Welcome to the Carol SeCoy Sharing Blog
Many readers tell me that my stories remind them of people in their lives who are going through situations similar to what Josie, Mable and Mil went through. Do you have a story? This is the place to share it –with me, and with a community of readers who care about these issues. I will post on this blog periodically, but really this is YOUR forum. Tell me your story!
October 1st, 2008 at 9:42 pm
I don’t have a story to share yet, Carol, but I wish you great luck with your website!
October 8th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Thanks, Morgan! Couldn’t have done it without your design and willing help. The best to you and Tess!
Carol
October 8th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
I just read about a 90 year old widow in Ohio who was unable to pay her mortgage and was being evicted. When the sheriffs came to evict her - SHE SHOT HERSELF IN THE CHEST! She didn’t die. I guess Fannie Mae felt a bit contrite, because they dismissed her foreclosure and forgave her mortgage, and will allow her to return to her home of almost 40 years after she leaves the hospital. She should have shot THEM, and gone to live in prison!
October 9th, 2008 at 12:27 am
Hey, you’re book is almost too close to realty! I heard about a husabnd and wife who robbed a bank in Spokane because they couldn’t afford the wife’s medical treatment, and they knew she’d get medical help in prison. Eerie, huh? For the story, check out this link:
http://www.krem.com/topstories/stories/krem2_072808_couple_arrested.10a49559.html
October 9th, 2008 at 12:32 am
Good grief! Has it come to that? I guess desperate times require desperate measures.
October 10th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
After reading your prophetic book I passed it on to several friends. All were amazed at how close to reality it really came, while still holding up as a good read. As the stock market tanks I fear we will see even more parallels to the predicament many retirees and “hoped to retire soon” citizens are currently facing. I have to say though, that the book also made me laugh (which is the point of black humor/satire). Where is the movie? The country could use it as a bit of catharsis!
October 11th, 2008 at 12:41 am
The Bag Lady War is quite timely, I must say. Who could have predicted this economic tsunami! Hope you aren’t planning to retire soon, Laura! Thanks for your comment.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Movie! Movie! Movie!
My retired husband and I, both late 50-somethings who thought we had more than enough saved, might need to be taken care of by the state too! I work part time in a nursing home, where suddenly we have a 56 year old alcoholic, recently homeless man and a 58 year old drug-seeking woman with no family…we can’t simply kick them out with no place to go, so the nursing home must just absorb the cost of their care!
They are both quite happy being taken care of along with our elderly residents, but I fear the secret will get out to other baby boomers and we’ll be inundated! Prison or indigency?
Both appear to be solutions we’ll see cash-strapped Americans use as they follow Mildred, Mabel, and Josie into prison!
October 11th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Fabulous political satire, but so true it’s painful!
In our great country, lots of people can’t afford medical/dental treatment to improve their quality of life, but I’ll NEVER forget that during the 1980’s, Orange County, California’s serial killer, “The Nightstalker”, (Richard Ramirez) got life in prison and promptly had many thousands of dollars of restorative dental work done ON OUR DIME because it was deemed a “quality of life” issue! Mabel, Josie, and Mil:YOU GO GIRLS!
October 12th, 2008 at 6:15 am
Those last two comments, from Debbie and Jamie, are really sobering. Indigents and people whose lives have been ruined by drugs and alcohol can also seek sanctuary in nursing homes as well as prison - leaving the cost of their care and medical treatment to the nursing homes or the state. Anybody have a solution?
October 12th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
What a clever solution to a growing problem. With over 18,000 nursing homes and just over 100 federal prisons & 1,000 state prisons in the US, there seems to be more oversight of prisons than the thousands of nursing homes. And the country seems to take more interest in upholding the rights of prisoners than old folks in nursing homes. Families pay dearly for nursing home care while a trip to prison is “free.” This book has really got me thinking…
October 13th, 2008 at 5:54 am
Anybody want to tackle the issue of assisted suicide, which is also dealt with in “The Bag Lady War?”
