July 30, 2010

Aging Gracefully with Random Acts of Kindness


This week’s Beauty of the Week is Martha Corey Fiore who is 49 years old. Martha and I met when we were in junior high. I remember that she was sweet and kind and lived on a farm in a great old house and had several older sisters. My memory was that her life was full of wholesomeness and down-to-earth goodness. We lost touch over the years but it’s great to be reconnected again thanks to Facebook.

Martha has this to share about growing older:

I think I have finally grown into my skin. I like my freckles! They reflect where the sun has kissed my skin and I like my smile lines, they are a reflection of laughter. I like the pink areas on my cheeks; they add natural color. I like my grays; they add highlights to my blonde hair! There was a time when I covered all of the above. I even had some sunspots removed! No more! I celebrate my skin, my face, my body, imperfections and all. I make light of my memory; it's not what it used to be. It's OK, worth a good laugh!

I am a nurturer and love to empower others. I do this in my personal and professional life. I am now nurturing myself. Taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually is so critical. Love who you are; you can change what you don't like. But only change something for you, not anyone else. We loose ourselves in caring for our families; it's our time now.

Be the first to smile at people. It is contagious; people can't help but smile back and it is such a high.

Kindness and love is like a circle; the more you do for others, the more they want to do for you. The more they do for you, the more you want to do for them. And so the circle goes...

Do something everyday for someone and don't get found out. Just reap the benefits of random acts of kindness. Pay the toll for the person behind you. Imagine their pleasure when they arrive at it, and find someone paid it for them.

Yes, I am comfortable in my skin. It's taken 49 years!

Great words of wisdom Martha.

Thank you sweet aging beauty :-)

July 27, 2010

It's refreshing to remember...


There are certainly times in all of our lives when we have to be who we aren’t…for instance when we have to deal with new challenges, or step outside the comfort zone of who we have always known ourselves to be.

But in terms of day-to-day living, the older I get, the more I realize that for the most part, we really do only need to be who we are. This is very helpful for me to remember when I wish I was more like someone else- or that I was smarter, or wiser, or better in some way. It is certainly helpful to remember this as we age- as our sight starts to weaken, and our memory loses it's strength, or when we don’t have as much energy as we use to.

In last week's post in the comment section I mentioned that years ago when my kids were young and life was more hectic, I wrote on a piece of paper "If it's okay with me, then don't worry about it." and put it in my wallet as a reminder to stay on course to my true self. It really helped, and I think it is partly what eventually brought me around to: you only have to be who you are.

It’s such a relief don't you think?

July 23, 2010

Aging Gracefully with Consciousness


This week's Beauty of the Week is Barbara Loure`Gunn.  Barbara is 72-years-old and has a very big heart. Her goal is to inspire others to be the best that they can be by sharing her experiences. She is the mother of three, a grandmother, and a twenty-year cancer survivor. One of her passions is writing her blog Subconscious Messages. She is also the author of the books A Gathering of Spirit, and Wake Up!

Barbara has this to say about aging gracefully:

What keeps me young?

Ignoring the fact that my birth certificate says I’m 72.

Hanging out with souls of all ages, especially the young.

Regular exercise, walking is free.

Eating healthy (mostly), I seldom eat red meat, fried or processed food.

Most important is honesty and a sense of humor.

What motivates me?

Being grateful for the gift of life.

A “conscious “quest to use every opportunity to evolve my soul.

A desire to share my experiences through my published books and inspirational blog.

My three children were born over a 20 year period so I believe I have earned the right to do whatever I want whenever I want to do it.

Barbara you absolutely have!

Thank you so much for being this week's Aging Beauty :-)


July 20, 2010

Do You Like Growing Old?

Photo by Dora Pete, Hungary

I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.

I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio.

I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ..... I will.


Photo by Bert Van t'Hul, The Netherlands

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.

So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.

And I shall eat dessert every single day, if I feel like it.


Author Unknown

Thank you to Laurie for sending this in.

July 16, 2010

Aging Gracefully with Passion


This week’s Beauty of the Week is the very creative and artistic Susan "B" Zimmerman who was born with the entrepreneurial spirit.  Founder of the successful clothing lines Boxer Rebellion and Only in America, Sue’s latest creation is sueb.do, which is a happy, preppy product line representing the beauty, fun and character of Cape Cod. If you are on the Cape "bee" sure to stop into Sue's great store called sueb.do. It is in Mashpee at the Popponesset Marketplace.

Sue has this to say about growing older and being an entrepreneur:
  • I am a very passionate person who has been fortunate to always make a living doing what I love. I don't think of what I do as work. It is what defines me....my creative spirit, my drive to succeed, and my desire to grow and always learn.

  • My entrepreneurial experiences have evolved and morph as I have aged.  I love reinventing my business and myself and thrive on constant change and activity.


  • Some people think of me as a life coach. I love inspiring, teaching and networking. So many people have helped me along my successful entrepreneurial path that I now have the time and skills to help others and enjoy doing so.

  • I have a wonderful husband who has been my friend ever since we met at camp when we were 13.

  • I adore Cody, my Cockapoo, and wake up everyday grateful for the wonderful life I have. I have learned to slow down and enjoy my garden, my friends, and the walks in the woods.

  • Life isn't a chaotic state like it once was with three children, two of whom are twins. My girls are independent now and I love that! Being a positive role model to them has always been important. I want them to see that I can balance work and home life, and always be there for them.

