Gilda Tavernese

When Life Hands You Lemons…Make Shots!

I had a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out). It seems that many people in my circle are on European, namely Italian, get-a-ways. I felt like I was the only one left behind. So what’s a girl to do? I solve a lot of my secret woes by doing one simple thing—I callContinue reading “When Life Hands You Lemons…Make Shots!”

Finding Joy In The ‘Lily-est’ Places

If there is one big thing that I am taking away from my 40s (so far) is discovering what makes me truly happy. Remarkably, what makes me happy in my 40s are the very things that made me happy as a child. I guess we try our best to grow up so fast that weContinue reading “Finding Joy In The ‘Lily-est’ Places”

Love Letter

So, did I satisfy my restlessness? Indeed I did. However, I did not run away from home to be alone in an undisclosed location (as lovely as that may sound). We did take a long (ish) drive to a pretty beach where I did nothing but watch my kids frolic between the water and theContinue reading “Love Letter”

Restlessness

You know that feeling that makes you want to catch a flight on standby to anywhere? That mental restlessness that doesn’t let up until you satisfy the craving…the longing for change. This summer—with its unstable weather patterns—has ignited the restless fire within. This is one of those times where if I did not have aContinue reading “Restlessness”

Lazy Hazy Summer Days

Childhood backdrop Sights and sounds that stir up ancient memories Of lazy hazy summer days When creative play was all that I thought of Each and every day Endless hot humid days Filled with frenzy, laughter, friends, and games Followed by quiet reverie Time to fill the mind with swirling thoughts That land and takeContinue reading “Lazy Hazy Summer Days”

Make A Mess Of Things

Sometimes it’s necessary. Sometimes it can even be vital. I like routine like the rest of them, but sometimes you just have to make a mess of things! Sometimes you just have to see how you fare. A sort of self imposed stress test to measure how much you can handle. I will be theContinue reading “Make A Mess Of Things”

Just Like That

Just like that My baby girl is no longer Standing tall in her heels Bidding adieu to her peers Along with crafts on special holidays & Parent volunteer days Just like that Child years officially disappear With fresh made up faces gleaming under flashing lights and a streaming sun Not realizing that in essence lifeContinue reading “Just Like That”

“Mom, What Does Cocaine Feel Like?”

There are two topics that I have always kept in the forefront since I became a parent. Two dangers that I’ve warned my kids about—using age appropriate language—as the years have gone by. The first is sexual abuse and the second is drug abuse. This most likely stems from my Children’s Aid Society days (asContinue reading ““Mom, What Does Cocaine Feel Like?””

Patience, or Lack Thereof

Is it just me? Please tell me it’s not just me. Yes, I know this blog is called F__It Forties which would imply that one has less patience for nonsense. However, I feel as the time ticks away—as I waffle between my mid to late forties—I find that even the slightest slight can get myContinue reading “Patience, or Lack Thereof”

Trying New Things In Your 40s

The recent passing of Tina Turner has struck a chord with many people, including myself. I thought I knew quite a bit about her life before, but one thing jumped out at me. I hadn’t realized that her international success did not occur until she was re-discovered in her early 40s. She was undeniably talented—aContinue reading “Trying New Things In Your 40s”