Author Archives: stillalife

About stillalife

I retired June 30, 2010 after working for 40 years in the field of education and most recently doing school public relations/community outreach in a mid-size urban school district. I wrote for superintendents and school board members. Now I'm writing for me and I hope for you. In this blog, I offer my own views coupled with the latest research on how to preserve our physical and mental health as we age, delve into issues most of us over 50 can relate to like noticing wrinkles and forgetting where we left our keys, discuss the pros and cons of different ways to engage our minds and bodies after we leave the workplace, and throw in an occasional book review, all peppered with a touch of humor, irony, and just plain silliness. Also, I'm on the third draft of my second novel since retirement.

Continuing Education

Posted on November 21, 2021 by stillalife

Recently, I attended a virtual class on the subject of humor, as found in written pieces, stand-up comedy, and movie scripts.  It didn’t take long to learn that I was the dullest person in the class. From the appearance of … Continue reading →

Posted in writing | Tagged , | 10 Comments

Labyrinths

Posted on November 5, 2021 by stillalife

Blogging during a pandemic that sent us indoors in March 2020 and barely let us out until March 2021 has been a challenge. And in the months that followed, I’ve done little more than exercise, go to the grocery store, … Continue reading →

Posted in inspiration, memories, personal reflections | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Tech troubles

Posted on September 23, 2021 by stillalife

Technology is not my friend and neither are gremlins. I had reason to pick on both this past week. My troubles started with my new Fitbit, the wrist monitor that keeps track of steps walked and more.  After reading the “Product … Continue reading →

Posted in humor, technology | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

It’s not corn. It’s sorghum.

Posted on September 2, 2021 by stillalife

  Ever wanted to know more about sorghum*, besides wondering if it’s a dental disorder? I didn’t either, until I found some growing in my yard.  I’ll point out that my yard is located much closer to city skyscrapers than to … Continue reading →

Posted in personal reflections | Tagged | 8 Comments

Decluttering as a solo activity

Posted on August 5, 2021 by stillalife

My husband and I are at the age when we start to think about a future different from the present, one in which we might not spend the rest of our days in our two-story house, might not even live … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, humor, personal reflections | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

It’s a date

Posted on July 22, 2021 by stillalife

I predict that in 2022, I’ll never miss an appointment, and even better, every single day I’ll  be surrounded by fuzzy animal babies and birds with wingspans of 747’s. All thanks to the National Wildlife Federation, Earth Justice, The Wilderness … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Nothing normal about these days

Posted on July 6, 2021 by stillalife

Last week, Washington’s governor lifted most Covid-19 restrictions and pushed us out of our protective nests into the post-pandemic “life is nearly normal” world. For the fully vaccinated, no masks, no social distancing, and hugs are allowed. This is what … Continue reading →

Posted in current events/themes, humor, personal reflections | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Stop sticking out your neck and stand up straight

Posted on June 21, 2021 by stillalife

I expect nearly every mother in this world has said to her child, “Stand up straight!” My mother warned me about my bad posture at the beginning of seventh grade. Back then, I had no excuse. Today, I’d be off … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, aging and appearance, exercise, health | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

If the shoe fits

Posted on May 29, 2021 by stillalife

Our attention spans are shortening. “An average attention span— the amount of concentrated time on a task without becoming distracted — has decreased to just 8 seconds. This is 50% less than 17 years ago!” I can vouch for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

For what are you grateful?

Posted on May 11, 2021 by stillalife

For this blog— on the topic of gratitude— I’m returning to the same source that inspired my previous post called, “Every day is Earth Day.” The source is the book “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, botanist, professor, writer and … Continue reading →

Posted in books or movies, health, inspiration | Tagged , | 4 Comments