By Wanda Haynes
Some young people think that seniors were always old and can’t see us as fun-loving. On occasion we should remind them that we know how to party.
Maybe my social life began on the day of my birth when everyone was happy to see me in my birthday suit.
This was my first celebration and I have been attending special events, parties, gallery openings, concerts, galas, and balls ever since.
As a precocious child I belonged to the “Girl Guards,” a program for girls that promoted charity work and learning life skills.
The annual Girl Guard Halloween party was at the local senior home. Dressing as a witch and cheating at the bobbing for apples contest was fun, and it was joyful seeing the senior’s smile. Not fully understanding that one day I too would be a senior.
The women on my mother’s side have beautiful singing voices. Yet, according to the middle school music teacher my singing voice sounded like a barking gargoyle. The music teacher offered me the tambourine solo with hopes to drown out my voice, and I played that tambourine with dignity. Being in the school Christmas pageant while wearing my new skirt set was all that mattered.
Joining the “Pep Team” in my freshman year of high school was brilliant. I shook those black and red pom-poms from the bleachers while cheering on the football team. When our team won, a big bonfire was held. Sports are more fun with an after party.
During high school I paid no attention to my mediocre grades. My parents warned that party hopping would stop if my grades didn’t improve.
I wasn’t going to let anything stand in the way of my career as a budding socialite. The grades improved and the parties were full blown by the end of high school.
Parties are like tunnels filled with sparkling purple light with people dressed to the nines, laughing, and at their happiest. Special events offer a glimpse into a utopian society that otherwise might not exist.
My time at community college was enjoyable and I went to a few campus cookouts. It didn’t take long to figure out that community college didn’t offer exciting parties.
The big parties with local bands were at the nearby University.
There were young men, loud music, catered food, and booze. I wasn’t drinking age and knew better than to consume alcohol. The Ivy league students invited me to off-campus parties, where I practiced my social skills on everyone. I wonder if the young people today realize how important social skills are to getting ahead in life.
After college I moved into a small apartment and worked as a florist in a swanky part of downtown.
Most of my friends from high school and college were already married. Some had children and the rest were trying to land a spouse.
I met new single friends that lived in the same apartment complex.
This group of friends were independent, not searching for a mate, and loved going to the disco.
We dressed up in our finest, and off to the disco we went. There was plenty of music, lights, men in white suits, and history to be made.
Being a socialite isn’t only about dressing up and going out. Manners, style, communication, when to speak, and when to be silent should also be mastered.
The Winning Edge
By my late twenties I began playing radio trivia, calling in to win prizes by correctly answering trivia questions.
I was highly successful at winning concert tickets and backstage passes to meet legendary recording artists. When winning two or more tickets for a show, I sold the extra ticket at half price.
I won a trip for four to California by filling out an entry form on the back of a dairy product.
The trip included air fare, hotel accommodations, meals, limo rides, and backstage passes to meet A class celebrities. It was a whirl wind experience for me and my guests.
Being a socialite isn’t only about money or social position. It’s also the love of entertainment, value of togetherness, great food, fine wine, music, and the re-telling of the evening.
Is the party over?
As a mom in her forties my attention was devoted to making sure those responsibilities went smoothly.
I missed the charity balls and wearing my best gown to Champagne tastings. However, watching cartoons, baking cookies, and scrubbing crayons off the walls was also special.
Children grow up develop hobbies, and mother’s find babysitters when she feels the need to party.
Life as a Middle-aged Socialite
As a woman of a certain age, it’s good to be productive and create a positive legacy. I became a wine educator late in life and climbed the proverbial grape vine with vigor. It’s never too late to reinvent oneself and find a renewed sense of passion.
I began writing about wine in various publications. Invitations poured in to wine extravaganzas from all over the country. My fortitude and need of adventure have not lessoned over the decades. However, my knees and eyesight are not what they use to be.
These things don’t keep a finger snapping middle-aged gal down. Let the wine flow, the music play, the Hors d’oeuvres keep coming, and hopefully the fun will never stop. As I said seniors know how to party. MSN
