Since I turned 70 earlier in the year, I’ve had to accept I’m way, way past midlife. But some say that 70 is the new 40 (or is it 50?), and my own midsummer night’s dream is one of looking and feeling young(er) for lots of years. So I’ve started walking again–at least two miles a day, sometimes four miles.
Okay, maybe more like occasionally four miles. Or, seriously, once in a while I might walk four miles. That would be two miles in the morning and then another two miles in the evening. Never two miles midday in South Florida. Definitely not four miles midday. I’m working up to four miles most days–during the cooler hours. I’ve even jogged a little bit. I love to see my Fitbit tracking my pulse in the fat burn or peak zones.
I’m also eating more healthy. Less sugar. Less bread. Less simple carbs in general. My breakfast this morning consisted of a smoothie swirled in my new Ninja with crushed ice, raspberries, spinach, some plain Greek yogurt, a scoop of Jay Robb’s unflavored whey protein powder and a splash of unsweetened vanilla almond milk. I did add a spritz of Swerve to sweeten it up. I’ve lost 10 pounds on my way to more (I hope) before my daughter’s wedding in October. But I’m stuck. I’ve never been very faithful with strength training, and my upper arms prove it. But I’ve fallen victim to a couple social media ads for a SoAlpha ball and bands and some Body Groove videos and love them. I’ve been working on pushups, too. I mean there must be something to them if they’re used for sport and service discipline, right? My husband and I have started dancing in private, but shhh… it’s a secret. So don’t tell anyone, k?
Sometimes I exercise brain and body at the same time. Like with this section from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Act II, Scene I. It was easy to memorize on just one two-mile morning. Eight lines with four twin end rhymes. There’s also the alliteration of the w’s that infuse the poem with a lulling and even mysterious quality. I’m pretty sure it held my feet to a slower pace. I posted it on YouTube a month or so ago but failed to share it here.
I know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine:
There sleeps Titania some time of the night,
Lulled in these flowers with dances and delight;
And there the snake throws her enamelled skin,
Weed wide enough to wrap a fairy in:
How are you caring for your health these days–physical, mental, emotional, spiritual? Have you memorized any poetry lately?
I love that you listen to the birds and attend to your surroundings while memorizing and walking! š
MultitaskersRUs. š
Youāre an inspiration!
Oh, I hope so. There are so many (like you) who inspire me.
Dancing in private! That sounds downright delicious, Sandy. š I too, despite tick season, have been jogging most days (be it ever so s l o w l y) and riding the exercise bike (as fast as I can). My morning smoothies resemble yours except I use kefir rather than almond milk. Thanks for this post. You inspire me, yet again, to memorize poetry.
You both inspire me. Oh, it sounds as if you are feeling better. And Kefir? Yummy. I must try that again. Wish I had thought about it for Mother when she endured something smiliar. Sooo happy to know you are improving precious Laurie!
Lynn, some improvement, YES! Still a ways to go. Thanks for celebrating with me. š
Will pray for total victory over this! It’s on its way.
Love you so
L
Laurie… you always inspire me. And oh, how I hope you are getting better.
You wouldn’t use kefir and yogurt, would you? With the yogurt, it’s thick enough without a banana or avocado. Though sometimes I go that route.
Ooh, good to know. So far I’ve used plain kefir, banana, some frozen berries or mango, spinach sometimes, and always some protein powder. Yesterday I tried white miso for the first time. Yikes, what a strong taste. I ended up spreading it on a grilled cheese sandwich and adding a little seedless blackberry Simply Fruit. Sounds kinda cuckoo, but it I ate it all. š
Oh, that sounds yummy! I often use spinach.
Also, there’s a drink we had at Laity Lodge called “green chocolate” a few years back–with spinach (or kale), avocado, vanilla almond milk, vanilla and agave–though I would use a different sweetener now. Yum.
I adore mangoes, but I’ve been trying to stick mostly to berries cuz they have less sugar. I’ve never had miso, I don’t think, but I like your creativity. I’ve been kind of hooked on brie cheese lately on a thin sesame cracker with a touch of fig spread. I love food.
I’ll have to try both of those, thank you for the ideas!
I’m steering clear of sugar, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and (almost) no gluten. I really enjoyed this yesterday: Vegan GoVeggie cream cheesy bliss (made with coconunt) on Mary’s Gone Crackers Organic & Gluten Free REal Thin Crackers.
And now I’d better stop hijacking your post with food ideas. š
Sandy! I listened several times, just awed. Wish I could write more about how meaningful this was to hear you, but 30 women descending Sunday a day early to celebrate my b/day and a baby shower combined. Running here. But just know how much I appreciate you and your gifts… and love your new focus on health. I need to follow in the sugar dept’, and I adore walking! Sending much love!
Lynn
I hate snakes, but Shakespeare makes me do a doubletake–breathtaking!
You are so dear to me, Lynn. Happy early birthday (I know it’s the day after my grand girl Lillee), and I do hope you aren’t treading water up there.
Oh Lilleeā¦ how pretty! A June baby too. Congratulations to her. Another friend of mine, who will come Sunday, was born June 2nd. So we will sing to her too. And her daughter is Lily! I always have some kind of devo talk + special music and hymns (or carols at Christmas). I actually found an old hymn called Lily of the Valley, and will dedicate it to Lily! I will be thinking of your Lillee too.
xo
Lynn