tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58013734690432165332024-03-20T03:18:02.890-07:00Antonia's Senior MomentsAntonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-76212863133675250332015-11-10T02:00:00.001-08:002016-01-27T17:07:49.609-08:00The (Sometimes Surprising) Power of Connection<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever been in a situation where an important connection or affiliation made a huge difference in your life? If you think about it, there is virtually no aspect
of our lives that isn’t touched by the power of connection, or sometimes the
loss of it. This realization can come on fast and can show up in some unlikely places.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEqiZGdX9SrjPJhzgqUka0bj8JDJiPNwTDmuEyumQQSLLco_iGfEk9MneQ68kIl5nn-odhQ3ywYphNpppRyZP0vVecynoXE7i48SuJC_HxwQo4axUrJj4Mof4tzFJ7sSgXcqBbseJzuA/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_85311489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEqiZGdX9SrjPJhzgqUka0bj8JDJiPNwTDmuEyumQQSLLco_iGfEk9MneQ68kIl5nn-odhQ3ywYphNpppRyZP0vVecynoXE7i48SuJC_HxwQo4axUrJj4Mof4tzFJ7sSgXcqBbseJzuA/s200/Dollarphotoclub_85311489.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Any young person with their nose stuck in a cell phone is actually
devoting a ton of time to maintaining and expanding their circle of connections,
even though they are doing it in a solitary fashion. We can grouse about how
much they’re missing, but these high-tech connections may be as valuable as the “low-tech”
activities that we value like reading, talking to friends, even connecting with a spiritual
community</span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How we connect is far
less important than realizing how meaningful connections are. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As I’ve aged, the significance of what I will relinquish after
leaving the physical world has been on my mind more and more. Some of what I’ve
thought about are material things: my written words, endowments, and my stuff. But lately a new thought has been creeping into my spirit about something far more valuable than any of my stuff: the idea that
connections aren’t just experiences; connections are our LEGACIES. Connections we establish during our lives can influence families and communities, and these influences may live on long after we're out of the physical realm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The three primary things that connect us are family,
friends, and shared experiences. These can be good connections or bad
connections. They can be joyous, sorrowful, or stressful. They can be thrust
upon us like family that we don’t get to choose or they can be connections we
seek out, like taking a class where our love for art, cooking, gardening or some
other subject puts us in the company of “fellow travelers.” If we attend the
same spiritual home or church, share an occupation, or have a close sibling,
we’re part of a group and therefore connected by what we have in common.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Connecting with others<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Aren’t some of the most powerful experiences in your life
those you shared with others? Knowing you’ve done well is enhanced by sharing
your experience with someone who has perhaps gone before you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As humans, our connections can represent the difference between a healthy
outlook based on constructive emotional development and being vulnerable to pessimism
and painful isolation. Our connections with others add support and perspective.
Sometimes connection looks and feels like love. Only the test of time will tell
if a connection is truly the deeper feeling of love. Sometimes the connections that come on fast and end just as
quickly, catch us by surprise. And <i>we are different than we were before</i>.<b><span style="color: #4472c4; mso-themecolor: accent5;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Connecting to yourself<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As we age, we bear witness to the loss of parents, spouses,
friends, jobs, and sometimes homes. That’s why making sure we’re connected with
ourselves is one of the most important connections of all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">But what does that mean? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s almost easier to define by looking at the opposite end
of the spectrum. You’re not connecting with yourself when you move through your
day in a fog, without the full awareness of what you’re doing; you’re distracted,
feel out of touch with reality, like something is just missing. And maybe it is.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The thing to remember is that connecting with yourself
can come in both big and small ways. Thinking back on an experience or a
relationship may create an “Ah-ha!” moment where some larger meaning is revealed
for the first time. But connection also comes from just walking as mindfully -- literally and figuratively -- through the minutes, hours and days of our lives. What’s critical is to have the same enthusiasm for connecting with ourselves as we
have in being connected to someone or something, and to never limit our
imagination as to what form self-connection can take.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">My connections.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Because I’ve never had children, I’ve developed strong
connections with the women in my life. Many of these connections have turned
into lasting friendships that have shaped my experience profoundly. In addition
to these individual connections, I am thankful for the many group connections that have been a
large and loving presence. These range from connections with the people in <a href="http://www.cslsr.org/">my spiritual home</a> to those with whom I share
hobbies, books, and the love of our pets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">You can certainly move through your life with a minimum number of connections. As seniors, however, this can be especially unhealthy. If anything, getting older should precipitate more and stronger
connections. We can become more dependent on family, friends, and strangers,
and durable connections will make those interactions more joyful for everyone
involved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I truly believe the connection of elders within our
community provides the backbone of positive growth for the future. Who better
to share with and learn from than those who've been in trenches? We can
provide some of the best connections around! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps now that I’m older, I can see connections as
the most powerful and meaningful influences in my life. I’m beginning to see
that, rather than tangible stuff, what I leave behind in the form of strong and
meaningful connections may serve a wider arc of community. And I know I’m not
alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The more we think about our lives, the more we’re likely to
uncover about our connections. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Is there a time that you’ve been surprised by the power of
connection? Don’t be afraid to share your comments!</span><br />
<br />
Contact me at antonia@thejoyofaginggratefully.com </div>
</div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-16096707580770144882015-11-03T02:00:00.003-08:002015-11-03T12:24:56.027-08:00Senior Moments: The Best IS Yet to Come<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">For many years, society has said don’t trust anyone over 30.<br /><br />The senior population has historically been shoved aside and told “It’s all downhill now, baby!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b>You’ve lived your best life, had the most fun, amassed your greatest wealth, enjoyed the most rewards life has to offer and had the best sex you’ll ever experience.” However, this is changing and advertisers are seeing the potential with the older crowd. More and more we hear comments like, “Sixty is the new 40 and 80 is the new 50.”<br /><br /><b>If I ever doubted at 67 the best is yet to come, all I have to do is think about Louise Hay.</b><br /><br />Metaphysical teacher and motivational author, Louise Hay is currently 89 years old. She was born into a poor and abusive family and ran away from home at 14. She dropped out of school and married at 15 and was pregnant at 16; she gave the baby up at its birth whereupon her husband left her for another woman. In the late 1970’s, she found she had cervical cancer but refused conventional medical treatment and began a regime of forgiveness, coupled with therapy, nutrition, and reflexology. She claimed in an interview that she rid herself of the cancer by this regime. While many would have boohoo’d that the best was nowhere in sight either then or in their future, she saw the positive and turned things around. She studied the New Thought works of authors and spiritual teachers including Ernest Holmes, who taught that positive thinking could heal the body.<br /><br />Louise Hay has, among many other things, written 27+ books on affirmations and the power of positive thinking to heal anything that needs healing, mind or body. In 1984 she established the Hay House Publishing firm and has worked with the likes of Deepak Chopra, Ester and Jerry Hicks, Oprah Winfrey and Wayne Dyer. Her bestseller, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heal-Your-Body-Louise-Hay/dp/0937611352">Heal Your Body</a>, has sold more than 35 million copies around the world in over 30 languages. She loves to sing, dance, paint and sculpt, endeavors she didn’t even start until well into her 70’s. She is a true representation that the best is ALWAYS yet to come. There are many other celebrities like Louise in the news every day.<br /><br /><b>I appreciate positive role models in my life.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b> While it’s nice to see well-known people who remind us that life can always be very fun and rewarding, I find it particularly heartening to personally know some seniors who epitomize the positive attitude that attracts more of the same, regardless of age. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-mI8KOS8inuThggk3pOW-5QjVIFXl2BAIy5ndthwEDbJvpTxYQdSuSKFYRa9pRxf7kbn0nYdYbhSWwkQ1UOghcoBQC0R-hYTMhQAq56GKBqohFVQ5w1-HPlUsZhn4vXzgjDw8noUl70/s1600/scan0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-mI8KOS8inuThggk3pOW-5QjVIFXl2BAIy5ndthwEDbJvpTxYQdSuSKFYRa9pRxf7kbn0nYdYbhSWwkQ1UOghcoBQC0R-hYTMhQAq56GKBqohFVQ5w1-HPlUsZhn4vXzgjDw8noUl70/s200/scan0005.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbara with another friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My friend Barbara was one of those people.</b><br /><br />I met Barbara when, at age 75, she came to volunteer for me doing some research when I worked at the Sheriff’s Department. She and I became friends and when the project she worked on for me ended, she went to work for another department where she completely organized an in-house library of many thousands of books. She acquired and cataloged the entire collection and eventually the library was named after her. We had lots of fun together, playing cards, going out, even traveling abroad.<br /> <br />When Barbara was 79 she met an 80-year-old British man on a Windjammer cruise. They corresponded and visited each other for a year and ultimately, when Barbara was 80, they married and she moved to England. I attended her wedding overseas and, on the last day of the trip, we took the Euro Star speed train to Paris for lunch. The last time I saw her she was wearing a bright red beret and a brilliant smile. She and her husband had a lovely time enjoying each other before she passed away a couple of years later. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Think for a minute, and I bet you’ll realize you know someone just like Barbara. </b></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDu0BLqk4dUwXNB7qiKsfnJG8h8k9Zpbhh5RvRpq4O_kSJmv6Z526vy7NpHr-Ialvb7M0qK426vPLo3lr09q2nAjjDbfxmi85o53Up-PKVO6gbp8ZFBr8CztDUAs1l0eFsOm5S09g5_Xk/s1600/Best+is+yet+to+come.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDu0BLqk4dUwXNB7qiKsfnJG8h8k9Zpbhh5RvRpq4O_kSJmv6Z526vy7NpHr-Ialvb7M0qK426vPLo3lr09q2nAjjDbfxmi85o53Up-PKVO6gbp8ZFBr8CztDUAs1l0eFsOm5S09g5_Xk/s200/Best+is+yet+to+come.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />They’re not famous or necessarily rich and they’re probably older than you. What DO they have that makes them open and receptive to the best when it appears? If I were to guess, I’d say a significant factor is attitude. Sure we all have our bad days but, in general, these people are fairly upbeat and positive. They’re sure there’s good stuff ahead regardless of their age or financial circumstances or marital status, etc. I think, when given the chance, they’re the ones who’ll see the glass as half full, that the grey and rainy days are good opportunities to stay in and read and that the actions of others don’t dictate their happiness.<br /><br />I’m grateful there are outstanding role models to keep me knowing the best is yet to come! I believe like attracts like and the best is now and forever. I aspire to this way of life and I enjoy working on it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Contact me at antonia@thejoyofaginggratefully.com</span></div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-4300111037004901112015-10-27T02:00:00.001-07:002015-10-27T14:02:35.931-07:00Third Anniversary - Changes Ahead<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Antonia’s Senior Moments</i> has been a thriving blog for three
years. During that time, over 200 posts have been published, which have been
viewed over 36,000 times by readers in 10 different countries including Poland,
Ukraine, Russia and China.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uOgyk2SmVSXMm9JMRZuIxJX8TTQMEllhfy_MR-cLHpCokzDCaw5LeKqJjiR0uhIFKc02p-xWCYeBEKVCk7pwbzo74-iehpfaoJIqhw7FP3G4d11bAM_r3A7_SnXkIXVp5OXB4ScuFAY/s1600/Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uOgyk2SmVSXMm9JMRZuIxJX8TTQMEllhfy_MR-cLHpCokzDCaw5LeKqJjiR0uhIFKc02p-xWCYeBEKVCk7pwbzo74-iehpfaoJIqhw7FP3G4d11bAM_r3A7_SnXkIXVp5OXB4ScuFAY/s1600/Logo.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Now <i>Antonia’s Senior Moments</i> is growing up, hitting the big
time. Early next month this blog will be changing its name to <b><i><a href="http://thejoyofaginggratefully.com/">The Joy of Aging Gratefully</a></i></b>, and will become a full on website that will
grow and expand to meet the needs of my senior audience.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Did you know older women are the largest demographic in the world? I'd like to continue to grow a community of readers who are interested in making our seniordom a vibrant and joyous time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As a result, you'll continue to see myriad age-related information and
subjects that hopefully strike a chord with you. We’ll also be
open to any suggestions you have for subjects you’d like to see or issues you’d
