BEHIND THE BLOG...

I Just Keep Rolling Along...

My life is not easy at all. Yet, I continue to get emails, calls, and people coming up to me saying… “What an amazing life you and aunty have… What fun!” Well, yes we do. And, I appreciate those comments and compliments a lot. But, behind the blog, it’s not all one big wild ride…

Aunty has Alzheimer’s (or so they say). She does get forgetful, and as I mentioned in an earlier post, she can not be alone. Since I am the only one caring for her, this can put enormous pressure on me. It’s just me all the time (for several years now). When you care deeply for someone, or some cause, there is usually a lot of work associated with that caring. Who knew devotion had a price? But, I wouldn’t have it any other way. That devotion is what’s keeping Aunty vibrant and glowing in her 86th year of life.

So, …in between yoga gongs, pageants, meeting royalty, hanging out with Senators, and sneaking into sold out shows, I am putting on/in various eye-drops and medications, ordering pills, making doctors appointments (by now Aunty has a doctor for each part of her body, including her toenails). I am following many, absolutely crazy, and unfair, rules and regulations because at this point we are getting some outside help. I answer the same question one million times a day. I search an entire neighborhood and house, at least once a month, for aunty’s lost tooth (she has one little tooth that comes out, I guess you call it a partial) and she always loses it. The piece cost $1,700! We can not afford to have another one made. Which leads to our big stress> Money… We have none. Yes, we fooled you too… We live by the skin of that one take-out tooth. But, through our dearly beloved blog (the one you are reading right now) we focus on the positive (that fun, zesty gumption we both posses) and sure enough, more good keeps coming our way. It’s not always easy, but I found out, things turn out better when you stay positive.

My dear mother always says, “Life is what you make it.” I have packed in a lot of chutzpah, a cup full of spirit, a dash of sass, and a sprinkle of spunk to make mine more fun…no matter what is going on behind the blog.

AGELESS QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What ingredients are you putting into your life to make it better?

A BETTER BLOG...

Aunty & Renee


My closest friends have just helped make my blog even better. Like many, they have been entertained and amused by my postings, but, they say one thing is missing….and I will spell it out for you…T-H-E
S-T-R-U-G-G-L-E!

“Renee the way you care for Aunty is truly an inspiration. You know it’s not easy at all.” Aunty has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and I have devoted myself to giving her a great quality of life. Skimming this blog you might not even know she has been hit with such awful disease. If I am not in the bathroom with her in the morning, she will put her make-up under her arms, and brush her teeth with hot water. And then there is the rest of the day. She can not be alone for long. My work is never done. Yet, as she dances in and out of her doctor’s appointments, the doctors assure me she is doing fantastic, because in so many ways she is. They also look at me and say, “I know it comes at a price.” The docs may be right, but when aunty tells me “You give me a happy life,” it’s all worth it. Besides, I adore her, and I know unequivocally she would do the same for me.

In addition to being the only caregiver for Aunty, I am a writer. And, since it is not the easiest profession to break into, (they say you must give a pound of flesh) I have been paying my dues for quite some time now. I am probably a few pounds over! But, no matter what, I will not quit and I do not hear no. I believe in myself and my talent. I believe in you. That is why I started this blog. The path I have chosen may be bumpy, but it's also colorful (yellow brick to be exact). I can clearly see my Emerald City. And since I am wearing a pair of sparkling ruby slippers (at least metaphorically) I know I will reach my destination.

I hope to keep putting a smile on your face and warm your heart as I follow my dream, share my zest for life, encounter celebrities, and help keep Aunty (and anyone interested) Ageless and entertained. Lot's more to come.

Where There’s a Will There’s Renee!
*´¨' )
¸.·´¸.·*´¨)¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ Renee Gold¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)

PRAYERS & NETWORKING...

Anything is possible

Aunty and I just spent all morning praying for the people in Haiti. We are deeply saddened and ask anyone reading this blog to pray, and if at all possible dig deep (we did) and contribute whatever you can. After watching the footage on television (which I forced myself to do) I can not think of a better cause on this day…Thank you for listening, considering, and ultimately doing!
www.paybeb.com/mainsite/redcross


On a lighter note, and speaking of prayers…. Aunty and I are also praying that she gets discovered by Oprah or Ellen… or even the local TV Network. Once I mentioned “You could get called to Hollywood you know,” Aunty has gone wild with her wardrobe and the possibility of becoming a role model. She wants to buy a fur coat (I will get her a fake one and she will never know it). She is asking for more high-heels too. She wants to “be ready” if they call. She looked at me with a great big smile and said, “What if they only want me, and not you?”

Aunty is over the moon with the possibility of showing the world that you can be ageless under any and all circumstances. She is so delighted at the prospect that I just might have to call or write the big O and the big E and see if they would want to feature Aunty. With millions of caregivers out there and more people facing Alzheimer’s each year Ageless Aunty will help put a new spin on things. She is a breath of fresh air and offers real hope that even with such a cruel disease, you can live with dignity, some independence, and smoke a fake cigarette or two. Aunty still finds ways to help others, and reasons to laugh and dance. She makes it easy to remain devoted to her. Many say Aunty and I are a testimony to the miraculous power of love.

While Aunty is waiting to hear from the Networks, I will be sharing those stories I promised. My next post is going to be about how I demanded a role in a video from the MTV Network!!!! And, since Aunty absolutely loves sports cars, I may even write about trying to get Aunty to be Jay Leno's first guest when he goes back to his regular time slot. Now there's an idea! Seems to me, Prayers and Networking are a good route to take. Stay tuned…

PLAYING DRESS UP...

Ageless Aunty in Action

Before I share more of my chutzpah laden stories, Ageless Aunty wants me to tell you that it’s never too late to play dress up.

Aunty, not too far away from ninety years of Agelessness, has a collection of hats, gloves, scarves, sunglasses, cigarette holders (for her trademark fake cig) and high-heels. She relishes wearing them all.
However, at this point I have to pull her past the shoe salon at Nordstrom’s because Aunty insists on buying high-heels. “I love them,” she declares adamantly. I may have to put my foot down with the stilettos’, but she does still wear her hats and cigarette holders. She is old school glamour. If she keeps this up, she might end up in Hollywood. No kidding. What an audience she could generate. Can’t you just see Ageless Aunty in her Jimmy Choo’s dancing with Ellen? She could be the host's best dance partner ever (aside from Barack Obama).

Everyone says, “Aunty is one person Oprah would love to meet!” I have to agree. What a positive message and life affirming vision….Ageless Aunty (diagnosed with Alzheimer’s no less) enjoying life with more gusto than anyone. She is remarkable. Her little girl spirit soars! Aunty tells me that reading my blog helps her to keep a youthful attitude. That is one endorsement that is going to be hard to beat…unless, Oprah or Ellen call.