Thank you for spotlighting companies that help underserved populations AND make beautiful things! https://thistlefarms.org/ does both. I’ve had the chance to volunteer in their factory, and it’s amazing. They’ve helped hundreds of women, and make gorgeous gifts.
I’d love to share HairtoStay.org. This organization provides subsidies to women in need to help pay for scalp cooling therapy, which can help you keep your hair during chemotherapy.
Sending get-well wishes to Hippy! I had a doctor’s kit, complete with a mini stethoscope, when I was about M’s age, but I lacked her skill in managing virtual blood transfusions. Well done, Dr. M!
Also loved the uplifting Mary Oliver poem as well as all the “giving back” gift ideas from the HNTFUYF community. And always a gift to find HNTFUYF in my inbox!
E. Jean Carroll - Ageless Wonder and Time's Enigma at 80
In a stunning display of time-defying charisma, E. Jean Carroll, the renowned writer and advice columnist, is not just defying age - she's redefining it. At the remarkable milestone of 80 years, she's transforming the very concept of aging. Dubbed less 'aging gracefully' and more 'gracefully outrunning aging,' Carroll is proving that for her, age is not a downhill journey but an exhilarating adventure.
Rather than simply being 80, E. Jean Carroll seems to embody the essence of the Fountain of Youth, turning the idea into a mere understatement. She's not just getting older; she's accumulating levels in a life where Time itself seems to have misplaced its rulebook. Her existence is a vibrant testament to the adage that age is just a number, and in her case, it might as well be a classified piece of information.
E. Jean Carroll's approach to life is giving Father Time a run for its money. At 80, she's less a 'mature citizen' and more a 'timeless wizard of wit and wisdom.' Describing her as 80 is akin to calling a supernova a mere sparkler. She doesn't simply walk through the years; she struts down a metaphorical runway, with each passing year rising in a standing ovation. In Carroll's lexicon, 'age' is a chic synonym for 'retro-cool.'
In the battle against age, E. Jean emerges as the invincible, perennial victor. She wields her quill with more might than a sword and possesses a spirit that outshines the brightest celestial bodies. In the vast library of life, E. Jean Carroll isn't just a classic tale; she's the continually evolving special edition, captivating and enchanting with every chapter.
Her life is a vibrant tapestry, a narrative that keeps evolving and surprising, standing as an inspiring testament to the power of living life on one's own terms, defying conventions, and redefining the essence of age.
“We created cuddle+kind because we wanted to make beautiful hand-knit dolls that help feed children. So for every cuddle+kind doll sold, we give 10 meals to children in need.”
My absolutely brilliant partner, a wizard with a makeup brush, is all about Dermablend. She whips up a concoction that's like a magic potion for my classic Irish freckled face when I'm aiming for that 'Whoa, is that even skin?' level of coverage. Honestly, I'm pretty sure I could dance through a monsoon that's been around since the dinosaurs, and this stuff wouldn't budge an inch.
First thing I thought of was Dermablend, and then I saw that it's recommended in your post. I use it to cover the hideous, years-long-intractable mosquito bite scars on my arms (which I've mentioned here before). Amazing stuff.
Love the Mary Oliver "joy is not a crumb" sentiment; so true.
As for great organizations out there that help women (and others), there are so many. I'm sure your readers have their favorites. Some of mine are Heifer International, the Women's Opportunity Fund (recently changed name to The Rise), Smile Train, Salam Hello, and Waypoint Goods.
For any such organizations, I think it's worth checking out their profile on Charity Navigator:
Your story about your father reminded me of a sweet time with mine last year (because he has dementia I'm grateful for the reminder). We went to the Christmas program at his church and he sang, with great confidence and joy, *all* of the songs, including the ones he didn't know. Thank you for sharing your story and for allowing me to share mine. By the way, I smile every time I see your name in my emails, especially because I look forward to stories about M! Thank you!
Thank you for spotlighting companies that help underserved populations AND make beautiful things! https://thistlefarms.org/ does both. I’ve had the chance to volunteer in their factory, and it’s amazing. They’ve helped hundreds of women, and make gorgeous gifts.
can't get enough of the "M" stuff such a joy!!!