Carol
October 18th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
It was handled so tenderly in “The Bag Lady War” that it put a whole new spin on it for me. I never gave it much thought before - it wasn’t in my reality. But with a stretch I can see myself in the same situation one day and am glad to have the template.
October 28th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
What a fun read! What an imagination! This will be what every woman over 50 gets from me for Christmas!
November 5th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I read this book at my wif’e’s urging and couldn’t put it down. It was so vivid it was like watching a movie. I fully expect a flick out of it - where’s Ron Howard? I guess it takes satire to bring unpleasant things to our attention, things we don’t really want to deal with. Loved these poor old women - GO BAG LADIES!!
December 5th, 2008 at 6:53 am
From December 4, 2008 Washington Post I see oldsters are having troubles in Japan as well as in the US. It seems the financial crunch has reached their elderly population, too: “Silver-haired shoplifters befuddle police in Japan. While the 65-and-older population has doubled in the past two decades, crime among the elderly has increased five-fold. For every two teenagers arrested on the island of Hokkaido, police have collared three people 65 and older.” Two thirds of the men said they stole because of their tough financial situation. It must affect the demographics of their prison system, too. Comments, anyone?
December 9th, 2008 at 12:49 am
I just heard a Los Angeles radio talk show discussing the fact that since over-crowded prisons are having trouble delivering timely/expert medical care to all prisoners, lawyers have filed motions that would cause many prisoners to be RELEASED! You can bet they will get all the medical care they want ASAP. Where will this “extra” medical care come from? Sounds like the best place to get in the front of the health care line is prison!!
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Great website. How about the granny in Australia who took care of the rapers of her granddaughter by blowing off their manhood with a pistol! Don’t know if she went to prison, but she sure got retribution! My bookclub reviewed ‘The Bag Lady War” in November. We loved it!
December 24th, 2008 at 6:17 am
Last month they caught that old woman in Cincinnati who went around robbing banks to make ends meet. I was surprised to read about the old people stealing stuff in Japan. I thought they honored their elderly. How come they have to do that?
December 31st, 2008 at 5:26 am
If anyone out there who has read The Bag Lady War still doesn’t believe there are mean guys out there who love to pick on the weak and the elderly just for the fun of it - get a load of these bozos from Portland, Oregon. Twins, yet - 5′7″ and 215 pounds each - who shoved an elderly lady down some stairs and routinely beat up the homeless and the weak - savagely slamming one with his own bicycle again and again - and coming on like twin freight engines against anyone who seemed a likely target. Most of the victims were afraid to report it, even the one who was stabbed trying to defend one of the bozo’s victims. Turns out they have long criminal histories, and they’re only 32. Where are the Bag Ladies when we need them!
January 13th, 2009 at 4:54 am
Carol,
I just spotted an article in this month’s AARP news bulletin about how Japan experienced an increase in crime among seniors, and that the US may, too. Interesting reasons — some seniors felt so hopeless and isolated by their circumstances that even the connection and attention of the legal system was better than nothing. Sound familiar? I’m a big believer in the book — it’s only a matter of time till some enterprising producer discovers it!
February 4th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
I’m fed up with gangs. They don’t want to learn anything. They just glorify meanness and go around robbing and shooting people. I wish the Bag Ladies could get rid of them all.
February 13th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Had to submit this headline from the Denver Post Feb 9, 2009:
“BORED INMATES CAUSE SPIKE IN PRISON ATTACKS…Budget cuts mean fewer prisoner diversions.”
Poor prisoners! The taxpayers can no longer afford to provide enough fun to keep them out of trouble!
Contrast this with the amount of “diversions” the little ladies in Carol’s novel could afford and the irony can be easily seen. Housebound seniors only get even Meals-on-Wheels visits if their families sign them up and donate money. Just another example of how the US takes better care of prisoners than seniors.
February 13th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
I’m a nursing home resident nearing my 103rd birthday.
