JudyHD
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By “definition,” a super-ager does most things right as it pertains to living a healthy, happy, long life. For instance, they exercise regularly, they eat right (for the most part), and they surround themselves with loved ones and stimulating/fulfilling activities and interests. On top of that, they use their brains . . . actually, they really push their brains. Brain research has found that the areas of the brain that are considered “emotional,” such as the regions of the limbic system, are major hubs for general communication throughout the brain. The thicker these regions of cortex are, the better a person’s performance on tests of memory and attention. So which activities, if any, will increase your chances of remaining mentally sharp into old age? Well, the best answer, according to the research, is to work hard at something. Whether the effort is physical or mental, you can help keep these… View Post
Have you had that moment yet where you glance as you walk by a mirror and see your mother? Well, let me say that it’s a little unnerving. Not because of my mother’s looks – I always thought she was an attractive woman – but because I’m not old yet. Right? Oh wait, maybe I am.
Every now and then, someone says something to me that really strikes a chord. Or a friend will offer up some information or reading that they’ve come across that they think I might appreciate. A couple of things recently came up (thank you Candy and Sara).
There’s that word again . . . inspired. All this talk of inspiration has made me think about those things that inspire me and send me off with an excitement to start “making” something, anything. It’s like a little fire-in-the-belly moment I’m after.
Two days ago, I celebrated my blog’s one-year birthday. How about that? It caught me by surprise when I looked at the date on the calendar and realized how quickly that had come around. Kinda scary. A whole year. 75 posts. Untold support and encouragement from so many people. And lots of learning on my part (with much more to go, of course). So, onward. Since my post last week when I spoke to feeling a lack of inspiration lately, I have received all kinds of support. Some came in the form of comments or emails or calls from friends (all very much appreciated). Others came by way of example. Case in point. #timesup #oprahOMG #metoo At the Golden Globes Sunday night, Oprah gave one of the most electrifying and inspiring speeches I’ve heard in a long time (in my opinion, anyway). Even though she was addressing the gender inequality… View Post
Here we are at the start of a brand new, spanking fresh year. Don’t you love it? All the possibility right there in front of you. Every year I get a surge of excitement and inspiration at this time.
My husband and I have had a few more getaways since our two-week trip to Scandinavia in September. For some reason, these trips sort of stacked up and we’ve been gone as much as we’ve been home since early November. And truthfully,
when I’m sixty-four? Which happens today – my sixty-fourth birthday. Can I just ask — how the heck did that happen?! Don’t get me wrong, I’m really happy to be here to celebrate another birthday. It’s just that it’s kinda hard to accept the number. And I know that it’s just a number, but geez. How did it get so high so fast? I’m sure you remember the Beatles’ song “When I’m Sixty Four.” Here’s a bit of the lyrics, just for fun. When I get older losing my hair Many years from now Will you still be sending me a valentine Birthday greetings, bottle of wine? If I’d been out till quarter to three Would you lock the door? Will you still need me, will you still feed me When I’m sixty-four? I remember singing along to this song when I was probably 13 or 14 thinking that at… View Post
Even though Thanksgiving was yesterday, giving thanks is a daily exercise for me. I am continuously amazed at my life. I don’t mean that to sound righteous or privileged, but growing up as I did, I could never have imagined a life like this – peaceful, secure, happy.
I have a question for you. What age do you most often feel? My guess is that it’s not anywhere near your actual age, but actually much younger. Am I right?
With Daylight Savings ending this weekend, and longer nights just beginning, it signals to me a time to cocoon a little.
I had a real “moment” this week. You know what I mean – when an experience, an interaction, or something happens, and you notice it. You notice it as a special moment in your life that deserves attention, even though it might seem almost run-of-the-mill. Yeah, one of those. This week, I was watching my two great-nieces, ages 6 and 3. We were making cutout cookies for Halloween. They had flour and colored icing everywhere – in their hair, all over faces, the floor, our clothes. It was hilarious. We were having such a great time. (I’m chuckling now just writing about it.) Let me tell you, they had me running – “We need blue, Aunt Jude! Wait, we need red, too. Ooooooh, purple!” As you can imagine, those finished cookies were something else. The moment was so perfect that I could only squeeze out a couple of really terrible… View Post
In a recent Facebook post, my dear friend, Fridley, shared a list of simple questions for folks to answer, thereby revealing a bit more about themselves to others. As he stated in his post,
Today is my 24th wedding anniversary! Pretty cool, huh? I can hardly believe that it’s been 24 years already. The time has flown by. I’m happy to say that we are happier than ever. Of course, it hasn’t always been sunshine and roses.
Years ago I saw a film called “MindWalk.” It’s a wonderful film based on a discussion that three individuals have while walking around Mont St. Michel in the South of France.
Home. Is there anything as good anywhere on the planet? After a time away – no matter how long or how brief – there’s just no better feeling that walking in that familiar door, smelling the scent of home, crawling into the most comfortable of all beds, your own.
We’ve been in Norway now for a few days, and I have to say that it’s the most beautiful country I’ve ever seen. Words fail me . . . honestly. The scenery defies description, the people are warm, friendly and helpful. The food is, well, the food is pretty much anything you want. And yes, if you want, you can have pickled herring in cream (yuk) as often as you’d like. Michael has and loves it. Such an adventurous eater. Anyway, Oslo is the capital and a wonderful city. A few pictures here: city walks, buildings, public art, parks, and of course, 1,000+ year old Viking ships! Leaving the city, we embarked on a journey by train from Oslo to the head of the Naeroyfjord (English spelling) Fjord to a village called Flam (pronounced “Flome”). Breathtakingly beautiful. We so wish we had more time in Flam to explore. So sad… View Post
I wanted to share a bit of our travels with you along our way. Having just spent three days in the beautiful, old city of Copenhagen, we are feeling very inspired. But it may surprise you to learn what we’re inspired about. So, a bit of background.
Lately, I’ve been knee-deep in anticipation over our upcoming trip abroad. For me, the anticipation and planning for a trip is at least half the fun as the actual trip experience. I mean, when you start imagining what the experience will be, then you learn a little more about things to do or see, the imagining gets more vivid and enticing. Just talking about it gives me the giggles. Why is that?
We’re heading out on a two-week trip to Scandinavia very soon, so I’ve started planning and prepping the clothes I’m going to take. First things first – keep it simple.
