"A man who correctly guesses a woman's age may be smart, but he's not very bright"...... Lucille Ball

Dear Babyboomers -

"A man who correctly guesses a woman's age may be smart, but he's not very bright....... " Lucille Ball. 

She was a smart woman who knew what she was talking about!  My reply when asked how old I am, is "If a woman tells you her age, she will tell you anything."  A special young friend of mine asked the other day, "How old are you?"  I paused significantly before answering, "I can't answer that question because I don't want to tell you a lie."  Of course as a 5 yr old he didn't really understand why I didn't want to reveal this basic fact but he has to learn early.

The reason I didn't tell a little white lie is because I have had my fingers severely burnt in a similar interaction, where a 5 year old just learning about numbers asked the same question (why are they so obsessed with age?)  I answered, foolishly, "39." 

"Oh, Clara,'' she said, squinting intently into my sunlit face and comparing it mentally with her mother's 30's face and said, "You haven't looked after your skin well."

I rest my case - you have to teach them early - do not ask a woman's age!

Honestly Clara/Lucille

Lucille Désirée Ball (August 6, 1911 – April 26, 1989) was an American comedienne, film, television, stage and radio actress, model, film and television executive, and star of the sitcoms I Love Lucy, The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, The Lucy Show, Here's Lucy and Life With Lucy. One of the most popular and influential stars in America during her lifetime, with one of Hollywood's longest careers, especially on television, Ball began acting in the 1930s, becoming both a radio actress and B-movie star in the 1940s, and then a television star during the 1950s. She was still making films in the 1960s and 1970s. - Wikipedia

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Babyboomers devouring Avocado Dip with wine for antiageing effects

Hi Babyboomers
I usually post food blogs at http://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com/ but thought you might enjoy hearing about the amazing antiageing qualities of the avocado.
So what's all the fuss about Avocados?


Answer - They are an incredible superfood, as well as being delicious and versatile.






Avocado Dip - au naturale




My first tasting of avocado was as a newly married new foodie, discovering alternative foods to which my mum had served. In the 60's, avocados were referred to as Avocado Pears. Expecting a sweet taste, the oily, savoury taste and texture was a shock, a little like drinking your first cup of real coffee or glass of red wine.In designing a fingerfood menu Avocado Dip is a great start.
2 avocados – chopped or mashed
1/2 lebanese cucumber, sliced lengthways, deseeded, then chopped finely
2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup Greek yoghurt
Sea salt and cracked pepper
Chopped Mint or basil (or both) added at the end
Serve with vegetable sticks and /or Lebanese bread toasted – Lebanese cucumber, carrot, celery, capsicum.
Or do what we do - simply scoop from the flesh of the avo with a cracker - (my favourite being 'Salt and Vinegar Rice crackers' but a low GI cracker or bread would be better)


Re Avos - Don't be like me in the past - thinking that they contained oils and therefore avoiding them when in fact they are great for maintaining a healthy weight since fats are vital for good health. (Avocados contain fat, 60% is monounsaturated, 20% is polyunsaturated, and only 20% is saturated.)


Avocados are a wonderful fruit containing a mass of vital nutrients and fibre, are low in sugar and salt free, and contain per 100g-11% of the RDI of vitamin A, 11% of Thiamin, 19% of Riboflavin, 21% of niacin, 42% of vitamin C and 13% of magnesium, to name a few.


While lowering cholesterol, being a fantastic antioxidant and brilliant for your skin, when consumed prior to or during alcohol, avocado inhibits the ability of alcohol to cause fatty liver. So next time you're having a glass of wine try eating home-made avocado dip with veggie sticks.


Eat more avo's
Clara

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'Successful retirement' and serious antiageing stuff welcomed

Dear Babyboomers

Thanks for your incredible response to my post "Serious Antiageing Stuff", which encourages me to continue along the passionate path I have chosen. 

