Ageing--the Good, the Bad, and the Ridiculous

 Recently, I have been thinking more and more about growing older and what exactly that means to me and what I expect for myself.  There was a time when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 62, when I feared I might die.  I was not ready to throw in the towel at 62.  I had always said I intended to live to 100 because I want to see how the world turns out.  

So, I did what I knew I had to do and I fought cancer.  I had chemotherapy, which was arduous and unpleasant.  I had 33 radiation treatments during which I had to lay on a table with my breasts exposed while strange people walked around behind me. I learned to divorce myself from my body to prevent embarrassment from being so exposed.  I did everything in my power to be healthy again.  I ate right, I got plenty of sleep, I spent time with my family.  Eventually, it all paid off and I beat cancer.

Once you have had cancer, there is a place in your mind that always says, "just wait for the next shoe to drop", so there is a constant tension.  I decided that instead of waiting I would become VERY proactive.  I went on a Keto diet which has had success with keeping cancer at bay.  I began an exercise program and exercised for 1 hour 5 days a week.  I joined a group of people who became my friends and I enjoyed my social activities with them.  I decided I wasn't dead yet, so I would choose to live.

Now here I am, age 72.  I still intend to live to 100.  I still do everything I can to stay healthy.  But, somewhere in my head there has been a shift, or a change of attitude about what it means to me to grow older.

I watch my sister, who is only 3 years older than I am, grow weak and feeble. She has serious memory issues and is frequently incapacitated by illness and requires hospitalization.  This has become her norm.  Is this what I want for myself?  Am I a bad sister for not wanting to be like her?  

We have always been diametrically opposed in our thoughts and actions.  She has been uncaring about her health and just living her life the way it came.  I have always been interested in ways to improve health.  I love exercise and when I found Keto, I began to feel better with that diet.  We have never seen eye to eye on much.  It seems, looking back, that I was more the big sister to her because I spent years taking care of her and her children.

But now I am thinking about how I want to spend the rest of my life.  Do I want to be healthy? Uh, yes! Do I want to be able to be independent? Uh, yes again!! So what do I need to be doing now to accomplish this?

Ageing today is not the same as it was for my mother and father or my grandparents.  There is much scientific investigation into the physical aspects of ageing that show promise in possible slowing down the process or even halting is entirely.  There is much scientific investigation into the psychological aspects of ageing that show promise in alleviating some of the negative effects ageing has on your self-worth.

Our society adores youth.  It has always been a youth oriented society.  Is this a good thing?  I don't know.  I don't see it changing anytime soon, so we must learn as older adults to make our way in a society that demeans and devalues us.  Sad, but true.

Here are a few articles you might enjoy:

• https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/10/adults-control-aging
• https://www.wired.com/brandlab/2018/04/the-future-of-getting-old/
• https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-aging-surprises

Boomers get blamed for everything

I was surfing the internet the other day, which I do frequently when I am between projects or just bored.  I ran across an article that interested me and before I knew it, 3 hours were gone and I was "down a rabbit hole".  The article was about how the boomers had ruined everything for the millennials.  Here is the link to that article.  I read the entire article and then sat and gave it serious thought.  Then I searched for other articles on the topic, making sure I got views from various sources and age groups.  I even went to Reddit and Quora to read what they had posted.  

The more I read, the angrier I became.  It isn't that the facts presented were untrue or slanted (much).  Yes, because of our age now, we do possess the most money, power, etc.  The generations that came after us do not have the same base we do and do not have the American drive that we had drilled into our heads.  I did not take umbrage to the facts they presented but rather to the tone and the vitriol expressed by many of the authors.

I feel that putting all of the baby boomers into a neat little package and then condemning the package is morally wrong.  It is just another form of Ageism in my book.  I understand where most of the younger generation is coming from, but the reality is that we inherited the world we live in, just as they will.  Our parents made messes and mistakes that we had to either correct or learn to live with.  

