ACEO Trading Cards

A Great hobby for seniors or anyone looking for a little fun. Paint these 2.5 x 3.5 inch cards, list on ebay and share around the web. 

See more at; 

 https://www.ebay.com/usr/jeannegal

Retired & Writing

 I've been retired for almost a year now and living the dream. 

One thing I've done my whole life is writing stories. I have boxes of them, some on paper, some in files on my computer, some on discs and floppies (Yes, that's how long I've been writing)

Now in retirement I've got two new books out this month. https://amzn.to/4ujnodi

There are also some older works there, too. 

I've come to the belief that retirement is just another episode in this life journey. Now I'm living my dream and can only hope it's going to be profitable. 

Threshold of Midnight

Threshold of Midnight is a post-apocalyptic novel with paranormal elements. Sometimes you don't know how strong you can be, until you're protecting a child who may be humanity's last chance.

Diana is plotting her divorce when she’s accidentally locked in an underground shelter. While trapped, a green fog covers the planet. The world ends not with a bang, but with a whisper as people turn to dust. When Diana finally manages to escape, life as she knew it is over. Her husband, friends, and everyone in town have disappeared, and there are piles of a strange, yellow dust in stores and houses.
Heading out to find survivors, Diana comes upon Gracie, a small child who thinks the Virgin Mary is talking to her. Diana believes the child is traumatized as she delivers messages from the Virgin Mary, but when the things Gracie tells her start to come true, it’s time to decide if this child is a prophet, delusional, or humanity’s last chance. 

Along the way, Diana will meet two men, one will save her, and the other is hunting the child.

Eyes of My Killer

      Misty McAllister doesn’t want people to know about her psychic abilities. With just one glance into another’s eyes Misty can see all their secrets. A skill that’s been known to get her in a lot of trouble in the past. But nothing beats the day she comes eye to eye with a serial killer, who has marked her as his next victim.
      Max Jennings is a by-the-book cop and he’s on the trail of the nastiest serial killer in Angel Fall’s history. When psychic, Misty McAllister walks into his squad room and declares she knows who the Angel Fall’s Strangler is because she met him at the mall, Max labels her a whacko. When the Strangler leaves a message on Misty’s doorstep in the form of a dead body Max has no choice, but to believe her.
     The investigation heats up, bringing Misty and Max closer.  Maybe it     wouldn’t have been so complicated if he hadn’t slept with her first.

Tips for the 1st Cruise on Royal Carribbean

 

We go in May! I'm so excited and trying to be prepared as possible. So I've been watching YouTube videos from all those cruise experts. What to bring, what to wear and what packages are worth it. 

What To Bring

There's a lot of buzz about this stuff but some of the things I'm definitely going to need? Here's my short list so far; 

• 
  
  Lanyards. Used to hold your Sea Pass for purchasing things onboard. I've been looking at these

• 

  Towel Bands

  Towel Bands. Ships can be breezy so having something to secure the towel to the chair is a good idea. These will fit easily into the suitcase. 
  

• Inside the cabin they said get these Magnetic Hooks. Then
  you can hang stuff right on the walls. 

One thing you have to check your cruise company about is the plugs for your phones/kindle/whatever. Every cruise company has rules regarding these things like no surge protectors or multiplug outlets. The best thing is to go to your Cruise company's website and look up their specks on these things. 

Going on a Cruise? Yes!

 Sadly I'm one of those people who have never been on a cruise. At 67 years old I'm getting excited to go in May. 

Now the complicated stuff. 

1. I never had a passport. Back in the day (what an old people phrase?) to go to Canada or Mexico you didn't need one. I think I crossed the border with a driver's license. Had to get a passport so I wouldn't have to deal with all those extra papers. 

2. Which cruise? Where to go? How many stops? 

    I really wanted something not too long because... what if I don't like it? Not that I ever met anyone who didn't love the cruise and there were tons of reviews and Youtube videos on this stuff. So we're doing 4 days on the Royal Caribbean and one stop in the Dominican Republic. Reviews were great and now we have other stuff to choose. 