The reason I feel passionate, is because the way I deal with an unknown future is to address it and put it out there for comment and because I know that there are many women (or men, not necessarily targeted), who would like to contribute to 'Ideas towards 'Successful Retirement'. 

There are many questions to ask, and discussions to have to reconcile the past with the present and future - let's do it!

Perhaps I will ask a question per day.  What do you think?
For the times - they are achanging. Go to http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/ to view the exciting decades we have spanned.

Cheers Clara


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Serious babyboomer anti-ageing stuff - It's now or never, Girls (and boys)

Dear Babyboomers

OK, let's get serious about this babyboomer anti-ageing stuff.  No, not the email jokes, and yes, some of them are underwhelmingly funny, ha ha, but others too close to the truth to be comfortable especially when one has experienced the occasional 'Senior's Moment' due to  inattention of the moment.  I have banned any ageist talk from my territory - trust me, your inner young vital self hears this stuff and absorbs it, so best to avoid it.

My darling husband, known blogwise as G, now knows better than to refer to me affectionately as, "Old Girl".  He now knows that all it gets him is a very negative response.   Also, G, you are not the detective on my brain case.  I am responsible for my own brain and don't need references to when I choose to be forgetful.  I  have been responsible for decades - which has ensured that the children in my care have been responsibly and lovingly  nutured. 

However, now they are responsible for themselves - yes - and now it is time for us.

OK, that's all I have to say for today.

Passionately Clara

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Vests and wraps to wear with jeans

Dear Babyboomers
We love our jeans - Here are some vests and wraps to wear with jeans/skinny jeans. Sheep to shawl is lovely for us.

My favourites  'Poncho Viva' and 'Bring out the Vest in you' since they remind me of the blending of colours we achieved with our weaving back in the 70's. 'Vest Assured' and 'Just in Time' also are reminiscent of the beautiful pieces which were woven with hand spun wool, some of which you spun from the fleece of your own sheep. The variations in the wool create the fabulous variations in text.

Clara

Sheep to Shawl...September 16th

Faux Fur For Fun...September15th

















Bring Out the Vest in You...September 14th

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http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/To view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Reconnecting with friends to share memories and fun in Noosaville

Dear Boomers
Just returned from a fabulous time at Noosaville with friends. 

One of the great  / comforting aspects about getting older is that you have time to re-connect with special friends, along with the appreciation that they shared the same memories / speak the same language / share the same future.

Noosaville lies next to Noosa Sound and Munna Point, along the Noosa River. (Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia). It has its own distinct village character while being close to essential modern conveniences, restaurants, cafés, motels and resorts.


Enjoy a picnic in the foreshore parklands or take a dip in the cool Noosa River. With its long stretch of walkways, the parkland is a popular destination for leisure or fitness. From early morning when the rowers glide along the river and the rainbow lorikeets greet the day, to sunset when the colourful sailing boats return to their moorings and the cafés begin to fill, Noosaville has a relaxed charm.

We enjoyed all of the above plus the extreme beauty of Noosa's fabulous coastline. Usually G provides a balance re shopping, but with Gail's expertise and encouraging words, "Great for travel etc", I shopped till I dropped.
To view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

There's a Man in My Kitchen!

Dear Babyboomers
What do you do when "There's a man in my kitchen and he cooks a better than your average meal?" 

Answer - enjoy! And stay out of the kitchen. A monthly Mosman magazine, delivered free, a good read, glossy ads of what's available, where to go, a few recipes etc. When I returned from tutoring, it was opened at Pork with prunes, sage, sauteed apples and hazelnuts was G was in process. And this was a man whose previous inspiration was Carrots and Beans with the occasional Microwave Miracle.
Encore G


Clara

And from an expert chef - From 'Wisdom' by Andrew Zucherman - 'Love'


"Cooking is truly an act of love".....Jacques Pepin. . He moves on to say "Cook with love. Sit down around the table and share food with your children and your family. ....... You always communicate through cooking. You cannot cook indifferently, otherwise the food won't come across the right way.


