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Mirrors Never Lie... Or Do They? ๐Ÿค”  

Paulxx001 67M
8732 posts
3/27/2019 12:54 am

Last Read:
6/3/2020 11:05 am

Mirrors Never Lie... Or Do They? ๐Ÿค”

It was Saturday afternoon and my usual provisions provider was crammed with irritable shoppers scrambling about. Are Saturdayโ€™s the worst day of the week to visit these types of stores? Possibly, but especially if you're not fond of crowds; Iโ€™m not.

I waited patiently at the checkout line as the elderly, grey haired man in front of me hunched over and reached into his basket. His trembling hands placed a can of tuna on the rubber conveyor. As he glanced at me our eyes met and I could tell; he didn't like crowds either. I watched as he pulled out a quart of milk, a loaf of white bread, then a can of beans and two bananas. Finally, he placed a small jar of peanut butter on that moving belt. The cashierโ€™s register flashed a number and she announced the total.

The grey haired man searched for his wallet as she tapped her fingers against her arm and waited. He thrust his hands into his pockets again and then again, as if magically his wallet would appear; it didn't. He looked at her meekly with a helpless look of resignation.

"We'll put all this away for you sir. When you come back with your wallet, it'll be here waiting for you, ok?"

The grey haired man was visibly embarrassed yet it was panic that gripped his throat as he stuttered; "I... I live a ways away. I wonโ€™t be able to get back here before youโ€™re closed."

The people in back of me grew restless as they glanced side to side for an escape to another โ€˜cashโ€™. The cashier had already pushed his items aside. And thatโ€™s when I spoke up.

"I'll pay for it."

The grey haired man tried to refuse my help but I wouldnโ€™t listen. By the time I'd paid, tears had filled his faded grey eyes and he'd shaken my hand and thanked me a dozen times. As he slowly turned away, he clutched that bag of food and draped it carefully over his shoulder. It was snowing outside as he tugged on his woollen hat, put on his gloves and shuffled slowly out the door. I watched as he disappeared into those swirling flakes of white.

It dawned on me that no one ever plans for it. Everyone denies it and then before you realize it โ€“ time has blazed by. Mirrors never lie; they reflect exactly what you want to see in them. When I look into one, I see the mind of a young man trapped in a face thatโ€™s not mine. The wrinkles around those eyes belong to someone else. Grimly I wondered what if - something were to happen to me? I live alone. How long would it take for them to find me? Not that Iโ€™m planning on leaving or going anywhere; no one ever does. It just happens.

We don't plan to be alone and grow oldโ€ฆ or do we?

....................................................
So...
Do you feel your age; physically and mentally?

Bonus Question: When do you shop for your food?


I guess, I could also have asked; How important is it, for you, not to be alone? But 's a harsh question, isn't it? . .
.......................................................
. .


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 12:55 am

I feel... as if I'm in, my mid thirties... mentally. I spend quite a bit of time on the computer, as part of my job, so trends and things like that, are fresh. My daughters and I share a love of movies and music. We're always exchanging favorite songs. The fact that I still get on my drum kit, from time to time... creates the illusion, that I'm younger, than I am.
Physically... I don't feel my age. I'm in pretty good shape. I could probably get more exercise. Although, after a night of playing the drums... man; the next day, I really... feel my age. Things are creeking. Oh well... ๐Ÿ˜Š


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 12:55 am

I actually shop for food, almost every day. Sort of like the European tradition, of shopping for fresh ingredients, one might say.
In my case, it's become a habit. A way of relieving the stress from my day. And I find great specials. I'm not always sure what I'm in the mood to eat, but when I see it... it motivates me, to come up with something different. Oh... and it's a great place to meet people... lol ๐Ÿ˜ŠTrue! ๐Ÿ˜


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 12:56 am

Well... I may be alone, but I'm not lonely. I have my children and family and friends, as well as, my hobbies and passions and interests; to keep me busy and engaged with others. Of course, it would be nice, to have a life partner, and I don't just mean a lover. I may be set in my ways, where that's not quite, what I'm searching for. Perhaps I will be alone... until, I'm not. Who knows? ๐Ÿค”


dogslife2live01 71M

3/27/2019 1:06 am

i live alone. i shop daily. my mirror is the most dishonest object in my place. every time i shave it shows the shriveled face of a thirty year old man
ps
good move on insuring the person left the store with his food

there is a world of difference between insanity and stupidity


jajo696 113F
4287 posts
3/27/2019 1:24 am

yes....good move on assisting that man. I call it paying it forward cuz one nevah knows when we will need that.

