Summer has arrived. At least in Arizona, though the weather has been about 20 degrees cooler than average. I'm loving that! It should be around 98 degrees by now. And in another week or so it will most likely be over 100 every day. Ugh. Remember, I'm a California girl, and northern Cal at that and still have not adjusted to AZ's heat.
My son, sister and friends are in San Francisco and Marin County and are not happy about the weather there, as they too, are experiencing cooler than normal weather. However, they want it to warm up, not stay cool as I want it to do here.
We have made a few travel plans for the summer and I'm looking forward to them.
We leave next Saturday for New Jersey and New York for a 7 day visit. I have a sister in New York about 40 minutes north of Manhattan and my hubby's family are in the town he grew up in in N.J. about 20 minutes from the George Washington Bridge.
Bill and I were high school sweethearts so I know his sisters and brother very well. They were almost like siblings to me back then and are once again. I'm so looking forward to seeing them, and of course, my biological sister, as well.
Bill's sisters, his two cousins and I are planning on seeing "Kiss Me Kate" on Broadway; a revival of the musical from the '40's. We always plan at least one day in Manhattan when we visit. Often we go to the World Trade Center/Ground Zero Memorial, or the Metropolitan Museum of Art or another museum. I just love New York City. There's no other city like it.
At the end of the month we will drive from AZ to CA. Since I spend about 5-10% of the year in CA these days, we only keep a small apartment there. That fills my needs when I visit - a one bedroom, one bath. It's a bit too small for Bill's liking so he keeps his visits down to 2-3 times a year at the most. Plus, we put our dog, Merlin, into overnight boarding and we don't like to leave him for too long. Bill will stay a few days in CA with me to see a few friends and I'll stay on for several more days to catch up with my son, sister and friends.
The only other trip we have this summer is a short trek to San Diego in August. I love any and all cities by the ocean and San Diego fills the bill. Of course, my beloved Marin County is surrounded on 3 sides by water, so I have that need filled every time I'm there. Still, I like to get out of Arizona's sweltering summer heat any chance I get.
I hope to plan one more trip (besides another summer visit to Marin) during the hot months, perhaps to the cooler areas of AZ; Sedona perhaps or Jerome, a former historic copper mining town.
Having travel plans gives me a little something special to look forward to though I must say, my life is rather wonderful and I feel very blessed even staying home!
I'd love to hear about any plans you may have for your summer.
xo
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Friday, May 24, 2019
Fitness As We Age
We often hear about the importance of staying fit and healthy in our later years. Yes, it's essential if we want to be vital and mobile and mentally sound.
Having a sharp mind is also as important as having a fit body.
What are you doing to be physically strong and mentally sound? For me, moving every day is paramount. I either hike, play pickle ball (my new passion), go to the gym, or walk in my neighborhood (either with or without my dog). I do this six days a week.
What I'm not doing so much of is weight training. Ugh. Just the thought bores and frightens me. And confuses me! I tend to forget the weight I used last on a certain machine, or the setting for the seat, or the placement of the parts of the apparatus attached to said machine. Jeez. So pretty much, I take cardio/weight classes that incorporate muscles into the routine so I do get to exercise those body parts, too. I know, hire a trainer, you say. I've done that but unless I use her/him often, I don't remember what I was shown the last time I was at the gym.
I must say, however, I do like the feeling the next day when my muscles are sore and I'm once again reminded how important it is to use them. I'll stick to my classes for my muscles and maybe try the machines again one day.
Then there's the mind. I love to read, thank goodness, and I usually have about four books going at once; a fiction, a spiritual book, an art tome and a book or website that supports and motivates my health intentions.
From what I've learned through my research, one of the best ways to stave off signs of ageing is to incorporate hand-eye coordination in a sport and pickle ball fills the bill for me. Also, learning a new language or musical instrument is a great way to use the ole noggin.
For me, writing this blog is fun and challenging. Writing is not something that comes naturally to me and I believe that, too, will carve out new neural pathways that will help delay the signs of ageing.
