movies became a staple in education…audiovisual aids…they were called. Some of the students actually took courses to learn how to operate the devices and how to change reels. Of course, that was before DVDs and YouTube.
When computers came along, some thought the end was near—visions of evil cyber intelligence taking over the world. Eventually, some educators began to see the educational despite the well-meaning church folk who decided the Internet was the devil’s work. Now gadgets are used in the classroom and churches as never before.
I guess my mother’s old standby, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em,” still holds true. Better to adapt and assimilate the new thing than to continue mindlessly with the comfortable and proven.
Perhaps the biggest reason for resistance is the fact that the older we get, the longer it takes to process and learn. Maybe that’s why we want to hold to the old policies, to the old ways of doing things, to our antiquated equipment. It gets harder and harder to add new information to an all-ready crowded brain.
My mother’s life saw many changes—from wringer washer machine and pedal-operated sewing machine to automatic clothes washer and an electric dishwasher. With each transition, she fought the change until time, energy, or the insistence of others forced the change. Always, though, she was glad she finally capitulated.
I vehemently opposed the digital age. I swore up I’d never learn how to use a computer. Then computers became mandatory in my job. I had no choice. “If you can’t beat em, join em,” I said.
I’ll never be techno-smart, but I did learn that computers can greatly enhance the quality of life. And so I learned not to resist so hard, but to embrace change. And so my generation has gone from manual typewriters to electric typewriters to computers, from dial access antenna operated televisions to remotes to cable, from VCRs to DVR to TiVo, from clumsy movie cameras to camcorders to digital recorders and smartphones that do it all.
Every aspect of our lives is touched by change. We can resist and miss out on the wonders the new brings, or we can get on the surfboard of change and glide to shore, enjoying the ride.
ABOUT LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
Award-winning author, Linda Wood Rondeau serves as both senior editor and acquisitions editor for Elk Lake Publishing. A veteran social worker, her published novels examine the complexities of human relationships. Most of Linda’s work is contemporary fiction. However, she has published both speculative and non-fiction.
Her blog, Snark and Sensibility, hosts writers of various genres. She manages a Facebook page, Having the Prime of My Life, a positive look at aging issues. Linda resides in Hagerstown with her husband of forty years. Readers may visit her web site at www.lindarondeau.com. Contact the author on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Wood-Rondeau/e/B006FNG1BI/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
ABOUT IT REALLY IS A WONDERFUL LIFE
Midville newcomer and Iraq War widow, Dorie Fitzgerald, despises the frigid Adirondack wasteland that has now become her home. After twenty failed job interviews, she questions the wisdom of moving to be near her parents. Desperate to belong, she joins the local Community Theater, in production for It’s a Wonderful Life.
Jamey Sullivan has put his professional life on hold in order to run the family business and to help his ailing father. He signs on for Midville’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life, although he hopes to receive a Broadway casting call any day now.
When these two meet, they are instantly attracted to one another. However, ambition, demanding children, and a romantic rival threaten to squash their growing love for one another. Each must discover that the best things in life are found where your heart resides.
It Really is a Wonderful Life is set in the beautiful Adirondack mountains, a perfect backdrop for a Christmas romance.
Buy Link https://www.amazon.com/Really-Wonderful-Life-Linda-Rondeau-ebook/dp/B07YYNNNQS/
THE YEARS THE LOCUSTS ATE
12/28/2020 1:00:00 AM by: JUNE FOSTER
CATHEDRAL STATE PARK, WEST VIRGINIA
12/21/2020 1:00:00 AM by: JOHN BARRINGER
PRIME OF MY LIFE
12/14/2020 1:00:00 AM by: GAIL KITTLESON
FULL CIRCLE
12/7/2020 1:00:00 AM by: JAYME H MANSFIELD
GREEN STUFF AND HUBS
12/2/2020 3:30:00 PM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
NOEL: THE CAT WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS
11/30/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
GREEN STUFF MAGIC
11/23/2020 7:48:00 PM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
WHEN GRANDMA FORGETS
11/2/2020 1:00:00 AM by: CRYSTAL BOWMAN
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF BLUE ZONES?
