Happy Sunday everyone. Today I am joining my pals Mary Ann and Annie for our Sunday Fab Five. Steve and I are off to Stanford today for Steve’s ankle fusion surgery. Aging is on my mind and how to embrace it by thinking positively in every way possible. Let’s talk about How to Age Positively and More.
The Wisdom of Margareta Magnusson
Margareta Magnusson is 89 years young. I read her first book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: “How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter” before we moved from our lifetime home, and I can’t wait to delve into her latest The Swedish Art of Aging Exhuberantly Have you read either one? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Schyler Samperton on Quintessance and Instagram
Beautiful interiors are always uplifting and anti aging in my opinion. I love Schuyler Samperton’s ability to mix color and pattern with antique pieces to create a fresh modern approach. Her designs never have “a look” they are highly individualized, personal and fresh. The Quintessance team recently visited her at her new Litchfield Connecticut home here. You can also follow Schuyler on Instagram here, and view her wonderful portfolio here as well.
Ageist
I just love the topics and people that the group at Ageist covers. If you aren’t following them, and you are anywhere close to my age, you might enjoy their site. This article from Wendy Troxel on Sleep Science is a good one. You can also follow them on Instagram here.
Outfit of the Week
I took a chance this week and got a little creative. I know many of you don’t like “aged” jeans. I love these from Ralph Lauren. I like this oversized cashmere sweater from H&M, love this embroidered purse from Etsy, and the great sneaks from Taos that get high reviews. We have to think outside the box sometimes, right ladies?
SHOP OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
Ina Garten’s Tomato Basil Soup
Steve is having his ankle fused at Stanford on Monday. Keep him in your thoughts. If all goes well he will be pain free, which has not been the case for quite awhile. I am planning to cook this soup when we return. What could be healthier than a great tomato soup especially from Ina. You can find the recipe here for Ina’s Tomato Basil Soup.
What are you doing or thinking about to age positively? We started the discussion in my post Can You Chang Your Life at any Age. Let’s continue the discussion. Thanks for reading How to Age Positively and More. Let’s pop over and visit Annie and Mary Ann and see what caught their eye this week.
MOST LOVELY THINGS
CLASSIC CASUAL HOME
Cindy … I hope all went well with Steve yesterday and you’re both looking forward to returning home to yummy and comforting tomato soup. One of my favorites. I love aged looking jeans and adore this outfit … perfect for a day at home which is where I spend most of mine. Of course, I don’t look this pulled together. Loved the tour of Schuyler’s home … and her textile collection. The luncheon table she set for Suzanna in the garden is amazing … and how about the long table for her dinner party?! She can do it all. Wishing you and Steve the best over the next week or so (what I expect to be the most challenging time) … he’ll soon be back in action as your crack blog assistant. Just kidding. I know he has his own stuff going on! xo
Interesting topic….I like the serenity when you get older and do something for my health. I realize you don’t get younger and age is not for cowards. Beautiful interior (not only mine, fresh flowers and much more makes me happy and is one of the small everyday things that make me smile. Oh, this Etsy bag is also one of them… a bag dream.
I hope your husband’s operation went well and he can still experience many beautiful things without pain.
If you want to take a look at my new Insta, I’d be happy. …. rena.spain
Cindy, thinking of you and hoping and praying all went well with Steve’s surgery.
The soup will be a great meal to warm up to and help put Steve on the healing path.
Aging has been on my mind a lot lately as we are all “getting up there” in age and people are starting to have illness and dimentia and other issues.
In case you missed my Saturday post I shared a wonderful piece by Sharon Santoni about reinvention at any age, I think you will love it.
Have a great week and remember to take care of yourself a well as you will Steve.
xo
Best wishes to Steve with his surgery. He has an excellent “at home nurse and chef”.
I just turned seventy-three and when I turned 70, I started working on living in the moment and slowing down. I feel at peace and very content with my life at this time. As you know, I lost my husband of 48-years a little over a year ago. I’ve missed him but am determined to continue to make the best of life and to enjoy friends and family. I’ve put a hold on the book you read. I think that would be helpful to me.
Karen B.
Prayers for Steve’s surgery and you being caretaker. I think age is an attitude. I think positive and live every day like it’s my last. I love a lot of pretties in my house. Less would be depressing for me. I always try to buy quality pretties. I don’t have kids to clear out house but a lot of family and people said they would take all my pretties and enjoy them. So they shall get my pretties.
