Author: Cynthia

An Alternate Look at Wellness Goals

by Cynthia, posted in Wellness

In a few short days old father time will fade out and the new year baby will take center stage. This is the time when we begin to regret the rich foods and extra drinks we have enjoyed during Chris-Thanks-O’Ween. We resolve to exercise more, eat healthier food, and cut back on all the goodies that are now evident on our bodies.  As the saying goes, “a moment on the lips; a lifetime on the hips.”

Overall I am a pretty healthy eater by choice. The semi-annual blood tests remind me I also need to be healthier by recommendation – of the doctor! I find that if I move during the day, avoiding the sedentary lifestyle that comes with colder, darker days, I do feel better.  I’m not alone. Many people are thinking about lifestyle goals with enthusiasm as the calendar reminds us of another rotation around the sun.

This year let’s look at wellness from a broader perspective. The term wellness has been around for quite some time and is often paired with the word health – as in Health and Wellness. Wellness refers to so much more than exercise and diet, although those two factors affect overall wellness much more than we give them credit.

Wellness is the active pursuit of lifestyle choices that leads to a state of good health, holistically. Rather than looking only at those things that cause illness, it considers the integration of mind, body, and spirit.

Early in this millennia, I developed a model for balanced living. Honestly, it was my interpretation of the Hindu philosophy of chakras, which at that time was relegated to the “woo woo”. Over the past twenty-five years, the system has been mainstreamed by several entities, embracing the reality of wholeness. In a nutshell, wellness (or life balance) can be achieved by awareness of physical, emotional, occupational, social, creative, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of your life.

Physical, obviously, has to do with nutrition, exercise, and even sleep patterns.

Emotional focuses on managing feelings, building resilience, feeling connected.

Occupational is finding satisfaction in work, volunteering, or tasks that give you a sense of self.

Social is fostering positive relationships, finding community, and eliminating unhealthy interactions.

Creative has to do with self-expression which can be manifested in a number of ways. Not just artistically or in singing, playing an instrument, or painting, but also in the way we dress, how we carry ourselves, our approach to celebrating, and so on.

Intellectual refers to mental stimulation and may include reading, writing, puzzles, etc.

Spiritual relates to identifying your purpose, your values, and finding meaning in your life.

Each of these facets in your life are components of wellness. Together, they comprise who you are; how you see yourself; and how others view you. Finding wellness, as a whole person, can bring happiness and improved health.

I wish for you, our dear readers, a healthy, happy, 2026 and wholistic wellness.

Merry Christmas … and Thank You

by Cynthia, posted in Taking Care of Business

To all our readers I want to thank you for the time you take perusing our musings each week. Mary Ann and I enjoy writing; and this blog has been a way for us to share with you our random thoughts and memories as we navigate our seventies as retired, single women.

With each passing year … dare I say day … I have come to the realization of how grateful I am for so many of life’s “little pleasures.”  As I pen this missive I look out over my front yard where a large and cheerful wooden Santa ushers a realistic reindeer through the red and white wrapped trees.

I am thankful for my health.  Sure, I have trouble getting out of bed some days as my back seizes and the vertebrae “crunch” causing varying levels of pain. Still, in the total scheme of things I can move through my day and function normally, albeit more slowly than in days gone by.

I am thankful for reflection.  I have wonderful and melancholy memories of my parents and brother who have gone before me, yet I have to smile when I look at the Christmas trees that represent each of them. My daddy collected Santas, my mom had an affinity for cardinals, and my brother loved teddy bears. My home has three Christmas trees decorated with their ornaments – a consistent reminder throughout the holiday season of the love we shared.

I am thankful for family. My sister and aunts give me way too much attention – and I revel in the intent and the fun that holiday activities with them yield. This year I was blessed with a sister trip to visit a 96-year-old aunt and 99-year-old uncle and their daughter and her husband. My 83-year-old aunt hosted a Golden Girls birthday party for me in which we all dressed as our favorite character – my uncle dressing as Blanche! The list is much too long for a Christmas day blog. My daughter and her husband and my grandchildren include me in many activities throughout the year, while maneuvering their homes and jobs. I remember how stressful those days were, trying to balance family and work and school.

