Snip It

One of a lady's best friends is a pair of scissors. Why do they call it a "pair" of scissors when there is only one piece. Aha, there are two blades crossed to do their work. Off the aside, I inherited from a dressmaking mother, a number of wonderful pairs of scissors that I found when emptying the house she no longer needed, and use them in ways she may be horrified over. Mom was very particular about her sewing supplies and I fear, I simply do not have that stitching gene. Sorry Mom wherever or whatever you are now. It's my turn to be an elder. Since I have given up plying the sidewalks going on window shopping ventures due to mobility issues called "a bad knee", I make the most of being someone who loves being in her home with my computer friend, discovering delightful ways of making it my "happy nest". And it works, because I am not a butterfly lady, flitting here and there much to the consternation of my gallavanting friends who shake their heads at my love of being in and not out. Tut, tut they say, it's not healthy to be in too much. Oh really, I nod and smile, but it's my choice and I like it. Having given up short sleeves, due to arms that are not the smooth ones of the distant past, I was excited to learn about something called I saw on line, called "cooling sleeves". You pull them onto your arms as you would,  socks. They look like long sleeves in part and are quite smart looking. They also cover up.  These things need not be purchased, since you can convert your old hose into the same things that sell for around five or six dollars each. Simply cut off the leg parts about thigh high and at the ankle. Pull on the "sleeves" that are light and stretchy, and voila, cooling sleeves. Golfers wear them and archers or anyone who doesn't want to take on too much sun. I like them for cover up.  Lots of people, don't mind flashing their aging arms, wrinkles, spots, floppy bits and all, but I would rather not. My choice. Stockings come in all colours therefore, if you are ambitious, you can make these things that I call "armlets" yourself . A fun DIY and recycling process. Other scissor tricks are to cut off the tops of old dresses and make them maxi skirts. I have also given up dresses which are not always flattering when the waistline goes on permanent vacation and the lumps and bumps appear from nowhere to show up on you. Older age has many surprises and all need a good giggle instead of a tear! Some of my old dresses have charming fabric and when they are cut off and elastic placed at the waist, they make  freewheeling maxi skirts that are fun to wear with bright tee shirts and sandals in summer. Skirts are cool and feminine and freer feeling than pants.  Sometimes, I add skirt pockets made of the sleeves from the discarded dress tops or  little matching hand bags. Snip snip. Another scissor use is in the kitchen. I've tried herb scissors that are great for herbs and poultry scissors for chicken, but the best kind are merely ordinary dressmaker scissors. I use Mom's favorite one in my kitchen and it's terrific. Anything you want to cut up: celery, green onions, pieces of meat, lettuce, whatever needs cutting up in a way that scissors can, you'll find that ordinary scissors that are sharp and have user friendly finger holds work well. I must be careful for my fingers using Mom's best German made blades. Ouch. Did I mention, I also cut my own hair that is longer, to keep the ends from looking frayed now that I take pride in the healthy silver strands I once blonded and that I enjoy more now. I have come to appreciate the wonderful uniqueness of old age and treasure it. I take joy in finding ways to make my last chapter in life, the best one. Mom's scissors help.