10/26/2020 1:00:00 AM by: SALLY JO PITTS
FIVE WAYS SENIORS CAN BOOST THEIR IMMUNE SYSTEMS
10/19/2020 1:00:00 AM by: GINNY DENT BRANT
IF YOU CAN'T BEAT 'EM JOIN 'EM
9/28/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
WALKING IN A WRITER'S WONDERLAND
9/7/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
CREAMING
8/31/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
LIFE IS THE ADVENTURE
8/24/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
QUITTING MY DAY JOB
8/17/2020 1:00:00 AM by: DEBRA COLEMAN JETER
ADAPT OR DIE
7/27/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
SAY THANK YOU TO OUR FRIENDS IN BLUE
7/20/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
THE SWEET COUPLE HOLDING HANDS
7/13/2020 1:00:00 AM by: MELISSA HENDERSON
SURPRISE! SURPRISE! SURPRISE!
7/6/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
FROM FICTION TO NON-FICTION AND BACK AGAIN
6/29/2020 1:00:00 AM by: GAIL KITTLESON
WHO SAID GROWING OLD IS FUN?
6/22/2020 1:00:00 AM by: MARTHA ROGERS
AND NOT TO YIELD
6/15/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
MY CULTURAL DISCONNECT
6/8/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
WHAT IS RETIREMENT
6/1/2020 1:00:00 AM by: JULIE COSGROVE
LOOKING UP OR LOOKING AWAY
5/25/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
SEEKING GOD
5/11/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
HOW OLD ARE YOU
5/4/2020 1:00:00 AM by: Rachel J. Good
IT'S NOT OKAY
4/27/2020 1:00:00 AM by: MARTIN WILES
EMBRACING MY INNER BOOMER
4/20/2020 1:00:00 AM by: BARBARA BRITTON
THE RACE FOR LILY
4/13/2020 1:00:00 AM by: SHERRI STEWART
GRANNY ALICE
4/6/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LYNNE BASHAM TAGAWA
RESILIENCE
3/29/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
LIVING WITH CHANGE
3/9/2020 1:00:00 AM by: MARTIN WILES
WHEN THE GROCERY STORE CLERK HAS TO CHECK YOUR AGE
2/24/2020 1:00:00 AM by: MELISSA HENDERSON
THE IMPORTANCE OF CREAMING
2/17/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
FRIENDS AT ANY AGE
2/3/2020 1:00:00 AM by: ERIN UNGER
IDENTITY CHECK
1/27/2020 1:00:00 AM by: MARTIN WILES
IF YOU CAN'T BEAT 'EM, JOIN 'EM
1/20/2020 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
MY POSSESSIONS MATURE ALONG WITH ME
1/13/2020 1:00:00 AM by: MARIE WATTS
EYES FRONT
1/6/2020 10:51:00 AM by: TERRI MAIN
THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING'
12/30/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
SANTA'S RELUCTANT HELPER
12/23/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
THE PURSUIT OF WEALTH
12/16/2019 1:00:00 AM by: DEBRA COLEMAN JETER
VANQUISHING THE CHRISTMAS BLUES
12/9/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
GRANDMAS THEN VS GRANDMAS NOW
12/2/2019 3:41:00 PM by: GAIL SATTLER
TECHNO BLUES
11/25/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
ADAPT OR DIE
11/18/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
CREAMING
11/11/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
When our Get Up and Go Gets Up and Goes
11/4/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
LIFE IS THE ADVENTURE
10/28/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
MY LIFE AS A BARCODE
10/21/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
THE QUEST FOR THIN
10/14/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
