When I am old I want to be an Old Crone

Redlands Daily Facts Health Section
Staff Writer

Q:You have done so much in your life and you share your abundant knowledge on natural health ideas. Why have you studied all this stuff, and why do you share it with us?

Mimi: I want to live life to the fullest. I want to use up, wear out, and slide sideways laughingly into my grave. Along the way I will acquire as much knowledge and wisdom as I can and help as many people as possible.

Most people think of an Old Crone as a beat up, toothless, ugly, wrinkled, old hag with a wart on her nose and whiskers on her chin. In times past old women were considered Wise Women. Because they had loved, borne babies, raised families, sat all night with fevered children, buried loved ones, cured ills, and knew all the "Old Wives Tales," they were sought out as helpers. They knew the recipes for Chicken Soup that cured all aliments. They knew when a kiss or a band-aid was sufficient medicine. The old Wise Women knew which plants and herbs could be used to heal or cast a spell. They knew that love potions worked because lovers believed that they worked. Like Mary Poppins, they understood that "a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down" and other profound insights.

Because the Wise Women knew what the young men didn't know, the young men were afraid of the Wise Women. So they called them Witches and Hags. So the Wise Women were killed as witches. Because the Wise Women were old, they were considered batty because they had other things on their minds besides what the latest fashion was. The Wise Women knew the seasons, the weather, and could read the sky: "Red sky at night, sailor's delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning"

Academia was afraid of Wise Women. Often the Old Crones had no schooling other than in life. They opened their minds and hearts to nature, people, and God. They could see the invisible tear, hear the silent cry, and listen for the "still, small voice." They healed with a hug instead of a shot. They mended with love instead of a prescription. And they nourished with healthy food from God's earth, for which they gave thanks.

Where are the Wise Women today? When I am old, I want to be an Old Crone.

Mimi Barre is the owner of International Day Spa, 325 Cajon St., Redlands. Send your skin care questions to her at MimiB@INTLdayspa.com. She and her estheticians are available for personal consultations, (909) 793-9080.