3. Once you book a cruise you have to decide on drink packages, meal packages, and stuff like that. I don't drink much. Maybe a glass of wine on the holiday? Mostly it just puts me to sleep. Hubby is getting the drink package. I'm going for the beverage package. Give me coffee, water and maybe a soda and I'm happy. I might bring a bottle of wine (allowed) and some water bottles. 

Meal packages? I'm Celiac which means I eat gluten free. Medical necessity. Royal Caribbean is supposed to be good with gluten free choices. (More info I got online/reviews) 

Fancy dinners? eh. I'm okay as long as the food is safe. 

4. What to pack? Still researching this stuff. Some are like a couple pairs of shorts, tanks, and 2 or 3 bathing suits. Others give long lists of dresses, shorts, long pants, sweaters etc. I think I'm going to have to figure this out... 

So, if you're a cruise pro, what's your recommendation? All advice welcome. 

😎

Staying Creative in Your 60's

If you have some empty time or even if you don't creative endeavors will keep the mind healthy and can be a de-stressor. So, where are these creative activities and, more importantly, what are creative things to try?

1. Arts and Crafts! This is stuff you can do at home, with friends or take a class. Art is part of my soul so this is something I do all the time.

    Crafts --> 

It's Halloween time! Lots of spooky things we can create. The dollar stores are great places to pick up some skeleton hands or other creepy parts to remake into something else. These are things you put together with hot glue, spider webs, and plastic table clothes. The witch's head was a milk jug, painted green with details done in paint & sharpie. 

    Or get a head start on Christmas crafts. It's coming up fast. Painted wine glasses make great gifts! 

    Furniture Painting --> 

Okay, this one might be a little much 
for beginners but it's fun! Pick up an old chair from the side of the road or at a garage sale. Put a base of spray paint on it and then paint a quick pick on it. Get real creative or just paint some hearts or flowers on it.

    Painting on Canvas--> My favorite is acrylic paint on canvas. It's
easy and forgiving. You an pick up paint and brushes at Walmart or Michaels. There will definitely be more variety to pick from at Michaels but you can get almost the same thing at Walmart for less. A good way to get started without spending a lot of money. Then just put the brush to canvas and get creative. 

    Now, don't tell me you can't paint. Look up Jackson Pollock who hangs in the Metropolitan Museum. Van Gogh sold only one painting during his life. Anyone can paint. Just do it. 

       Hint; there are painting classes on YouTube, step by step instructions in books from the library, or you might find a class at your local recreation department. Art is about fun, not work. Go paint up some fun. 

    

   

Rock Painting--> You can find rocks to paint anywhere. The ones by rivers are better, smoother but you can also buy rocks at craft stores or online. Just use acrylic paint and get creative. 

Get Sketchy--> Pick up a sketch book at your local department
store or check out those dollar store bargains. Grab a pencil or pen and just start doodling. There are online videos for this too if you want to take it farther. I keep a sketch book by my chair and doodle while watching TV. 

2. Write  

    Ever think of writing a book? Hey, I've written books & shorts. 

(check out my Amazon shorts page) It takes a lot of work, time and yes, there is a bit of a learning curve. 

    So forget about that last sentence and just start. Don't think about getting published, just get your story down on computer, paper or however you like to get creative. 

    You can write a novella, full book, or just short stories. Don't think about where it will go, just think about your story. 

    What is a story? Could be fiction. Just make something up. Let your mind wander and think; what if....this happened? 

    Not into fiction? You could write your life story. Don't think if it will be interesting or not. Write it for you, write it for your kids. I always liked hearing stories from grandma and aunts of what their lives were like before I met them. 

3. Find Classes

    You can find classes on almost everything at most recreation departments. Local colleges also offer some simple beginner classes in almost every subject. Art, writing, dance, etc. 

     Look at your local craft stores. Michaels has classes and so do some of our local shops that help local artists sell their creations. Painting wine glasses, knitting, painting, and other crafty things. Some are free for seniors, too!  