There is a great deal of love which goes into the making of food, and you always cook for the other; maybe the purest expression of love is to cook for someone. I don't see myself alone, standing in front of the top of the sink and making a souffle of lobster. But as soon as someone else comes, whether it's your mother or your lover or your child or a friend; then you set up the table around you; you add to your table, and you open the wine."


.....and "I remember my daughter when she was small and standing in her crib for the first time that I gave her caviar and I put it on bread - butter and caviar - she licked it up and she said,"Encore Papa."
Clara's version of the meal http://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com/


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New exciting accessories for mature women with style

Dear Babyboomers
 As you know I adore scarves / accessories put  together with complementary jewellery and stunning bags. Old Rose is my favourite - very flattering colour, hope it is still there when I arrive in Wisconsin in October.
Others can visit http://www.shopatnextdoorfashionscene.blogspot.com/ to view more fabulous looks and even buy online if they like.  This is not a selling site - I just like showing you style I love for women of our age.
Clara

Scarf: Vivante by VSA in brown $22

Necklace: EM 30" 2 row in Animal

Bag: Big Buddha with chains "Ajaitlynn"

Scarf: Vivante by VSA with studs in Old Rose $44
Necklace: EM 19" Hematite Chain Drape
Bag: JOY Print Hobo bag in Brown $48

Scarf: VSA with fringe in Navy
Necklace: Crystal Ring set $35
Bag: Nicole Lee Queena Edgy Pieced Black $81

Scarf: VSA Geometric in Grey $32
Belt: Nicole Lee Studded Belt in Taupe
Bag: Fashion Express Silver Circle in Mustard $62


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Spring has sprung - Fragrance evokes memories of which we have many

Dear Babyboomer

My house is fragrant with the perfume of spring. Therefore it is full of memories since to me, fragrance is the ultimate trigger.

"Spring has sprung
The grass is ris
Please tell me where
The birdies is"

The change of seasons has to be a most evocative time as nature demonstrates the dynamic cycle of life. The exact opposite happening at the same time, in different hemispheres, is a reminder of the world's rotation, our dependence on amazing, ongoing cycles, emphasising the need to be keep nature in balance. It is also a renewal - an opportunity to start again - to do it better.

Several attempts at the music behind these spring images, gathered over the last few weeks, didn't feel right for different reasons - this Jethrow Tull Flute is edgy, combined with harmonious. I thought this described the process of change.
As a Granny - well a Nonna, I love to share with a child the everchanging beauty which surrounds us, and help them to be aware of the fragility of our planet. This is an essential role of the Matriach.

Clara

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Style maketh the older woman visible

Dear Babyboomers
Some more of Renotta's style.  What I really love about her work is the co-ordination of design and how she put things together with the seasons. The combinations re colour, design, concept are fabulous.


Every now and then I get it right re co-ordination - and then I walk out the door feeling great.  Style has always been important to me, but now in my third stage of life is assumes even more importance.  I always notice a stylish woman (or man) and turn for a second look.  It's one way of beating the sense of feeling invisible which can happen as we get older.
Clara
ps - A memory - when it was time for me to move on from a past relationship, the jilted male's parting words were, "Anyway your feet are too big, and you are nothing without your style".  Could have been worse!
Hydrangea...August 25th






Another sign of fall when the hydrangea start to turn.

Goldenrod...August 24th






I love goldenrod. It signals the onset of fall, my favorite time of the year.

Set For Awhile...August 23rd

If you look closely at the pewter pendant, you will see that I embossed it with the leaf on tomorrow's piece.
See more of Renotta's style http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/ or her challenge for photographing something she has created every day for a year.

. To view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
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Nature Walk in Mosman

Hi there Babyboomers
'Exercise with a Purpose' evolved as a result of my being a Gym Dropout. This walk is in Mosman, but it doesn't matter where it is, 'Exercise with a Purpose' is a fabulous concept.  And you never know where it will lead you!!!!!