like to share.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s going to be the same, but different. That's how I've felt about
getting older … the same as I did in my thirties but different in my
older body. I bet I’m not alone in this feeling.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As I go forward, I’d like to thank all my friends and readers and specifically the following people for motivating me to keep going:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Ruth Barnhart<br />Jane Beach<br />Fran Bolduc</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Debbie Butterfield<br />Randall Friesen</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lorna Johnson<br />Chris Michaels<br />Norma Miller<br />Barbara Stafford<br />Christine Sullivan<br />Rod Sverko</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Edward Viljoen</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Contact Antonia at antonia@thejoyofaginggratefully.com </div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-77310092811499241212015-10-20T02:00:00.000-07:002015-10-20T02:00:00.161-07:00Death Part 2*, or The Momentary Joy of Being Curious<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was sitting on the deck with my friend, Effie, taking in the
cool beginning to what was forecast to be a warm summer day. The jays were
squawking, the hummingbirds were fighting over the standing-room-only feeder at
the end of the house, and Effie and I were solving all the world’s problems. I
enjoy solving world problems with my friends. We were laughing and having fun
but then…<br />
<br />
<b>…uh-oh, I mentioned the “D” word.<o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I’m not sure how the subject came up but, given Effie is my
age, I probably just out-and-out asked her. I cringed after kick-starting the
conversation and clutched my mug of coffee a little tighter. She, however, did not flinch
a bit -- in fact, she kept right on smiling and said (wait for it...): “I’m really curious about what’s on the other
side.” She spoke without fanfare or angst or hyperbole; she was just being
honest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The moment she said those words I got goosebumps. In a flash,
I saw and felt a different aspect of death than I ever had before. It was
fleeting but my thought was, <i>“Wow, can I
actually be curious about what’s on the other side?”</i> And immediately the
answer came, <i>“Yes, I <u>can</u> be
curious,” </i>and that got me excited.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For a moment I felt
open … really open</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Standing strong, arms spread wide, face lifted to the
brilliant sky, eyes closed I saw an alternative to the dreaded logistics of the death experience. I transcended the rigmarole of illness or accident, saying goodbyes, getting
things in order (if I’m lucky), and found myself in a place of inquiry and sheer
wonderment. This led me right into, <i>“<u>Maybe</u>
it’s good, maybe it’s not scary, maybe it’s bigger than me and my emotions and
even the physical plane of the entire universe.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I’ve tried to express to my husband and friends the exact feeling
of that brief awakening, but it just doesn’t translate. Perhaps I’ll never find
the words. Perhaps it’s just too new or unfamiliar. Perhaps I dreamt it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Like I said, that moment was gone just as quickly as it had swept
its way through my being. I can sort of remember what it felt like, as it seemed
to leave a spiritual thread behind in my soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Since that morning on the deck with Effie, I’ve been on a
quest … a quest to recapture that ephemeral feeling of curiosity. It’s not a
subject that can be Googled or easily tracked down in literature. And even if
it could, it wouldn’t be the same.<br />
<br />
But I’m hopeful of what I can learn and that I’ll have that feeling again. It
has opened me up and made me a smidgeon less fearful of a situation no one can
control. When death happens, it happens. My prayer is that I remain curious,
even until that last moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXefrSJQ7jYu7vqW7_KydHG6SOO0l0lb4mxfJvfkvV-S12XnsRGlUkSCtYqOcFfU2fVM8kAgvB05ALBQvtVXnbd-DXCCbc3moVOL-jMlEytyUmEm-_ZkgD1TnFiENhQeqGKByovBZqrH4/s1600/EffieResized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXefrSJQ7jYu7vqW7_KydHG6SOO0l0lb4mxfJvfkvV-S12XnsRGlUkSCtYqOcFfU2fVM8kAgvB05ALBQvtVXnbd-DXCCbc3moVOL-jMlEytyUmEm-_ZkgD1TnFiENhQeqGKByovBZqrH4/s1600/EffieResized.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Effie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks Effie!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">*Note: I talk about
death for the first time in my blog post of October 1, 2013, which you can read
<a href="http://antoniasseniormoments.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-fear-of-death.html">here</a>.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Contact me at antonia@thejoyofaginggratefully.com</div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-37682737954513954852015-10-13T02:00:00.000-07:002015-10-17T07:41:00.791-07:00In The Know - October <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMV9rh_Cz3rRcHEtAh0N1SUK8SnAlia1tbDVLpHdkgLbNXpjMpeMpklftUlpsRr1I7JMk8Ok0ul9_M4LN6Uo6YX7_-zsIRyPKrJe2Tpah1VjDTBdFik7w6uJRase-5e4lGLqxf-edC9M/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_60548218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMV9rh_Cz3rRcHEtAh0N1SUK8SnAlia1tbDVLpHdkgLbNXpjMpeMpklftUlpsRr1I7JMk8Ok0ul9_M4LN6Uo6YX7_-zsIRyPKrJe2Tpah1VjDTBdFik7w6uJRase-5e4lGLqxf-edC9M/s200/Dollarphotoclub_60548218.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">~If you're like me, music from your younger days always lifts your spirits and takes you out of the everyday hum drum to a place that makes you smile. <a href="http://bit.ly/1MRHhkH">This article</a> takes a look at how YouTube can bring a lot of no-cost, no-calorie, no-guilt pleasure to your days. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">~This 100-year-old athlete, Don Pellman, is still breaking records. He is truly inspirational to me ... especially on those days when every joint in my body aches. Check him out <a href="http://bit.ly/1OZIx4S">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">~It's humor, not politics. Cute article about how people are posting pics of their cats and other pets that look like Trump and other candidates. <a href="http://bit.ly/1KYbrRf">Cute!</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">~Leave it to the New Zealanders' to create a fashion-forward line of incontinence lingerie. Find out more about this underwear<a href="http://bbc.in/1jneCrh"> here</a>! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">~A recent study showed for older adults the more you exercise the better shape your body will be. However, this was not true for your mind as well. Whether you exercise 75 mins a week or 225 mins, the test participants scored nearly the same in cognitive tests. <a href="http://nyti.ms/1QGQUkh">Read more here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">~Money is a huge issue for retirees, especially women retirees. <a href="http://bit.ly/1jng8cM">This article</a> presents 10 tips for retired women on fixed incomes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">~With the recent passing of Oliver Sacks' I reread his delightful piece on aging gracefully in the <a href="http://nyti.ms/1DwWHG0">New York Times</a>. It's definitely worth reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">~Did you see it? Why is it that old people being affectionate is such an event? I don't know, but I thought "awwww" when I saw it too. <a href="http://dailym.ai/1Q0NjwS">Watch here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">~And finally, while we're speaking about affection, here's an interesting article about why sex scenes for the over-60 crowd are rarely shown in film. <a href="http://bbc.in/1MQDFz3">What do you think</a>? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">~October Birthdays:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Roger Moore, 87 on the 14th</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Angela Lansbury, 89 on the 16th</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Catherine Deneuve, 71 on the 22nd</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Chi Chi Rodriquez, 79 on the 23rd</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Nanette Fabray, 97 on the 27th</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Dan Rather, 83 on the 31st</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Contact Antonia at antonia@thejoyofaginggratefully.comAntonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-92130690004970529832015-10-06T02:00:00.001-07:002015-10-06T02:00:02.216-07:00Do You Suffer From Action≠wordophobia?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Action</span><span style="font-size: large;">≠wordophobia is the fear of not being able to match your words with your actions.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It goes something like this:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I’m “healthy,” but my diet is crap. I’m “nonjudgmental,” but
I share my opinion like it’s the word of God. I think I live in integrity by
not initiating gossip, but when it’s laid before me, I partake. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And I’m always making suggestions for things my husband could
do better but that I never do myself. </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">Bazinga!</i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My actions don’t always match my words. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">That’s a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s the truth.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s easy to call out someone whose actions contradict their
words. Parents are the worst. I remember my mom and dad castigating me not to
smoke, but they both smoked like chimneys their entire lives. They’d tell me
not to “yell at my sister,” even as they argued fervently night after night. It
makes for confusing messages. What’s the old saying: Do I say, not as I do?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Okay, but what’s the
big deal?<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMgSR2tzYmVWyYvVVPIiHHyu0czoTyd2_9Ny1JRlcYV_8PC0AtPGO7XhaXvzsfyfBNmXoBwCrmT58LC2YM62p6sUG1zKy5XAhyWutdtKFgdTbGx7H-DG9eieXA67Se4bcgtFD5jhFdZA/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_68451663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMgSR2tzYmVWyYvVVPIiHHyu0czoTyd2_9Ny1JRlcYV_8PC0AtPGO7XhaXvzsfyfBNmXoBwCrmT58LC2YM62p6sUG1zKy5XAhyWutdtKFgdTbGx7H-DG9eieXA67Se4bcgtFD5jhFdZA/s200/Dollarphotoclub_68451663.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Your husband tells you he loves you, and that you’re the
most important person in his life. But, he’s late for dinner, changes your
plans with him at the last moment and takes calls or texts during meals and
other times with you. See the problem here?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">When actions don’t match words, credibility is ruined. This
is obvious in the business world where failing to follow through on a promise
can make the difference between keeping and losing clients.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your reputation at home is equally precious. It’s trashed
when you, for instance, say you’re sorry but continue to behave badly. Kids
pick up on this quickly and learn to disconnect words and actions as they grow
into adults. Without stellar credibility, children and spouses will have a
difficult time trusting you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How much of what you
say is, in fact, what you do?<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I don’t believe people, including myself, say one thing and
do another out of a conscious intention. It’s more likely a lack of awareness
that our doing and saying aren’t jiving. So, don’t be too harsh on yourself
right off the bat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Take a moment -- heck, take a week -- and see if what you
say coincides with what you do, both with yourself and others, at home and at
work.<b> </b>I guarantee it’s worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to change.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Assuming you find that you need to work at doing more of
what you say, there are things you can change. It’s safe to say that if any of
our actions are going the opposite direction of our words, it’s likely we’re
cultivating a well-embedded habit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">My first suggestion is to be honest with yourself. If your
diet is crap, quit kidding yourself that you’re doing all you can to be
healthy. Take a good hard look at places in your life where you give knee-jerk
responses about what you do without really checking to see if you’re making an
honest statement. What about times when
you say you’ve done something you really haven’t done completely? Being honest about
what you say will help bring your words and actions into alignment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Along the honesty lines, my next suggestion is to read Don
Miguel Ruiz’s <i>The Four Agreements</i>. One of the four agreements is to “be
impeccable in your word.” When you learn to be more honest with yourself and
others, your voice will automatically flow into your actions. It takes
practice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, a way to break this bad habit is to just share your
word less often … period. You don’t have to make <i>any </i>statements about how healthy you are<i>. Zip it!</i> Take the time to just be a listener. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The integrity of both your personal and professional lives
are at stake. Don’t risk it. Be sure your actions match your words. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As seniors in our communities, we are role models.
Be sure those coming behind us see the value of what we say <i>and</i> that it matches what we do.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Contact Antonia at thejoyofaginggratefully@gmail.com or<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl">Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-41104270764275625562015-09-29T02:00:00.000-07:002015-09-29T09:01:05.782-07:00Looking Ahead With Glory Every Day<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLwKfA0Z7IdcgJqzuR9Okts0NQIMoSJlHQ7stOGW0sCbFO__9wBa9Krg7HrQ-QNdVtBHxyHpgcXc5lh-RTzxqpXk3W2m0ddnpoi8ppfdeuqj1jAALuRam1JrdpWZXsg7PP6vfIOrceNo/s1600/IMG_2813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLwKfA0Z7IdcgJqzuR9Okts0NQIMoSJlHQ7stOGW0sCbFO__9wBa9Krg7HrQ-QNdVtBHxyHpgcXc5lh-RTzxqpXk3W2m0ddnpoi8ppfdeuqj1jAALuRam1JrdpWZXsg7PP6vfIOrceNo/s200/IMG_2813.jpg" width="172" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sally Patterson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The minute I met Sally Patterson three years ago, I knew I
was in the company of a genuinely trustworthy, compassionate and happy person.