Now stay creative! 

    

60 Years Old & Don't Care What They Think

 Do things start annoying you as you get older or is it just that you don't give a damn what everyone thinks and are going to tell 'em what you think anyway? 

I think one of the biggest (and best!) changes that came with age was the ability to not care.  

I work in an Animal Rescue. When we have to medicate a dog we need a weight to make sure it gets the proper dosage. Usually the smallest person in the group is chosen to do help out. Getting the weight on a dog that doesn't fit on our smaller scale is done by one person getting on the scale, we get her weight, then she picks up the dog and gets back on the scale. Do some math and we got the weight. Easy. 

Hard part? If that skinny mini isn't there to jump on the scale today, who will step up?  😁 Yeah, I don't care. I jump on the scale. I don't care if you know my weight. Really, I spent years keeping it a secret and now? eh. I don't care. In the grand scheme of things, do you really think people care that much? 

And if they do want to focus on that number, well, that's on them. I'm going to go eat some ice cream. 

Not caring what people think is a free state of mind. You can be you and those who love you will still love you. (They probably knew all about you anyway) 

There's a poem that I think fits this time in life.

  When I'm an old Woman I shall Wear Purple.  

Check it out and wear that red hat that doesn't match & don't care so much about other people' brainwaves.

 

Half Way Over 60 & Wondering What's Next

 At 65 I have no idea where I'm going next. Does anyone?                        

When my mother was 65 she died. A second heart attack took her out. She languished in the hospital for almost a month before passing. Most of that time in a coma. Mom hadn't been in the best of health for years and I think the lack of medical know how and information kept her ill.

Today we have the internet and the ability to look up our symptoms and and research doctors who can help us. One reason I picked my last doctor was because RateMyMD.com had reviews that said, "she doesn't give up until she figures out what's wrong." The doctor I had before her was a waste of time. He would dish out medication without running tests and kept saying everything was stress. Simple answer that didn't help anything. 

I think if Mom had the right doctor she might have been healthier and lived a longer and more enjoyable life. 

At 65 today I can lift 50 lbs of dog food, wrestle a 60 lb shep mix into a harness and still keep going. Don't ask me how because not every day is perfect. Some days it's exhausting, other days I breeze through. 

I've been reading a lot about positive thinking and that old law of attraction stuff. Right now it's all over social media sites and there's lot's of tiktok'ers talking about it. 

So, how to make this positive? I'm repeating the following; 

"I have the body & health of my 21 year old self" 

Me at 21 - 1st degree Black Belt

I repeat this several times a day. Especially when my back tells me to slow down, my knees creak and the hip screams as I try to stand. 

"I have the body & health of my 21 year old self."

Then I have to wonder if it really is mind over matter.  There are reports that a long time ago living to over hundred was a normal thing.  Then I started to do research but didn't really find any truth to that. Check out the page Ancient Origins where they come up with other meanings for the reports of living longer. 

So back to what I want out of life at 65? That would be good health, fun times, and work that brings the satisfaction of helping others. (I choose to help dogs & cats in rescue) And I get to play with puppies. 😎 

I think positive thinking is helpful but not sure it's going to make me feel like I'm 21 again. That was a very good year. However 65 hasn't been too bad either. 

Where are you now? Does it make you happy? 

Let's Wine about it. Joint pain?

 I drink wine. 

Not often but maybe once a week or so I'd have a glass. 

Let's talk about the last two times I tried wine.  Both spaced a couple weeks apart. 

First; A popular American wine. Delicious. 

Next morning it felt like every joint hurt, wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, and I had a headache. So then I was thinking what did I do differently yesterday that makes my joints feel like they're on fire today? 

Could it have been those two glasses of wine? I considered it. After all this was alcohol and I usually didn't drink much so was wine the culprit? Could wine have that affect on joints? 

Now, at 65, I know my body is a lot different than it was at 25 but my joints were on fire!