Thank you Sue for all your entrepreneurial support and encouragement over the years!


sueb.do on Cape Cod

July 13, 2010

The Beauty of Aging Documentary



Something exciting is happening in the world of embracing aging, instead of dreading it… A wonderful documentary called The Beauty of Aging is currently being made in LA. The Beauty of Aging is the brainchild of documentary filmmaker Laurie Schur who created the idea for the project from her desire to find inspiring role models of aging for women. The one-hour documentary highlights the stories of active, extraordinary women over age 80 who are redefining old age with their zest for life. People over 80 are part of the fastest growing population in America. Through their creativity, sense of purpose, curiosity, and fearlessness, the women in the film show how fulfilling it can be to grow older.

Hedda Bolgar pictured above is just one of the extraordinary women featured in The Beauty of Aging. She keeps herself busy as a psychoanalyst and still sees clients four days a week. Here is the amazing thing though: Hedda will be 101 next month! (I kid you not). She feels that many people are afraid of aging and don’t see the tremendous gains that come along with it. She also said that it’s important to continue to be passionate about whatever it is that interests us, and to stay connected to lots of people.

How’s that for inspiration?

Passion really is huge for a fulfilling life, for all ages.

If you would like to watch a great trailer for Beauty of Aging click here.

Also,  From the Heart Productions, a non-profit sponsor of The Beauty of Aging is seeking donations so that the documentary can be completed for television broadcast and film festivals. From The Heart Productions is dedicated to funding films that are unique and make a contribution to society.

If you'd like to make a donation please click here.

Thanks everyone!

July 09, 2010

Aging Gracefully with Comedy


This week’s Beauty of the Week is Anita Renfroe. I know, I know! Anita is a musician, comedian, author, and a regular guest on Good Morning America. Anita first caught my attention when she became a YouTube sensation with her comedic rendition  William Tell Momsense. Momsense is about everything a mother typically says to her children in the course of a day.  Recently Anita caught my eye (and heart) again with her latest video Wrinkled Ladies which she suggested be Lines of Beauty's theme song. Absolutely!

What I love most about Anita is that she likes to talk about what most people are hesitant to discuss. She's a woman after my own heart. Anita thank you so much for joining in on the fun and taking time out of your busy schedule to answer a few questions:

Lines of Beauty: Anita what do you like about growing older?

Anita: Aging carries with it a sort of release. It’s somewhat necessary because things do fall away (fall off; fall, period) and we don’t always have the choice of letting things go. So there’s a wonderful sense of freedom that comes with just not caring as much about a LOT of things anymore. There is also enormous wisdom that life has afforded us that begins to coalesce and meander into our default mental state. I think that is a source of true beauty.

Lines of Beauty:  Anita do you have any funny stories to tell about something that has happened to you regarding midlife ?

Anita: Being a comedian I find midlife to be a source of continual comedy material. The fact that you now have control over almost NOTHING is something that you either laugh or cry about. I’m bound by my professional duty to laugh about it and report to others!

Lines of Beauty: Any words of advice, or words of wisdom, about aging gracefully?

Anita: Aging gracefully is for wimps. I think it’s something to run toward and skid in broadside. Sorta like a really great Slip-n-Slide run!

Lines of Beauty:  How old are you?  Don’t feel like you have to answer this...

Anita: I’m 48 years old and proud of every year that God has given me on this earth so I never mind telling my age. And so many of our friends and family have not made it to this age so all I have is gratitude. Besides, I have GRANDBABIES NOW and that IS THE best part of aging – without a doubt.

Lines of Beauty: Anita your beloved Wrinkled Ladies video has quickly become a hit, along with all of your other great videos, and I for one cannot wait to see what you come up with next. Thank you again being our Aging Beauty of the Week :-)


Below is Anita's latest dvd Big Ol' Sweet Ice Tea.

July 06, 2010

Chebeague Island, Maine



I thought you might like to take a minute to escape to one of my favorite places.


It’s a small island called Chebeague, in Maine’s Casco Bay.
Just north of Portland.


Folks have been enjoying Chebeague's beauty since the mid-1700s.
You can imagine how old and wonderful some of the homes are.


The cars on the island don't need to be inspected,
 so there are some great old cars too.


Chebeague is the home of simplicity, and down-to-earth goodness.
And beauty that stretches as far as the eye can see.



The living is easy....


Island life at dusk.

Chebeague is a lobster & steamed clam lover's oasis.


The view from the porch of the Chebeague Island Inn.
Ooh la la...


As you might have guessed
I found some aging beauties on the island too.


Celebrating Chebeague's endless charm.

                     
This beauty is about to turn 40.


And this one is already 70 if you can believe...


Aging gracefully, one day at a time.


Island joie de vivre.


Just one last picture...
this little wee-guy is only 10 weeks old. 
I could have taken him home.

Happy July everyone.

July 02, 2010

Aging Gracefully with Generosity


This week’s Aging Beauty is Elizabeth Beech who is 45 years old. She is one of the founding members, and is on the advisory board of, the African Well Fund, which funds much needed water projects in sub-Saharan Africa. As of this posting The African Well Fund has enough votes to win 20k from JP Morgan Chase Community Giving on July 13th but would be very grateful to anyone who would like to vote and continue to secure their spot.

Elizabeth also has a new travel blog called The Life Traveler.

Here is her advice about aging gracefully:
  • My motto is - Live greatly. Live generously.
  • I sleep about 4-5 hours per night. A 30-minute power nap in the afternoon keeps my energy level up.
  • Don't be afraid to look silly - Every Friday at 2pm, regardless of where I'm at, I put on the song Guantanamera. I dance and sing along and try to get everyone around me to do the same.
Elizabeth’s picture was taken while dancing to Guantanamera  in California's wine country.

It's 2:00 PM on Friday here on the east coast so in celebration of Elizabeth, and the 4th of July....I bring you Guantanamera!

Have a lovely long weekend everyone :-)