Most of the people in my generation grew up in a family that either struggled or just made it by.  We, as a group, were not this elite, entitled group.  I grew up learning to make things for myself and when I wanted something from a store, I had to wait for a holiday or birthday to maybe get it.  My parents worked really hard and they told me that I would have to do so too.  We were not poor, but we were far from rich.  Both my parents had to work and my sister and I were "latch-key" babies before there was such a term (much to my chagrin because my sister was mean).

It is not our fault that we were the first generation to have access to birth control and as a result had much smaller families.  Our smaller families, in turn, also had small families.  So the result of that one event in our society is that the Boomers continued to be the largest group with all the following groups being much smaller.  Now, we have a generation coming up that may or may not even have families, so our population will just continue to get smaller and smaller which will have a positive effect on the economy, the environment,  and all the other complaints being thrown about.

Here is another article if you care to join me down the "rabbit hole". This is also another article to peruse.

My answer to all this angst is to tell the younger generations to just wait a few more years and we will be mostly gone.  We are losing our generation daily and when we are all gone, you can run the show.

Are you new to crafting? Don't know what to do or how to do it??

Today I want to talk about crafting.  I have always done crafts from as far back as I can remember.  It helps that my mother encouraged me and bought me any supplies that I needed, but usually I was more a "trash to treasure" type of crafter as a child. I never really thought about the fact that some people have never in their life made something from nothing and don't know the satisfaction that brings.  So here is a post that addresses how to get started on that first project without breaking the bank.

Why craft?

https://thecardswedrew.com/how-to-make-paper-rosettes/

Crafting is a fun and creative way to express yourself and create unique items for yourself or as gifts for your loved ones. However, it's easy to get intimidated by the cost of crafting materials, especially if you're just starting out.  That said, crafting brings you such a sense of accomplishment when you see that you created something that never existed before.  It builds your self-esteem and improves your mood.  Making something requires concentration, some dexterity, and the ability to follow instructions.  Once you have a few projects under your belt, you will start to see possibilities all around you that are speaking just to you!

How do you start crafting?

1. Start with simple projects

One of the best ways to start crafting without spending a lot of money is to begin with simple projects that require only a few materials. For example, you could start with a basic knitting or crocheting project that only requires a single skein of yarn. Alternatively, you could try making paper crafts using just scissors, glue, and paper. Starting with simple projects not only helps you save money but also allows you to build your skills gradually.

https://housing.com/news/home-decoration-ideas-with-paper-for-walls/

2. Look for free tutorials online

There are many websites and YouTube channels that offer free crafting tutorials. You can find tutorials for everything from knitting and crocheting to woodworking and jewelry making. By following these tutorials, you can learn new skills and techniques without having to pay for a class or workshop. Watching and following video tutorials also helps you understand the process from beginning to end so you start out knowing exactly what you will end up with.  It's uncomfortable to be making something that you don't really know how it is going to look like when you are done--kinda makes you nervous and hesitant, which then shows up in the finished project.

https://www.smartschoolhouse.com/diy-crafts/toilet-paper-roll-crafts

3. Use what you already have

Before you go out and buy new materials, take a look around your home to see what you already have. You will be surprised at all the materials you have in your home that are perfect for crafting.  Got boxes?  Cardboard is a wonderful material to use.  There are artists that use nothing but cardboard for their work! Got old magazines? Magazine paper is thick and colorful, so it is perfect for use in some craft projects.  Have you ever seen a portrait made out of little pieces of magazine papers?  They are beautiful!  Do you have empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls? There is a plethora of crafts that can be done with these little jewels. 

https://youtu.be/AlWs-yweNg0

4. Shop at thrift stores and garage sales

Thrift stores and garage sales are great places to find crafting materials at a fraction of the cost of new materials. Look for yarn, fabric, buttons, and other crafting supplies. You can also find inexpensive tools and equipment, such as knitting needles and crochet hooks. Don't forget to look through the clothing at garage sales.  Deconstructing clothing can provide you with a mass of things to use when crafting. Don't be afraid to haggle at garage sales; you may be able to get an even better deal.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/live-bohemian/3338467317/in/photostream/

5. Join a crafting group

Joining a crafting group is a great way to meet other crafters and share materials and ideas. Many crafting groups have "stash swaps" where members can trade materials they no longer need. You may also be able to borrow tools and equipment from other members. Check with your local library, community center, or craft store to find a group near you. You can also find these groups in online forums, crafting sites, and even on social media.  You can get support while socializing.  Crafting has always been a social activity--think quilting bees.