Fast forward to this past weekend. I try wine again. But this time the wine is from Italy. Two glasses. Next day; No joint pain, no headaches. Next night I have two more glasses. (Had to finish the bottle, right?) Following day still no pain, no headache. 

A while ago someone told me they only drink wine from Italy because American wines give them hangovers. I never really gave her comments a second thought, but now I have to wonder what's in American wine? Or is there a magic something in Italian wine? 

Who knows? 

Maybe next weekend I'll pick up an bottle of Italian wine and give this experiment another test. 

Anyone else try this? What's your wine of choice? 

NANO November and another year almost gone

 This year has been a roller coaster and it's almost over. Some of it good, some of it depressing. It's been crazy and depressing but there was joy in there somewhere. 

So what happens next? Fix the life and make 2023 better? 

At 65 and a half, this was not what I envisioned for this decade. Here we are and now its time to keep eyes forward and discover new territories. Before we go forward, let me say F*ck Covid. That was the start of the crazy depressing stuff. 

Okay, now it's time to move forward with eyes to the sky. 

So how to discover options? Evaluations. At 65 what skills do I have? 

    Computer

    Office

    Writing

    Painting (Art)

    Works well with Animals. 

I look at this list and think what would be something I could do with joy?

Definitely, #3 and #5

The rest go from yay to eh. 

So the most joy comes from writing stories. Novels, shorts and everything in between. I just like to spin some yarns and and go into that writing zone. 

What is the writing zone? 

It's a place most creative people know, but I think others get there too. If you have a job or activity you love, you've been there. Did you do one of your favorite things and before you realize it, the time has flown by and you feel like you're lifting your head out of a cloud? A cozy, warm and fuzzy cloud that blocks out that real world? That's your bliss, your joy. 

Do what makes you happy. 

        As one of my favorite tiktok'ers says; Find your Joy!  

I'm going to go look for mine now. 

Is it over, yet?

 No one expected a pandemic to stretch to  years instead of a few months. Seriously? 

But here we are. 

I still see people in stores wearing masks. #Respect. These people are protecting themselves and doing what's best for them. It's what we should all do. Want to wear a mask? Do it. Don't feel weird or intimidated. Don't want one? Don't wear it. Simple. End of conversation. 

Small businesses suffered so much during these last few years. A lot have folded under the expense and pressure of Covid and all it's variants. Be kind to those small businesses who are still out there, trying so hard. 

So here we are. 

Pandemic mostly over (I think, I hope) and trying to go forward. I'm ready. What's next? Where do we go from here?  I always believed when you're stuck or feeling lost it's time to set a new goal. Look for more opportunities and set up a new dream. If we're taking anything into this new world I hope it's kindness and understanding of our fellow humans. 

So, what are your dreams for this post pandemic life? 

Are You Manifesting?

 One of the prime recommendations in all that manifesting stuff is to write it down. See it, believe it and make it happen. 

I think keeping that belief alive in your heart is one of the hardest parts of manifesting. We all have good and bad days, ups and downs and everyday worries. It's part of our nature. It's stuff we're bombarded with every time we turn on the TV. If the last two years have taught us anything it's that we just have to muddle through the mess to come out on the other side. 

"We'll figure this out."  

One of my favorite sayings and I think I must have gotten it from my mother. Her life wasn't easy but she was always positive. She believed money always came when you needed it. That things work out one way or the other. Of course she had all those Mom related worries, but she was overall a positive person. 

So I've got this "Little Book of Dreams" now to record those manifestations every morning. I'm writing it down and making it happen. 

What's your favorite manifesting tool? Do you write it down? Chant it? Pray? Or just send your wishes into the universe?  Let's share it & hopefully inspire others. 

New Year's Resolutions at age 64?

 In our sixties we pretty much have seen it all. Done most of it and decided not to do other things. 

Example? I never wanted to jump from a plane. Never wanted to go scuba diving or skiing.  (Note on scuba diving: I was mentally scarred by the movie Jaws as a teenager. I've never looked at the beach the same since.)

