Hi, Dolly: I'm thirty-four years old and still live with my mother. I am an aspiring magician. Every Friday night I call my buddies and sell tickets to my show — usually it's a full house. Well, just recently my mother has arranged for her and her girlfriends to come on Friday nights and play cards. I can't put on a magic show with my mother and ten of her friends laughing and carrying on and ruining my show!! Our house is the most convenient and we don't know how to work things out to where we — and all our friends — are satisfied!! What should I do? — Ernest
Dear Ernest: Honey, maybe it's time to think about movin' out so you can do whatsoever you want, when you want. If that ain't possible, then remember it's your mama's house and she's the boss there. Maybe you could invite her friends to watch your show before or after their card game. Or if Friday nights are out now, pick another night or another place — or learn to deal with noise and hecklers, since that’s a part of any public performance. I once saw a magician perform some amazin' tricks in a restaurant, right under my nose, while a waiter was clearing the table beside us. I still don't know how he did 'em! You might have to learn some new tricks or change your attitude — or both — but it could prove useful.
Hi, Dolly: My grandma is seventy-six and she doesn't seem to be having much fun. She says she's tired of working but can't afford to quit and she's lonesome and her hearing isn't so good. When my parents take her out to eat, she seems to like being with us but she isn't really sparkly. Do you think most old people have less fun than young people or maybe it's just my grandma?
- Louis in South Haven
Dear Louis: It ain't just your grandma, sugar. When I was a youngun, older folks lived with their children and grandchildren, and were an important part of the family. Now, too many old folks are alone and I don't wonder they're glum! When folks get older, they have aches and pains and loneliness to live with, on top of many worries and disappointments. It ain't easy. I reckon you could help your grandma brighten up if you spent time with her as often as you can.
Hi, Dolly: I am a forty-three-year-old, half-Greek and half-Mexican male who is currently incarcerated. I am writing to let you know how much I enjoy your advice column. I think you are quite a lady who is kind, smart, funny, witty and has a good heart. I also think that you are a very sexy and attractive with a lot of class. Thanks for brightening up my day every week with your column. I'm getting out soon and seeing you and your column have given me hope that there are still classy, elegant and attractive ladies out there who are good-hearted, too. I would like to ask you if you could please send me an autographed picture of yourself. It would really make my day and would make a great getting-out-of-prison gift for myself. Take care and God bless.
— Tobin in Oklahoma
Dear Tobin: I'm mighty glad that I've been able to bring you some happiness. And you made my day by tellin' me how much you think of me. Ain't none of us can hear those kinds of things too often. Hon, I hope soon you get your life back and won't just think of describin' yourself by your age and where your folks came from but by what kind of man you are and what you care about. And I hope you find a good lady that makes you happy. I wish I could write back personally to every one who writes to me, but I can't. Still, I want y'all to know that I read all of your letters and thank you for sharin' your thoughts and problems with me.