Not so common sense

Carole Townsend

(Not So) Common Sense | A kinder, gentler generation

I’m a parent. In fact, my husband and I are the parents of four children, ranging in age from 26 – 32. I think that means that all of our children are millennials, though opinions and definitions of what, exactly, a “millennial” is differ greatly. I don’t suppose it matters all that much, anyway. While several generations have been given names (starting with the Greatest Generation), those designations aren’t what I hope to address today.

Carole Townsend

(Not So) Common Sense | A swimsuit? In February?

How many of you out there have ever received those skimpy clothing catalogs in your mailboxes during this, the coldest month of the year? You know the ones I mean; emaciated but somehow lovely models grace the pages, lounging and posing in swimsuits that look like Band-aids, filmy, flowy, see-through dresses, and skin-tight shorty-shorts.

Carole Townsend

(Not So) Common Sense | When did it happen?

When I was a kid, I concerned myself with kid things. I had to take a minute to think back to what those are, but I did like dolls of all types: baby dolls, Barbies, you name it. I was a school junkie, so I concerned myself with all things “school.” And of course, family. When you’re a kid, the goings-on in your immediate family pretty much defines your world. If I ever thought about anything other than these matters, it was the exception to the rule, believe me.

Carole Townsend

(Not So) Common Sense | Age is a double-edged sword

I recently celebrated a birthday, something I’ve done more than 50 times in my lifetime. I’ve lived more than half a century, more than half my life (unless I turn out to be one of those folks who reaches triple digits). That’s a sobering thought.

Carole Townsend

(Not So) Common Sense | The sweet spot in life

We’re right smack in the middle of a time of life that, if I’m to be honest, I couldn’t have even imagined about 20 years ago. Our children are grown now, all young adults. Sounds silly, I know. Of course, God willing, our children will grow to be adults – first young, then not-so-young. It is the way life’s supposed to work.