Things I'd still like to do?  Hmmm... nothing is coming to me on this but gonna give it some time to percolate. 

Places I'd like to see? Paris & Ireland.  I'm 100% Irish so I'd like to see the country of my people.  Paris? I've just always been drawn to that city and I don't know why. 

So, how about some resolutions for the new year? 

1. Publish another book

2. Make our business successful. (Covid has all but crushed it, but we love it so we fight onward. - Please, if you know a small business, especially the entertainment biz support them, send your friends in, book a party. They need you even if they look okay. Trust me, every small business has been hurt by covid.) 

3. Adopt out these 3 pups who I'm fostering. Especially Carl who is special needs and extremely playful. (Carl's story is here.)  The other two are a pair of bonded Chihuahuas. They need a home together. 

4. Get organized both in time & space. By time I mean scheduling which days/hours I do what. By space I mean clean up my desks (I have 3) files & other paperwork and make things easier to manage. 

5. Find a passive income. I think everyone needs something else. If you go to Pinterest and search passive income you can come up with a bunch of ideas. I need to take the time to research them all and find something for a side job. 

Any other ideas? What are your New Years Resolutions? 

Social Security Applied! Now what?

 I applied for Social Security about a week ago.  Bit the bullet and filled out that application. Some of the questions I did find confusing and wanted to make sure what I put down was the truth so there were no hold ups.  

They do have little info buttons near each question that let you read a little more so you can give a good answer. That helps. 

You can also check your status by logging back in.  

I just did that and it says it's in like step two for checking my application. It also said it could take 2 to 4 weeks for processing. 

It's only been a week but when someone/thing tells me there's a way to check, I mean, how could I resist logging back in?  

All in all the process was pretty easy, but when you're ready to apply find a quiet space and take your time filling out the application.  

Are you ready to collect?  How did you make that decision? 

Staying Safe & Positive with Another Virus Scare

 Here we go again!

Is it not hard enough being in our 60's without life threatening viruses? Including business threatening viruses. 

Yes, no matter how you view it, this virus has killed more businesses than at any other time in history. (except maybe the great depression) At lease now our government is working to help people. If only everyone would get on board. 

Our business is suffering. We have to have people signing up and coming in or forget it, we're done. 

We're doing the 6 ft thing still which cuts down on the amount of people we can serve and beyond that there are too many who are just afraid to get into a place where people congregate. I've done more wash for aprons and towels then I'd ever want to think about. We bleach everything every night. 

If you walk past someone who reeks of disinfectant, it might be me :) 

So, if this business is suffering I can get a job! Where? At 64? Just look at my resume and you can probably guess my age. I have tons of office experience so the work is no problem but getting someone to trust that? 

We really are fighting for our business. It's a labor of love and I will definitely cry if we go under. I think the only way to beat the virus is through vaccination. I think the only way to protect those who cannot take the vaccination is to get ourselves vaccinated. With mixed messages coming from those in government I fear most good people are really just at a loss of which way is the best way. 

For now we're wearing masks, been vaxxed and boosted, and do our best to keep things clean. 

Stay safe out there.  There is a light at the end of this Covid tunnel and I believe we are almost there. 

What came after the pandemic of 1918?  The ROARING TWENTIES!  Soon it our country will come ROARING back and all will get back to a better normal. 

 

The Social Security Pathway

 Making the decision to turn on your social security is a big thing.  It's all about crunching numbers and figuring out where you are now and what you'll need in the future. 

The future? How can I know what to expect 5 or 10 or 20 years from now? Do I look like a psychic? 

So, if my full retirement age is 65 + 6 months I get a certain amount. You can go to the Social Security website and enter your info and they'll let you know what you could get now and that higher amount you could get if you wait.  

One of the issues I kind of struggle with is that yes, you'll get more money later each month if you wait.  If you take it now your check is less but the total amount will be a bigger total amount? 

I've been trying to crunch the numbers and I'm not really a math wiz. 

If your starting number now is like 1000 a month. Age 64.

