The Weekly Journal: Processing, Persevering and Proactive

Green Linen Tunic on Over 50 Feeling 40

Welcome to The Weekly Journal, where I have been looking back over each week with reports on the adaptations in my own life since changes occurred in March.  All of life continues to change for a variety of reasons…not merely because of the pandemic.

 

PROCESSING EVENTS

I am processing what is occurring in our country today and deeply concerned.  I live in a multicultural community where (for the most part) we live, love and support one another, a mixed bag of wonderful people who annually host the largest MLK march in the country.  San Antonio also has several of the largest churches in the nation with congregations well over 2500 and they are active and involved in the community. Typically, it is a wonderful city to live in.

There are many different conversations that have risen through the events of this past week and they are not easy ones.  Over 50 Feeling 40 has been a place for 10 years where I have avoided controversial conversations…because I have desired to build a community of women 50+ who support one another and are not divided by inflamed rhetoric.   Therefore, I am not going to attempt to write what I am feeling about all of this and get something going that might be more harmful than good.  This is a place where I want you to find inspiration and joy for a life well lived by everyone!  All women are welcome here.  There are many other places where you can voice opinions and read opposing comments on the current events of the day.  I would rather this not be one of those places.  I hope you will understand, and  that I will not post reader comments I believe are meant to incite trouble.

For now, we must persevere on, through it all, with wisdom, sound judgement and love.

 

A WAY TO PERSEVERE

Backyard oasis on over 50 feeling 40

 I had Mr. B take the first opening picture for two reasons.  One is that Connie, a reader, asked earlier in the week if I wear emerald green.  This linen tunic by Bryn Walker has been in my wardrobe for years and I do love the color.  I can wear almost any green…except for the fluorescent/yellowy one.  The photo also introduces you to Sam, one of our backyard squirrels.

One of the ways I have persevered through this week, is to turn off the television news on occasion and enjoy being outside.  We have developed a relationship with Sam over our bird feeder.  Mr. B has done just about everything to discourage him and his peers…and greasing the pole the feeder sits on seems to work the best…but you have to keep it greased.  So, we finally began to fill this old bird house with seed and Sam claimed it as his.  He now doesn’t even run when we come out and seemed to want to be in this picture.  Perhaps he has his own Instagram account!  As long as he leaves the birds alone and doesn’t chew wires or the house, then he is allowed to be here.  We have had some good conversations lately.  And don’t forget Malachi my own big bird…yes, I like to name everything!

PROACTIVE ON HEALTH

Sun Basket meals on over 50 Feeling 40

 I have a post coming up next week with more information on how I had to get proactive with my health, but as a tease, I can say today that what I am doing seems to be working.  One of the steps we took was to cease eating out (supporting our local restaurants) and we joined for the first time a meal delivery service, Sun BasketI chose Sun Basket for a variety of reasons:

  1. Following their chef’s instructions, I cook the meals. We did not want something to pop in the microwave.
  2. They are farm fresh and healthy recipes.
  3. There are a variety of ways to eat healthy: Paleo, Mediterranean, Gluten Free, Soy Free…etc.
  4. These meals cost way less than eating out and if I purchased all of the ingredients it takes to make each one of these meals, I would spend a fortune.  Plus there is free shipping.
  5. I can find the types of food that we both like…he wants an occasional beef, and I want an occasional vegetarian.

 

Sun Basket healthy meals on over 50 feeling 40

That is why I selected their company, and here is why we are happy:

  1. The portions are just right and very filling.
  2. When Mr. B says something is exceptional, then I pay attention. He has liked  every one of the six different meals we have had so far.  They are delicious.
  3. I love to cook and feel like Sun Basket is teaching me about different methods and foods. We had never eaten chard before, but we both liked it!  

SunBasket Delivery on over 50 feeling 40

Between the new exercise plan and this new healthy eating plan, I am feeling great and believe this is the right path. Our favorite meal so far has been steaks with chimichurri and harissa-roasted sweet potatoes. It was amazing.  At this time, we highly recommend Sun Basket.

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Quote of the week on over 50 feeling 40

A friend sent this my way at the beginning of the week and I have thought about it lately.  Seems I am always going through changes and processing best paths to take.  So, this is one I will keep before me as I go forward through 2020, a really challenging year.  I do know for sure that this blog and you, the readers give me energy!  Thank you so much!  Now, what gives you energy?  Is anyone else doing something they find is draining them?  Please share….

Now, please enjoy today’s slideshow…and remember if you are going to make a purchase from one of the brands in the slideshow, just click on the image, go to their website, and I will receive a small affiliate payment for anything you purchase there.  But, you must get to the site from the slideshow links.  It does help me to be able to fund my work here and then I keep my business manager, Mr. B, off my case!  By request of reader Linda, I have included some tiny handbag options for today’s shopping.  Apparently as some retailers re-open they are discouraging larger handbags.  In this slideshow, I own the Baggallini small bag and I love it…great for thrift shopping when you really need hands free

.