'Exercising with a purpose,' yesterday included a bush walk to Cobblers Beach. Following our trusty guide, written by Rotarians, in 1981, we set off from the "Sports Pavillian, stopped to admire the view of Middle Harbour, then wound our way through the bush to Cobblers Beach. Still quite natural with minimum shade, it is a peaceful spot, ideal for children and when the cold south wind blows."


Hmmmmm - I don't think that Mr Brian Leckey and Mr Alan Kendall of Mosman Council and his wife who did much car driving and typing, had been there recently.


A fabulous walk, including fortifications for Middle Head and early bush flowers - however I suggest you leave the children at home!  Clara

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Significant scarves add flair and panache

Dear Babyboomers
Re Isadora - My feet were not made for dancing - an early aspiration was to be a ballerina but since at that age and stage, I was built, according to my parents' friends - Grrrrrr, like a 'front row forward', this didn't happen. I didn't know what a FRF was but somehow knew it wasn't where I wanted to be. Besides I inherited the family trait of large feet......


However, Isadora and I share shoulders and neck (more so these days) made for wearing scarves.

I have worn significant scarves seriously for the last two decades or since Pashminas made a statement, with the beginning of a more stylish method of draping. (Long scarf folded in half, placed around the neck, then the two ends threaded through to sit at the neckline.)

Since then they have adorned my wardrobe, (taking up 1/3 of the valuable space), allowing a neutral overall hue for basic garments. They embellish and enhance with their splashes of colour, softness and flattering draping, or add flair and panache.
This week, I enjoy your creative use of colour, texture and drapery to enhance our neckline and decolletage.

Clara

Tied and True...August 13th

Tying One On...August 12th

Wrapping It Up...August 11th...despite the 90 degree weather, we're ready for fal(Clara's favourite Mobius Scarf)

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Who is Isadora? I dance what I am

Hi R / wonderful, creative, individual women out there / and the men who love and put up with us..........

It was time to start a new file within my blogger file, which I called 'Women to Admire'. The impetus for this particular blog, was wanting to record how much I adore scarves, hence the question "Who was Isadora?"
hence .....
Having read more about her, I doubt I would slot her into that category. Perhaps - Amazing Women / Women who danced / Women who moved ahead of the pack etc.

Personally I admire her for her amazing spirit, and as with other feminist women, she blazed our trail. "What trail?" our daughters may ask. Another day, another blog, but believe me, "Baby, we have come a long way."

The famous poet and writer Carl Sandburg in his poem, Isadora Duncan: wrote:

"The wind? I am the wind.
The sea and the moon? I am the sea and the moon.
Tears, pain, love, bird-flights? I am all of them. I dance what I am.
Sin, prayer, flight, the light that never was on land or sea?
I dance what I am." Isadora Duncan

ps - I had a personal 'Isadora moment'. With my burnt orange scarf around my neck, having bought G his delicious salad at Cafe Balmoral, an unsuspecting male stood on the end of my trailing scarf. Suddenly, I felt an alarming tightening around my neck.

What is the ending to this story?
Clara

Then - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Isadora Duncan


Born - 1877 San Francisco, California, U.S. Nice, France Field - Dance and choreography
Died - 1927 (aged 50)
Movement - Modern dance

Isadora Duncan was a dancer, considered by many to be the creator of modern dance. Born in the United States, she lived in Europe and the Soviet Union from the age of 22 until her death at age 50. In the United States she was popular only in New York, and then only later in her life. She performed to acclaim throughout Europe.



Duncan's fondness for flowing scarves was the cause of her death in a freak automobile accident in Nice, France. Duncan's large silk scarf, while still draped around her neck, became entangled around one of the vehicle's open-spoked wheels and rear axle, breaking her neck.
She was a pioneer of 20th-century American dance, often credited with moving dance away from strict formal structures and toward more free-flowing forms of personal expression. She wore Grecian-style gowns, often performed barefoot, and startled audiences by employing such everyday human movements as skipping and running.