Hi Cindy,
I just want you both to know I’m wrapping you with well wishes thoughts and prayers for the fusion ankle surgery tomorrow. I know Stanford is an excellent hospital I’m sure you will be well looked after.
Cindy, here you are preparing the coming home meal of tomato soup already. Steve better pay you well as his care giver.
A BIG congratulations is in order for Steve on his retirement. Yay freedom, now everyday is a Saturday and Sunday, Steve will love retirement.
Thank you for sharing the books by Margareta
Magnusson. I will look into her books. She looks like a lovely lady.
Toxel on Sleep Science looks good too. .
I try very hard to handle one day at a time as I age. I like what my forever friend says, “when all is taken away from you what is left is how you respond.” This is so true.
Keep us posted how Steve is coming along.
Hi Cindy,
Thinking of you and your husband and sending love and positive and healing thoughts on the journey ahead. Very interesting post thank you. Thinking of your topic how to keep young now my adult children are on their way, l would like more adventures that take me out of the norm and travel always does that, especially the trips that require commitment on some mental or physical level, so l am looking into that. Friends of mine house swapped internationally and so exploring that. My husband works with young people and l can see how that keeps him young. Time to “shake the trees “.. I am going to read the book recommendation thanks for that. And l love that tomato soup always so good,
All the best Cindy.
Best wishes for Steve’s speedy recovery and a pain-free future!
I will have to check out Magnusson’s books. I’ve been pleading with my husband for years to help me undertake ridding our house of thirty-plus years of detritus. Even after we dealt with that task following the deaths of our parents, he is convinced that our unsentimental only child will simply hire a team to toss everything in a truck and head for the dump. I say she should not have to add that to her list; I don’t want resentment and frustration to be an unnecessary part of her grieving process one day. Also, I could sure use the extra closet space today!
Thinking of you and Steve. Wishing happy outcome! Growing older is a bitch. Definitely not for sissies. Hope the soup is delish and Steve can get back to enjoying red wine!
Thanks for another wonderful post Cindy. I recently had (top of my) foot fusion. Imperative Steve stays off his feet per doctor’s recommendations and elevating them faithfully for the 1st week – 3 pillows high worked for me. Best of luck and thank goodness he has you to help.
I hope your week goes smoothly. Having doctors to help fix us up is a blessing, and one never knows when they might need these miracle workers. I wish your husband the best this week, and you also.
I read Margareta Magnusson’s “The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly” last week. I marked several of her phrases as they touched home for me. Some of her nuggets : “We should not leave a mountain of crap behind for our loved ones to clean up when we die.” After she’d done her death cleaning, she states, “I found I’d kept my memories and I now lived in a smaller, simpler way.” “Now that I’m over eighty, it’s becoming more common for people I know to suddenly not be around anymore…it’s still a shock when the friend I recently spoke with is suddenly no longer available. Ever…”. “I remember that the end of the world has been at hand numerous times throughout history, as well as many times in my own lifetime.” “Surrounding yourself with young people is a way to stay in tune with the young person you yourself were at some point.” “It is never to late to do anything, unless it is really too late and you are dead.” She is wise, succinct, and practical, a true Scandinavian! Next on my list is her other book, “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning”, though I have a feeling that one will involve some concerted application on my part.
The sneakers are the best – I have a pair in light denim – great for walking, super comfortable and not bulky looking. Good luck with the surgery. Every day is a gift.
Hi Cindy — Best wishes to you and your husband on his surgery. I just discovered Schuyler Samperton’s video earlier this week. I love her take on color/pattern/tradition. Almost as much energy as your outfit of the week! I have always had at least one pair off red shoes for those days that require a little something extra. Considering how casual we’re all dressing these days, those sneaks would really do it for me!
Sending positive thoughts for a successful and speedy recovery for Steve. I look so forward to your posts each week. Everything you wrote is so relatable.
My best to Steve for healing and patience in the rehab…and, patience and peace to his caregiver!!
Great post …how DO you manage to hit every area in one interesting post!?
My small group is reading On the Brink of Everything by Parker Palmer!
He muses about aging and making contributions at every age.
It is certainly inspirational and offers some great thoughts for living the best “rest of your life”!
Cindi, Thanks for your cheerful words and exciting ideas!!