She exudes joy and easily says about herself “I wake up happy!” I was pleased
that she took a moment from her busy life to sit down with me to share some of
how she got to where she is today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Antonia:</b> Hi Sally.
Thank you very much for being here. Let’s start with you telling me when and
where you were born.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sally:</b> I was born in
Los Angeles in 1936. That makes me just barely 79.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Antonia:</b> Tell me
about your family.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sally:</b> I met my husband,
Hank, right after graduating from high school. We both fell head over heels and
knew instantly that that was it for us. We’ve been married 58 years.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hank and I have six children; three boys and three girls.
And they’re fantastic! All really likeable! They range in age from 56 down to
the youngest at 44. I have ten grandchildren;
a monopoly of boys, and there are three great-grandchildren; two boys and a
girl. I had a brother and a sister, both of whom have passed away. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Antonia:</b> You say you
grew up in Southern California. How did you get from there to here in Santa
Rosa?<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sally:</b> After
finishing college Hank was recruited for a teaching job with the L.A. City
Schools. We knew we wanted a lot of kids and always talked about great places
to raise a family. When one of our kids got pneumonia, the doctor said we
should move out of smoggy L.A. A friend told us about Santa Rosa and what a
perfect family community it was. Hank put in his teaching application and in
1964 we moved here. I worked in accounting here for the County. After 16 years I
retired and Hank retired after 41 years.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Antonia:</b> I know that
you currently volunteer your time at Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa. Why do you enjoy that
work?<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sally:</b> Yes, this is
my fourteenth year volunteering at the front desk. I love it because I like the
people and I like helping them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Also, after surviving breast cancer, I also volunteered for
the American Cancer Society through their “Reach to Recovery” program for
patients recovering from surgery. I was bound and determined not to let cancer
take over my life. It felt good to give back something positive after a
negative experience. I did that for 20 years.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">A little over a year ago, I had a cancer relapse but I found
a great doctor and received good treatment that removed it all, so now the
prognosis is good.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Antonia:</b> You’re a
survivor! Your positive attitude shines through, Sally. Tell me how you feel
about getting older.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sally:</b> Well, I feel
it’s inevitable (laughs). The alternative isn’t great. I’ve had a few setbacks
but life goes on. You make the best of it. There’s no perfect life without
bumps.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I’m so fortunate to have a partner in life who believes as I
do that we do the best we can while we’re here. My personal faith, which has been
developed over the years, also plays a role in my life.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Antonia:</b> What kind of
advice would you give those of us coming behind you in terms of age?<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sally:</b> Because you’re looking at the shorter end of your
life at this point, I’d say you should have a very forward-looking thing about
each day you wake up…that you should see the glory in the way the sun’s coming
up, if there’s some pink in the sky. My husband laughs at me about this, but I’ll
run out the door just to see a beautiful day. It excites me.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I appreciate everything outside of myself. It’s a glorious
planet and we live in a beautiful place. It’s one of the most fulfilling things
to see the beauty of where we are. I look ahead with glory every day.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Antonia:</b> Thank you for talking with me today, Sally.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">After I turned off the recorder Sally said the most succinct thing about herself: “If you want to understand me, it’s that I’m happy.”I was struck by this aspect of her from the first day
I met her. Her happiness draws people closer to her. It’s contagious.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />Sally’s attitude and approach to life as an elder in our
community serves as a role model to me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl">Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a></div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-28704321841834069502015-09-22T02:00:00.000-07:002015-09-22T02:00:02.101-07:00My Brush with "Les Beatles"! - Looking Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was my first experience with pandemonium. <br /><br />When a girl started to sink down in the sea of hysterical humanity, someone caught her and helped her stay afloat. No one shared her picture on Instagram or Facebook. It was long before cell phones and social media, so it didn’t occur to us to worry about documenting our experience. <br /><br />This was 1964, the day after my sixteenth birthday, and the event was one of the Beatles first performances ever, soon to be worldwide famous.<br /><br />It was in Paris, France, and I had never even heard a Beatles song before.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCMG_n8snyKsJQiJFkxOzpBnLQYdnO7H5owwSXG-RdGQ77SnKgN9lVPZ40i5ZZreDAv0T_97SgPWghiArbEBMY4smg70vcZ8Fe4EalaMNXIHEkK6nNfOC_20D4veCnFN-PpwUzIRQMrA/s1600/2553561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCMG_n8snyKsJQiJFkxOzpBnLQYdnO7H5owwSXG-RdGQ77SnKgN9lVPZ40i5ZZreDAv0T_97SgPWghiArbEBMY4smg70vcZ8Fe4EalaMNXIHEkK6nNfOC_20D4veCnFN-PpwUzIRQMrA/s200/2553561.jpg" width="143" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my hair in 1964</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />As an historian for NATO, my father and our family were stationed in Fontainebleau, France. Along with about sixty or so Americans, I attended boarding school in Paris, and every Wednesday evening we would be taken to a cultural or historical venue that would “broaden our European experience,” typically a museum or chateau. As it turns out, the Beatles concert overshadowed nearly all other culture I rubbed up against during my three years in France.<br /><br />Supervision for the thirty of us American high schoolers who went to the concert was in the form of matronly dorm counselors. They were ill-prepared for the unique experience we were a part of that night, and security for the concert at the Olympia Theater was less than stringent.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMOFNsJeLTLuD8BMBwCjYF-k_Uy_lZvHDwATPrGJbnahkzsaqNb9QneoWTqw7YFA1SfVuGxr2sQT_-T_yM1hotpfgQh1XFp-2mLRnHlyjCRj2WFb60fOIUWCi4-REGituY296LEBAC7w/s1600/olympia_theatre_marque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMOFNsJeLTLuD8BMBwCjYF-k_Uy_lZvHDwATPrGJbnahkzsaqNb9QneoWTqw7YFA1SfVuGxr2sQT_-T_yM1hotpfgQh1XFp-2mLRnHlyjCRj2WFb60fOIUWCi4-REGituY296LEBAC7w/s200/olympia_theatre_marque.jpg" width="167" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The opening acts were French pop singer, Sylvie Vartan, and twenty-six-year-old, Texas-born Trini Lopez, who performed “If I Had a Hammer.” Our group loved Trini so much we would have been happy if he’d been the headliner. By the way, both Sylvie and Trini are still performing today.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Because we didn’t know a thing about the Beatles, we acted slightly less wild than the French teens. We listened and clapped and laughed at their jokes, but no one fainted or made themselves sick screaming. I believe we were more excited about seeing a band – any band – that spoke English.<br /><br />The Beatles played eight songs that night: “From Me to You,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “She Loves You,” “This Boy,” “Boys,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Twist and Shout” and “Long Tall Sally.” At one point, Paul, who could hear us yelling (the venue was small), acknowledged our presence by asking if we spoke English and where we were from. We were beyond thrilled to be singled out.<br /><br />It wasn’t until long after this experience that I began to understand the impact of an evening with “Les Beatles.” We were a bunch of American kids longing for anything outside the military lifestyle. We needed – and got! – the perfect thing for us to love and our parents to misunderstand. All of a sudden, we had a secret desire and <i>un beau</i> (in the form of George, John, Paul, and Ringo), a special song, a powerful shared experience, and a memory to carry throughout our entire lives. <br /><br /><br />[Surprisingly there exists a very short and not-so-great-quality You-Tube video of this performance on Jan. 16, 1964. Notice the suits and dresses worn by many concert-goers. My gang also was dressed up but not looking as sharp as these Frenchies. Check it out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIvTo8hiwxg&index=44&list=FL3n0sivCIO02JkIlhbcvGBw">here</a>.]</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@blogspot.com or<br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl">Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a><br /> Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-66962540383326638372015-09-15T02:00:00.000-07:002015-09-15T02:00:07.471-07:00One "She Shed" Away From Insanity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever missed alone time so much you went a little bonkers?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Virginia Woolf reminds us in <i>A Room of One’s Own</i> of the critical nature of solitary time -- to
write, meditate or do whatever will support us in being happy, productive and
better people in the world. Unlike Virginia’s thesis, however, which stipulates
that it always takes money to get that room, we’ll look at a couple of ways to make
that happen without it breaking the bank. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Before we look at the
“how,” let’s remind ourselves about the “why.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Time alone means different things to different people. If
you live in a bustling household, time alone most
definitely means no conversations and probably not sharing a bathroom or the
remote for an extended period of time. If you already live alone, however, it
may mean just a change of scenery … trading your four walls for some different
ones, or replacing them with sky and trees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In either case, peace and quiet gives us much-needed
downtime. Solitude can help us trade multi-tasking
for mono-tasking like reading, just staring into space, admiring things in nature, or other
calming activities. Many of us aren’t able to do our best problem-solving
unless we can spend quality time alone laying out all of our options and
evaluating them thoroughly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Quiet time plays a role in our health by reducing stress and
relaxing our brains and bodily systems. It’s the pause that refreshes. It’s
peaceful time that reminds us to slow down and be grateful for the bounty of our
lives, to appreciate all that is right before us and to cease comparing
ourselves or our lives with that of others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, in solitude we can see that the urgency of
communication is over-blown. We’re texting, tweeting, and checking in by phone
– constantly, anytime and anywhere. Is that necessary? All the time? Stop. Be
willing to risk the feelings associated with being alone for a little while,
especially if you can do so in the comfort of a space you call your own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Then and now
solutions<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">For many women, getting space used to be a matter of shooing
little ones out of the house, closing the blinds and ignoring the phone. And that's still true for some. For me
it’s always meant marking days on my calendar with big X’s and just saying,
“Sorry, I can’t that day.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkfXnqvWXKHDUEA7FrV6dIlWlN_Xlyl4WafLUGuC07tzlCi5SfFmi6zr_nl5I8l1fDRcGPsjybDsX7c0xXBiPfVvql8KuEeHIJCG2_8Oai79hX8BpZ5p-e45i7-YVqrns8UKirjRig6A/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_85165112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkfXnqvWXKHDUEA7FrV6dIlWlN_Xlyl4WafLUGuC07tzlCi5SfFmi6zr_nl5I8l1fDRcGPsjybDsX7c0xXBiPfVvql8KuEeHIJCG2_8Oai79hX8BpZ5p-e45i7-YVqrns8UKirjRig6A/s200/Dollarphotoclub_85165112.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">But here’s another idea: You’ve heard of “man caves”? Well now women are creating places of refuge -- “she
sheds” -- where they can do whatever
they want … alone, no men allowed, no kids allowed, (<i>no one</i> allowed if that’s what you want). Having a she shed means
having either enough land and resources to build a new structure or enough
patience to refurbish an existing outbuilding. The fun lies in making it your
way whether shabby chic or pristine and modern. The point is, you get to
decide. Check out these <a href="http://lightersideofrealestate.com/real-estate-life/cool-stuff/introducing-she-sheds">fabulous
examples</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">While building a she shed may represent the upper end of
making time and space for yourself, you can also create a retreat in the
basement, attic or even in your garage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes identifying a physical place to call your own just
isn’t possible. That’s when you look within your community and see what might
work. Perhaps it’s the park, away from
the playground. It might be the library in the history section where there
isn’t a lot of traffic. It might be as simple as fancying up the back porch
with a comfortable chair, side table, planter of flowers, nice wall art and a
rug. None of this has to be expensive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I know you can use your creativity to identify possibilities
that work for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Alone time for me is
serious business.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Despite not having any little kids running around my house,
I seriously could not function without alone time. Unfortunately, it took my
new husband a long time to embrace my dire need for time away from it all,
including him. Even some of my friends struggled with my need. It’s always been
hard for me to say “no” without a valid excuse.