I am soon to be alone . Dont really know what feelings that will evoke. Yet i have thought of the concept of congregate housing as i age.

For now my work keeps me going and active, it was my sanctuary after the loss of my husband. I also have a wide and supportive group of friends.

No....the mirror doesnt lie , and neither do the creaking bones of a certain age.

Currently i shop whenever there is a need, but if and when i retire, i like that european way of going to the market daily, i might adopt that idea.

Thanks for this post....it generates thought ~~


lust4life59 65F  
2552 posts
3/27/2019 1:44 am

I live alone, out in the country, 13 miles from the nearest grocery store, and out of sight of the nearest neighbor 1/2 mile away. I'm retired, so unless I have plans with someone, it might be days before I am missed, although I do keep in close touch with some friends. They might check on me if they haven't heard from me in 2 or 3 days, but I'm not sure since they live a pretty good distance from me if they would check on me in person. I think about it, but I don't dwell on it. I definitely don't feel lonely I enjoy the solitude and the company of my dog. I don't feel my age unless I've spent a day working outside on the property, lifting and moving things that I probably have no business doing at any age. And I shop for groceries weekly, although if I'm out and about doing other errands I will pick up a few things just to be able to extend that weekly trip.


joeyten 69M
10 posts
3/27/2019 3:34 am

Its true every one is trapped in a body large,slim,fit we where once young and in our heads our minds eye we are still young as we live longer when I was in secoundery school I thought that I would die around 40 years of age but NO I am 61 now and look forward to reaching 90 but no one knows when we will pass all I can say if I get out of bed in the morning its a good day now I live to enjoy what time I have.


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 4:00 am

    Quoting dogslife2live01:
    i live alone. i shop daily. my mirror is the most dishonest object in my place. every time i shave it shows the shriveled face of a thirty year old man
    ps
    good move on insuring the person left the store with his food
You sound a lot like me and you live in the same city... lol. ๐Ÿ‘
Yeah... his bill, wasn't much. I think most people would have helped that man. You'd have to be an asshole if you didn't, no? lol... ๐Ÿค” Drop by anytime.


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 4:08 am

    Quoting jajo696:
    yes....good move on assisting that man. I call it paying it forward cuz one nevah knows when we will need that.

    I am soon to be alone . Dont really know what feelings that will evoke. Yet i have thought of the concept of congregate housing as i age.

    For now my work keeps me going and active, it was my sanctuary after the loss of my husband. I also have a wide and supportive group of friends.

    No....the mirror doesnt lie , and neither do the creaking bones of a certain age.

    Currently i shop whenever there is a need, but if and when i retire, i like that european way of going to the market daily, i might adopt that idea.

    Thanks for this post....it generates thought ~~
One never does know... do we? ๐Ÿค”
Soon to be alone? Good for you, that you have a wide group of friends... that always helps.
Creaking bones? lol... ๐Ÿ˜Tell me about it. I still think I'm a kid and I learn a lesson, once in a while.
That style of shopping suits me. Everyone in the store knows me and they'll steer me towards what's on special, as well as the discounted items. But like I said... I stumble upon things that interest me on that day. And it's true... it is a fun place to meet people... Or at least, here it is. Let me know how it works out for you... ๐Ÿ˜Š
Thanks for sharing your pov. ๐Ÿ™‚