An Unconventional Life
In 1913, both children, with their nurse, drowned in an accident on the Seine River. They were returning home after a lunch with Isadora and Paris Singer.

In 1922, she married Sergei Yesenin, a Russian poet who was eighteen years her junior. Yesenin was also an alcoholic whose drunken rages brought Isadora negative publicity. Within a year, he returned to Russia where he suffered a mental breakdown and was institutionalized. Upon his release, he died under mysterious circumstances on December 28, 1925. Isadora was a bisexual and had lesbian relationships with the poet Mercedes de Acosta and the writer Natalie Barney.

Read more http://contemporarydance.suite101.com/article.cfm/isadora_duncan#ixzz0wqptGK9c

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Babyboomer Return to the late 50's suburbs

19

Dear Babyboomers


 Today I returned to old territory.


 G had cleverly discovered the venue in the paper  - an Italian day in the Western Suburbs.  When I was there it was early days for multiculturalism - but now the area is revered for it's Italian influence.   

I was very excited to go back where I had been so many times in my dreams - back to the shop where I lost my mother.  Not actually lost her, just that she was so absorbed in 'the shop' that it seemed to come first and our needs next in line.

And yet I am left with guilt when I recall those times - as she had so little time to herself.  Could/should I have done more to help?  I did actually take over the behind the scenes domestic stuff so that I didn't have to do the shop stuff.  Dad and I did the cooking and cleaning - while Mum seemed to feel she had to cater for the world out there.  But what about us?


Was this the beginning of Women's Liberation?  If so, it sucks from a kid's perspective.  I liked it much better when my mum was around for me.  In the interim, the area changed from boring Aussie to New Australians (???????), viewed with suspicion etc and now accepted for it's Europeon influence - mainly Italian.

We ended the day with a lovely meal at the Italian Forum in a nearby suburb.
Selfishly Clara




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I can see clearly now- should I have put it under the mattress?

Dear Babyboomers



Roberto from USA asked me 'What is Super - is it a retirement fund/annuity? Yes Roberto, and here we are as part of an Advertising campaign, relating to Superannuation, where we were up in lights and at one stage plastered onto the entire side of a city building in Melbourne.
A sad joke, I'm afraid as like many babyboomers, the GFC hit us hard, with the golden egg diminished somewhat. Without going into the details, since it brings me out in a rash, having learnt that hindsight and regret are a waste of time and drain the emotional budget, you move forward.


Anyway, moving on; it was a sparkling day today during our Sydney winter down at Balmoral, where G and I had lunch - the roasted vegetable wrap at the Boatshed is excellent and another favourite is Salad Nicoise at Cafe Balmoral. I take G to lunch on Saturday, and with luck on my side, he takes me to a more substantial meal over the weekend accompanied by a glass of two of vino.


I hope you enjoy the video re our walk today - I have to thank G for being patient with me, (not always his default position), as I stop to take photos, then run to catch up.


Life is good, Clara
ps - should I have put it under the mattress?

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Babyboomers - Act your Grandchild's Age

Dear Babyboomers

A recent article (kindly sent to me by Roberto - thankyou)  from the New York Times, 'Act Your Grandchild's Age',  refers to our 'stars' turning unmentionable ages that simply cannot be true.  Even some who are older than us - phew.  And they are still strutting around the stage!   Not to mention names,  because I wouldn't do that, in case someone turned it back on me.  And that is a fate worse than death!  My saying is "If a woman will tell you her age, she will tell you anything", and I stick with that. (Denial works most of the time.)

True to the generation,  Hugh Mackay, my pin up psychologist / social researcher,  says "Boomers have turned away from religion and have instead adopted the 'gods' of sex, travel, food, information and personal growth. They love to be reminded of the promise of their youth and hope that if they keep on going, something will turn up." 