I am thankful for my friends. Technology has made it possible to “have tea” with Mary Ann, even though we live half-way across the country from one another. My local friends and I enjoy a coffee or lunch date or simply a quick phone call or txt to say, “I’m thinking of you.”

How wonderful it is to be thankful for the gifts life gives. It is important, too, to let others know that the things they do and the gifts they give are also appreciated. In our hustle and bustle we often forget the value of a hand-written note that demonstrates extra effort and sincerity, care and thoughtfulness. Notes create a lasting impression cherished over time, a tangible reminder that the things you do and provide are treasured.

At the same time a physical note provides psychological benefits for the sender, often allowing for a higher level of happiness and lower levels of depression.  The note shows you invested the time in thanking them – that the time you put in selecting, purchasing, and wrapping a gift is reciprocated.

On this day of remembrance and gifts, let us be reminded of the gift of grace. And remember to let your loved ones know you appreciate, value, and treasure their part in your life.

Merry Christmas and a Happy Thank You Note Writing Week. Cheers!

Checklist for Healthy Holidays

by Cynthia, posted in Wellness

This time of year can be fun and exciting. As the holiday season rolls around, we can also feel the pressure of more spending, additional calendar entries, richer food – all leading to an unhealthy feeling. Let’s revisit some tips for “sleighing” the holidays, as the youngsters might say.

You could go to a wellness retreat, starting at $6,500 … or you could review the following suggestions:

  1. First things, first. Take care of yourself!

We can get quite caught up in the holiday spirit. We want to say “yes” to every invitation, activity, event, and seasonal only opportunities.  I get it. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Still, as throughout the year, taking care of your physical needs is important. We push ourselves to meet the self-imposed (or other-imposed) deadlines, putting our own needs aside. At our age, it is acceptable to prioritize the need for rest.

I find my list has a lot of “carry overs” because I get tired before the end of the day. When I push myself to do “just one more task” I end up overexerting and feeling exhausted. Most of those tasks are not as important as they seemed at first. A little exercise is invigorating and helps reduce some of the stress your body is experiencing.

Good physical health leads to better mental health.  Make a plan. Set priorities. Participate in only those things you really want to do. You’ve earned the right to say “no”!

You don’t have to say “no” to all the rich and yummy food that appears this time of year. Again, make healthy choices. Eat a cookie and a piece of cake and enjoy every morsel. Just follow your preset quality and quantity goals to avoid overindulging.

  • Know the stressors.

Be aware of your limitations: Not only your physical but also financial. Set a budget and stick to it. If you are as I am, Christmas brings out the uber generosity.  I want to pay the repair people extra for their trouble. I want to buy the grandchildren everything they want. I want to treat friends to coffee, lunch, and cocktails. But I also have to remember that the income I have is the income I have. No more is coming in and I’m not looking forward to an annual raise. As my children and grandchildren get older, they actually want less. They, too, have budgets. Keeping the spending down helps them to feel less pressure.

  • Set boundaries.

The year has been somewhat contentious. Holiday gatherings are not the appropriate places to have political or other controversial conversations.  Even when it is someone else broaching an uncomfortable subject, you can arm yourself with “topic-changers.” Be prepared to tell a story about a funny childhood memory, or a new food you tried. Ask about their further holiday plans or a recipe they might have made as a contribution to the buffet. On occasion, someone may push the topic, even after you have attempted to steer away from it.  Be prepared to say some like “I would appreciate it if we didn’t discuss this right now” or “let’s find a lighter topic to discuss.”  Other people at the gathering will appreciate your ability to set the stage for pleasant interactions.

  • Do something meaningful.

Meaningful is different for each of us.  You may engage in a walk. Visit a neighbor. Call or Zoom a distant friend. Write holiday cards.  If you are lonely or missing a loved one who has passed, you might try an adult coloring book or journal your feelings.

Non-profits especially appreciate volunteers this time of year. Helping a registered organization reminds us that with all of our aches and pains and occasional sadness, we are still fairly well off and have a lot of blessings.