Waiting until age 65 and your number is 1200 a month. 

12 months of $1000 = $12,000? 

So at what point when collecting the full amount of $1200 how many months would it take to make up the $12,000? 

Since the difference is $200. Would it be 60 months? Is that 5 years to break even? 

I guess it comes down to if that $200 will really be a deal breaker in the future? Now we come back to - are we psychic?  Where will we be in 5 years? In one year? 

Have you made this decision? Which way did you decide to go? 

Foster Dogs: I Adopted Out a Dog Today

Foster Dogs: I Adopted Out a Dog Today:  I foster dogs.  No, it's not easy.  I adopted out a dog today. His name was Carl and he was the sweetest little boy. Carl was joy in ev...

Meeting Florida's Vampire Ants

 It was a quiet Halloween afternoon. I was relaxing at my daughter's house, making up some Halloween treats. Mummy wrapped brownies, witches fingers and all sorts of yummies. It was a nice afternoon. 

Then we decided to go out and see her 3 new pets; Chickens. Buckbeak, Hennifer and Marmalade. All three were in their coop and we brought them out some tomatoes and bananas to munch.  We were all standing around talking about the chickens when I felt a tiny pinch on  my ankle. I brushed it off and kept chatting. Another pinch and it hit me; FIRE ANTS!  I do the Fire Ant dance where you start jumping and swatting. ]

This is Florida and those horrible little creatures will eat your flesh and leave little itchy blisters in their wake. Yuk! 

I've been bit by these little creeper before and immediately brushed them off and got back onto the patio. We went into the house and I didn't think anything else of it. I've been bitten by these little vampire ants before and although uncomfortable a few bites wasn't so bad. 

I'm on the couch talking to my daughters and everything starts burning and itching. It was like something lit every inch of my skin on fire from my head to my toes. I jump off the couch and run to the bathroom to check my clothing. Were those nasty vampire ants still on me? 

In the bathroom I rip off my shirt and check it for ants. Nothing. Now my arm pits are super itchy! Behind my knees, elbows. ears, my entire scalp! I look in the mirror and I'm all bright red; front, back, face. I pull my clothes back on and go out and show my daughter my back. She says, "OMG, you've got hives!" She pulls Allegra out of the cabinet and says take one. At this point my skin is on fire and itching like crazy. I swallowed one. She gets me another bottle of water and tells me to drink as much as I can. Then we go back to the bathroom and she puts that over the counter cortisone cream all over my back. I apply it to my legs and every other place. 

At this point my heart is pounding. She asks if my throat is closing up, is my tongue swelling. I pause in my scratching and say no. I rub my itching ears and so hard I think my ears are starting to swell.  I've never had this kind of reaction to anything before in all my 64 years.  

Now I can't sit still so I go to fold a load of laundry. (Yes, I was a stay at home mom for a few years and always found basic household chores could take my mind off things.) My husband comes in when I'm trying to get the clothes out of the dryer and at this point I'm going crazy with the itch and burning.  I lift my shirt to show him my bright red torso. He says Oh my God and maybe you should go to the hospital. 

Noooo, I don't want to go! I hate hospitals. 

Back out the the living room and I get ice packs and start placing them on my pulse points and the itchiest places. After a while the Allegra is starting to kick in and the pain is easing. 

Whew! I relax a little. More ice, deep breath. my heartbeat goes back to normal and I think it's going to be okay.  

Next morning my ankle is swollen and red but the hives are gone. I use cortisone cream and take Benadryl. I can't get a shoe on. Next day still swollen and painful, more Benadryl. I switch to Neosporin incase it's getting infected. Day 4 I'm at the doctor because, although the swelling is down a bit the bite from that nasty mini-vampires is red with little red lines curling off of it and running outward. 

Good news, it's not infected. That redness and streaky lines are all part of the allergic reaction. 