I can just hear them now: “Say what? You’d rather be alone than with me?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">For me, alone time means sequestering myself in my office in
our home. Because I’m a writer, I’m in there every day for at least two hours
and often spend up to twelve hours. I am fortunate to have a comfortable place
to work where my cat, Kali, is never excluded, and where I can shut the door if
I’m having a particularly challenging day. My husband, bless his heart, finally
gets it. He goes out of his way to pass my office door with nary a glance
inward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Every two to three months or so, I pack up and check into
a hotel for a few days. I order in for most my meals and, although I have
brought work projects, I’ve never done any work. I watch crap TV or read cheap
novels and soak in the tub. I love it. I luxuriate in it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">At the very least I create outstanding quiet time by having
one of my “no tech” days. These days mean no computer, iPhone, iPad, TV, car,
microwave or anything else electronic. On these days I spend time in nature,
reading or visiting with friends. I’m not always alone on these days, but they
surely are quiet and serene, filled with lots of downtime activities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What is your way?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">While I don’t have a fancy she-shed, I am able to create
great alone time, which is vital to my well-being and for which I am grateful. Is the need for alone or
quiet time true for you as well? If so, what is your way of getting it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl">Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a></div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-35364567546839730692015-09-08T02:00:00.000-07:002015-09-08T02:00:02.716-07:00"Deaf Sentence" and "An Invisible Thread" - Book Reviews<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ws5wnobIZbw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ws5wnobIZbw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Click <a href="https://youtu.be/ws5wnobIZbw">here</a> if you have trouble viewing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl"> Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a>Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-48114598626033400892015-09-01T02:00:00.000-07:002015-09-01T06:08:38.383-07:00In the Know - September 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQJuAU2LNSd2qCM1E4T4Jqgwokofcr0APUltVMMh-fVjn7Yw83OruMASXzFIRdPDH9aZDxf3ITxqFpZrgSecmdFHWEeH9aCi3iDZZl4iRT6v49LZYYm9YMmiOtEPWMZ_f-bERcvfHQfQ/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_50582882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQJuAU2LNSd2qCM1E4T4Jqgwokofcr0APUltVMMh-fVjn7Yw83OruMASXzFIRdPDH9aZDxf3ITxqFpZrgSecmdFHWEeH9aCi3iDZZl4iRT6v49LZYYm9YMmiOtEPWMZ_f-bERcvfHQfQ/s200/Dollarphotoclub_50582882.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Baby you can drive my car!</b> Despite jokes to the contrary, senior drivers are historically safer drivers than young people. For this reason, the for-hire car service, Uber, is interested in partnering with AARP to enlist older drivers for its service. </span><a href="http://on.today.com/1MFmjUL">http://on.today.com/1MFmjUL</a><a href="http://on.today.com/1MFmjUL"> </a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Financial aid for older adults going back to school:</b> Thinking of taking some classes or going back to school? There are lots of options for baby boomers and retirees to receive financial help. </span><a href="http://huff.to/1h2mAoB">http://huff.to/1h2mAoB</a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>You are what you eat</b>: Longevity expert Dan Buettner talks about the value of different foods to the health of seniors here in the U.S. and how those values compare to residents of other countries around the world. </span><a href="http://nyti.ms/1LaFdRb">http://nyti.ms/1LaFdRb</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Elder playgrounds</b>: Sounds like fun! Serving as a community gathering spot as well as a place to improve fitness, elder playgrounds exist all over Europe and are beginning to make an appearance in the U.S. </span><a href="http://huff.to/1Kc6JhX">http://huff.to/1Kc6JhX</a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>Marrying your soulmate after 50</b>: The author shares her experience about it never being too late to find love. </span><a href="http://huff.to/1J4Kh5I">http://huff.to/1J4Kh5I</a><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>An awwwww moment that's NOT a picture of a cat</b>: The author shares what it was like to have her 89-year-old grandma serve as one of her bridesmaids at her recent wedding. There are pictures too! It's a truly awe-inspiring story. </span><a href="http://huff.to/1M6wcvs">http://huff.to/1M6wcvs</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>August and September Birthdays:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Martha Stewart, 74 on Aug 3<br />Barack Obama, 54 on Aug 4<br />Dustin Hoffman, 78 on Aug 8<br />Fidel Castro, 89 on Aug 13<br />Lily Tomlin, 76 on Sept. 1<br />Bill Clinton, 69 on Sept. 19<br />Michael Douglas, 71 on Sept. 25<br /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl"> Antonia's Senior Moments at Facebook</a></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-85004634097700833042015-08-25T02:00:00.000-07:002015-08-25T02:00:05.355-07:00Still Going Strong and Helping Others at 97<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3neyuOMP3k-RJj1D4sCKVzyi4NvICKq_X9-jfIx9xsh5csbEjtzB5WIfJb__7NWDnvrWy2E833X8kY-VPvBmH3vqN4Dv7SUJ8Ussyyl4_XMsBXvKOtdPXggrQavOiqYpdSrAxLkqa2M/s1600/Hertzel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3neyuOMP3k-RJj1D4sCKVzyi4NvICKq_X9-jfIx9xsh5csbEjtzB5WIfJb__7NWDnvrWy2E833X8kY-VPvBmH3vqN4Dv7SUJ8Ussyyl4_XMsBXvKOtdPXggrQavOiqYpdSrAxLkqa2M/s1600/Hertzel2.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>97 Never Looked This Good</b><br /><br />“Keep busy. Keep Useful.” This upbeat outlook on life keeps Hertzel Harrison active, involved and very independent. (And still quite handsome for a man who’s turning 98 in December!) He drove himself to my home recently for our interview and politely refused any assistance from myself or my husband.<br /><br /><b>Antonia:</b> Welcome Hertzel. Can you tell me a little about your background?<br /><br /><b>Hertzel:</b> I was born in Peoria, Illinois in 1917, 10th of 11 children. There were nine boys and two girls. The girls were spoiled rotten.<br /><br />I wanted to enlist in the military but I had to deal with a medical condition before I could get in. In my childhood I was poisoned from bad milk. This affected, among other things, my depth perception, so I wasn’t eligible to fly until I got well. I got down to 60 lbs. because of this illness!<br /><br />Eventually, I proved I was well enough to fly as an Aviation Cadet. I went on to become a successful navigator and bombardier. My eyesight was perfect. I was stationed in Texas and served three years.<br /><br /><b>Antonia:</b> Tell me how you met your wife.<br /><br /><b>Hertzel:</b> It was during Christmas vacation in high school in Peoria. My buddy Don Heinrick and I were looking for something to do. We went to a friend’s house and that’s where I first saw this blue-eyed blonde, Virginia Steele. She took one look at me and that was it!<br /><br />We got married and had two boys: Trip was the older and Bob is the younger. My older son passed away in his 60’s but the younger one, Bob, lives nearby.<br /><br /><b>Antonia:</b> How did you get from Peoria to here in California?<br /><br /><b>Hertzel:</b> I got into manufacturing. It’s kind of ironic that I got into designing a piece of equipment that dealt with food poisoning. It was a refrigeration/oven unit on wheels. I worked with hospitals and nursing homes.<br /><br />Originally I did this work while living in Florida with my family. I had the factory in Canada where the parts were assembled into these units.<br /><br />In 1980 I sold the company, retired and moved my family to Santa Rosa, California.<br /><br /><b>Antonia:</b> Tell me about retirement life.<br /><br /><b>Hertzel:</b> I started off by playing lots of golf and the other usual retirement stuff…enjoying life. I quit playing golf when I developed basal cell carcinoma. <br /><br />Unfortunately, Virginia died of colon cancer in 1991. We were married 56 years! That’s when I began volunteering at the hospital. I found that volunteering was the best thing to occupy my mind. Keep busy. Keep useful.<br /><br />These days I play duplicate bridge and spend time with my seven grand kids and their kids.<br /><br /><b>Antonia:</b> Why is volunteering so important to you?<br /><br /><b>Hertzel:</b> It makes me feel useful, instead of useless. I also did some work at the Senior Center for a while serving meals to seniors. Now I just work at Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa, answering questions and helping people get where they need to be. I work about 8 hours a week and so far have contributed about 4,000 hours since I started.<br /><br /><b>Antonia:</b> How do you feel about getting older? Do you consider yourself a role model?<br /><br /><b>Hertzel:</b> I feel fine. I’m not angry I can’t do all the things I did when I was 21. No, I feel good about the age I’m at. No, I don’t consider myself a role model. I think of myself as lucky!<br /><br /><b>Antonia:</b> Any advice for those of us coming behind you?<br /><br /><b>Hertzel:</b> Eat red meat sparingly. If you’re gonna eat meat, eat white meat. I never smoked cigarettes but did smoke a pipe for maybe a couple of years but quit when I was about 35. As far as drinking, a bottle of wine would last me about a month. I don’t really drink.<br /><br />My other advice is don’t go to sleep angry. Find a way to resolve any problems. Oh, and save your money!<br /><br /><b>Thanks Hertzel!</b></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@blogspot.com or<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl">Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a>Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-45219082998517300292015-08-18T02:00:00.000-07:002015-08-18T02:00:01.428-07:00What if Today Was Your Last Day?<span style="font-size: large;">What if you only had 24 hours to do the things you want, see the people and places you are able to visit and get your affairs in order?<br /><br />When I first contemplated this question, I started crying. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I didn’t want it to be my last day. I haven't had enough time, enough good laughs, enough kisses and hugs with family and friends, enough wet nose bumps with my precious Kali or enough perfectly dry chardonnay or deliciously crafted Caesar salads. I haven't had enough days luxuriating in my bed-like-a-nest or being surprised by a new thing or having something in nature totally blow me away. <br /><br />I had to force myself to think what it might be like…this last day. <br /><br />Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have continued writing this post if it weren’t for wanting to share my fear and what came out of that fear. I found myself saying, “If I’m feeling this way, I bet there are lots of others who might have difficulty as well.”<br /> <br /><b> I began with an exercise -- a blank piece of paper and the question</b>, “What if today was my last?” <br /><br />To immerse myself in the “last day” head space, I quieted down. It was hard to find the courage to get myself to actually feel what it would be like to have only one day left to live.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I squirmed and resisted. I did the dishes. I decided my craft closet needed some revamping. Finally when I was able to get serious about the exercise, the answers of what I’d do came swiftly. They poured out of me. I wasn’t surprised by what they were. <br /><br /><b>In order of priority my things were</b>:<br /><br /> - Be with my husband, my best women friends, and my </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> cat, Kali. (After writing this I’m crying again, so I </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> take a couple of deep breaths before proceeding.)<br /><br /> - I’d write a few letters to extended family and friends </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> who I’ve gotten out of touch with, including a few </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Thank You” notes to people who have shown up </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> as teachers in my life.<br /><br /> - I’d make arrangements to give some stuff away<br /><br /> - I’d break out that $25 bottle of wine and enjoy it in </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> nature on my deck.<br /><br /> - My favorite pieces of classical music would be </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> playing all day interspersed with some R&B soul </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> music.<br /><br /> - I would apologize to a few people I have hurt, but </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> wouldn’t angst out over regrets or making amends.<br /><br /> - I would eat an entire pint of Ben and Jerry’s Phish </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Food ice cream and perhaps some risotto.<br /><br /> - I’d go to the ocean and let the brilliant sun ricochet </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu25-rNcRZ7OV2LSvhURB868RNVm-hlc7DDzpDtvdo05yKmI-Ea4Qx7DGaTLuRgepHoiti7GKO6DbgoB-2gZr3OYmpBCxPv2yG1POOXpEVFvpqTUW1k8AcZ6Cyga5K99kbD_-dZWOVggs/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_81152992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu25-rNcRZ7OV2LSvhURB868RNVm-hlc7DDzpDtvdo05yKmI-Ea4Qx7DGaTLuRgepHoiti7GKO6DbgoB-2gZr3OYmpBCxPv2yG1POOXpEVFvpqTUW1k8AcZ6Cyga5K99kbD_-dZWOVggs/s320/Dollarphotoclub_81152992.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> off the white caps </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> into my </span><span style="font-size: large;">eyes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> - I’d let someone read </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> to me.<br /><br /> - I would smile all day.<br /><br />One purpose of this exercise is to see what my priorities are.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For me, the value of creating this list is to compare what I do now with what I'd do if my time was limited. I believe </span><span style="font-size: large;">the real takeaway for me is to incorporate more of the things on my list into my everyday life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>Now it’s your turn.</b><br /><br />Do what it takes to get in that space of feeling it’s your last day. Write down what you’d do differently and then try to do at least three of those things every week or every day.<br /><br />While I got all weepy when I started with this post, I think the value of the exercise far outweighed any discomfort. It's a great reminder for me to enjoy what's important to me, pursue my priorities and make time for the things and people I love. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What do you think?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@blogspot.com or<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl">Antonia's Senior Moments at Facebook</a><br />