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 4:16 am

    Quoting lust4life59:
    I live alone, out in the country, 13 miles from the nearest grocery store, and out of sight of the nearest neighbor 1/2 mile away. I'm retired, so unless I have plans with someone, it might be days before I am missed, although I do keep in close touch with some friends. They might check on me if they haven't heard from me in 2 or 3 days, but I'm not sure since they live a pretty good distance from me if they would check on me in person. I think about it, but I don't dwell on it. I definitely don't feel lonely I enjoy the solitude and the company of my dog. I don't feel my age unless I've spent a day working outside on the property, lifting and moving things that I probably have no business doing at any age. And I shop for groceries weekly, although if I'm out and about doing other errands I will pick up a few things just to be able to extend that weekly trip.
Hmmm.. I love the solitude you describe. Although... 2 to 3 days is.... Well, it's what it is, right? Like you said - you're not dwelling on it. Good for you. I don't think about it either... It just hits me, once in a while. ๐Ÿค”
It sounds like you're a real :go getter ' ! I guess I'm spoiled, in the sense that things for me are so close.
Then again... I don't have the air and land that you do. Need any help with any chores? I work cheap. ๐Ÿ˜Š
Thanks for sharing your pov. Pop in any time... ๐Ÿ˜˜


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 4:18 am

    Quoting  :

... only when I'm work, driving my car or operating heavy machinery. Otherwise it doesn't matter at all.
Good question though. ๐Ÿ‘
Sort of like that tree falling in the forest question, right?
Pop on by any time.


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 4:22 am

    Quoting joeyten:
    Its true every one is trapped in a body large,slim,fit we where once young and in our heads our minds eye we are still young as we live longer when I was in secoundery school I thought that I would die around 40 years of age but NO I am 61 now and look forward to reaching 90 but no one knows when we will pass all I can say if I get out of bed in the morning its a good day now I live to enjoy what time I have.
Only until 40? I'm presuming your lifestyle was a tougher one back then.
Hey.. it's all good... And with modern pharmaceuticals and a clean lifestyle... Who knows right? You might top 100 right? ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฑ
Drop by any time. ๐Ÿ‘


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 5:05 am

    Quoting  :

Well... I can only imagine what you are going through, but you're a good son. That's for sure! ๐Ÿ‘
You... repeal people? That's hard to believe.... I won't speculate... but you might be looking for someone who's a perfect fit?
I think, in some ways, that's what has happened to me. Unless it's a perfect fit, I'm content to be alone.
Perhaps I'm being too picky?
Thanks for sharing your pov...


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 5:39 am

    Quoting  :

Yep... I'm like you. I like what I see but... there are these lines here and there... lol ๐Ÿ˜ฑ
But it's weird, right? In my head I'm in my 30's...
Hey... with the right lifestyle and pharma drugs... we'll be around for a while.
We'll be here tomorrow... lol ๐Ÿ˜˜ I'll see you early tomorrow morning... ๐Ÿ˜


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 6:08 am

    Quoting  :

Yep... I don't disagree with you. I'm fine with being alone. I find I can entertain myself, just fine. ๐Ÿ˜Š
But it's that other thing you mentioned - human touch? Yep... that one. When you need it, there's nothing that will replace it.
Well... you're going on a road trip.
Ya think it'll be like those movies? Where the girls go wild and get lucky? ๐Ÿ€
Ooo.. That sounds like fun... no? You guys are probably going to go nuts... lol ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ˜˜


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 7:35 am

    Quoting  :

I'll do that... Black no sugar, right? โ˜• โ˜•
Oh and thanks for the comment... I don't mean this one... lol ๐Ÿ˜ฑ What a thrill... ๐Ÿ”ฅYes! ๐Ÿ”ฅ


superbjversion2 68F  
24388 posts
3/27/2019 10:14 am

Last summer, I quit my job and moved, to be near my daughter before I got old and decrepit. I don't look my age. Heck, I don't look your age, either but I feel it, at times.
(btw - being chubby keeps wrinkles at bay)

Alone....I'm use to being alone, it doesn't bother me. I find that I'm a little more chatty than I use to be .... now that I don't have to spend 8hrs a day being nice to people.