I'd be remiss if I did not mention the spiritual aspect that also aids in keeping us young. Meditation and yoga have been proven to reduce stress and increase the serotonin levels in the brain and decrease cortisol, the stress hormone.
And of course, there is sleep, beautiful, deep, luxurious sleep. It is said that we need less as we age. I have not found this to be true, as of yet. I am still loving 7-8 hours nightly and since I have not been indulging in alcohol, my sleep is deeper, sounder and more restful than ever.
And finally and one of the most important areas is having a community where we feel heard and understood. Friends are invaluable at all ages but research has proven it is even more crucial later in life. So call your girlfriends and make a date for lunch, a movie or a walk. It'll do you all a world of good.
So the take away that I have experienced to feeling young is - exercise the body and brain, slow down with meditation or yoga, indulge nightly in plenty of sleep and see your friends!
xo
Having a sharp mind is also as important as having a fit body.
What are you doing to be physically strong and mentally sound? For me, moving every day is paramount. I either hike, play pickle ball (my new passion), go to the gym, or walk in my neighborhood (either with or without my dog). I do this six days a week.
What I'm not doing so much of is weight training. Ugh. Just the thought bores and frightens me. And confuses me! I tend to forget the weight I used last on a certain machine, or the setting for the seat, or the placement of the parts of the apparatus attached to said machine. Jeez. So pretty much, I take cardio/weight classes that incorporate muscles into the routine so I do get to exercise those body parts, too. I know, hire a trainer, you say. I've done that but unless I use her/him often, I don't remember what I was shown the last time I was at the gym.
I must say, however, I do like the feeling the next day when my muscles are sore and I'm once again reminded how important it is to use them. I'll stick to my classes for my muscles and maybe try the machines again one day.
Then there's the mind. I love to read, thank goodness, and I usually have about four books going at once; a fiction, a spiritual book, an art tome and a book or website that supports and motivates my health intentions.
From what I've learned through my research, one of the best ways to stave off signs of ageing is to incorporate hand-eye coordination in a sport and pickle ball fills the bill for me. Also, learning a new language or musical instrument is a great way to use the ole noggin.
For me, writing this blog is fun and challenging. Writing is not something that comes naturally to me and I believe that, too, will carve out new neural pathways that will help delay the signs of ageing.
I'd be remiss if I did not mention the spiritual aspect that also aids in keeping us young. Meditation and yoga have been proven to reduce stress and increase the serotonin levels in the brain and decrease cortisol, the stress hormone.
And of course, there is sleep, beautiful, deep, luxurious sleep. It is said that we need less as we age. I have not found this to be true, as of yet. I am still loving 7-8 hours nightly and since I have not been indulging in alcohol, my sleep is deeper, sounder and more restful than ever.
And finally and one of the most important areas is having a community where we feel heard and understood. Friends are invaluable at all ages but research has proven it is even more crucial later in life. So call your girlfriends and make a date for lunch, a movie or a walk. It'll do you all a world of good.
So the take away that I have experienced to feeling young is - exercise the body and brain, slow down with meditation or yoga, indulge nightly in plenty of sleep and see your friends!
xo
Friday, May 17, 2019
Cultural Activities
Since moving to Arizona six years ago my cultural activities stopped dead in their tracks. At first it didn't bother me as I was new to the area and there was so much to explore, new people to get to know and even learning where the best grocery stores and pharmacies are, kept me busy. Also, the Scottsdale/Phoenix area seemed a bit devoid (or so I thought) of musicals, plays and other forms of culture that I would partake of in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I was so wrong. It took a little time and patience and investigation (my husband isn't up on the art world so wasn't able to help me) to find out what was available. And, since I hadn't made women friends at that point, I was pretty much on my own.
After a year or so of living here, I joined the Phoenix Art Museum first as a member and shortly thereafter became a volunteer. I usually give my time once a week for a couple of hours assisting patrons by answering their questions or directing them to galleries, the restaurant, etc. - all the while enjoying and taking in the wonderful art and new exhibits.
I have also visited the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix a few times and it is a great place to not only see beautiful flowers and plants but often they will have a special exhibit such as the Chihuly Glass sculptures and the Jun Kaneko enormous sculptures shown there last year.