Sounds good to me but I reluctantly return to the article in question  which suggests that the stories we hear "tend to pull us toward the extreme"........ "It's either the stories of young-onset of Alzheimer's, or the sky diving grandmas.  We don't hear enough about the huge middle, which is the vast majority of folks." (Anne Basting,  University of Wisconsin) 

I couldn't agree more - as suggested, that in celebrating the remarkable stories,  we perhaps make those who are suffering the diseases that often accompany old age, feel inadequate, and I add,  therefore not acknowledging the celebration of their struggles. 

Once again, Clara sits on the fence - do you know what?   I am comfortable there and what is wrong with looking at both sides, since that is where the balance lies.

I can feel a song coming on.
Clara
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'Fit with your Jeans Cuisine' for Denim Divas

Dear Babyboomers
The long awaited 'Fit with Your Jeans Cuisine' is up and running on my website
 http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/ then navigate  to Fit with Your Jeans Cuisine.
 It's an archive of the recipes posted on Grannycircle and Babyboomer blogs, with the added 'gift of my experience and life long passion for fabulous food.'

Foods from the past, with a modern twist;  'Fit with Your Jeans Cuisine' is a work in progress.
We are the Denim Divas.

Could we ever imagine a world without our favourite jeans? To me, they epitomise our generation, and I will do what it takes from a mental, culinary and physical perspective to continue to be able to 'Fit with your/my Jeans".



Image from http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/


 'Fit with Your Jeans Cuisine' is a work in progress and will evolve and morph with time. I have to say that I am excited re the fluidity, and flexibility that this E medium allows me to express my ideas on healthy concepts of food and fitness for all ages.


Clara




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Crowd Control for new pet restaurant

Dear Babyboomers and others

On pets - "It impresses me the power of companionship, the pivotal support that pets can provide in life. They share our emotional territory without judgement or blame. It is that atmosphere of acceptance - of wordless cheer- that is so deeply comforting even transforming."Pets" Barney Bardsley.

 I thought you might enjoy this summary of an article from the Mosman Daily. 

'Princess chew-ses meals of perfection'



The North Shore really knows how to pamper it's pooches with the first dog restaurant opening its doors and serving up cappucinos and organic cupcakes.

"Chew Chew, Sydney's first dog and cat restaurant, has a regularly changing menu, including beef steak and mushrooms, fish soup, chicken wings, and treats such as goat's yoghurt jelly and lamb bones...." Mosman Daily. Owners are not catered for but can BYO.

 Ms Okamoto, decided to start the restaurant when expanding her Chew Chew pet food business which provided home delivery of pet food and supplements. (There is take away and home delivery for the shy or not so social animals.)

Her recipes are based on Japanese nutritional principles, focusing on balancing the meals which include carrot, pumpkin, shitake mushrooms mixed with organic meat. Ms Okamoto believes that it is a mistake some people make to give their pets just the same food as this could lead to nutrition deficiency. She also "dishes up free consultation in pet care, nutrition, behaviour and training.
Within the same article was the following:-


Big day out and a gelato treat
DOG-LOVERS can travel over the bridge on Sunday and treat their pooch to a gelato.
The Dogs Day Out, organised by Manly council, is at Clontarf Reserve from 10-30 am to 2 -30pm.
Dog owners can get a portrait of their pet, buy them a dog gelato and check out the market stalls.
There will also be demonstrations by the Manly and district kennel and dog training club and NSW police dog squad. Details - 9976 1430


Clara - I did a quick Google (Carnivore V Omnivore) but there seems to be as many differing views re diets for pets as there are for bring up babies, so I'm not going there. What I will say though, is that I think Ms Okamoto is a brave woman and I hope she is good at 'Crowd Control'. Perhaps she also needs the NSW police dog squad on call. Another thought is that it would be a lively, fun outing, perhaps ideal for 'meating up with new friends'.


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Why did I cry for the Little Mermaid?