I have to wonder if I didn't immediately take the Allegra would this have been worse. Would I have ended up in the hospital? Scary thought when you live in the land of the Vampire Ants. Now there's some Benadryl in my purse to prevent another reaction that might be worse. If those Vampire Ants come near me again I'll be ready. I'll also be running the opposite direction! 

Gray Hair there???

 Okay, most people in their 60's have gray hair. For most, it starts a lot earlier. Hey! It's normal and beautiful. 

I remember my mom's snow white hair, so soft and beautiful.  It's the kind of gray I'd like someday. 

Right now, believe it or not, I don't have a lot of gray. I'm a natural blond so even those glinting grays that do appear, look like highlights. Why not so much gray? I have no idea. It's not a family thing, I don't think, but I do take a lot of vitamins. I have Pernicious Anemia, a B12 deficiency, so I take B12 in shots. Is this why I'm not so gray? 

I had a friend who needed a kidney transplant. After the transplant his gray hair slowly disappeared. Was his body suddenly processing nutrients better? 

Anyway, gray hair can pop up anywhere on our bodies. Down below? Who cares! But the eyebrows? Really? And not the whole eyebrow, just a few random bright white hairs. 

At first I'd pluck those one or two gray eyebrows and be happy. Lately more and more seem to be appearing so now.... what to do?  Plucking a random hair.... so what, no one notices.  Plucking four or 5 from the same brow? 

EEEEEeeeeeeeeekkkk! 

What to do, what to do.... I'm not really a make up kind of person so whatever there is to use on eyebrows is not in my frame of reference. Eyebrow pencils? Will they really color those bright white hairs blond again? Or will I look like a clown with sketched on brows?

Time to call in reinforcements. Time for a YouTube video! 

So how's your brows? How to do control them? Go freestyle? Tame them? Paint them? 

Making the Most of 60+

 Tomorrow I'm 64. WoooHooo! 

Actually, I feel 30. Except for the stiff back from sleeping on the couch for two days because my new foster dog has anxiety issues.  He's adorable, but is still getting used to us. 

I always look at each decade as an adventure. Something to meet with joy & awe.  This decade had me opening my own business and facing the challenges of running it during Covid. 

So for this new year of my 60 decade, what challenges shall we find? Adventures shall we plan? Or goals shall we set?  Okay, let's give it a go. What would be good things to do/see/experience for 64? 

•  Build my business 
• Publish another Book on Amazon (It's written but now comes the edit)
• Post some short stories on The Midnight Brain
• Rescue more dogs 
• Buy a home
• Get organized
• Lose 10... okay, 15 pounds
• Make friends
• Plant a garden
• Paint a mural 

So what's your plans for this year of your life? 

Is 60 the New 40?

 I remember my mom in her 60's. She had trouble walking, losing weight and was out on disability. I think if she had access to the internet like we have now she would have been healthier. 

Today if we have a pain in our hip we can wade thought tons of information and read about what helped others and maybe take this info to our doctors or try some exercises or stretches to ease the pain. My mom had no help other than one doctor who evidently couldn't help her. 

I remember reading my mother's women's magazine and their exercise suggestion? It was pictures of a woman carrying a small pile of folded towels up the stairs. No hard cardio, no suggestion on weight lifting or yoga. If that was mom's only input of how to maintain weight, it was no help at all. 

So today we have so much information at our finger tips we can be a healthier 60.  Not that I'm saying listen to all the info out there, but read, double check, know your source, etc. 

I've had a few health problems along the way. One day my daughter was watching Medical Mysteries. In it a woman had problems with tiredness, IBS, tingling and a few other things. We're watching and the woman lists her symptoms I say, "I have that." and "I have that, and I have that, too." My daughter turns to me and says, "Whatever that woman has, you should get checked for!"   The woman had a B12 deficiency.  Later I found out that I have it too and that information changed everything! 

No matter what your symptoms, don't stop searching for an answer. Just be careful who you're listening to. Know their credentials, where they got their facts from and check and double check. We have what our parents didn't. We have access to a world of answers. 

So with all this help to keep us going...isn't 60 the new 40?