<br />
<br />Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-85990537403030829912015-08-11T05:46:00.000-07:002015-08-11T05:46:00.083-07:00In the Know - A New Feature!<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here’s your monthly roundup of fun and helpful tips and news about and for seniors. (If there are other topics you’d like me to cover here, let me know!)<br /><br /><b>Medicare Turns 50 in Good Health</b><br /><br />From NPR: “Here’s a bit of good news for Medicare, the popular government program that's turning 50 this week. Older Americans on Medicare are spending less time in the hospital; they're living longer; and the cost of a typical hospital stay has actually come down over the past 15 years.” Click <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/07/28/426740179/happy-50th-birthday-medicare-your-patients-are-getting-healthier">here</a> to read or listen to the story. <br /><br /><b>Trash Your Muumuus and Get Some Jeans!</b><br /><br />Great advice on how to look fashionable after 60 (even on a budget) with tips taken from the likes of Diane Sawyer and Susan Sarandon. Learn why you should wear lots of color, how to experiment with prints and textures… and see Helen Mirren rocking a bikini at 65. <span class="Hyperlink0"><span style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/fashion-advice-older-women/">http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/fashion-advice-older-women/</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwTgXuku8jtjI9jvnNt3XZOuktABPbniA7W8ssKpm5ZJcrMHw6JSIxF6tfSBnfwpIA2VZpolWjiFLdoz1pOTklzoKjdo5x1iJ6Y5ttt7vDP-Uvl9_4DTDo80d0sKNLiKqbef225XXKck/s1600/olderandyounger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwTgXuku8jtjI9jvnNt3XZOuktABPbniA7W8ssKpm5ZJcrMHw6JSIxF6tfSBnfwpIA2VZpolWjiFLdoz1pOTklzoKjdo5x1iJ6Y5ttt7vDP-Uvl9_4DTDo80d0sKNLiKqbef225XXKck/s200/olderandyounger.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Preschoolers and the Elderly in Present Perfect</b> <br /><br />I was just thrilled to learn about this preschool located entirely inside a retirement home. The two groups at the opposite of ends of life meet to do activities, read, share stories, color, paint, sing songs and lots of other fun things. What a wonderful way to use the valuable resource of elders within a community. A documentary is forthcoming. I was deeply touched. Click <a href="http://www.presentperfectfilm.com/">here</a> to find out more.<br /><br /><b>10 Things I Learned From Barbie</b><br /><br />If you’re like me, you played with Barbie dolls. I loved Barbie but I was surprised at just how much I learned from my time with her. For instance, sometimes we get our hair all cut off or have ball point tattoos appear on our thighs -- life is capricious. Constantly standing on our tiptoes and wearing blue eye shadow are not always a great idea. For more funny and entertaining things we can learn from Barbie, click <span class="Hyperlink1"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michelle-combs/lessons-from-barbie_b_7847982.html">here</a></span></span>.</span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Surprising Benefits of Volunteering</span></b><br />
<div class="Body">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Hyperlink0">Want to get out more, make more connections, do some good and feel great in the process? Here are four reasons you might want to consider volunteering and enjoy its “Happiness Effect.” <span style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="http://www.helpguide.org/articles/work-career/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm">http://www.helpguide.org/articles/work-career/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm</a></span></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Hyperlink0"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Hyperlink0"><b>A Few Notable Birthdays</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Hyperlink0"><br />Dalai Lama - 89 on July 6<br />Martha Reeves of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas - 74 on July 18</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Hyperlink0">Tony Bennett - 89 on August 3</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Hyperlink0">Wendell Berry - 81 on August 5</span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">OK, that’s it for now. Like I said, if there’s something you want me to look into, let me know. I’d love your thoughts and opinions.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl">Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a>Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-65664072285772256482015-08-04T02:00:00.001-07:002015-08-04T02:00:00.883-07:00Coincidences – Gifts from the Universe? Or Random Events?<span style="font-size: large;">It was one of those ordinary, totally forgettable days.<br /><br />Sal was at a print shop trying to pick up an order. It wasn’t ready yet. So he thought, “What the heck, I’ll just go grab a coffee at the cafe across the street.”</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sal’s life was about to change forever. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">He jogged across the street and stooped down to pet an adorable fluffball puppy that was tied up outside the cafe.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Just then, an attractive blonde woman dressed in a business suit, juggling a large purple backpack and a heavy briefcase, buzzed around the corner and nearly tripped over Sal. The two of them laughed and, after playing with the puppy for a moment, went inside, found a table in a quiet corner, and instantly bonded over coffee. <br /><br />Today Sal and Megan are living together and plan to marry. <br /><br />Everything changed in a moment… because his printing order wasn’t ready on time and a puppy was his path. How does that work?<br /><br /><b>Was it a Coincidence? Luck? Serendipity? Fate? Or something else?</b><br /><br />I’m sure you have some stories like this. They happen all the time. You run into that person you were meaning to call today. Or you pick out the same anniversary card for your spouse they picked out for you.<br /><br />When things like this happen, do you trivialize them as “coincidences” and say “I got lucky,” or “It came out of the blue?” Or do you wonder if something else might be going on?<br /><br /><b>If you’re like me, you believe that everything that happens, happens for a reason. </b><br /><br />As Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of Peace, Love and Healing, so beautifully says it, coincidences are "God's way of remaining anonymous.”<br /><br />My spiritual faith leads me to believe everything exists in the universe because of my thoughts and actions. So, when something happens I can’t explain, I can’t just shrug my shoulders and leave it at that. I have to stay open to greater meaning.<br /><br />Look around at the house you are living in, the job where you work and your partner and children, if you have them. Do you really think all these treasures in your life came to you coincidentally? <br /><br /><b>It’s harder to think we might have some connection with bad things that happen.</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">When I was diagnosed with breast cancer years ago, I saw nothing good in it. It was a horrible experience. Yet, only a year later, I looked back on this trying time and saw I’d received an amazing gift.<br /><br />I discovered what is really important in my life. <br /><br />The importance of friends and family became crystal clear. I couldn’t have gotten that valuable perspective without having had the trauma of a life-threatening illness. Coincidence? I thought not, but you decide.<br /><br /><b>Look at what happens in your life.</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The next time you run into a person, out of the blue, you’ve been thinking about, stop and pay attention to the circumstances of this happening, or coincidence. Is it possible the energy you used to think about this person had them appear in your life at that exact moment?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrmZqa1rulwLwA4GM8PT4H1ZX5eoT8JLxyHFB25Cyk8jfM2HYV-DkDP0Ae6deE9vczCuZ1i3gDQrOdAIrEPdjxu0WvVlcw2nkwHAtmXVHQF4Chu2CVlGnuV9vteM0v-66sRv2RM5_q6Q/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_836384651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrmZqa1rulwLwA4GM8PT4H1ZX5eoT8JLxyHFB25Cyk8jfM2HYV-DkDP0Ae6deE9vczCuZ1i3gDQrOdAIrEPdjxu0WvVlcw2nkwHAtmXVHQF4Chu2CVlGnuV9vteM0v-66sRv2RM5_q6Q/s200/Dollarphotoclub_836384651.jpg" width="125" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
Whether you believe what happens as completely circumstantial or </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">definitely created by your energy, be sure to be grateful and acknowledge all the coincidences that have made your current life what it is. Our life expands because of them.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />What are your beliefs about the coincidences in your life?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl">Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a></div>
</div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-81462251081066324872015-07-28T02:00:00.001-07:002015-07-28T05:58:58.268-07:00The Most Inspiring 88-Year-Old I've Ever Met<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLzaYAfsS0szCYrBhG26MWaAzDkJl3BQ02Fbm4iskVMrI0_NiBcvB0lbuirqH8U80BT1uOPZJ1e1aI4dmvy2NcgE6Uip7lMKvAqYaPliVox-QtakUhcjr3iGQ6y2Hp4L7BAelz9Bnwy8/s1600/IMG_26631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLzaYAfsS0szCYrBhG26MWaAzDkJl3BQ02Fbm4iskVMrI0_NiBcvB0lbuirqH8U80BT1uOPZJ1e1aI4dmvy2NcgE6Uip7lMKvAqYaPliVox-QtakUhcjr3iGQ6y2Hp4L7BAelz9Bnwy8/s200/IMG_26631.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monique Purkett</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do you sometimes worry about getting older?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Meet Monique Purkett,
still active, engaged and contributing to the world at 88. </b></span><span style="font-size: large;">When I sat down to interview her
recently, I had no idea all she had been through and all that she contributed to the world. She is a role model for all of us in our later years
and truly someone to admire. The story of Monique’s life could be a movie. In
fact, it would be three movies!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">A magical wartime
love story</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />“Young 17-year-old French girl meets and falls in love with
American soldier during the German occupation of France.” Doesn’t this sound
like something right off the pages of a screenplay of a war love story from the
1940’s?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">She was the oldest of three with a sister six years her
junior and a brother 12 years younger. When the war ended French families
invited American soldiers into their homes. At 17 Monique felt awkward doing
so, but her 11-year-old sister felt no discomfort and found and invited Sam,
the man who would eventually become Monique’s husband. She and Sam wed when she
was 18 and he was 20.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Living abroad, then
coming to America</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />After the war Monique and her husband remained in Europe for
several years. They had two sons and a daughter. Sam worked at the military’s
exchange system in Germany, Morocco and Spain. It wasn’t until 1958 that Monique made her
first trip to America, and the whole family came to live in the U.S.
permanently in 1964. Monique worked hard and made sacrifices to assimilate into
the American culture. She did this gladly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sam joined the V.A. Administration and his job took him to
several locations throughout California including Santa Monica, Fresno,
Pleasant Hill, and San Francisco. Monique taught pre-school for 25 years and
she describes this time as some of the most enjoyable of her life. Sam and
Monique eventually retired in Santa Rosa and their children live in Oakland,
Placerville and nearby Petaluma. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">An active life of
family and service after widowhood<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">After 56 years of marriage, Sam passed away in 2002.
Monique’s family in France encouraged her to return home. She resisted; “America
is my home. My life is here with my children!“ she told me with quiet
determination.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">After Sam’s passing Monique got involved in her community to
keep busy and to continue her ways of doing for others. She currently
volunteers 15 hours a week at a local hospital and has set a goal to reach
8,500 hours of service before the end of 2015! She is an avid gardener and
loves needlepoint, sewing and cooking. Her children are her best support and
she maintains an exceptionally close relationship with all three.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Her beautiful
character shines bright<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Petite, gentle, with a welcoming demeanor and yet Monique
can be described as determined and strong. Self-effacing yet self-assured.
