Calendar Girls

For reasons unknown to myself the writings herein, of late, have attracted a certain measure of attention. Attention, specifically, that comes from individuals politically conservative, beyond middle age, who find their bodies have taken to sagging, creaking, cracking, and giving out. Conditions that have led these persons, with much assertion and assistance from the news media, to believe they are beyond use or value to the world at large.

Put simply: My writing, in recent months and weeks, has attracted the attention and subsequent interest of those otherwise known as 'senior citizens'.

It might be argued that a reason for this apparently new demographic stems from my political beliefs, and it is a reason I would not be quick to deny.

It might also be argued that another reason for this new-found audience owes much to my age.

I must politely disagree with this notion. Just last week, in fact, I was carded when I went to buy some wine for a holiday dinner. Furthermore, while I am well past the age of youth, I am by no means 'old' or even middle-aged.

If I were to offer an explanation for why it is mature individuals have taken to reading the writings herein it would be thus: Because I offer writing, in the form of criticism, that encourages instead of the status quo: Discourages. Because I do those who are viewed as ready for the slag heap become, in effect, kindred souls.

So a digression to say to you: Welcome! And thank you for taking the time to read.

Incidentially, this brings me to the topic this time around and the film at hand, a wonderful piece entitled "Calendar Girls".

You may heard about this film, and the true story that inspired it: A British women's club, wanting to raise money for a charity, decided upon a certain, albeit, controversial idea: Pose nude for a calendar. Then sell the calendar and raise much needed funds for the aforementioned charity.

Now there is nothing unusual in this, and given the reputation the fine English sometimes have with regards to liberal actions and practices. What makes this unusual and interesting is that all the women in question are past a certain age and respected within their families and communities, and such antics are decidedly unorthodox for them.

Aside: Said calendar proved a major hit raising, I am told, well over one million dollars (U.S.).

The story of "Calendar Girls" begins at a Yorkshire village chapter of the Women's Institute: A community organization spread throughout the U.K. and Canada. Nothing much of excitement here. But when the need for funds arises, things go from being dull to being beyond just interesting to, well, more than just beyond interesting.

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