Best wishes to your husband for a fast recovery ( hint: do any physio that’s provided)
Getting older is a privilege not given to everyone. My brother passed at sixty four but my father is ninety seven. My dad still sees everyday as a gift and has few if any regrets. He’s faced his losses: two sons, my mom, all his siblings but one and a business with a philosophical mind. My mom lived to 93, her mother to 95, I have four aunts in their nineties and one hitting eighty five! I better get myself in shape as I might very well have thirty plus years ahead of me!! My Dad says he’s hanging to 100 as Covid robbed him of a few years of freedom!
Best to you both
Cindy – this is your best post lately! Love the Ageist! Watched the Kate Winslett post and her positive reminder as she removes her makeup. I Am Worth It! Then the book recommendations are so appealing. I am 3/4 Swedish so it’s no wonder. And lastly, Ina Garten tomato soup? Looks so yummy,,,,I am longing for a good summer tomato….Ahhh.
Sending Steve prayers for a successful surgery and rapid recovery. You two got this!
I think part of the key to aging well is to, counterintuitively, stop thinking about it all the time! Maybe I’ve self-selected my reading material too much, but lately it seems I see articles and posts about aging (and menopause!) everywhere! I am only joking a little when I say we should shift our focus away from aging and toward the things we’ve always enjoyed doing. I also think it’s important to surround ourselves with a range of people of all ages, backgrounds, interests. Do NOT move to a retirement community, but instead, be part of a diverse (in its deepest meaning) group of humans.
Sending prayers for a successful surgery! Have you tried those sneakers? I need comfy shoes!!
Cindy, sending positive, healthy vibes for a successful surgery and rapid recovery for Steve. And remember to take a little time for yourself as the caregiver. Please keep us posted on his progress as you will both be in our prayers.
I’m sending prayers up and healing thoughts Steve’s way. You can’t keep a Logan Berry down!
Prayers for Steve for a successful surgery and recovery. Thank you for this post. It is just what I needed to make some needed changes in my life. I really like the outfit of the day. To me it reads energy and joy.
Hi Cindy, I’m seeing red in this week’s blog. Margaret a is wearing red stripes, Schuyler has a lot or red in her designs, the tomato soup and outfit of the week follow the color theme, intentional or not. Did you look into the place I told you about at Stanford? Steve is a trooper as I’ve never seen him show that he’s in pain. All best to him for speedy healing and 100% function.
Steve will be a new man!All will be well.
Speedy recovery to Steve! Hope all goes well and that he is finally pain free!
Cheers!
Wishing your husband good health and a speedy recovery. We all know you will be a great nurse to him when he comes home, nothing like home cooking! As for aging gracefully, I’m now 68 (where has the time gone?!), I am trying to eat healthy, walk, stretch, etc, and like you, best of all, spending time with granddaughters! They keep you young!
Best wishes to Steve for a successful surgery and quick recovery. I also love the Ageism site!
And last but not least, again we think alike – i just saved the link to that Quintessence tour for a future post!🤣😉
Love love love this whole outfit! Red is one if my colors and I’ve always loved faded jeans. I dont get a the ones with rips as I bought the one pair and kept up getting my fingers caught in the holes when I walked… I don’t even know how I did that! Keep up the great work as I love your posts!
Cindy, good luck to Steve on his surgery. My husband had the same thing done years ago. First operation was successful, however, the healing wasn’t. A second surgery was the trick and he’s been pain free for years now. Regarding aging, I feel. like I have more energy now than I did in my 30s. My life is so full and joyful; plus I feel like a have a few more careers in me. My key is having the right attitude, healthy living with some cheats and lots of interests. My aunt lived until 101 so I have good genetics so I plan to enjoy it for as long as God wants me to!
Loved this post!!! Super, super cool! It doesn’t get any better than Stanford! They will have Steve running marathons.
Best of luck to Steve, he is in good hands at Stanford.
Cindy! I somehow just left my comment on the blog that you link to about the home in Litchfield!!
I was thinking… when did Cindy get new graphics!
Annnnnnyway… I’ll be thinking of you and Steve tomorrow!
Xx
I am praying for Steve. It will be so wonderful for him to be pain-free.
I agree with you about beautiful interiors being uplifting! Did you notice the suzani theme running through your post to the cute Etsy bag?
Sending wishes for a successful surgery, and a managable recovery. Soup always helps back home.
Prayers and well wishes for your husband’s surgery. A neighbor has had both of his done and they’ve been good ever since.
Cindy, love your Sunday posts. I am not seeing the links to the outfit of the week—could you provide. Thanks.