I’d love to share HairtoStay.org. This organization provides subsidies to women in need to help pay for scalp cooling therapy, which can help you keep your hair during chemotherapy.
Sending get-well wishes to Hippy! I had a doctor’s kit, complete with a mini stethoscope, when I was about M’s age, but I lacked her skill in managing virtual blood transfusions. Well done, Dr. M!
Also loved the uplifting Mary Oliver poem as well as all the “giving back” gift ideas from the HNTFUYF community. And always a gift to find HNTFUYF in my inbox!
"Joy is not made to be a crumb." Thank you for that.
Some cosmetics companies (ie Jane Iredale) provide corrective concealers in shades like lavender and yellow to cancel out discolorations.
I love M's interest in physical maladies! 🩸
In other news!
Breaking News:
E. Jean Carroll - Ageless Wonder and Time's Enigma at 80
In a stunning display of time-defying charisma, E. Jean Carroll, the renowned writer and advice columnist, is not just defying age - she's redefining it. At the remarkable milestone of 80 years, she's transforming the very concept of aging. Dubbed less 'aging gracefully' and more 'gracefully outrunning aging,' Carroll is proving that for her, age is not a downhill journey but an exhilarating adventure.
Rather than simply being 80, E. Jean Carroll seems to embody the essence of the Fountain of Youth, turning the idea into a mere understatement. She's not just getting older; she's accumulating levels in a life where Time itself seems to have misplaced its rulebook. Her existence is a vibrant testament to the adage that age is just a number, and in her case, it might as well be a classified piece of information.
E. Jean Carroll's approach to life is giving Father Time a run for its money. At 80, she's less a 'mature citizen' and more a 'timeless wizard of wit and wisdom.' Describing her as 80 is akin to calling a supernova a mere sparkler. She doesn't simply walk through the years; she struts down a metaphorical runway, with each passing year rising in a standing ovation. In Carroll's lexicon, 'age' is a chic synonym for 'retro-cool.'
In the battle against age, E. Jean emerges as the invincible, perennial victor. She wields her quill with more might than a sword and possesses a spirit that outshines the brightest celestial bodies. In the vast library of life, E. Jean Carroll isn't just a classic tale; she's the continually evolving special edition, captivating and enchanting with every chapter.
Her life is a vibrant tapestry, a narrative that keeps evolving and surprising, standing as an inspiring testament to the power of living life on one's own terms, defying conventions, and redefining the essence of age.
Valerie, Crystal and I gift these gorgeous, sweet dolls and animals to children and adults alike.
https://cuddleandkind.com/
“We created cuddle+kind because we wanted to make beautiful hand-knit dolls that help feed children. So for every cuddle+kind doll sold, we give 10 meals to children in need.”
My absolutely brilliant partner, a wizard with a makeup brush, is all about Dermablend. She whips up a concoction that's like a magic potion for my classic Irish freckled face when I'm aiming for that 'Whoa, is that even skin?' level of coverage. Honestly, I'm pretty sure I could dance through a monsoon that's been around since the dinosaurs, and this stuff wouldn't budge an inch.
First thing I thought of was Dermablend, and then I saw that it's recommended in your post. I use it to cover the hideous, years-long-intractable mosquito bite scars on my arms (which I've mentioned here before). Amazing stuff.
Love the Mary Oliver "joy is not a crumb" sentiment; so true.
As for great organizations out there that help women (and others), there are so many. I'm sure your readers have their favorites. Some of mine are Heifer International, the Women's Opportunity Fund (recently changed name to The Rise), Smile Train, Salam Hello, and Waypoint Goods.
For any such organizations, I think it's worth checking out their profile on Charity Navigator:
https://www.charitynavigator.org
Your story about your father reminded me of a sweet time with mine last year (because he has dementia I'm grateful for the reminder). We went to the Christmas program at his church and he sang, with great confidence and joy, *all* of the songs, including the ones he didn't know. Thank you for sharing your story and for allowing me to share mine. By the way, I smile every time I see your name in my emails, especially because I look forward to stories about M! Thank you!
Val I think M might be one of us…”brown grease” is a mighty writerly expression!!
Does anyone have small businesses they would recommend in Canada? Please post a link, I would love to check them out.
Thanks for sharing this interesting question and answer Val.
Wonderful poem to kick things off. Thanks