That’s how I viewed Monique after spending some time learning a smidgen of her
life’s history.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Look at her picture again. Look into her eyes. Do you see
all that she is? Do you see a life of challenges as well as sweetness? Do you
see the strength of her life choices? Monique readily shared, “the care and support of all the
people surrounding me is part of what I am today.” <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We can learn a lot from Monique. I did. I learned you can be
strong yet soft, lead a challenging life yet show no signs of it externally and
give to others while taking care of yourself.<br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you Monique, not only for who you are, but for what
you bring to those of us who appreciate knowing your story. You are an
excellent role model for those of us who are making the most of our elder
years.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl"> Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a></div>
</div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-4942401107893146522015-07-21T02:00:00.001-07:002015-07-21T02:00:02.620-07:00Are you Thinking it Bad or Thinking it Good?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I have a day filled with fear and uncertainty, it’s difficult for me to remember that this world works for everyone, including me. It's easy to feel it works when things are glorious and bright, but not as easily when the simplest of tasks become arduous, when friends turn against me and when overcast days seem to go on endlessly.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kaZOm1Op_It9xTm_ZO5ER7f7TIDApzTd5GPTqzDya_yzOoN8NPso5Wgrpa05-AQ19AO1MQGqUPI3f-cEseWuJ6QKTuAcCJsKWZBBJUP1CFufewmTVGYKL9FXt3kGvJ6xHqWn0aqC40o/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_2369455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kaZOm1Op_It9xTm_ZO5ER7f7TIDApzTd5GPTqzDya_yzOoN8NPso5Wgrpa05-AQ19AO1MQGqUPI3f-cEseWuJ6QKTuAcCJsKWZBBJUP1CFufewmTVGYKL9FXt3kGvJ6xHqWn0aqC40o/s200/Dollarphotoclub_2369455.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">How often have you had a day when everything seems like it’s going to hell in a hand basket? On these days you're hardly surprised to watch the coin slip out of your hand and roll in slow motion, at the last moment dipping out of sight between the bars on the storm drain in the street.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> We Create the Events in Our Lives</b><br /><br />Would you believe me if I told you there’s a connection between our thoughts and what happens to us? What we think, be it positive and uplifting or negative and pessimistic, is what we create in our lives. What we think it’s going to be is ultimately what it turns out to be, “See, I told you so!” <br /><br />Metaphysician Ernest Holmes liked to say, "Can you afford the consequences of the way you are thinking?" and "The way we think is the way we act, and the way we act is what happens. Law in the universe lets you have what you want -- disaster or delight." <br /><br /><b> Turning It Around</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is glorious news! If you can “think” it bad, you can “think” it good. We are powerful in that way. PLUS, it doesn’t cost a dime to shift it from bad to good.<br /><br />Here’s what I do when I find it all looks and feels so awful I just want to crawl back in bed and dive head first under the blankets. First of all, I ask myself a couple questions:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> -Is there stuff that absolutely needs to be confronted, or can <br /> I put it off until I feel more positive?<br /><br /> -Is life really as bleak as it feels like it is or is my <br /> talented imagination creating some situations (read <br /> “problems”) that don’t really exist?<br /><br />Depending on an honest answer to these questions, I decide to confront or let go of the uncomfortable situation before me.<br /><br />Next, I mediate and/or pray for clarity on why it all looks so harsh at the moment. There’s generally a reason why I’m focused on the negativity in my life, and knowing why brings an awareness of abundance about the true gifts in my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Then I move forward and seek out that place where all is well. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Often I spend time in nature or reach out to friends and family to deviate from the negative and focus on something else. Sometimes I just need some heavenly time alone where there is quiet and I’m my own best friend. From here it’s much easier to see all is well by keeping my thoughts on the ways I’m supported in my life.</span></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl" target="_blank">Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-59017091511291771122015-07-14T02:00:00.000-07:002015-08-04T12:50:01.361-07:00My Secret Garden – It Produces Much More Than Just Fruits and Veggies<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">A few days ago I followed my husband, Rod, to the garden.
While he watered and pulled weeds, I hauled my lawn chair into a small center
clearing, propped my feet up on one of the raised bed frames and leisurely
enjoyed my morning coffee.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I must admit that we have a killer garden and Rod does 100%
of the work. I’m so lucky he loves gardening because he grows a rich bounty of fruits and vegetables. Gardening
has never been my thing. But I enjoy the harvesting and <i>consuming</i> part of the whole process. Thanks to Rod, we have already
enjoyed plenty of delicious zucchini, radishes, tomatoes, snow peas, Japanese eggplant, three
kinds of cucumber and apricots and peaches.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">That morning after Rod got done with his upkeep of the
garden, I remained behind by myself to finish my coffee and just hang out. And boy am I
glad I did. I discovered a valuable commodity that didn’t come from any seed
pack or seedling.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Spending time just
hanging out in a garden brought me peace and tranquility.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzVzRbLmXuIZrogu1kMNCI6E7186AwEws9Rg8oz0k6m45X9cQRygs-NDUSvbrRN0rcKFDLyJ5F5DsMMfLPFYFSLweHQqYmaXh6z8HZa8CL6fq3dzuNao5lod8wnS5Q1Yb4DB0Qhde1u4/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_72101576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzVzRbLmXuIZrogu1kMNCI6E7186AwEws9Rg8oz0k6m45X9cQRygs-NDUSvbrRN0rcKFDLyJ5F5DsMMfLPFYFSLweHQqYmaXh6z8HZa8CL6fq3dzuNao5lod8wnS5Q1Yb4DB0Qhde1u4/s200/Dollarphotoclub_72101576.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">It was calm, early morning cool, and bees were just
beginning their day’s work, a low buzz signaling the morning’s progression. I
had brought a book to read but quickly put it aside and closed my eyes. It felt
meditative; I could practically hear the photosynthesis that was taking place!
(Ok, <u>that’s</u> probably an exaggeration!)
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">If there was stress in my life, spending time quietly in the
gloriousness of the garden brought me a new appreciation of the power of nature
to calm and soothe. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I’m here to say if you have a garden, try hanging out and
letting it work its magic on you. It's nice to have a reason to wear sunglasses that doesn't involve avoiding the glare from some electronic device.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Well, that’s fine and
dandy, but what if I don’t have a garden? <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Borrow one. Bring your camp chair, a bottle of fresh
squeezed lemonade or water and a book (preferably paper but digital works too)
and spend time in and amongst the flowers or veggies and fruit of someone
else’s garden. I’ll bet it won’t be five minutes before you discard your
reading material in favor of idly watching the bees and other insects doing
their thing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">No garden to borrow? <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">At the very least you can spend time in a nursery or
publically owned botanical garden. I’m not sure how they’d feel about you
camping out there with a drink and a book, but you could try!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Once there, slow down, stop and feel the sun on your body.
Smell the dirt. Connecting with nature is so relaxing and it doesn’t cost
anything!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">You can’t get this experience in front of your computer or
with your head down hovering over your smart phone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your body is a powerful device in enhancing the quality of
your life. It’s not always about using your mind to think or your mouth to
speak. Given the opportunity, your body will tell your brain it’s happy to do something different, to sit in stillness and drink in all that nature brings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Let the secret of spending time in the garden feed your soul. Then, share your experiences with others!<b><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">These days, usually early in the morning, you'll find me with my cup of coffee and a book in the middle of the garden in a comfortable chair.
I’m in heaven!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl">Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a></div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-67711773545222395662015-07-07T02:00:00.000-07:002015-08-04T12:50:29.114-07:00The Titanic Power of Tiny Books<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;">When my life isn</span><span lang="FR" style="font-size: large;">’</span><span style="font-size: large;">t
going exactly as I</span><span lang="FR" style="font-size: large;">’</span><span style="font-size: large;">d like,
when it</span><span lang="FR" style="font-size: large;">’</span><span style="font-size: large;">s frustrating,
confusing, overflowing with drama or just plain blah, I go to my ‘basket of
tools</span><span lang="FR" style="font-size: large;">’ </span><span style="font-size: large;">to help me shift to a
better place. This basket includes meditating, praying, spending time in nature,
seeking out friends and sometimes even enlisting professional help.</span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tiny books are some of my most valuable tools. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBLQqbf_ict0jYTB195XNHhM9lUlbQUBXFpA6Wm6D4U3tDkPngM1JzFcRj4lBi_xzKBXlT7bwSTnteLyoBSi_ubylW9jHpg0iDcJK9Zq1iU5RT1GYZbbmDxTYJ4F8z_qtuEwExAu70XM/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_9663915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBLQqbf_ict0jYTB195XNHhM9lUlbQUBXFpA6Wm6D4U3tDkPngM1JzFcRj4lBi_xzKBXlT7bwSTnteLyoBSi_ubylW9jHpg0iDcJK9Zq1iU5RT1GYZbbmDxTYJ4F8z_qtuEwExAu70XM/s200/Dollarphotoclub_9663915.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Tiny books are smaller and shorter than regular books. That’s
their beauty. You don’t have to wade through pages of complicated text to find
the wisdom you’re looking for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s right there in short, punchy paragraphs and blunt, bulleted
lists. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;">Little books remind us to breathe, smile, love, be in gratitude
and stop sweating the small stuff. When we’ve lost our way, they get us back on
track in a heartbeat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;">Some people find tiny books silly or overly simple. I, however,
am in awe of how quickly they refocus me on the basics of life and how deeply
that enhances my well-being. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;">That<span lang="FR">’</span>s what I
love about them! And that’s why I’ve acquired so many of them over the years,
including these favorites:</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff<br /> Life’s Little Instruction Book<br /> Plain and Simple Wisdom</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Reflections on Immortality<br /> Everyday Wisdom<br /> Secrets of Winning People<br /> Each Day a New Beginning<br /> The Places That Scare you<br /> The Little Bar Book (oops, I guess not that one!)<br /> Small Change</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>Need a new attitude? Open a tiny book at random!</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Vexed by a problem or ‘situation?</span><span lang="FR" style="font-size: large;">’ </span><span style="font-size: large;">Want to shift a</span><span lang="NL" style="font-size: large;"> mood, </span><span style="font-size: large;">improve
an attitude or give yourself a pick-me-up on those days when a gray cloud is
following you around for no reason?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS Bold",serif; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">D</span>o what I do. Crack<span lang="NL">
open </span>a tiny book <i><span lang="DA">grab bag
style</span>. </i>Skip the Table of Contents. Open at random and read a
sentence or two. Then take a moment to ponder what you’ve read. More often than
not, it will quickly shift your thinking and your mood. (If not, grab another
page.)<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;">I find this consistently works for me. Every single time I do
it, I feel better.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Online lists, reminders and g</b><b><span lang="NL">uidelines are helpful, too.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="NL"><br /></span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;">Over the years, I’ve also collected bulleted lists of helpful
hints and suggestions… and you might want to do the same, bookmarking your
favorites so you can call them up in a flash.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<br /></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;">For example, one of my favorites, <a href="http://www.ling.upenn.edu/~beatrice/buddhist-practice/six-guidelines.html"><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="NL">“Six Right Livelihood Guidelines”</span></span></a>,
reminds me to eat with awareness, listen to the people I encounter, forget the
drama, and accept constant change. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I can scan this list in seconds and get a quick shot of
awareness in my spiritual muscle. </span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="BodyA">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I love tiny books so much that I wrote one!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="officeArt_x0020_object" o:spid="_x0000_i1025"
type="#_x0000_t75" alt="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHe_o9DP9kDk4M3IMD8ofHZlFCQ99if8hJk90aTzVCQ_wSOy7_zw1hsEj4G_wvQsOA2NilFfuzUlF4XUrcdonPzgezOs4Cfk5veVv3iGgw971anb7RemUgouq3cJvzuuB0uY13Xk-gQI/s200/9780692258101.main.jpg"
style='width:110.25pt;height:110.25pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Antonia\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="9780692258101.main"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidktGWbq-GzFiJbvu5jZYmpm8SWxHIAS_SDpHWruKtFi6YkfYT2xe6FJ4AqpzbxpuQNbmkYltJIJmQAO9TomO4WwsmGJWmenY0eY9YdOZZvQzcFXl3oIZSnvs-MhEqXp2ETK27TuAiAlU/s1600/9780692258101.main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidktGWbq-GzFiJbvu5jZYmpm8SWxHIAS_SDpHWruKtFi6YkfYT2xe6FJ4AqpzbxpuQNbmkYltJIJmQAO9TomO4WwsmGJWmenY0eY9YdOZZvQzcFXl3oIZSnvs-MhEqXp2ETK27TuAiAlU/s200/9780692258101.main.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">It’s called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Grace-Embracing-Richness-Later/dp/0692258108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1435753405&sr=1-1&keywords=golden+grace">Golden Grace</a> and its message is simple and powerful: your senior years can be the best time of your life. <br /><br />I love the thought that, throughout the day, people I may never meet are dipping into it to find nuggets of wisdom that will make their lives a little better. <br /><br />All it takes is a few paragraphs and a few short minutes of time.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />So next time your life gets bogged down and feels oppressive, think small. Pick up one of these sweet tiny books, grab some wisdom and turn your mood around.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl">Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a>.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-28828342144875749922015-06-30T02:00:00.001-07:002015-08-04T12:51:05.109-07:00Why I'm Changing it Up This 4th of July<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I don’t know about you, but holidays have taken on a new, more personal, meaning for me as I’ve aged. I noticed I’m re-focusing from