I read “The Bag Lady War” and think the last part, “The Declaration of Interdependence” should be sent to the United States Government!
Everyone needs to read it!
February 14th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Brava IZ!!! I’m thrilled you read and enjoyed “The Bag Lady War!” I hope I’m still reading and critiquing at almost 103! Carol
March 20th, 2009 at 4:00 am
Our bookclub, here in Iowa, just reviewed the Bag Lady War. We loved it! We found it both funny and an eye opener. We, the People, really can do something to correct the crazy way our country is going. We had forgotten that the Constitution says it’s our duty to do so. So what’s the matter with everyone? We only groan and grunt about things and do nothing to change it. I say, “Go Bag Ladies!”
April 27th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Hey, everybody
How about that 84 year-old man in Seattle, WA, who beat off 2 car-jackers the night of April 22nd (09)! He stopped to help them with their disabled car, and they jumped him. He kicked one in the groin and the other in the stomach - and they went stumbling off! A passerby in another car saw the ruckus and stopped to call 911 and chase the two guys. They were arrested - and the poor good Samaritan says he’ll never stop to help anyone again. But - it proves that no matter how old we are, YES WE CAN!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 5:54 am
Hey, Carol!
We saw you on TV Friday night, 8/21/09! Was it live or taped? We thought you were out of town. Great interview with Amy Blossom, Ashland Library. We’re waiting for your next book, “Lightly Dusted Crow.” Em and Ken
August 24th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I’m happy to announce that the screenplay for “The Bag Lady War” is now complete and ready for option. An exciting time! The screenwriter and I get along very well - it was actually fun to work with her. Will keep you posted!
August 31st, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Me again - Carol. Just read about a 71 year old woman in Australia, a former Olympic medalist, who was attacked by a young thug on the street. She said it “really annoyed” her, so she grabbed him by the ear and kicked him in the groin! He, of course, had to let go. It didn’t say what happened next - but I’m sure he’s revised his opinion of older women being an easy mark!
September 12th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Hi, Carol,
Did you get my email the other day? Good to hear from you! I’m still in Anchorage; will return to Ashland soon.
November 15th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Hi, All
Just back from Las Vegas and the national AARO Convention. I was surprised at the number of people who attended - over 40,000! It vibrated with ideas for seniors, from innovative beds to food supplements to user-friendly campers, and everything else you could think of in a space the size of 3 airplane hangers. My book-signing was quite a success; I ran through my supply of 75 books within an hour, and left a long line of dissapointed folks still waiting.
Now that “The Bag Lady War” is a newly completed screenplay I am offering 3 one hundred dollar prizes for your suggestions for actors (actresses) in at least 7 of the main roles. Anyone who would like to participate, send your entries to me, Carol SeCoy, at 1257 Siskiyou Blvd., #132, Ashland OR 97520. The screenwriter and I will judge them, and the three best ones wills each receive $100. Be sure to include your name and address!
Now - to get back to the writing of “Lightly Dusted Crow!”
Happy Thanksgiving!
Carol
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:31 am
Woops - caught my typo in the above message. Make that the AARP convention!!
Carol
January 8th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
It’s easy for busy Americans to ignore the plight of the invisible, stoic, elderly “Greatest Generation”. But Carol’s novel forces us to meet them and experience the interior life of a small representative group who give voice to the collective suffering of this large population of Americans. Her ladies live, struggle, and ultimately achieve grace…finally even affecting sweeping national change! Who couldn’t empathize OR wish to wield such power?
January 11th, 2010 at 6:37 am
These ladies sure saved their families a bundle by going to prison free of charge! I work in a nursing home that ranges from $5500 to $7000 per person, per month, and the residents are still charged extra for things like kleenex, toothpaste, dentistry, and haircare. Medicaid/Medicare/Disability programs cover the fees for many residents, but many more with homes or other assets are “Private Pay” and their spouses/children/grandchildren are responsible for the huge monthly sum. Maybe prison IS a better solution for our families’ sakes!