Dear Babyboomers

R wrote - I have a very vivid memory of sitting crowded on our couch next to my mom and my brothers. She was reading us Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid. At the end of the story I burst into tears.


Clara - thanks R for the lovely summary. A firm favourite of mine too and interesting to revisit.


The beginning really gets me in - a rite of passage for girls, at puberty, to look at the world. Then, of course, the handsome prince - although how do you fall in love from a distance? Perhaps this is what we all actually do, as we generally have little concept of the reality of the person with whom we fall in love. Good that she is the one to save him, even though he doesn't know it. Mmmmm.
It is healthy that the grandmother is seen as a person of authority, to whom Mer is able to ask these vital life questions. She introduces Mer to spirituality and the pain that choices can bring.


Potions are dodgy, as we know, and not the real answer, nor is selling your soul for what you think you want. A question please - "Is the prince happy?" and "Is Mer happy?" "Why did the young R burst into tears?" and the final question "Would she do so now?"


Clara

The Little Mermaid lives in a Utopian underwater kingdom with her father the sea king; her grandmother; and her six elder sisters, each born one year apart. When a mermaid turns 15, she is allowed to swim to the surface to watch the world above, and as the sisters become old enough, one of them visits the surface every year. As each of them returns, the Little Mermaid listens longingly to their various descriptions of the surface and of human beings
When the Little Mermaid's turn comes, she ventures to the surface, sees a ship with a handsome prince, and falls in love with him from a distance. A great storm hits, and the Little Mermaid saves the prince from a near-drowning. She delivers him unconscious to the shore near a temple. Here she waits until a young girl from the temple finds him. The prince never sees the Little Mermaid.


The Little Mermaid asks her grandmother whether humans can live forever if they do not drown. The grandmother explains that humans have a much shorter lifespan than merfolk's 300 years, but that when mermaids die they turn to sea foam and cease to exist, while humans have an eternal soul that lives on in Heaven. The Little Mermaid, longing for the prince and an eternal soul, eventually visits the Sea Witch, who sells her a potion that gives her legs, in exchange for her tongue (as the Little Mermaid has the most intoxicating voice in the world). Drinking the potion will make her feel as if a sword is being passed through her, yet when she recovers she will have two beautiful legs, and will be able to dance like no human has ever danced before. However, it will constantly feel like she is walking on sharp swords, and her feet will bleed most terribly. In addition, she will only get a soul if the prince loves her and marries her, for then a part of his soul will flow into her. Otherwise, at dawn on the first day after he marries another woman, the Little Mermaid will die brokenhearted and disintegrate into sea foam.

The Little Mermaid drinks the potion and meets the prince, who is attracted to her beauty and grace even though she is mute. Most of all he likes to see her dance, and she dances for him despite her excruciating pain. When the prince's father orders his son to marry the neighboring king's daughter, the prince tells the Little Mermaid he will not, because he does not love the princess. He goes on to say he can only love the young woman from the temple, who he believes rescued him, but adds that the Little Mermaid is beginning to take the temple girl's place in his heart. It turns out that the princess is the temple girl, who had been sent to the temple to be educated. The prince loves her and the wedding is announced.

The prince and princess marry, and the Little Mermaid's heart breaks. She thinks of all that she has given up and of all the pain she has suffered. She despairs, thinking of the death that awaits her, but before dawn, her sisters bring her a knife that the Sea Witch has given them in exchange for their long hair. If the Little Mermaid slays the prince with the knife and lets his blood drip on her feet, she will become a mermaid again, all her suffering will end and she will live out her full life.

The Little Mermaid cannot bring herself to kill the sleeping prince lying with his bride and, as dawn breaks, throws herself into the sea. Her body dissolves into foam, but instead of ceasing to exist, she feels the warmth of the sun; she has turned into a spirit, a daughter of the air. The other daughters of the air tell her she has become like them because she strove with all her heart to gain an eternal soul. She will earn her own soul by doing good deeds, and she will eventually rise up into the kingdom of God.

 

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