I shop for food once a month.

Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation bangs on the door forever!


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 11:13 am

    Quoting  :

There are others? lol... ๐Ÿค”
Yep.. Karma exists... I've been a part of it. You?
Hmm. craving solace, is interesting. Sounds like you're being smothered... Do you have an escape plan?
Planning your own funeral? Really? That's a bit extreme, no? ๐Ÿ˜ฑ
I wonder whether I can still leave a bigger mark. I wouldn't think, your time is done. You're a spring chicken, in today's world.
I'll try and be more light-hearted next time. It was just something that struck me. You know what I mean? ๐Ÿ˜‘
Thanks for sharing your pov... ๐Ÿ˜˜


Tmptrzz 61F  
107039 posts
3/27/2019 11:23 am

What a great act of random kindness you did, I wish more people were like us helping others in need. Thanks for sharing another inspirational read, and no I don't feel my age until Friday's when I work my ass off..lol..Happy Hump Day..

Seduce the mind and see what a wonderful adventure the body will take you on..


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 11:23 am

    Quoting superbjversion2:
    Last summer, I quit my job and moved, to be near my daughter before I got old and decrepit. I don't look my age. Heck, I don't look your age, either but I feel it, at times.
    (btw - being chubby keeps wrinkles at bay)

    Alone....I'm use to being alone, it doesn't bother me. I find that I'm a little more chatty than I use to be .... now that I don't have to spend 8hrs a day being nice to people.

    I shop for food once a month.
You're chatty now? What did you do, where you had to be so nice? lol... ๐Ÿ˜
Alone is fine and I'm sure you can entertain yourself...
Is your road trip, going to be like Thelma and Louise? ๐Ÿ˜Š I'd never be able to buy enough food in one shot once a month. You must have a super huge fridge or freezer? . ๐Ÿค” Thanks for popping by... ๐Ÿ˜˜


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 11:33 am

    Quoting Tmptrzz:
    What a great act of random kindness you did, I wish more people were like us helping others in need. Thanks for sharing another inspirational read, and no I don't feel my age until Friday's when I work my ass off..lol..Happy Hump Day..
I think you might have done the same thing. It seemed to be the right thing to do. ๐Ÿ˜‰
Yep... once in a while, I feel my age. Well... feeling it once a week is ok, no? What did I miss? What do you do Fridays? ๐Ÿค”


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 11:59 am

    Quoting  :

Time and missed opportunities... hmmm. Tell me about it... ๐Ÿ˜” But there will be others... no? ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿค”
Well... when I put down stuff that I like,..... I end up being the only person who likes it... ๐Ÿ˜ถ
I guess this space is mine but I'd like to entertain others while I trip out.
What's the point in writing a great song when nobody else likes it. Maybe it wasn't that great to start with? ๐Ÿค”
Thanks for you encouragement... ๐Ÿ˜˜


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 1:13 pm

    Quoting  :

That's a really great idea. I'm going to try that from now on! ๐Ÿ’ก๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ‘ Thanks for sharing your pov... ๐Ÿ˜˜


sexyldy1000 68F  
9607 posts
3/27/2019 7:34 pm

Random acts of kindness happen too infrequently. Often they can be simple to do and cost little if nothing. You went far beyond that so itโ€™s no wonder, the old man was so touched by your kindness. Thank you for posting this poignant, heartfelt story.


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/27/2019 7:50 pm

    Quoting sexyldy1000:
    Random acts of kindness happen too infrequently. Often they can be simple to do and cost little if nothing. You went far beyond that so itโ€™s no wonder, the old man was so touched by your kindness. Thank you for posting this poignant, heartfelt story.
Oh dear.... Anyone should have done the same... no?
One of your neighbours must be old.... no?
Oh well... how would you know when.... if .. I were to go.... hmmm....
Yep.. perhaps the question is too morbid... Is it? ๐Ÿ˜Š


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