Advanced Age at 65?

In researching specific risk factors recently, I discovered that "advanced age" is 65 or older. Say what? I'm less than a decade from entering advanced age? I thought reaching advanced age wouldn't happen until in the 80s. Maybe even the 90s. For some, I guess it could be 75 or so. But 65? This just can't be right! Fortunately, right after making this shocking and horrifying discovery, I happened upon Grandma Gatewood's Walk.

Have you ever heard of Emma Gatewood? A few years before I was even born, this woman hiked the Appalachian Trail...when she was 67! Not only did she thru-hike the whole 2,000+ miles way back in 1955, she did it with just a few items stuffed in a homemade denim bag thrown over her shoulder.

Wearing Keds and packing a change of clothes and a few other necessities (she didn't even have a sleeping bag!), she's the first woman to make the journey and the fifth hiker to walk the trail end to end. And did I mention she was 67?

If that's not impressive enough, she actually thru-hiked the AT three times before she turned 76. Now that's a lot of walking!

A few years ago, I posted about Grace Small, the Hitchhiking Grandmother. These women are such an inspiration! Not that I aspire to follow in their footsteps, mind you. But it sure reinforces that age doesn't have to dictate what you can accomplish and "advanced age" at 65 is just a bunch of BS.

NOTE: Book image is an affiliate link. As I've said before, this is the easiest way I know to include photos in blog posts. If you're signed up with Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free like I did. Otherwise, check your local library.

Amazon Book Review Rebuttal - Are You Kidding Me?

I'm in an ebook downloading and reading frenzy lately. Not only have I found Ereader News Today, which lists 20+ free Kindle books each day, I've also discovered how to find free Kindle books on the Amazon site listed by genre, subject, etc (just click on "Best Sellers" under Kindle eBooks). Wow - all these great (and maybe not so great) FREE ebooks and so little time!

When I started downloading free ebooks, I planned to post a review of each. The Amazon site makes it easy and I figured it was the least I could do in exchange for the author doing a free promo. I'm no literary critic but thought my opinion might be of use to another regular person trying to decide whether to devote precious reading time to a given book. In fact, before I download a book, I read at least a few of the best and worst reviews and especially appreciate the folks who are willing to say what they didn't like. After all, I do not have enough time left in this life to read even a fraction of what is available (with more choices added daily!) so why would I want to waste even a few minutes on something I am unlikely to enjoy?

Ok, so now for my rebuttal story. I posted my honest opinion of Heartbreak Trail, a westward migration tale. I wasn't mean. I didn't say I didn't like it or that it sucks or was poorly written or anything negative. I even gave it 3 stars for "ok".

Warning - spoiler alert!

My main issue was that the main character didn't stay true to character and then the story totally lost me when it got too outlandish to be remotely believable. Yes, I realize that the author wanted to throw in a steamy romance scene. Fine. But I don't have to keep reading when it comes at a blatantly implausible time, both from an environmental and physical standpoint. This woman spent the first part of the book as the picture of propriety and then did a complete turnaround in the middle of a wagon train while under the watchful eye of her zealot BIL shortly after the death of her husband and miscarrying her first child. So I decided to move on to another book and left a brief review.

Well, I got a rebuttal. Yes, I did have a typo (woman instead of women due to incomplete editing when posting my review), which was pointed out to me first - with an exclamation mark! So I fixed that. But why anyone felt the need to take me to task for stating my opinion and not finishing the book is beyond me. It appears this person feels that only positive reviews are appropriate but I disagree. Like I said, I rely on positive, neutral and negative reviews to help me decide where to spend my limited reading time.

So that's my rebuttal story. How about you? Do you leave reviews of books or products purchased on Amazon? Have you ever gotten a negative review of your review?

BTW - I downloaded a graphic and link to the book. I realize this is providing a small bit of publicity for a book I didn't bother to finish and that's perfectly ok with me. Go ahead and read it - you may like it just fine.

Get FREE Kindle Books Every Day!

I have a new favorite site, Ereader News Today (Tips, Tricks, And Free Ebooks For Your Kindle). In addition to having Kindle info, the site features a bunch of FREE ebooks every day! I'm talking 20-30 - and not the out-of-copyright classics either, but contemporary fiction and non-fiction. In the past 10 days, I've downloaded over three dozen books. Hmm. If I thought I didn't have enough reading time before...