In addition, Scottsdale has a contemporary art museum; SMOCA. Yes, it is small, but from time to time the exhibits are quite interesting and it's located in a lovely park like setting near downtown.
Within a mile or two of my home is Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and architecture school. It's an amazing building and grounds that I have visited several times and will re-visit again and again.
So you can see how wrong I was about the Phoenix/Scottsdale area being devoid of culture! In addition to the above mentioned places, the Phoenix Theater is right next door to the museum where I volunteer and just today I picked up a brochure for upcoming shows. I realize now that in order to find culture, sometimes I must look beyond my nose!
Whenever I visit family in N.Y. and N.J. I make a policy of seeing a play or at the very least visiting one of their fabulous museums; such as my favorite, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Other times, I make a visit to the Ground Zero Memorial - always a touching and profound experience.
This year I'm planning on visiting New York in early June and my sisters-in-law, cousins and I are going to see a remake of the musical Kiss Me Kate. I'm excited to see this musical and visit this fabulous, bustling city.
For Mother's Day this year, my sweet son took me to the San Francisco Symphony. It was outstanding and has whet my appetite for additional cultural experiences.
Life is good and many inspirational and artistic adventures are in my future!
xo
I was so wrong. It took a little time and patience and investigation (my husband isn't up on the art world so wasn't able to help me) to find out what was available. And, since I hadn't made women friends at that point, I was pretty much on my own.
After a year or so of living here, I joined the Phoenix Art Museum first as a member and shortly thereafter became a volunteer. I usually give my time once a week for a couple of hours assisting patrons by answering their questions or directing them to galleries, the restaurant, etc. - all the while enjoying and taking in the wonderful art and new exhibits.
I have also visited the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix a few times and it is a great place to not only see beautiful flowers and plants but often they will have a special exhibit such as the Chihuly Glass sculptures and the Jun Kaneko enormous sculptures shown there last year.
In addition, Scottsdale has a contemporary art museum; SMOCA. Yes, it is small, but from time to time the exhibits are quite interesting and it's located in a lovely park like setting near downtown.
Within a mile or two of my home is Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and architecture school. It's an amazing building and grounds that I have visited several times and will re-visit again and again.
So you can see how wrong I was about the Phoenix/Scottsdale area being devoid of culture! In addition to the above mentioned places, the Phoenix Theater is right next door to the museum where I volunteer and just today I picked up a brochure for upcoming shows. I realize now that in order to find culture, sometimes I must look beyond my nose!
Whenever I visit family in N.Y. and N.J. I make a policy of seeing a play or at the very least visiting one of their fabulous museums; such as my favorite, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Other times, I make a visit to the Ground Zero Memorial - always a touching and profound experience.
This year I'm planning on visiting New York in early June and my sisters-in-law, cousins and I are going to see a remake of the musical Kiss Me Kate. I'm excited to see this musical and visit this fabulous, bustling city.
For Mother's Day this year, my sweet son took me to the San Francisco Symphony. It was outstanding and has whet my appetite for additional cultural experiences.
Life is good and many inspirational and artistic adventures are in my future!
xo
Saturday, May 11, 2019
My New Piece of Art
As I've said before, I love art; viewing it, reading about it, creating it and collecting it.
Through my dear friend, Meredith, I have become familiar with an art gallery in San Anselmo, called the Artist Within. Meredith works for Cedars that is the parent non-profit for the Artist Within. The Artist Within showcases and sells art created by Cedars' clients, developmentally challenged adults. Over the years I have purchased several pieces of art created by these talented individuals and the pieces not only decorate my walls, they hold a special place in my heart as well.
Every time I return home to Marin I like to visit the gallery to see what new offerings they have. Right now an entire wall is dedicated to one artist who created pen and ink drawings. All the artists, at least to my observation, are able to create without the critical sensor that so many artisans have as their background noise. They are free to conceive their artwork without constraints, thus the finished product has a sense of joy and freedom to it.