Sit back for a moment. Relax. Think of three things you for which you are grateful. Then put a smile on your face and take in a breath of cold December air. Enjoy the holiday season. Spring is just around the corner!

Storing Holiday Decor

by Cynthia, posted in Taking Care of Business

Decorating for the holidays can be a bit overwhelming. Still, it is exciting to pull out treasures from years gone by, prompting memories of friends, family members, and events. Opening the tubs of decorations is almost like Christmas itself. I never tire of seeing gems that have been hidden away for a year.

One such memory comes up every year while decorating the “family” tree, which consists of ornaments from my daughter’s childhood and my daddy’s Santa ornaments. My seven-year-old participated in a gift exchange at school. (Needless to say that was more than 40 years ago!)  I sent a Barbie doll. She received a small handmade wooden mouse ornament.  Every year she tells the story about how she was “robbed” because she really wanted the Barbie. I tried to instill in her the sacrifice of the family who gifted her the ornament.  Yet, every year her children roll their eyes at her story.  Finally two years ago, I gave her a gift right after she told her story – a “professional” Barbie complete with a briefcase.  We all had a good laugh … and last year we didn’t get the story. So much for memories.  All that to say, it’s nice to store holiday décor and benefit from it year after year.

For those of you who have followed our blog for quite some time, you may recall I wrote about storing holiday items in the summer of 2024. Well, I couldn’t help myself after reading “Essential Holiday Storage Tips” by Lauren Kim in American Lifestyle Magazine.  I felt validated! Her tips mirror my practices and are worth repeating.  Following just a few storage guidelines will help preserve your favorite items and make it easier to find next year.

Designate a Location

Having a specific location for all of your holiday décor saves time and frustration. Rather than wondering where a certain item is, you can go to the place where you store all of it. Knowing where you will store items helps you determine the type of container. Mine are in the garage on commercial shelves. At my age, the attic that is access via a pull-down ladder is not practical. (Safety first!)

Consolidate Like Items

Since I have always been a “theme-girl” it is easy to gather the décor for each theme into one tub (or more if you need them). The Santa figurines are in a tub; nutcrackers in another; decorative baking molds in a third; and so on.

Packing the Container

In many cases I kept the original box. This is especially essential for collectibles as having the original box makes the item more valuable when it’s time to sell or donate. For unboxed items, I wrap them carefully in tissue paper. Heavier items go on bottom, lighter and more delicate objects on top. In some cases, an ornament storage container is handy. They are great for more than just ornaments. [I bought a three-tiered one several years ago and use it to store napkin rings.] As I remove the items from its display, I wipe them down assuming they have collected a little dust while out.

Making a List; Checking It Twice

I already have an inventory with a notation of the type of container.  But a few years ago I came upon the bright idea (a-hem) of taking a picture of the items in each box when I emptied the box. It was simple – I just unwrapped each piece and placed it on the table. When all items were out, I took a picture. I printed the picture and placed it inside the box. When it was time to put things away, I just looked at the picture and knew what would fit into that tub. So much easier! However, if you are not that ambitious, just keep a list of what you have and where it went. I code my labels. Since tubs are in my garage I figure I won’t make it easy for someone to know which box to steal if they happen to walk by when the door is open (which is not often).

All this sounds like a lot of work. Well, putting away your holiday décor *is* a chore. Yet we enjoy getting it out every year, so putting it away in an organized fashion makes next year’s access quick and painless. You will be able to spend more time enjoying your possessions.

Happy Decorating! I mean Happy Storing!

The Lost Bookshop

by Cynthia, posted in Reviews

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is a captivating novel that weaves together elements of historical fiction, mystery, and a touch of magical realism. The narrative unfolds across multiple timelines and perspectives, inviting readers into a world where books hold secrets, and the past continually shapes the present.