Now that you have all this information, I want to leave you with a few websites I found that might get you started.  The hardest part is deciding what you want to do, so trolling the internet is always a good starting place, so here goes:

https://abeautifulmess.com/daisy-statement-necklace/

http://hocuskocis.blogspot.com/2012/07/diy-shrinky-dink-necklace.html

https://www.apieceofrainbow.com/how-to-make-wreath/

In conclusion, crafting doesn't have to be expensive. By starting with simple projects, using free tutorials, using what you already have, shopping at thrift stores and garage sales, and joining a crafting group, you can save money and still enjoy the many benefits of crafting. So get going and start your project.

I am off to make paper jewelry later today.  I found an artist whose earrings are so beautiful and they are made only of layered paper and paint.  Can't wait to get started!

https://www.allthingspaper.net/2018/09/8-artisans-who-make-beautiful-and.html

tags: craft, crafting, crafting with paper, crafting with what you have, crafting tutorials, crafting groups, making crafts from nothing, starting crafting

Getting Older is Not for the Faint of Heart

 As I approach mid 70's, I sometimes reflect on the changes I am dealing with as I age.  I also do quite a bit of reminiscing about my life, but today I want to talk about how growing older affects us all.  

Recently I have been having issues with my joints.  I realize that working 27 years as a psychiatric nurse may have played a part in this issue I am now having.  I worked long hours on my feet, often dealing with out of control people; sometimes being assaulted by my patients.  It was hard work and, although I am now paying the price, I truly loved my job.  I loved my patients and I thoroughly enjoyed my team.  That said, unfortunately, I am now paying a fairly high price for my service.

I developed the most extreme pain in my right knee last Autumn and it grew to the point that I could not move my right leg without screaming.  So.....many moons later, I now have my own personal titanium knee residing inside my leg. Yea! That experience took many long months to recover from and included three times a week physical therapy.  I am happy to say that, for the most part, all of that is over and I now have a fully functioning leg with only minor issues.

I thought I was through with all of that when my right foot went kaput.  Now, I have had bunions on both of my feet since I was in my 20's and they have never bothered me.  Now, all of a sudden, I developed a hammertoe next to the big toe on my right foot.  That was most unpleasant, but because it continued to rub against my toe, I developed a large ulcer and that sent me to see a Podiatrist who said I would have to have bunion/hammertoe surgery.  

I was not a fan of this idea, so I went for a second opinion.  The new doctor said he would see after we healed up my ulcer. So, three weeks later, I saw him and he said if it wasn't hurting me, no surgery.  I was ecstatic because I do not want anyone else cutting on me.

I thought I was in the clear and I was feeling pretty good.  I was able to walk my dogs again, I was able to exercise again, I was feeling like myself again.

I was recently thinking about how many doctors I have managed to accumulate in my retirement.  There is my PCP, whom I really like; there is my Oncologist, who is very sweet and I like very much; there is my Orthopedic Surgeon, whom I dislike intensely; there is my Podiatrist, who is very sweet; there is my Sleep Doctor, who I cannot stand so I only see his PA; there is my Endocrinologist who follows my thyroid; there is my Hepatologist who is following my liver; there is the Audiologist I see for my hearing loss; there is my Optometrist who keeps my eyesight manageable; and then you add the mammogram, the bone scan, and all the lab techs.

It seems that I am accumulating doctors at an alarming rate.  I can remember the time, not too long ago, when all I had was my GP and I only saw him once a year.

Aging sucks for your body! Don't let anyone tell you different.  The flip side is that aging does not have to suck for your mind or your emotions.  Those are solely under your control.  I firmly believe that.

Even with all that has been going on with my body, I still am actively enjoying my life.  I look forward to learning something new each day.  I enjoy spending time with my family and my fur-babies.  I love socializing with my friends, either in person, on the phone, or online.  Everyday is a chance to improve and make things more enjoyable for myself.  I think it is all in how you look at aging that really makes the difference.  

I hope my story encourages you to really reflect and find the joy in your own life!

"Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever." - Walt Disney

Why Having a Pet is so Good for you, No Matter your Age

Pets just make us happier and healthier

I have always had a pet for as long as I can remember back. It seems that having a dog or cat was just the normal thing to do for me.  I do know that some people don't have pets now and some people have never had a pet.  What a shame.  I find as I age, the benefits of pet ownership are so great that I can not imagine being without my fur babies.

I have researched this topic quite a bit and here is what I have found out:

• Pets help keep your brain healthy. (https://www.sciencealert.com/pets-help-to-protect-your-brain-as-you-get-older-study-suggests)
• Pets can serve as a source of comfort and support. (https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets)
• Pets help to lower your stress and anxiety which in turn may lower your blood pressure (https://www.onehealth.org/blog/10-mental-physical-health-benefits-of-having-pets)
• Pet ownership may act as a buffer against loneliness (see above url)
• Pets help your heart stay healthy (https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/20/health/benefits-of-having-a-pet-wellness/index.html
  
• Pets can help to reduce pain (https://www.onehealth.org/blog/10-mental-physical-health-benefits-of-having-pets)

There are many other benefits to owning pets that I found, but those are the top ones for me.  That said, I looked to see if owning a dog vs. owning a cat made much difference and I believe the answer is no.  The benefits of dog ownership include:

1. Dogs make us feel less alone.

2. Dogs are good for your heart.

3. Dogs help you stop stressing out.

4. Dogs help us cope with crisis

5. Dogs encourage you to move.

6. Dogs make you more attractive—even virtually.

7. Dogs make us more social.

8. Dogs are so adorable they make us love them

9. Dogs make us happier

10. Dogs help seniors with cognitive function and social interaction

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-science-based-benefits-dog/

The benefits of cat ownership include:

1. 
   Lower stress and anxiety.
2. Improve your cardiovascular health.
3. Prevent allergies.
4. Reduce feelings of loneliness 

(https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/joys-of-owning-a-cat.htm)

There was one amazing benefit of cat ownership that I was unaware of and the is:

THEIR PURRING HELPS TO HEAL BONES, TENDONS AND MUSCLES

A cat purring is one of the most comforting sounds in the world and while it certainly means your cat is happy and comfortable, the sound has also been long associated with a therapeutic healing ability on human bones and muscle.

A cats purr creates vibrations at a frequency of 20-140 HZ, and studies have shown that frequencies in the 18-35 HZ range have a positive effect on joint mobility after injury, scientists have begun talking about how the cat noise could help humans.

(https://www.goodnet.org/articles/7-scientifically-proven-health-benefits-being-cat-ownerPets)

Overall, I believe that there is enough scientific and anecdotal evidence to show that having a pet in your life is a huge benefit, even if you don't know it.

That said, go out and get yourself a pet now if you don't have one.  It is never too late to reap the benefits of owning a dog or cat; and there are so many out there that need homes and people to love and be loved by.  Go, Adopt!

Here's the finished portrait done in pastels

This is finally done.  I've sat and looked at it as much as I can and I have added all that I feel I can to it.  I think she turned out quite nicely and I hope you agree.  Tell me what you think.  Should I continue with these pastels?

Here's what I've been up to lately.

Instead of blogging all the time, I have been playing in my sketchbook and working on a pastel profile.  Here is a glimpse of some of what I have been playing around with.  Nothing earth-shattering, just playful, fun sketches and pictures:

And here is a peek at the newest pastel I have been working on.  This is just the first layer, she will need more fine tuning still, but I really like her.