My new piece is called The Kiss and consists of a woman reclining on a sofa and she is holding an object in her hand and I believe it represents The Kiss. It is partially abstract so much is left to the imagination of the viewer. The artist has drawn flowers and various patterns surrounding the woman that adds interest and keeps the eye moving.
It is very simply - an intriguing and charming piece of art. And it puts a smile on my face.
xo
Through my dear friend, Meredith, I have become familiar with an art gallery in San Anselmo, called the Artist Within. Meredith works for Cedars that is the parent non-profit for the Artist Within. The Artist Within showcases and sells art created by Cedars' clients, developmentally challenged adults. Over the years I have purchased several pieces of art created by these talented individuals and the pieces not only decorate my walls, they hold a special place in my heart as well.
Every time I return home to Marin I like to visit the gallery to see what new offerings they have. Right now an entire wall is dedicated to one artist who created pen and ink drawings. All the artists, at least to my observation, are able to create without the critical sensor that so many artisans have as their background noise. They are free to conceive their artwork without constraints, thus the finished product has a sense of joy and freedom to it.
My new piece is called The Kiss and consists of a woman reclining on a sofa and she is holding an object in her hand and I believe it represents The Kiss. It is partially abstract so much is left to the imagination of the viewer. The artist has drawn flowers and various patterns surrounding the woman that adds interest and keeps the eye moving.
It is very simply - an intriguing and charming piece of art. And it puts a smile on my face.
xo
Saturday, May 4, 2019
A Blessed Life
I arrived in my beloved Marin County last night. The ride from the airport was longer than usual, but then again it was Friday evening - 6 p.m., right in the middle of the commute.
I began reading a new novel as we made our way up the freeway and into San Francisco. Crawled down 19th Avenue and from time to time I would raise my head to check to see where we were. I looked at the familiar buildings, some of them exactly as they've been for many, many years. Some have become more dilapidated while others have undergone improvements. Still the avenue was basically the same, not especially interesting yet a welcome site to me.
Eventually we crossed the majestic Golden Gate Bridge into Marin. I always feel the need to turn my head to check out the view of San Francisco from this vantage point and it never disappoints. At this moment the city was bathed in the last of the day's sunlight. Just gorgeous. The bay was still sparkling with a few scattered sailboats and several windsurfers (even though the temperature is quite cool in early May).
My thoughts were; how blessed I am! I have a lovely home in AZ, a dear husband, a beloved son, sisters and brother, friends that could not be replaced and to top it off, a home here as well! How did I ever get so lucky?
Yes, I've suffered heartache. I lost a son and wasn't sure I could withstand that pain, but I did and am able to still find joy every day. Being here in the place I've lived for over 40 years fills me with happiness and gratitude.
Now I am waiting for my dear younger son. We're going for a hike today in the warm sunshine and the beautiful hills of Sausalito.
Yes, I am truly blessed.
xo
I began reading a new novel as we made our way up the freeway and into San Francisco. Crawled down 19th Avenue and from time to time I would raise my head to check to see where we were. I looked at the familiar buildings, some of them exactly as they've been for many, many years. Some have become more dilapidated while others have undergone improvements. Still the avenue was basically the same, not especially interesting yet a welcome site to me.
Eventually we crossed the majestic Golden Gate Bridge into Marin. I always feel the need to turn my head to check out the view of San Francisco from this vantage point and it never disappoints. At this moment the city was bathed in the last of the day's sunlight. Just gorgeous. The bay was still sparkling with a few scattered sailboats and several windsurfers (even though the temperature is quite cool in early May).
My thoughts were; how blessed I am! I have a lovely home in AZ, a dear husband, a beloved son, sisters and brother, friends that could not be replaced and to top it off, a home here as well! How did I ever get so lucky?
Yes, I've suffered heartache. I lost a son and wasn't sure I could withstand that pain, but I did and am able to still find joy every day. Being here in the place I've lived for over 40 years fills me with happiness and gratitude.
Now I am waiting for my dear younger son. We're going for a hike today in the warm sunshine and the beautiful hills of Sausalito.
Yes, I am truly blessed.
xo
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