At the heart of The Lost Bookshop lies the story of Martha, a woman escaping her troubled past, who stumbles upon a mysterious bookshop in the heart of London. The shop, filled with rare and forgotten tomes, becomes a sanctuary and a puzzle. As Martha delves into the shop’s history, she discovers the intertwined stories of Henry, a bookseller from the 1920s, and Opaline, a woman from the 19th century with a passion for forbidden literature. The narrative unfolds in alternating chapters, gradually revealing how these characters’ lives are linked by the legacy of the bookshop and the enduring power of stories.

Each character in the novel is vividly drawn and richly complex. Martha’s journey from vulnerability to empowerment is particularly compelling, as she confronts personal demons and uncovers her own strength. Henry’s arc is one of quiet resilience, as he navigates societal expectations and personal loss. Opaline’s story adds depth and historical perspective, highlighting the challenges faced by women who dared to defy convention. The supporting cast—fellow bibliophiles, adversaries, and enigmatic figures—add color and intrigue to the narrative.

The author excels at evoking a sense of place. The bookshop itself almost becomes a character, with its labyrinthine rooms, creaking floorboards, and shelves bursting with forgotten wonders. The shifting settings—from Victorian England to post-war London to modern times—are rendered with careful detail and atmospheric prose. Readers are transported into dusty archives, candle-lit parlors, and rain-soaked city streets, fully immersing them in the story’s world.

A central theme of The Lost Bookshop is the transformative power of literature. Books are portrayed not just as objects, but as vessels of memory, rebellion, and hope. The novel also explores themes of identity, belonging, and the ways in which the past haunts the present. The author’s writing style is lyrical yet accessible, blending suspenseful plotting with moments of quiet reflection. The use of multiple timelines and perspectives is handled deftly, ensuring that each narrative thread enhances the overall tapestry.

The Lost Bookshop is a love letter to bibliophiles and an ode to the resilience of the human spirit. It invites readers to question what they value, and to consider the stories that shape their own lives. The novel’s conclusion is both satisfying and bittersweet, tying together the fates of its central characters while leaving space for wonder and interpretation.

Overall, The Lost Bookshop is a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant novel that may linger with readers long after the final page. I found the characters “stuck with me” long after I finished the tome. I recommend this novel for those who cherish stories about books, history, and the magic that dwells within the written word.

Happy Thanksgiving!

by Cynthia, posted in Friends and Family

As autumn leaves paint the landscape in warm hues of red, orange, and gold, families and friends across America come together to celebrate one of the most cherished holidays—Thanksgiving. It’s a day marked by gratitude, togetherness, and traditional food choices that bring people closer, reminding us of the importance of reflection and appreciation for the blessings in our lives.

Thanksgiving’s roots trace back to 1621, when Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a meal to commemorate a successful harvest. While the holiday’s history is complex and has evolved over the centuries, it remains a powerful reminder to pause and give thanks for what we have—our loved ones, health, home, and the opportunities that come our way.

What traditions do you enjoy on this day?

  • Gathering Around the Table: The centerpiece of Thanksgiving is the meal itself, with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie bringing warmth and comfort to the holiday.
  • Expressing Gratitude: Many families share what they’re thankful for before digging into the feast—a tradition that fosters connection and appreciation.
  • Watching the Parade: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has become an American institution, delighting viewers with colorful floats and performances.
  • Football and Fun: From backyard games to NFL showdowns, football is an enduring Thanksgiving staple.
  • Giving Back: Volunteering and community service are ways people share their gratitude by helping those in need.

Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet day, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to connect with others and reflect on the year. Here are some ideas to make your celebration meaningful:

  1. Cook Together: Involve everyone in meal prep, sharing cherished recipes and creating new memories.
  2. Craft a Gratitude List: Encourage guests to jot down things they’re thankful for and read them aloud.
  3. Reach Out: Call or video chat with distant friends and family to share the holiday spirit.
  4. Donate: Consider supporting local food banks or charities in honor of the season.

This year, let’s celebrate not just with food and festivities, but with open hearts and a spirit of kindness. Whether you are near or far from loved ones, may your day be filled with joy, laughter, and gratitude. And may you remember to carry that spirit of gratitude with you each and every day. Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and memorable Thanksgiving!

