Have you ever blown on a dandelion head and watched the seeds float away – a wish carried away by the wind? 2016 has been the year of dispersing the clutter in our lives. After 15 years in our present home, we found time and energy to sort through clothing, to lighten the load in… Continue reading Holiday wish list
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5 ways to re-discover the fountain of youth
Drawn especially to older people that defy their chronological ages, some of my best friends are sharp-witted, vital, engaged and, coincidentally, in their 80s and 90s. I have soaked up advice and the life lessons on aging well from matriarchs and patriarchs across the globe. Five secrets to re-discover the fountain of youth: Add turmeric to… Continue reading 5 ways to re-discover the fountain of youth
Black Friday, keep me out of the red
Five great Black Friday deals that I want, but don’t need, and may or may not snag after midnight! Furbo doggie camera: A smart dog camera that lets you see, talk, and even toss a treat to your dog! This is a bargain (for all of us crazed 50’something fur baby parents) at $186! 25% off… Continue reading Black Friday, keep me out of the red
High five
Holiday gatherings hostess gift: reasonably priced at $10-$13 this Italian wine is yummy plus it has a fun factor (glass “cork”) Scaia Bianca Garganega Chardonnay Snacktime: Give me my Yasso bar, a 100 calorie (!) frozen treat that satisfies chocolate cravings and does not tip the scale in the wrong direction. It’s frozen Greek yogurt… Continue reading High five
Five for fighting (aging)
For all my fifty-something friends and tribe mates, one day you look through an unfiltered lens or in the harsh light of a bathroom mirror and flabby, flappy signs of aging wave back at you. Although there is no Hallmark greeting card for this undesired moment yet, it will serve you well to pay attention to this… Continue reading Five for fighting (aging)
5 ways to save money in my encore career
Frank and I have been living the encore career lifestyle for about three years. During the two years before we decided to take the plunge from our CAREERS to our encore careers we worked over our household monthly expenses, debits and credits endlessly. We worried, planned, talked, and were terrified of making a financial mistake. Managing a household budget is a well-documented… Continue reading 5 ways to save money in my encore career
Status quo – November
Currently: Listening: Josh Garrel’s 2015 album Home. Play, repeat, play, repeat, play. Eating: locally made pumpkin cheesecake from Whole Foods, stretching my sugar and calories over 2-3 days. Drinking: H2O. Today’s water brought to you by BAI antiwater. Wearing: Stitch Fix’s Margaret M pants and a Stylefinder bell-sleeved top. I ♥ my stylists! Try Stitch Fix and tell them I sent you!… Continue reading Status quo – November
No time like the present: one caregiver’s lesson from impatient to I’m patient
Most of us live in a world that is ruled by clocks and calendars. We live with one foot in the present and the other foot in the future. Rarely do we reflect on the past. Time spent reminiscing is limited to a few holidays, family get-togethers and the occasional flashback triggered by a song… Continue reading No time like the present: one caregiver’s lesson from impatient to I’m patient
He was my very best teacher
Teachers step into our lives in so many forms and circumstances and sometimes they exit before we are ready. The anniversary of my father’s passing, an invisible entry on my calendar that is impossible to forget, is upon us again. Nine years gone, both an eternity and the blink of an eye. He was my… Continue reading He was my very best teacher
Go fly a kite
A joy shared is a joy doubled. Shared sorrow is half a sorrow. – Swedish proverb
Beach treks are an important part of life for me and my husband. The North End is our nickname for a leisurely hour+ rambling walk that is always on our beach agenda. He checks in with his surf-fishing tribe. Head down, I search for beach glass and seashells. We are people watchers and puppy greeters.
A few weeks ago we stopped to watch this gentleman happily playing with a kite. He may have been a dad or a grandpa but if so, his kiddies were MIA. As I tend to do, I concocted a story for him: retired beach town resident; divorced and soaking up the sun with a girlfriend he first met at karaoke night or online. He has an adult son or two he sees on holidays. You can find him at a local diner most weekday mornings. He knows he needs to lose weight and says he will start tomorrow.
I always enjoy watching children playing in the surf and building sandcastles. And on this sunny day I realized I was equally delighted to watch this fellow baby boomer living large in a moment of joy.
I have seen pictures and read on social media about “grown-up playgrounds” for the 55+ crowd. 
At first I thought the idea was silly. Now I’m kinda loving the concept. I have decided that aging is life’s next adventure. Let’s never be too old for recess. Playtime is for everyone and their inner child.