THE AMERICAN DREAM
10/7/2019 1:00:00 AM by: ANGELA BREIDENBACH
FROM GOLDEN YEARS TO GOLDEN BELLS
9/30/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
THE CHORDS THAT BIND MY MEMORIES
9/23/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
JUST BE STILL
9/16/2019 1:00:00 AM by: MARTIN WILES
PRINCE CHARMING, SPIDERS, AND CHEMO
9/2/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
GRAY IS GRAND
8/26/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LOREE PEERY
A GOOD QUESTION
8/19/2019 1:00:00 AM by: GEORGE CARGILL
LOVING THE BABY BOOMER GENERATION
8/12/2019 1:00:00 AM by: ERIN UNGER
MAKING PRETTY THINGS
8/5/2019 1:00:00 AM by: KATHY MCKINSEY
ARE YOU TOO OLD TO BECOME AN AUTHOR
7/29/2019 1:00:00 AM by: HARRY WEGLEY
ENJOY THE MEAL
7/22/2019 1:00:00 AM by: MARTIN WILES
IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME
7/15/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
KEEPING IT FRESH
7/8/2019 1:00:00 AM by: WANDA O. HOT
OVERFLOWING WITH BLESSINGS
7/1/2019 1:00:00 AM by: CLEO LAMPOS
HAVING THE PRIME OF MY LIFE
6/24/2019 1:00:00 AM by: JO MASSARO
GOLDEN GIRL
6/17/2019 1:00:00 AM by: PAT JEANNE DAVIS
WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW
6/10/2019 1:00:00 AM by: CLEO LAMPOS
Food, Families, and Fond Memories
6/3/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
FOR THOSE OVER FIFTY-FIVE
5/20/2019 1:00:00 AM by: JUNE FOSTER
NEXT GENERATION
5/13/2019 1:00:00 AM by: KATHLEEN NEELY
Mimi and Bop
5/6/2019 1:00:00 AM by: Melissa Henderson
NEVER TO OLD TO START OVER
4/29/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
THE WRITER'S CALLING
4/15/2019 1:00:00 AM by: SHERRI STEWART
PLAYING THROUGH THE FOG
4/8/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
SOMETIMES WE JUST NEED TO TURN OFF THE GPS
4/1/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
DON’T CALL HER MA’AM
3/25/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
When Your Past Looms Longer than Your Future
3/18/2019 1:00:00 AM by: Debra Coleman Jeter
OUR MCDONALDS
3/11/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
BORN TOO LATE
3/4/2019 1:00:00 AM by: DIANNE BARKER
PERSPECTIVE
2/25/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LISA LICKEL
IS IT THE BEGINNING OR THE END
2/18/2019 1:00:00 AM by: KATHLEEN NEELY
MY TO-DO LIST
2/11/2019 2:16:00 PM by: SHERRI STEWART
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING
2/3/2019 9:07:00 PM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
MAMA, I CAN'T TAKE A BATH THERE'S A FISH IN THE TUB
1/21/2019 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
EAT RIGHT NOW LIVE LONGER LATER
1/14/2019 1:00:00 AM by: Jude Urbanski
AM I STRESSED?
1/7/2019 1:57:00 PM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
SHOULD VS WANT
12/31/2018 3:58:00 PM by: LINDA WOOD RONDEAU
I'LL BE ALONE FOR CHRISTMAS ... YOU CAN COUNT ON ME
12/24/2018 1:00:00 AM by: Julie Cosgrove
THE ONLY CONSTANT IS CHANGE
12/17/2018 1:00:00 AM by: LINDA SHENTON MATCHETT
LIVING WITHOUT REGRET
12/10/2018 1:00:00 AM by: Grant Ferguson
GROWING UP CAN BE FUN SO IS GETTING OLDER
12/3/2018 1:00:00 AM by: ELLIE GUSTAFSON
SOARING WITH BROKEN WINGS
11/19/2018 1:00:00 AM by: Linda Wood Rondeau
NEVER TOO LATE
11/5/2018 8:33:00 PM by: DIANE TATUM
The Not So Good Good Old Days
10/22/2018 1:05:00 AM by: Linda Wood Rondeau