 

Saturday, of course will be more Would You Wear It with Jennifer and me, and Sunday, I want to ask you to stop by and help me with some information for future posts.  I am going to ask you a couple of questions and use your responses as guidance…you will know more later…thanks everyone…and always

KEEP SMILING!!

JUST A NOTE:

Pamela Lutrell for Goli GummiesThere are several ways that I generate income through this blog in order to cover business expenses and give myself much needed income.  Purchases through the slideshow links is one way, ads on the page is one way and a new way is through ordering or re-ordering the GOLI Apple Cider Vinegar gummies through me with my GOLI LINK HERE.  Again, if you are not familiar with the benefits of apple cider vinegar, you should speak with your personal physician.  My husband and I are sold on the benefits and I am proud to represent this product.  I am going to leave this at the bottom of my posts so that when you, friends or family would like to order you can use my link.  Thanks for the support.  This is a great product.

My Complexion Loves Chamonix:

Chamonix on Over 50 Feeling 40

 

All natural, plant-cell technology skincare

 

 

By Pamela Lutrell

32 Comments

  1. Thank you! im tired from all the outrage and talking heads myself. i like this as a refuge.

  2. We all need a break from anger and hatred. Thank you for respecting that! Every conversation does not have to be about the evil in our world.

  3. Thank you, Pam. I appreciate your not joining the Social Media crowd and letting me enjoy this site. There are plenty of political sites where people can voice their opinion. Did your husband finish his trial of the knee pain reducing device. I have the name somewhere. I’m thinking of purchasing it. Thanks.

  4. Thank you Pam. Dealing with Covid 19’and riots has been draining. Heartbroken over all if this……
    Thank you for this chance to breathe Love the green top contrasted with white capris! Amazing! Love the look…..

  5. Thank you for this. I must say, I am ready for some lighter, more fun info and you are so right to stay out of the mayhem. I follow knowing that you have never been anything but upbeat. By the way, I may try giving my squirrels their own dining room as well.

  6. Hi Kathryn! The TENS post is going to run next week, though I am not sure what day yet. It will either be on Tuesday or Sunday. Let me see if I can talk them into some kind of discount for my readers. Will let you know!

  7. Thank you for the small bag suggestions! I really love the Baggalini crossbody and think it’s just what I need when I’m finally able to get out and about! I guess for the time being my bigger tote bags will be on vacation!
    I’m glad you’re feeling better with your new healthy food choices. It is something I will look into because I just can’t find any takeout food that’s healthy…and I’m so sick of cooking! Good to hear you love Sun Basket.
    The quote is perfect for these tough times. I appreciate that you keep this a politically-free space. We all have our opinions, frustrations and grief but we do so badly need a place to come and just smile…this is that place for me. I think what’s draining me is all the news reports and comments on social media. What is giving me energy is being outside in the nice weather, feeding the birds and enjoying the flowers. I have also been reading a lot of light fiction novels. I’m enjoying the luxury of picking up a book when I want and sitting on my deck and just relaxing.
    Have a wonderful and peaceful weekend…and thank you!

  8. You are so welcome, Linda. I really like my little Baggalini alot and this one at DSW is a great price. Reading light fiction is such a great way to escape all that swirls around us. Enjoy your reading this weekend and relax! So glad you are here.

  9. Your blog is such a respite from the place our world is in. Your positive attitude and offering of useful information is one of my favorite places to look each day. I had to laugh about your conversation with Sam. I have a mom squirrel and her 2 kids and she is replanting my flower pots. We have had several conversations regarding this matter so I am going to give your idea of her own special place a try and hope we have can reach a truce. LOL. Have a lovely weekend.

  10. Pam, it was so fun to see your squirrel friend! I love everything about your blog, thank you for all you do! I’m sure you’ve been told before, but you have the most beautiful smile 😃 Have a blessed day!

  11. Good luck, Claudette! Hopefully she will go for it…I admit, Sam is a bit of a glutton!

  12. Hi Claudette, I have had my flower pots dug up also until I started putting river rock around all the plants to cover the soil.

  13. Thank you for a political free diversion. We have enough bad news in the world. I enjoy getting away from it for awhile, and your blog is informative and fun! Enjoyed the slide show and Sam looks very happy!

  14. Thanks Dawn! I think Sam is very happy…but perhaps getting a little plump!

  15. Thank you for making this a place of joy & fellowship for all.
    We feed the squirrels that come to our patio to visit. Several of my neighbors have bird feeders, so my hope is that by feeding the squirrels, they will be less inclined to eat from those feeders.

  16. Thank you for keeping your site as a respite from our worries. I also love bagallini bags and have two that I use for travel, black for winter and navy for summer. I’m so happy to find them at DSW!

  17. Thanks Connie! I was surprised (and pleased) when I found them there!

  18. I grew up eating chard, and prefer it to other greens. My mother used to steam it, sprinkle on a bit of vinegar, salt and pepper, and add a dab of butter. It grows well in our northern garden, and pests don’t bother it…much.

  19. Thank you! We need a respide from the world were living in. I to turned off the news put smooth jazz on and had wine with cheese /crackers . Wonderful!

  20. Now that is a great way to unwind, Rajean. I may follow your lead later!

Comments are closed.