Synopsis
Amazing Attributes of Aging: Silly & Sacred Stories of Blue Garter Friends chronicles the story of thirty-six women who grew up together in a small community and created a lifelong bond using the symbolism of a blue garter. After high school graduation in 1958, most of them left to scatter around the United States where they found homes and established careers; some married and raised families. From the original Blue Garter group, 27 have maintained close contact for over 50 years. Others are rebounding to the group now in the seventh decade. Their story of friendship is heralded as: Amazing! Unbelievable! Remarkable! Very unique! Enjoy the journey as these women reflect on their adventuresome spirits, decisions, and ways to make a difference in the world. The dynamics of growing up in the post-depression era experiencing World War II, and living the polio epidemic create interesting understandings of who these women are and how their personalities were shaped by world events. A significant section, designed to actively involve contemplative readers, is in dictionary style called, Amazing Attributes of Aging Women. Essays of Blue Garter women recall some silly and some sacred personal experiences throughout their 50 year friendship. Benefiting from community mentorship, transitioning to adult friendships, and celebrating lives well lived are shared. Selected photos, an outreach to women in literature, and multigenerational connections make this a keepsake book. Savored recipes and menus from Blue Garter birthday gatherings are appetite appealing. Even the bibliography offers a rich representation of aging fully.
About the Author
Judy Appel, MS, retired from a satisfying elementary teaching career in 1997. Her plan was to develop a new career as a writer. Along the way she authored a newspaper column A Teacher's Insight as well as partnering with her father in a four year long project of memoir writing. The touching experience of close collaboration during the farewell period of a dear father's life became an inspiration for Judy. She began serious investigation into the topic of aging. February 2006 her husband, Ray, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a month later her father passed away. These life changing realities intensified Judy's quest for better understanding of the enigmas of aging. Serendipitously life time friends Mary Huntley and Ginge Klenk came to visit in celebration of their retirement in 2002. The Amazing Attributes of Aging: Silly and Sacred Stories of Blue Garter Friends project began during that visit. Now several years later Judy looks back with pride upon the personal odyssey that she partnered with Mary Huntley and Carolyn Petersen in writing and designing this book. Searching Mary's lovingly cataloged archives of friendship, attending reunions; along with intimate conversations with childhood friends as their life stories were recalled has been a deeply felt joy. Only with devoted friends could a project like this come to completion. Nancy Tsuchiya's Writing Your Life Stories class and its strong community of Hoover Room memoir writing pals brought a wealth of inspiration and validation as Judy wove her life experiences and research into this manuscript. Several years before retiring, Mary Huntley, PhD, had only a small hint of interest in writing one book, not three. Beginning January 2002, retirement offered some new twists and turns for a person who enjoys being busy. To Mary's surprise, she launched her first book in 2003 with two colleagues, recording the history of the School of Nursing where Mary earned her undergraduate degree in nursing and later taught for 30 years. In 2007, the second book entered the market. Along with her co-author, commitment to the belief is shared that laughter makes a difference for a healthful, productive, and happy life. Underlying her passions for nursing and a mirthful spirit are the friendship connections that emerged through living in Mankato, Minnesota for 22 years attending nursery school through college. Judy and Mary made their first connections in Sunday School, were confirmed together, and later lived in the same neighborhood. They rode to High School each day with Judy driving her beloved Hudson car. They traveled west across the country together by train between their sophomore and junior years in college. Those were the days. While in college, Judy introduced Mary to her husband of 46 years; and yes, Judy was a bridesmaid in their wedding two years later. Mary's and Judy's friendship along with all the Blue Garter friends is a treasured phenomenon. Every opportunity to be together gladdens their hearts. Sharing her passions by writing about them and doing so with cherished friends brings great joy.
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