This section on AFL (Be HEARD) accepts unsolicited articles and stories for publication on our website and our newsletter that are authentic, well-written, and acceptable for a general yet diverse audience of visitors aged 50+.
Be Heard
Have We Forgotten?
Maybe it’s time to take a break. Between the lies from the White House, a raging virus that the president ignores, and peaceful protestors attacked by unidentified Feds, life looks very grim. The news reads like a horror story, corruption is rampant, and conspiracy theorists are hell-bent on destroying our beautiful country. It’s all happening as w...Read More
Dale Knight COVID Travel Update
The COVID restrictions have been very difficult for those of us world travelers in the Early Retirement Community. We have had friends stuck for months in Europe, The Philippines, and Peru, among other countries. We who travel as a lifestyle have found our footloose approach to life… encumbered, to say the least! Here we have a travel update ...Read More
First Date Blues!
I’ve talked about pre-dating, i.e. writing your profile, getting ready to date, and spotting scammers. Now it’s time for the real deal. You’ve put your feet in the dating pool and you’ve had some dates. Some good, some not so good, most just so-so but for whatever reasons there were few second dates, whether it be by your choice or not. It’s ...Read More
A Cognitive Test – For US!
This test is to ascertain your mental state now. If you get one right you are doing ok, if you get none right you better go for counseling. (I’ll meet you there.) There are 4 test questions. Don’t miss one. Giraffe Test How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator? Stop and think about it and decide on your answer...Read More
There Is No Greater Virus than Fear
We have a choice; living a life of fear, or one of hope and optimism. Fear Dwelling on fears clouds the mind. It creates anxiety, emotional contraction, judgment of others and it becomes difficult to make a clear decision about anything. Moving forward becomes arduous because there is so much doubt. Fear sees limitation, lack of options, and darkne...Read More
It’s Raining Cats, Dogs . . . and Plastic?
We all know the meaning of it’s raining cats and dogs. Yet no one has solved the mystery of where the phrase originated. Some say it goes back to Nordic mythology where Odin, the God of storms, was pictured with dogs and wolves (symbols of wind). Witches rode through on brooms with black cats and heavy rain. Another unlikely legend claims that dogs...Read More
“The 86-Year-Old Orphan” by Catherine Bellizzi – an Excerpt
“So, my lovely, are we getting married or are we going to live in sin?” Bill asked Tessie as they left the dining room. Well, I’m sure as heck not living in sin!” Tessie exclaimed. “Well, then, should we set a date?” Bill followed up. “Maybe we should set a date to set a date first,” Tessie laughed, meaning the old-fashioned kind of date where the ...Read More
How You Look. Does It Really Matter?
Floods! No, that wasn’t a Weather Channel news alert. That’s how my friends described the too-short pants I wore for my birthday shopping spree. As we’ve each turned 60, we’ve come up with simple ways to mark our passage into a new decade. For my celebration, I asked my friends to help me select a new wardrobe, but first, th...Read More
I’m Pitching. You Catching?
Dear Mr/Ms. High-Powered Publisher, I’m retired from writing the metro column for the Evansville, Ind., Courier & Press. But never mind that right now. My oh my, do I have an opportunity for you. I’m pitching a can’t-miss book proposal that will net millions the world over. And I promise to give most of my share to our grandchildren. Aft...Read More