January 11th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Thanks, Debbie. And, as the Bag Ladies discovered, the quality of prison care is more closely monitored than that of most nursing homes. A bit of a topsy-turvey system!
Carol
January 19th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Hi, everyone
I followed up Debbie’s message with a little research. To my surprise I found that even in a small town in Colorado the going rate for a shared room in a nursing home is $212 per day, or $6,360 per month for a stunning $76,320 per year. A private room would cost $279 per day, or $8,370 per month equalling $100,440 per year. The average stay is two years, but for many it can go on and on. How many of us are prepared to pay for that? Fortunately there are many small group homes that take in 6 or 8 people without offering skilled nursing care. I’m not sure how well they are monitored, but they run closer to $40,000 per year. Still a big chunk for the average American, but with the “sandwich generation” needing to work as well as care for their own children, it’s really hard to keep an ailing elderly parent in their home. Prison, anyone?
Carol
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Another AP news item from Crescent City, California, sent to me by a friend:
An 80 year old woman, sentenced to life in prison for fatally stabbing her 42 year old roommate (seven times!) says she’s fine with her sentence because she’s the healthiest she’s been in years. Seems like a pretty hard way to get health care!
June 23rd, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Many people have sent me this eye-opening and timely email. I’d like to share it with you:
“Let’s put the seniors in jail and the criminals in nursing homes! The seniors would enjoy a secure, well-provisioned life, with all manner of hobbies to occupy their time, their own TVs and PCs and radios. They would appreciate the free medical and dental care as well as free legal aid, to say nothing of nutritious meals and free laundry. They would be constantly monitored and receive immediate assistance if necessary. Pre-scriptions, eyeglasses, spiritual counseling, weight rooms, libraries - all there for the taking. On top of that, there is a board of directors to resolve their grievances, and with the ACLU continually overseeing conditions, the seniors would be assured free, stress free conditions.
“Criminals in the nursing homes, on the other hand, would have gruel and cold food, showers once a week, and pay $5,000 a month for the privilege of sharing a small room with another felon. In order to insure justice for all they would be required to join in the sing-a-longs, and play bingo once a week.”
It sounds like people are reading “The Bag Lady War!”
June 23rd, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Makes sense to me! I’m a Boomer with no idea of how my husband and I will be able to retire, let alone pay for nursing care. Prison sounds great - and think of the money it would save me! “The Bag Lady War” is tragically topical for both Boomers and the government, which will have to house the many Boomers without funds or longterm care policies. I sure don’t want my kids responsible for this huge financial burden when we become infirm.
June 24th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
That is pretty interesting. It presented me some ideas and I’ll be writing them on my website shortly. I’m bookmarking your website and I’ll be back. Thank you again!
August 11th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Hi Carol, I have just finished reading your Bag Lady War book and it is great. I read it on my Kindle. Now I want to buy a hard copy for a friend, nowhere in Grants Pass can I find it and the bookstores don’t seem to be able to order it for me. Since you live over in Ashland (I’m in Rogue River, OR) I am wondering why it isn’t available at all Oregon stores. I seldom get to Medford and maybe it is available over there. Please let me know where I can buy a hard copy. I feel it is a book a lot of people should be reading - some wonderful insight you have,
Joyce
August 14th, 2010 at 5:19 am
Thanks Joyce! I have just released an edited version of “The Bag Lady War,” and soon the original version as well as the hard copy of it will no longer be available. However, I’m sure you can still get it at Amazon.com if you check right away.
So glad you enjoyed it! As you can imagine, I had a lot of fun writing it. I am now working on another satire, this one on domestic abuse. As dark as that topic is, there is still humor to be found. When I’m not working on that one I’m working on the memoires of my Hopi Indian Godfather. He was born in about 1884, and died in 1979. It has taken a long time to assemble all the notes of his remarkable life.
Thanks again for your endorsement!