Anyway, like I said, I've downloaded over three dozen books. Of course, I haven't read them all yet. And (fortunately) I'm becoming more selective now that the novelty of the site has dimmed a bit. So what have I gotten so far? Well, I won't bore you with a complete list but here's a sampling:

• The Accidental Hero and The Accidental Existentialist (both by Joshua Graham)
• Whiskey Rebellion
• Death On A High Floor: A Legal Thriller
• The Chronicles of Marr-nia (Short Stories Starring Barbara Marr)
• The Secret to Happiness (Hugo the Happy Starfish) (illustrated kids' book to read to my little man)
• Circles
• Grandma's Best Muffin Recipes (and three other cookbooks)

And I could go on and on...

A few years ago, I decided that I would no longer finish books that didn't grab me by the end of the first chapter beings there's no possible way to read everything there is to read so why waste any of my precious reading time? Well, I temporarily fell off the wagon on the first few downloads but am now re-committed. So, although I'm downloading whatever looks good, I'm being selective about what I actually finish reading.

And how do I read these books beings I don't have a Kindle? First off, I downloaded the Kindle for PC to my computer. That worked fine but not for reading in bed so I also installed the free Kindle app on my Cruz Reader. So grab yourself a reading app for your PC, smart phone or whatever (and I even figured out how to put a banner link for your convenience!) and start enjoying some FREE Kindle books.

Read Memories for FREE!

Book cover created by
Tugboat Design.

Deanna Lynn Sletten just released her newest novel, Memories, and you can get a copy FREE this week! How cool is that? She's offering two free days for you to download the book from Amazon. Just visit the Memories page on Amazon Wednesday, 2/29, or Thursday, 3/1 (March already? Are you kidding me?), and you can have your very own copy of Memories to enjoy at no cost.

Don't have a Kindle? Not to worry! Just install the free Kindle for PC reader on your computer (I did and it's great!) or one of the free reading apps on your phone or whatever - or you can even read books in your web browser - and you can enjoy ebooks any time you want. So, what are you waiting for?

How to Live the Good Life - Part 1

I'm currently reading The Good Life by Helen and Scott Nearing. For those who don’t know, the Nearings left New York City in the early 30’s to pursue their ideals in rural Vermont and are considered the premier forerunners of the back-to-the-land movement so popular here in the U.S. several decades ago. While I don’t agree with them philosophically - in fact I totally identify with the native Vermonters - Scott and Helen Nearing do provide an interesting and detailed view of how they set about creating what for them was the “good life.”

When reading about the Nearings, I thought about how different the definition of “good life” can be, based on individual preferences, needs and wants. Then the question became - how does the average person today go about creating their vision of the good life? Hence this post, which I’ve dubbed Part 1 as I’m pretty sure I’ll have more to say on this subject.

Step 1: Define “Good Life”

How do you go about setting up the good life for yourself? Well first, you must define what “good life” means to you. What I think is good and what you think is good are likely very different. I know that what the Nearings saw as the good life is NOT how I would want to live.

So what is your ideal life? Really think about this - and make some notes! To get you started, consider the following five questions. And remember, there are no wrong answers.

• In what type of place do you prefer to live? (City, country, deserted island, remote mountaintop?)
• What kind of climate appeals to you? (Warm, cold, wet, dry, distinct seasons?)
• What people, pets and/or possessions are close at hand in your ideal life?
• How do you spend your time while living the good life?
• What areas are non-negotiable and where are you flexible?

Most people can imagine of more than one scenario that could be the good life so don’t think your answers to these questions are set in stone. Also, your ideal can (and usually does) change over time. But what is it right now? While it’s never too late to start creating your own good life, you won’t get there if you don’t even know what it is.

So how about it? What would be the “good life” for you?

Less Stuff, More Life

“If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things, then this is the best season of your life.” - Wu-Men

I am intrigued by minimalist principles. I even practice modified minimalism in some areas, at least part of the time. Do I aspire to be a radical minimalist? No. What I seek is serenity. And serenity is impossible in the midst of clutter. Whether it’s too many possessions or too much too do or too much to think about, it’s all clutter and clutter kills serenity.

I just got The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life, an eBook by Leo Babauta, and would like to share some of his wonderful wisdom. First we have the Minimalist Principles, Babauta-style:

1. Omit needless things.
2. Identify the essential.
3. Make everything count.
4. Fill your life with joy.
5. Edit, edit. (In other words, it’s a journey, not a destination.)

Then we have How to Become a Minimalist:

• Realize you already have enough.
• Cut back on clutter and possessions.
• Simplify your schedule.
• Slowly edit everything you do with minimalist principles in mind.

On the how-to areas, I’m pretty good in the first and third but really need to pick up the pace in the second. Area four? I’m working on it.

So, how about you? Have you been on the minimalist path for a while? Are you a frustrated minimalist at heart? Do you fail to even see the point?

The Vastness of the Universe

Lately I’ve been pondering the vastness of the universe. I knew it was big, but WOW! When you stop to think about distances measured in light years, it’s more than a little overwhelming. And did you realize that the starlight you see actually left the star centuries ago? That’s right - centuries.