partying to personal growth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKH-DWRIqOMI-HIuCubfc2mRtZOBhAu1BZalcLGijcci856Voi3JD-A6_q-jOtrOoeUCJbkngFW6Hx2YDhDf3CSgBPmKjdIKVDiMZBGkCwLVtlk5zV5_WzQWY9iI_Pz407gy19nUhAP8/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_84593033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKH-DWRIqOMI-HIuCubfc2mRtZOBhAu1BZalcLGijcci856Voi3JD-A6_q-jOtrOoeUCJbkngFW6Hx2YDhDf3CSgBPmKjdIKVDiMZBGkCwLVtlk5zV5_WzQWY9iI_Pz407gy19nUhAP8/s200/Dollarphotoclub_84593033.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Take the Fourth of July.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Traditionally, July 4th has been an easy holiday for me. With
my eyes closed, I can reach out to friends, plan festivities with the best food
and drink and provide an atmosphere of fellowship and fun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Why I’ve decided to
do things differently this Fourth.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Last week, I sat down, turned off my monkey mind and settled
into an open and receptive stillness.<b> </b>Then
I let my mind re-live past July 4<sup>th</sup> celebrations and the activities
associated with them.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was surprised to see a pattern unfold.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The common theme that wove its way through almost all past July
4ths was the lack of any sense of what the holiday truly represented for me. It
seems I’ve spent more time partying and less time on the significance of
freedom in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This realization led me to break with the tradition of hosting or attending a BBQ or other get-together this year. Instead, I’m going to re-connect with July 4th in an introspective, more personal way. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">What does this mean? I’m going to personalize this July 4th by
identifying and celebrating ALL the freedoms available to me, not by just acknowledging
our nation’s breaking away from the motherland -- with food and drink in my hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In fact, by spending time consciously appreciating all the <i>personal</i> freedoms that our founding
fathers fought so hard for, I am not only filled with gratitude for my life,
I feel I am paying proper homage to them for their monumental sacrifice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I will be celebrating the rich blessings of freedom in my life.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">On a more intimate level, here’s what I came up with for a truer meaning of freedom in my life:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> -<u>Freedom of Mind</u> - Our minds belong to us. We are </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> free to think and believe whatever whenever. No <br /> one can take away our thoughts.<br /><br /> -<u>Freedom of our Heart</u> - We are free to love whomever <br /> we wish. I can be embarrassingly bonkers over my <br /> cat, Kali, and feel an indescribable passion for books <br /> and gingko leaves, as well as madly love my husband <br /> and my friends.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> -<u>Freedom of Movement</u> - We are free to go wherever </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> we want in this glorious land. We can wander the </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> wilderness in search of solitude and spiritual </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> enlightenment without anyone blocking our travel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> -<u>Freedom of Friendship</u> - While we can’t choose our </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> family, we can choose our friends. We can’t be </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> forced to spend time with anyone. We get to decide.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> There are people around the world who don’t have this </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> freedom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> -<u>Freedom of Religion</u> - You <i>know </i>how powerful and </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> important this freedom is.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As a senior, I appreciate the freedom of <u>time</u>. I can learn a
new language, write a book, play Words With Friends, cook a meal, or relax and
do nothing. I can stay in my jammies all day luxuriating over a delicious
novel. I am blessed with the freedom afforded by retirement.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What about you? Where
will you be?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you spend this upcoming Fourth in the traditional hotdogs
and hamburger, corn on the cob and apple pie sort of way, that’s fine. I wish
you the most fun and relaxation possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you’re like me and don’t have plans and might even be
feeling a little lonely or left out this holiday, take heart. Spend a moment
getting quiet. Then think about and celebrate all the personal freedoms you
have that make your life a rich existence every day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our personal freedoms really have nothing to do with the
government or politicians or naysayers. They belong to us, and no one can take
them away or ruin their importance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Celebrate that!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Freedom means you are unobstructed in living your life as you choose.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anything less is a form of slavery.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wayne Dyer</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl">Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a></o:p></div>
</div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-46526770728647947302015-06-23T02:00:00.001-07:002015-08-04T12:51:33.037-07:00The Unexpected Benefits of Being Quiet <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zFTEVeRVJL6ZBl_vqgyI0pvmQZghBlfQ8spQToJz88V_DGiVVRPEaTU1au6r7YnkJAv8idBKBW9KT2chD1mkFFp3Or_OG05q9uAn1x347kpiVcv-iZTwGuFGv8VuxU01fOz78BrnFW0/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_68937804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zFTEVeRVJL6ZBl_vqgyI0pvmQZghBlfQ8spQToJz88V_DGiVVRPEaTU1au6r7YnkJAv8idBKBW9KT2chD1mkFFp3Or_OG05q9uAn1x347kpiVcv-iZTwGuFGv8VuxU01fOz78BrnFW0/s200/Dollarphotoclub_68937804.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have this problem?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You’re with a friend, and all of a sudden there’s a momentary lapse in the conversation. Instead of just sitting with the silence, you find yourself immediately chattering on about some random thing neither of you cares about. Or worse, saying something inane you’ll regret later.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Being quiet is so uncomfortable you’ve just </span><u><span style="font-size: large;">got</span></u> <span style="font-size: large;">to fill that space.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If this is you, be kind to yourself. Like most of us of a certain age, you were probably brought up to believe it’s the polite thing to do to not let conversation lag. That it’s up to you to keep the ball rolling.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Conversation (and words) were huge in my family. I was taught to be charming, show off my verbal acumen, my humor and my ability to engage others. As a result, I sometimes never shut up.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Being truly present with others</span></b><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">It has taken me years to learn to be comfortable in the silence.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In return,</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"> I’ve gotten untold rewards. I’m more open. I take in, and enjoy, more of my surroundings. I’m able to hear more deeply what others are saying (and, sometimes, not saying). And, best of all, I can savor the sheer fellowship of their presence.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How do I do this?</span></b><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Instead of thinking of the next great thing I can say, I think about the sun on my shoulders or the smell of the pine trees or the comfort I feel just being with that person.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">What I’m doing is somewhat akin to meditation. I’m open and just being -- allowing anything to happen, without having to direct or manipulate it. I'm even allowing myself to be “bored.”</span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What your monkey mind calls “boredom” just might be bliss.</span></b></div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you meditate, you're no doubt familiar with the concept of “monkey mind.” If you’re not a meditator, monkey mind is a Buddhist term for a mind that is </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_monkey">"unsettled; restless; capricious; whimsical; fanciful; inconstant; confused; indecisive; uncontrollable."</a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I call it the whirling dervish inside our heads. It’s the thing that runs the show when we’re doing anything other than sleeping or meditating. It makes us want to watch TV, read, shop, nap, eat… or what I’m writing about today, keep talking to avoid any silence or stillness in the presence of others.<br /><br />In order for me to be comfortable in stillness, I had to learn about what it felt like. I soon realized silence and stillness felt like boredom, and that agitated me. In fact, it made me hungry, so I’d usually eat to fill the space. It was a challenging process, and one I still sometimes work on, but the benefits are huge.<br /><br /><b>Here are the ways silence and stillness benefit me. They:</b><br /><br /> · Create space for restoration and healing.<br /><br /> · Make it easier to feel gratitude for this moment, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> this day and this life.<br /><br /> · Give me the wisdom to know when my priorities </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> have gotten out of whack.<br /><br /> · Quiet my mind, body and spirit.<br /><br /> · Allows me to stop and feel goodness even in the </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> midst of a hectic day.<br /><br />Eckhart Tolle’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stillness-Speaks-Eckhart-Tolle/dp/157731400X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434461322&sr=1-1&keywords=stillness+speaks">Stillness Speaks</a> is one of my go-to books on the subject of being comfortable in silence.<br /><br /><b>I encourage you to give it a try.</b><br /><br />The next time you’re with someone and an uncomfortable silence opens up, see if you can sit with it – even relax into it -- for a bit longer than usual. Notice what happens. You might be pleasantly surprised!</span><br />
<br />
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl">Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a></div>
</div>
</div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-80719332234571900582015-06-16T02:00:00.000-07:002015-06-16T02:00:06.495-07:0010 Quotes About Aging That Will Inspire You to Live More Fully<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Over the years, there have been great thinkers and role models who
have spoken eloquently about aging. I admire their ability to reshape our
thinking with simple statements, and I share ten of my favorites with you today.</span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> “</span><span style="font-size: large;">None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> ~Henry David Thoreau</span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;"> “</span>Know
that you are the perfect age. Each year is special </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> and precious for you shall
only live it </span><span style="font-size: large;">once. Be comfort-</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> able with growing older.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> ~Louise Hay</span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;"> “</span>Beautiful young people are accidents
of nature, but </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> beautiful old people are works of art.<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;">” </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> ~Eleanor Roosevelt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;"> “</span>You
are never too old to set another goal or to dream </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> a new dream.<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;">” </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> ~C.S. Lewis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;"> “</span>The
age of a woman doesn<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;">’</span>t
mean a thing. The best </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> tunes are played on the oldest fiddles.<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;">” </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> ~Ralph Waldo Emerson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;"> “</span>We
don<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;">’</span>t stop
playing because we grow old. We grow </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> old because we stop playing.<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;">” </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> ~George Bernard Shaw<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Aging is an inevitable process. I surely wouldn<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;">’</span>t want </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> to grow
younger. The older you become, the more you </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> know; your bank account of
knowledge is much richer.<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;">”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS, sans-serif;"> ~</span>William Holden</span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NeoP7s_zfzPpTvNa4LHovXgelhQkQ7c_jGqK2mr4id0PZ7Cujg7xVrylSqTRpbqlIR4vQMuEhSow2A84e5E9hZcRP037UUl8Wuh-sKIPdlUB5MCfmN0lieZtwa51gAQVBpy1q6n-XQk/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_59876215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NeoP7s_zfzPpTvNa4LHovXgelhQkQ7c_jGqK2mr4id0PZ7Cujg7xVrylSqTRpbqlIR4vQMuEhSow2A84e5E9hZcRP037UUl8Wuh-sKIPdlUB5MCfmN0lieZtwa51gAQVBpy1q6n-XQk/s200/Dollarphotoclub_59876215.jpg" width="193" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;"> “</span>Those
who love deeply never grow </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> old, </span><span style="font-size: large;">they may die of old age, but they </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> die </span><span style="font-size: large;">young.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> ~Ben Franklin</span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"> “</span><span style="font-size: large;">There is a foundation of youth: it is </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> your </span><span style="font-size: large;">mind, your talents, the creativity </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> you bring </span><span style="font-size: large;">to your life and the lives of</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> people you </span><span style="font-size: large;">love. When you learn to </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> tap </span><span style="font-size: large;">these sources, you will </span><span style="font-size: large;">truly have</span><span style="font-size: large;"> defeated age.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> ~Sophia Loren</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> "One of the benefits of being a mature well-educated </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> woman is that
you<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;">’</span>re not
afraid of expletives. And you </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> have no fear to put a fool in his place.<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;">” </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> ~Judi Dench<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Do these statements inspire you as they do me? What favorites of
your own might you add ? I am compelled to add my own statement to
this list:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;">“</span>These just might be the best years of
your life.<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif;">” </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> ~Antonia