Selecting a Planner

by Cynthia, posted in Taking Care of Business

Each year, usually in August, I begin my search for the coming year’s planner. My planners serve as a mini journal, chronicling my activities, thoughts, and musings day-to-day.  It’s a very serious process.  Okay, maybe not too serious, but I do agonize over which one to purchase. After all, I will spend more than 365 days with this little compilation of printed sheets.

The first entries will be subscription renewal reminders and birthday and anniversary notations (complete with stickers, of course!). Next, I record any meetings or appointments that fall on consistent days. (Book club meetings, volunteer activities, board meetings, and so on.) I enter my new year’s goals and list tasks I hope to complete in the coming year. Finally, I can begin to make daily notations – coffee and lunch appointments, medical appointments – you get the picture.

All that to say, my planner is truly a companion. Each day I make notes, once January 1 rolls around. So my planner needs to be sturdy and logical – my kind of logical. A-hem.

Over the years I have come to enjoy a particular style, often staying with a brand for several years in a row. Too often, however, the brand ceases to exist or the calendar style I have come to depend upon is no longer available. Some years I decide I want an 8.5” x 11” and other years I want a 7” x 9”.  For the past two years I have had layouts that I’ve come to appreciate. The goals pages are a double spread, and each turn of the page reveals the week ahead, with plenty of room to write, doodle, mark, and sticker. Unfortunately, however, that particular brand is extremely proud of their work. The 2026 planner is $40. Do I really need a $40 planner?!

Proudly this year, I am turning my back on the over-priced options. Determined to find a reasonably priced calendar journal I have searched for hours at a time.  Happily, I have settled on a $10.00, 6” x 8.5”, metal spiral-bound book that I believe will serve my needs. The smaller size requires a smaller footprint on my desk and can easily be tucked into a purse or bag making it easy to accompany me on errand-running days (opposed to rewriting the ToDo list).

Yes, I was in technology for over 30 years and yes, I still use my electronic calendar. But there is something satisfying in selecting a colored ink and highlighters and adding fun icons to each entry. Using a physical planner allows me to slow down and consider my day. Filling the blank slate shows me at a glance what I value in life (that’s for another missive).

As I traverse the holiday season, I find solace in stepping back and thinking about what is in store in the coming year. Penning this missive at the end of a full week of activities, I know there will be a time when a planner will no longer be necessary. Yet for now, I can rejoice in the knowledge that I still have “things to do, places to go, and people to see” as my daddy would say.

James

by Cynthia, posted in Reviews

James by Percival Everett is a bold and inventive novel that reimagines Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man at the heart of Twain’s tale. Everett’s work offers a fresh lens on a classic American narrative, exploring themes of race, freedom, language, and humanity with characteristic wit, depth, and empathy.

The novel closely follows the events of Twain’s original book but with a definitive shift: Jim – who prefers to go by James — is the narrator. Everett delves into James’s inner life, granting him a voice and complexity that Twain’s version left unexplored. The story traces James’s escape from slavery down the Mississippi River alongside Huck, but with new dimensions of awareness, agency, and survival.

Everett’s portrayal of James is deeply nuanced. No longer a mere sidekick or comic relief, James is depicted as intelligent, resourceful, and emotionally rich. The narrative voice is both insightful and sardonic, often highlighting the ironies and dangers of life as an enslaved man in the antebellum South. Everett skillfully uses code-switching to show James’s mastery of language—speaking in dialect when necessary for his safety, while revealing his true intellect and feelings in private thoughts and narration.

James explores the absurdities and cruelties of American racism with biting satire and humor. Everett does not shy away from the violence and indignities of slavery. Still, he celebrates the resilience, cunning, and humanity of his protagonist. The novel highlights the power of narrative — who gets to tell the story, and how stories shape our understanding of people and history.

Percival Everett’s James reframes an American classic. For readers interested in the intersections of literature, history, and social justice, this novel is well worth reading. While it reclaims an historical narrative it challenges us to think anew about the stories we tell and who gets to tell them.

Neighborhood

by Cynthia, posted in Friends and Family

I have lived on a corner lot for over 27 years. Admittedly, I do not know my neighbors. Until I retired I generally left the house by 7:00 am and arrived home some time after 8:00 pm – often later.

