Age is But a Number
January 4, 2009
Yesterday evening my sister and I took my mom to visit her best friend of 40 years. Mom is 89 and her friend is 80. It’s so good to see how the strong bond with have with girlfriends survives the test of time. While we were there another old friend from their crowd stopped by.
“Tal”, short for Natalia, is this amazing woman who’s been a role model all my life. She’s a respected pediatrician who still practices and has probably cared for 3 generations of children in some families. Caregiver to her ailing husband, Tal still finds time between work and home to be active in civic clubs she’s belonged to for decades. As we stood around yesterday, she was slim and fashionable in a black jumpsuit, make-up just so and a darling little cut that accents the salt and pepper in her hair.
If you met Tal, you’d think “what a lovely 70-something”. It would be indelicate to ask her age, but this woman who stills skis and plays a mean game of golf is pushing 90 if she’s not already there. Being around Tal yesterday reminded me in a huge way that age is but a number.
So as I start 2009, I’m adopting a different mindset about aging. The birthdays may tick by but who’s counting? Instead I’m adopting the “live life full out” plan that Tal obviously has perfected.
Want to join me?
Happy New Year from Midlife’s A Trip
January 1, 2009
This video is a great song by Abba about a vision of a world where everyone is a friend. We’re a long way from that but maybe we can start to make it happen right here in this little corner of the blogosphere. So to my friends and wonderful readers here at Midlife’s a Trip, here’s wishing you a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
New Year’s Resolutions and Champagne
January 1, 2009
Happy New Year everyone!! On this first day of 2009 that started with the popping cork of a favorite champagne, I’m inspired by more than the bubbles. Did you know that champagne as we know it today was created by a woman! She was Madame Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin or better know as “la Veuve (widow) Clicquot” which, by the way, is the name of my absolutely very favorite champagne.
Madame Clicquot grew up during the French Revolution. She was widowed in her 20s when her winemaker husband died of typhoid. Despite the odds of being alone and a single parent, la Veuve grew the family business into an empire and became a world renowned entrepreneur at a time when women were not typically welcomed in the business world. Demand for her champagne spread across Europe like wildfire and at one point la Veuve made the equivalent of $1 million on a single shipment of her famous product.
The story of la Veuve’s life and how she made a fortune perfecting the process of making tiny bubbles is chronicled in a recent book by Tilar J. Mazzeo. As I read the book, it seems that la Veuve’s success was less about champagne and more about her mindset. Her philosophy was that:
The world is in perpetual motion, and we must invent the things of tomorrow. On must go before others, be determined and exacting, and let your intelligence direct your life. Act with audacity.
So what does it mean to be audacious? It means to act with courage, bravery, nerve — that thing the old folks called “guts”. So as I launch into 2009, I’m following la Veuve’s recipe for success and approaching my goals with audacity.
Let’s all be audacious this year!
Remembering a Diva
December 27, 2008
I come from the generation who grew up inspired by the sultry tones and great panache of the fabulous Eartha Kitt who died this week at 81. She was amazing! If you’ve never seen seen Ms. Kitt in action, watch the video below where she sings one of my favorites, “C’est Si Bon”:
Joy and Peace
December 25, 2008
I’m sending wishes of joy and peace to you and yours during this holiday season.
With many thanks for your readership,
Karen
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Karen - Midlife Coach
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