So what spurred all this recent cosmic contemplation? Well, my hubby received A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson for Christmas, which starts out with the birth of the universe. Despite the complexity of the subject, it’s clearly written, very interesting and an extremely enjoyable read. Couple that with a few crisp clear nights visible through the sliding glass door at the head of our bed, and there I am gazing at the stars and thinking a few deep thoughts.

So do yourself a favor and get a copy. Even if you already know most everything there is to know about, well, everything, you will enjoy this book.

Please note: As usual, I’ve included an Amazon affiliate link. Check your local library if you want but this one is well worth owning.

Wear Out or Rust Out - Which Do You Choose?

I'm reading The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie and ran across an interesting line that really hit home. One of the key characters is an older gentleman confined to a wheelchair due to a tragic accident in which he lost his wife and both children. He was a friend of the murder victim and during the investigation, the police superintendent is questioning his doctor. Here's an excerpt with emphasis added by me:

"Yes, Mr. Jefferson's health is in a precarious state. For several years now the man has been driving himself ruthlessly. In his determination to live like other men he has lived at a far greater pace than the normal man of his age. He has refused to rest, to take things easy, to go slow, or any of the other phrases with which I and  his other medical advisers have tendered our opinion. The result is that the man is an overworked engine. Heart, lungs, blood pressure - they're all overstrained."

"You say Mr. Jefferson has resolutely refused to listen?"

"Yes. I don't know that I blame him. It's not what I say to my patients, superintendent, but a man may as well wear out as rust out. A lot of my colleagues do that, and take it from me, it's not a bad way. In a place like Danemouth one sees most of the other thing. Invalids clinging to life, terrified of overexerting themselves, terrified of a breath of drafty air, of a stray germ, of an injudicious meal."

Think about that for just a minute. Wear out or rust out - which do you choose? Now don't get me wrong - I'm not advocating being hard on your body or ignoring your doctor's advice. Quite the opposite, in fact - I firmly believe everyone has a personal responsibility to take care of their health. But as we age, it is easy to allow our fears to separate us from people, places and activities that would enhance our lives and the lives of others. So make a commitment to go forth and really live your life. Do what you can while you can - and don't let that rust start building up!


Please note: The image above is an Amazon affilitate link but please, go to your library and borrow this book if you want to read it.

How to Transform Your Relationship with Money

I was cleaning today and ran across some old files from a decade or so ago. In the mix was a bunch of worksheets detailing my finances at the time - to the penny - for over a year. I also found graphs and other cool stuff I’d forgotten that I’d done. Fortunately I found a reference to creating a new road map and did a quick Internet search, which revealed that I had undertaken a very cool process presented in “Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez.

My Life HAS Changed
Although it was a time commitment, reading the book and actually completing the exercises did transform my relationship with money. At the time, I was working in an office and in debt - nothing too serious - mortgage, car payment, some low credit card balances, and maybe some student loan payments. Now I owe no money and can work at home when and if I choose. Life has certainly improved since I took the advice in the book to heart and started valuing my life energy.

Looking back on the facts and figures, I am blown away by how different things are now. And also by how easy it is to forget previous details. But my handwritten income and expense sheets don’t lie. I think I’ll see if I still have a copy of that book around here somewhere. And if not, maybe I’ll check one of my book swap sites. I don’t think I really need it much now but it might be fun to read again anyway. And if I decide to do the exercises with the detailed accounts and graphs, it will be so much easier this time!

Get the Book!
Anyway, get a copy of this book. And I suggest you actually buy one (fyi - book image is an Amazon affiliate link). Anyone who has read this blog at all knows that I usually recommend borrowing from the library or a friend to save money, but this book is an exception. You just can’t digest it in one or two readings.

Now get busy and change the way you look at, think about, and act toward money!

Would You Rather Look Rich or Be Rich?

I just ordered a book by Stacy Johnson titled “Life or Debt 2010: A New Path to Financial Freedom,” which I discovered in “My 10 Dumbest Money Moves - And How You Can Avoid Them.” I raced to Amazon and ordered the book due to a quote under mistake number 3: Attempting to derive self-esteem from possessions, “You can either look rich or be rich, but you probably won’t live long enough to accomplish both.”

Think about that for just a minute. How much money have you squandered on appearance? What could you have done with that money instead? Are you sacrificing your future security to buy trendy clothes, a fancy car or more house than you can afford? Owning nice things is wonderful - IF you can afford them. But if owning nice things means payments over time, then you don’t really own them - they own you.