Albany<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl" target="_blank"> Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a></div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-4480401606862363912015-06-09T02:00:00.000-07:002015-06-10T06:32:01.638-07:00Not 25 Anymore - Guest blog by Rev. Ruth Barnhart<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitE5iS30h5VT9IwlWzWdaWUetwx6o0jTpLNSYhLMTY6mvmm4PGVpevzv_2XFJ5FjiCYTSfuUy-Ph1bSIJWdrPMSNQ7yrk-p38jqkojLpXUibNw3h2zuagLMF9BnKBXs_uReKykCZ4XMvw/s1600/100x141xruth,P20for,P20web.jpg.pagespeed.ic.Y_HkSupBUi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitE5iS30h5VT9IwlWzWdaWUetwx6o0jTpLNSYhLMTY6mvmm4PGVpevzv_2XFJ5FjiCYTSfuUy-Ph1bSIJWdrPMSNQ7yrk-p38jqkojLpXUibNw3h2zuagLMF9BnKBXs_uReKykCZ4XMvw/s1600/100x141xruth,P20for,P20web.jpg.pagespeed.ic.Y_HkSupBUi.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruth Barnhart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">“Well, you’re not 25.” This is what my young orthopedic doctor said as he glanced at my chart while we were discussing whether or not I should have surgery on my broken wrist. And this means what? Too old to matter whether my wrist fully heals, too old to handle the stress, too old for my bones to heal themselves?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">At 25, I was mountain climbing, exploring wild caves, running, biking swimming. Since then, my runs have slowed to brisk walks and hikes, my mountains have lowered from 14,000 feet to 2,000 feet, and the spring in my step now talks back to me with a noticeable hitch in my back and hip. Where I used to jump out of bed, I now carefully stand, stretch, wriggle to get myself in a grounded alignment. Where I used to effortlessly lift all sorts of heavy objects, from backpacks to couches, I now defer to younger, stronger bodies.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /> How do I deal with this experience called the aging process? I know those who nip and tuck, who apply additional make-up, who fashion themselves after the younger generation and refuse to slow down. I also know others who have given up, who cease to care for their bodies, who regularly complain about aches and pains and not being able to do what they did when they were 25. I have to admit, I have sometimes gone there myself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I have decided that the best way to deal with not being 25 is to approach it as a spiritual practice. What does that mean? First it means I just notice my experience, my feelings and, most of all, how I am using my body. I catch myself when I start to think, speak or act negatively to myself. And just as in my meditation practice, I come back to my breath, to the present moment and to opening to the fullness of life. I make room for discomfort, for changes in my body and abilities, gray hair and wrinkles, a slower walk and a relinquishing of certain capabilities. In other words, I accept where and how I am. I avoid projecting into the future and practice just being with today. I’m not 25 anymore.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%;"><br /> </span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">One really positive aspect of invoking my spiritual practice with aging is I’ve lightened up on myself. I eat healthy but I am no longer so strict or harsh with myself when I stray. I let myself live life more, including taking naps when I am tired. I push myself when it is required. I still like adventure, but I no longer have to be the first in the 33 degree lake. It’s okay to just go slip into the warm pool.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">In one of her Facebook postings, Antonia
recently asked the question, “On a scale of 1-10, how healthy are you?” I
have stepped off all scales. I am fully alive as I am. My aging body proclaims
one thing, ‘I Am Still Here.” And I’m not 25 anymore.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://bit.ly/1DzMQxe" target="_blank">here</a> to find info on Rev. Ruth Barnhart. You can reach her at revruth@sonic.net.<br />
You can reach Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com<br />
<br />Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-72576280507846802302015-06-02T02:00:00.005-07:002015-07-01T05:16:05.506-07:00The Long-Lost Art of Inducing a Zen-Like Calm in Yourself<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hL8YaCmo4P-x7kRw8F_v2znCe7cBDMwrRd0nNIo3cCmu-mXeAEriqQYl5mT48Yh8cQsJzkwL152kUBWhRfD3Fomzq7X7XZijCFZxMj3F-rlqAhWaye3a5WSCdNSPt6molbm6KP7LvKk/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_30729060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hL8YaCmo4P-x7kRw8F_v2znCe7cBDMwrRd0nNIo3cCmu-mXeAEriqQYl5mT48Yh8cQsJzkwL152kUBWhRfD3Fomzq7X7XZijCFZxMj3F-rlqAhWaye3a5WSCdNSPt6molbm6KP7LvKk/s320/Dollarphotoclub_30729060.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Have you been bitten by the adult coloring bug yet? If not, read on! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Coloring is fast becoming a cherished creative practice that
helps you artfully soothe stress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">According to the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/30/business/media/grown-ups-get-out-their-crayons.html?_r=0">New
York Times</a>, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/21/living/feat-adult-coloring-books/">CNN</a>,
the <a href="http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-adult-coloring-books-20150507-story.html">Los
Angeles Times</a>, the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/13/coloring-for-stress_n_5975832.html">Huffington
Post</a> and <a href="http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/05/meet-the-adults-who-love-to-color.html">New
York Magazine</a>, to name a few, coloring for adults is now officially a
craze. Recently, 7 out of 20 books on
Amazon’s bestseller list were adult coloring books.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What’s all the fuss
about?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Research shows coloring actually offers a world of benefits. It can "lift the mood, reduce anxiety and relieve stress," Atlanta-based art therapist Susanne Fincher said in a recent <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/21/living/feat-adult-coloring-books/" target="_blank">CNN post</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Art making is a powerful intervention," Fincher
wrote. "Neuro-scientific research has shown that through the use of art
therapy, the human brain can physically change, grow, and rejuvenate."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Why coloring works
for me as a stress reducer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In my younger days I smoked, drank to excess, indulged in
expensive retail therapy and isolated myself in order to cope with stress, all
of which are habits I’ve since given up. (Note:
I didn’t give up overeating, which I continue to do when I’m stressed.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Recently I read an interesting article about adult coloring
books. I’m always on the lookout for fun new things to do -- especially if
they are relaxing. As it turns out, this “new” thing is an old thing I
used to do as a kid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">These days I’m joining millions of other stressed out adults
who are using coloring as the creative alternative to unhealthy vices in
reducing stress. I find it’s particularly soothing for seniors because, while
we certainly have stresses as we age, we also have more time for creative
pastimes like coloring. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>It’s inexpensive and the tools are readily available.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"> As
with anything, you can spend a fortune, but it’s </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"> not necessary. Want to color
animals, </span><span style="font-size: large;">mandalas, </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"> flowers, cats or more detailed
designs?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">You’ll find </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"> an adult coloring
book, many </span><span style="font-size: large;">under $10, at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=adult+coloring+books" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I’m already an expert.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Coloring
is like riding a bike – we never forget how </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> to do it. It’s right there waiting
for us whenever we </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> decide to pick it up again. Only these days I don't </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> force myself to use the ‘correct’ color or to stay in the </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> lines if I don’t feel like it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> No one is going to steal my crayons.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I’ve enjoyed doing it by myself as well as with others. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I love knowing I
don’t have to share my coloring pens </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"> or wait for someone else to be done with
the exact </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"> color I’m wanting to use.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>It takes me back to my childhood.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<b style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Don’t
you remember how much fun it was? Close your </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"> eyes and remember what it was
like, the feel and smell </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"> of the crayon, the blank picture in front of you,
waiting </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"> to be enhanced YOUR way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>It works!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-size: large;"> It’s
entertaining and calms me. I’m sure to carve out </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-size: large;"> time in my day or week to do
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Coloring is a gateway
drug.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pWO6NxaepFfE8hMlV0o3WntOHVDldm6_38EZ4PhG_4OItj1Px_Sq7KbA8MrXBHHalpFluwmJorJJ89uuIe2kWVOZ2GRrRmTjUjOAJ1xe911AUAH0IgRofOyhV2_aE2r8haFrAahfsVY/s1600/zentangles2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pWO6NxaepFfE8hMlV0o3WntOHVDldm6_38EZ4PhG_4OItj1Px_Sq7KbA8MrXBHHalpFluwmJorJJ89uuIe2kWVOZ2GRrRmTjUjOAJ1xe911AUAH0IgRofOyhV2_aE2r8haFrAahfsVY/s1600/zentangles2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first attempts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">In addition to regular coloring, I’ve recently tried Zentangling, a method of creating beautiful images from structured patterns. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Zentangling is just as much fun and calms me like coloring. It increases focus and creativity and provides artistic satisfaction and an increased sense of personal well-being. You can find out more about Zentangling <a href="https://www.zentangle.com/zentangle-method">here</a> and</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.exultationarts.com/zentangle/">here</a></span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Why not give it a
try?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Why take blood pressure pills or indulge in an unhealthy vice
in order to cope with stress? Coloring and Zentangling have provided me with
hours of stress-free relaxation. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Give coloring or one of its relatives a try
and let the color and lines flow!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl" target="_blank">Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a></div>
</div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801373469043216533.post-11840924612234897822015-05-26T02:00:00.001-07:002015-05-26T02:00:07.736-07:00How I Got Older Without Aging<span style="font-size: large;"> I always wanted to age gracefully, to be regal like the grand dames and the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Lauren Bacall. I even named my latest book <u>Golden Grace</u> to reinforce how I viewed getting older. As I age, I picture myself being calm, self-assured and statuesque, which at 5'3" and shrinking is going to be a real magic act to pull off.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Then I read </span><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"</span><span style="font-size: large;">Goddesses Never Age: The Secret Prescription for Radiance,
Vitality, and Well-Being," by Dr. Christine Northrup. Her approach to aging is more about the attitude than the actual age. “Age is just a number, and agelessness
means not buying into the idea that a number determines everything from your
state of health to your attractiveness to your value,” she writes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFTfEzsQdyo-kCbUHgoZBN8957BLq4YJT6Fi8vOuG0G8Abpx5ee9g0pZkbJOMcZZ7AjZ9GQBerJRuUWM1lyfBugnqfNWe0elpo_lU6gtWZ35C-xQtr_xwgzSspa9quivAQ85LTBclqVw/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_30836715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFTfEzsQdyo-kCbUHgoZBN8957BLq4YJT6Fi8vOuG0G8Abpx5ee9g0pZkbJOMcZZ7AjZ9GQBerJRuUWM1lyfBugnqfNWe0elpo_lU6gtWZ35C-xQtr_xwgzSspa9quivAQ85LTBclqVw/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_30836715.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Her words sprang to life when she wrote “… <i>getting older</i> is
inevitable. It just means moving through space. <i>Aging</i>, on the other hand, is optional. What we’ve come to associate
with the word “aging” in our culture is an inevitable decline and
deterioration." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> What she's talking about is re-framing the experience of moving
through time, so that as we grow older we can step out of these age-based
associations that can keep us in a cage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I really got it when she said,”…aging with attitude means
getting older with full access to your life force, to your passions, to your
soul. It means growing older with all of you intact, and living from the
dictates of your soul. It means knowing what’s worth getting riled up about and
what isn’t. Aging with attitude means aging with full capacity to experience
and know your own value.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>See the shift change from the <u>number </u>of your age to
the <u>feelings </u>of your soul.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Part of what Dr. Northrup is
sharing is that we need to <b><i>let go</i></b>. We need to give up being isolated, being
grumpy, being a victim because of our age. We need to find solutions to those
problems regardless of whether we’re 25 or 80!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I’ve known people who feel it’s their prerogative, their
right to be pissy or rude or grumpy because they’ve attained some advanced age.
Heck, I myself have thought I was entitled to something on numerous occasions
just because I was a senior citizen.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Look around; we constantly see reminders that aging is way
more than just a number. People like Rachel Welch (75), Betty White (92 ), Dame Judy
Dench (80) and Paul McCartney (73) all continue to share their talents with no
signs of slowing down. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>So here's my challenge to you</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Does the number of your age define you? Or can you truly be
ageless by grasping and nurturing your passions and your soul and reversing the
tide of spiritual deterioration that is often associated with getting older?</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVzbey2HR871RJznGADhwFyBWTSeeTiHF9angFiPRzVSNgv9weOAwpw8wua2ieWllpRVjn58Dqb14DnYPzzMHrKVMJ976bGeFIraQB4OxlP77lmlOW5rJiNWkJ_SUh_fbji41S47t5hY/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_68215964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVzbey2HR871RJznGADhwFyBWTSeeTiHF9angFiPRzVSNgv9weOAwpw8wua2ieWllpRVjn58Dqb14DnYPzzMHrKVMJ976bGeFIraQB4OxlP77lmlOW5rJiNWkJ_SUh_fbji41S47t5hY/s1600/Dollarphotoclub_68215964.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> As far as living gracefully ... well, I think I'll focus on living <i>gratefully. </i>How-ever you decide to live, be sure it's in the moment, regardless of your age!</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Contact Antonia at antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com or<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntoniasSeniorMoments?ref=hl" target="_blank">Antonia's Senior Moments on Facebook</a></div>
Antonia Albanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826434912175675595noreply@blogger.com0