The front of my house is somewhat obscured from the street as it sports two large berms, separated by a sidewalk that comprises steps up and then down before emptying onto my front porch.  In the back I have a 750 sq ft deck below which is my back yard – if you can call it that. From the retaining wall under the deck to the stockade fence separating that neighbor’s home is only 20-30 ft. including a dry brook and an 89 ft long garden. On the north side of the house is what one would call the back yard as it is the largest area that is flat where children might play. On the garage side of the house which faces the side street is a yard peppered with trees that are much older than my home. All of this is to say – I don’t have ready access to visit with the people to whom I live the nearest.

Lately, however, I have been walking the neighborhood. I have my paths figured out which allow me to walk a little more than a mile in one pass. Occasionally I will wave at a drive passing by but seldom do I see other people.

Today I was later getting out. By the time I rounded the cul-de-sac and started the home loop, I observed a line of vehicles along the street where I had planned to walk.  Checking my watch I realized it was time for the little people to emerge from their school day.  A shaded sidewalk connects our neighborhood to the edge of an elementary school ground. Daily, parents walk or drive to meet their children.  It was as if a sleeping giant had come to life, with cars, SUVs, trucks, and even walkers converged on this one area of our neighborhood.

How nice it was to wave and to say hello to passersby – as I passed by.  I was struck by the number of fathers as well as mothers who took the time to greet their children on this lovely autumn afternoon.

Back at home and pulling a few weeds along the sidewalk in front of the berms, one new neighbor commented that he and his children were enjoying my yard decorations from skeletons in October to pumpkins and leaf structures this month.  Soon nutcrackers will adorn the yard for this year’s Tinsel Tribe theme.  But that is for another story.

Today, it is satisfying to see men and women and children as they go about their days. My heart is joyful and grateful for the ability to live in a safe and friendly neighborhood. I wish everyone could have similar experiences.

What’s In a Name?

by Cynthia, posted in Lifestyle

“Hello. My name is [insert your name]”. This is the beginning of a conversation with a someone we are meeting for the first time. Or, when we make a phone call we say, “this is [insert your name]. I am calling to inquired about xyz”. And what do we say when we see a baby for the first time? You’ve got it! “Oh what a sweet little one. What is her/his name?” Our names identify us as unique. They give us a place in society. Some believe that a name defines a person. But I will leave that for another conversation.

My family tends to assign names to inanimate objects, especially those with which we interact often. As with many people, all of my family members assign names to their cars. My grandson’s Mustang is Natasha. My sister’s Lexus is Pearl. My new SUV is Avandra – she is so named as Avandra is the goddess of Freedom, Adventure, and Travel – so the name is fitting, of course. (Avandra and I recently completed her first road trip. We shared 2,997 miles together on this little jaunt.)

The deck on the back of my house is the Urban Oasis. Mary Ann’s backyard is Little Provence. We often text or email each other and mention we spent time in these spaces. The women in my family have an annual get-together early in December. We call ourselves the Tinsel Tribe.

When mom was taking physical therapy after the third hospital stay within a year’s time, she was learning to use her walker. She commented that she was working very hard on her PT as she wanted to walk without the aid of the walker. Her physical therapist told her “I am sorry to be the one to break the news to you, but you are going to be married to that thing for the rest of your life.”  We laughed.

I told mom, if she was going to be married to the walker, she had better give him a name. From that point forward, it became George. Then she named her transport wheelchair Rosella. The names became so commonplace that the hospice nurses and aides and the entire family just talked about George and Rosella as if they were additional people. Lily, the aide who bathed mom would say, “Get George. It’s time to take a shower.” My cousin pondered, “where is Rosella? Let’s take your mom out to the Urban Oasis.” And so it went.

To be honest, I have to take a breath occasionally when I realize other people don’t name their inanimate props the way we do. It seems impersonal. On the other hand, I guess we seem a little crazy.  But think about it.  Isn’t it just as meaningful to say, “have you seen Alex?” as it is to say “I can’t find my phone?”