Now, I’m not saying that all debt is bad. I know that a mortgage is the only way most people will ever own a home; I’ve had a few mortgages myself. An education is also an investment in the future that may be worth financing. Just be realistic about what you can afford and err on the side of caution. Buying a modest house or attending a local college will usually accomplish the same goal at a much lower cost.

Back to the book. No, I don't really need it as we've been completely debt free for nearly a decade - but I love reading and passing along this kind of book. Yes, I’ve included an Amazon affiliate link for your convenience. However, when you get to Amazon, check out the available used copies. I just ordered mine for $5.76 including shipping, which is well below the price of a new copy. Better yet, although it wasn’t an option for me, check your local library and borrow the book for free. Happy reading!

The Best Resource for Budding Freelance Writers - and it's FREE!

Felicia at NoJobForMom has written an ebook titled "So You Want to Be a Freelance Writer." And she's offering if for FREE! How cool is that? For those of you who don't know, Felicia is the reason I know anything about anything about making money writing. Through her blog just over a year ago, I discovered Textbroker and a lot of other online writing opportunities, and I've been busily earning ever since. Felicia's kindness and generosity know no bounds - she's a true inspiration! So go to her blog and find the download link for her great ebook. And while you're there, peruse her blog - there's a wealth of information that you won't find anywhere else.

Great Advice from The Mom Writes Blog

Ran across a really nice blog that I’ve added to my sidebar. The Mom Writes purports to give simple, practical tips for moms but I think many of them are for everyone. For instance, take How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated or How to Have a Simple To-Do List - is there anyone that can’t use this advice? I don’t think so.

5 Wishes - Worth a Read

I was recently introduced to 5 Wishes – How Answering One Simple Question Can Make Your Dreams Come True by Gay Hendricks. He relates how a chance conversation literally changed his life from that moment on. In this conversation, he was told to imagine he was on his deathbed and was asked whether his life had been a complete success. The answer is yes or the answer is no. If the answer is no, the next question is about what things he wished had happened that would have made it a success.

Not wanting to spoil the book, I’ll just say that he came up with 5 things – hence the title, 5 Wishes. As this conversation took place about three decades ago, he has a lot of progress to share. This book is certainly worth reading and even includes a chapter dedicated to helping readers discover their own 5 wishes. Definitely a lot of food for thought!

Please Note: As an Amazon Associate, I will receive a little kickback if anyone clicks this ad and purchases the book. As always, unless you prefer to own a copy, check with your local library first and see if it's available for loan.

Best Diet Book Ever!

Quite by accident, I’ve discovered what I consider to be the best diet book ever! And I’ve read a LOT of diet books. Lose Weight and Stay Slim – Secrets of Fad-Free Dieting by Eve Cameron is part of the 52 Brilliant Ideas series published in the UK by The Infinite Ideas Company Ltd. If the other books in the series are anything like this one, I want them all! (Well, several of them anyway.)

Great Layout

Separated into 52 stand-alone ideas, this book can be read from any point. Just flip to the idea that most interests you at the moment. Each idea includes reference to another idea so you can go further, if desired. Each also includes a quote, a supplemental idea and a Q&A page. Read the ideas one right after the other, enjoy a few at a sitting, or take the time to put each into practice by choosing one each week over the course of a full year. However you read this book and implement the ideas presented, you won’t be disappointed!

Metric Conversion

As the 52 Brilliant Ideas series is published in the UK, most calculations are done with metric measurements. This should not present a problem as conversions are referenced part of the time and those that aren’t shouldn’t be too difficult to figure out.

Get a Copy

I was lucky and got my copy for free from TitleTrader, the online book swap site where I’m a member. I’ve included an Amazon link to this book and another I found on Amazon by the same author, Drop a Dress Size. In looking through the table of contents on the second book, it appears to contain much of the same information so might be a good alternative for anyone wishing to take advantage of Amazon’s Super Saver Shipping. Not sure when I post links to items that are only available through other vendors whether, as an Amazon Associate, I get a kickback from purchases generated by my links. I wanted to mention the possibility, however, as it’s important to me to disclose any potential financial benefit I might receive through this blog.

Free Time Journal – Read and Enjoy!

I recently learned about a cool vacation option available to our neighbors across the Atlantic. In reviewing Free Time Journal by Derek L. Porteous, I was transported into another world, able to experience the beautiful countryside through the diary he kept during 5-months of traveling along the English canal system aboard his narrowboat, “Free Time.”

What I'm Reading Now - 50 Things To Do When You Turn 50

Just got this book through titletrader.com, an online book swap site I joined a year or so ago. Haven't read much yet but have looked at all the chapter headings, the first of which is Stop Complaining. Good advice for any age!

Anyway, the book is broken into eight sections, as follows: