tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89170067328407124692024-03-05T01:40:12.611-06:00The Generation Above MeA blog maintained by Karen D. Austin--gerontologist since 2010 with prior education and teaching experience since 1980 in literature, comp/rhet, education, and psychology. Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.comBlogger476125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-44069617989871250072024-01-28T10:51:00.013-06:002024-01-31T10:07:52.979-06:00Word of the Year for 2024: Community<p> </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-49ccQfYUedwmVypMFMjOutGw-gNHub6xPZFPx6Y5FviDYPO1CzvLFyyD9VFJtmklPClLU2Cl3Bz-iWKV9HEgC-olkY7nsyFUY4s2XzKTADzYsZ1JuPeceCDSI3vLzDH8OS45PzJNw65sP2C17B3MoiHLlC3s_QIiPHpkX6d142WWRkNLM94Ax6z438/s640/methreevalleyEphraim24Jan2023.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-49ccQfYUedwmVypMFMjOutGw-gNHub6xPZFPx6Y5FviDYPO1CzvLFyyD9VFJtmklPClLU2Cl3Bz-iWKV9HEgC-olkY7nsyFUY4s2XzKTADzYsZ1JuPeceCDSI3vLzDH8OS45PzJNw65sP2C17B3MoiHLlC3s_QIiPHpkX6d142WWRkNLM94Ax6z438/s320/methreevalleyEphraim24Jan2023.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking in Ephraim Canyon<br />24 January 2024</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I've done it again. I moved. </p><p>After 7.5 years in Newburgh, Indiana, my husband and I moved to Ephraim, Utah. This is a return trip to the state of Utah. However, I formerly lived in Utah County (9 years) and Salt Lake County (1 year). I am new to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanpete_County,_Utah" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sanpete County</a>, population 28,437. I did visit the Manti Pageant in 1976 and the Manti Temple in 1991; otherwise, I am very naive about all things Sanpete. </p><p>The county has deep roots with the Latter-day Saint Pioneers. It was settled in the 1850s (with some controversy with conflicts between the white settlers and the Native Americans as well as many conflicts among the white settlers over land rights and water rights). Many of the settlers were Scandinavian. I looked at all the photos of pageant queens at the county court house. I saw names such as Jensen, Hansen, Nelson, Olsen, Jorgensen, etc. Ephraim hosts an annual <a href="https://scandinavianfestival.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scandinavian Days Festival </a>at the end of May, and Spring City hosts <a href="https://www.friendsofhistoricspringcity.org/events" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heritage Day </a>the same weekend. </p><p>More than half the county is federal or state lands. It's beautiful here. My husband works at Snow College, but much of the economy is based on agriculture: raising cattle, sheep, and turkeys. Many people have ancestors going back 3, 4, or 5 generations. However, in the last twenty years, there have been more people moving in from other Utah counties or even from out of state. There is a significant Hispanic population here, many working for The Moroni Feed Company / Norbest, working with turkeys. (I think Tyson recently bought this business.)</p><p><b>Word of the Year</b></p><p>You can see that I have been thinking a lot about my new community. I recently finished<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3573848-a-history-of-sanpete-county" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> a book about the history of Sanpete County</a>, a book that has a strong focus on the 19th Century. I have also been trying to meet people at the college, at church, at the library, at quilting bees, at gardening club, book club, the university fitness center, the hardware store, etc. </p><p>I am trying to create community around me. It will take me months to accomplish this. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>It will be impossible for me to connect with everyone, so I must make some decisions on how to spend my time and how to build common ground with people in the county. I would like to say that I am being super intentional, but I realize that a certain amount of serendipity if not chaos will shape my efforts. <p></p><p>Because I am very focused on building a community where I may end up living for 20 or 30 years, I decided to make "Community" my 2024 Word of the Year. </p><p>I do not make New Year's Resolutions anymore. Instead, I choose a focus word. I find that I can meditate on that word for an entire year and gain a lot of insight in how to define and apply the selected word. </p><p>The word "community," for example, shares its roots with the word "communication" and the word "commune," the latter having a connotation of religion and spirituality. How can individuals overcome their differences to hold shared goals? How might the Divine help mediate those efforts? </p><p>When I was in Indiana, I interacted with several people every week. I taught at two universities, attended several fitness classes each week, accepted volunteer opportunities at church and with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and even attended other faith communities: a synagogue, a mosque, and a Buddhist sangha. </p><p>I enjoyed interacting with hundreds of people during my time there. It was hard to leave my community / communities behind. Again. I have lived in 9 different states at 38 various addresses. I am hoping to stay in this house for decades. For this and other reasons, I hope to make friends with young people as well as with my agemates. I believe in intergenerational connection. Young people make the world new. It's interesting to see how they function in the world and how they view the world. </p><p><b>Downsizing My Community </b></p><p>I have been thinking a lot about how communities might shape me. I do enjoy getting out of my comfort zone and befriending people from radically different demographics, interests, vocations, hobbies, etc. I like to learn about how other people are wired, how they view the world, how they interact with the world. The philosophers call these realms epistemology (how we know what we know) and ontology (a sense of being). It's invigorating to have my own frameworks challenged and expanded. <br /><br />I am also thinking a lot about maintaining personal integrity to my own goals, values, and projects. When do I decide to keep my distance from others? I may not feel comfortable contorting myself to "fit in." Some people have shown themselves to be very utilitarian with me: how can they use me to meet their own needs without considering my limits? I will need to assert some boundaries at times.</p><p><b>We, They, Me, S/He</b></p><p>Basically, participating in community/communities involves a complex interaction among four (sometimes) competing forces: </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>We. The shared values of a community whether it be a bowling league, a book club, a political party, or a religious congregation. What attitudes, values, and practices make this a "We"?</li><li>They. What does another person in my friend group offer that may pull me to become more like they are? What pull do they exert over my activities, habits, attitudes, values. What is specific about "Them"?</li><li>Me. What am going to hold on to even when friends, family members, congregants, coworkers, fellow citizens, etc. might be directly or indirectly challenging me to abandon or change things about myself. What is the "Me"? </li><li>S/He. This refers to "The Divine Ones." In my faith tradition, this is Heavenly Father, Heavenly Mother, Jesus Christ, and The Holy Ghost. Often Judeo-Christianity refers to the Holy He, but I am expanding to S/He to refer to these four divine beings central to my theology. What gravitational pull do I feel to change according to invitations from the divine "S/He"?</li></ol><p></p><p>I admit that I hit town a month ago feeling a bit frantic about surrounding myself with people--a lot of people for a lot of my time each week. However, I may end up spending more time alone than usual for me. I was more introverted when I was in elementary school. I might return to some of my more solitary ways. </p><p>While it is interesting to socialize with dozens of people, there is a quiet joy in pursing personal projects or finding just a handful of people to hold as close friends. It might take me a year or two to fit in with select existing communities, to build my tribe, and to find joy in some solo projects, but I am hopeful.</p><p><b>Related:</b></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/01/word-of-year-breathe.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Word of the Year for 2023: Breath(e)</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2022/01/2022-word-of-year.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Word of the Year for 2022: Smaller</a></p><p><a href="https://segullah.org/blog/witness-my-2021-word-of-the-year/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Word of the Year for 2021: Witness</a></p><p><a href="https://segullah.org/daily-special/resolution-evolution/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Word(s) of the Year for 2020: Humility and Compassion</a></p><p>(I cannot find a post about my 2019 WOTY)</p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2018/12/not-resolution-but-focus-word.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Word of the Year for 2018: Grounded</a></p><p><br /></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-50101918900777640752024-01-01T13:40:00.002-06:002024-01-15T19:16:51.089-06:00Happy 12th Blogoversary<p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXjq06drO3GDl9khy-q_kRx4YLMPk6cqsnTzv8_3UO3S28LYLOrNMCPwtIpAQXOeBmgmvz_xHnFr-cq2CYmxm_XDWYYH1kr-oQdbwrXhCWbz4Nh0EApM4dmIb1VkACynH4pP3EcFWHDOIBgIbIpD8hT7dzIkqucEUPHTAlx1caMJELbLWJESkORsvXYU/s800/ImagebyWhitneyviaCC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXjq06drO3GDl9khy-q_kRx4YLMPk6cqsnTzv8_3UO3S28LYLOrNMCPwtIpAQXOeBmgmvz_xHnFr-cq2CYmxm_XDWYYH1kr-oQdbwrXhCWbz4Nh0EApM4dmIb1VkACynH4pP3EcFWHDOIBgIbIpD8hT7dzIkqucEUPHTAlx1caMJELbLWJESkORsvXYU/s320/ImagebyWhitneyviaCC.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://flic.kr/p/9onKxa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Whitney</a><br />via Creative Commons</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Over the last 12 years, I have managed to create 475 posts on aging. These posts explore how we can better manage our own wellness while offering support to the generation above us. </p><p>In reviewing the "All Time Most Viewed" statistics, I can see that the Top 10 posts for this blog have remained about the same. </p><p>If you want to see what blog readers most enjoy reading, you can go to <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2018/01/happy-6th-blogoversary.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">THIS LINK</a> for the 6th Blogoversary celebration (01 Jan 2018) to find links to the Top 20 most viewed posts. </p><p>The most notable change in the Top 20 is that the 2013 post about Robert C. Peck's Tasks for Older Adults is slowly moving up in the rankings. You can find that post at <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2013/06/robert-g-pecks-tasks-for-older-adults.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">THIS LINK</a>. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Posts about films and books continue to garnish a lot of views. <p></p><p>If you want to see which posts written in 2023 garnished the most views, follow <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/12/2023-top-10-posts.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">THIS LINK </a></p><p>All my best to you and yours for a year full of wellness in mind, body, and spirit. </p><p><b>Related: </b></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/01/2022-top-posts.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">01 Jan 2023 - Happy 11th Blogoversary</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2022/01/happy-10th-blogoversary.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">01 Jan 2022 - Happy 10th Blogoversary</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2021/01/happy-9th-blogoversary.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">01 Jan 2021 - Happy 9th Blogoversary </a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2020/01/happy-8th-blogoversary.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">01 Jan 2020 - Happy 8th Blogoversary</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2019/01/happy-7th-blogoversary.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">01 Jan 2019 - Happy 7th Blogoversary</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2018/01/happy-6th-blogoversary.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">01 Jan 2018 - Happy 6th Blogoversary</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2017/01/happy-5th-blogoversary-to-tgam.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">01 Jan 2017 - Happy 5th Blogoversary to TGAM</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2016/01/happy-4th-blogoversary-to-tgam.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">01 Jan 2016 - Happy 4th Blogoversary to TGAM</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2015/01/happy-3rd-blogoversary-to-tgam.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">01 Jan 2015 - Happy 3rd Blogoversary to TGAM</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2014/01/happy-2nd-blogoversary-to-tgam.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">01 Jan 2014 - Happy 2nd Blogoversary to TGAM </a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2013/01/happy-1st-blogoversary-to-tgam.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">01 Jan 2013 - Happy 1st Blogoversary to TGAM</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2012/01/generational-perspective-why-this-blog_1.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">01 Jan 2012 - Generational Perspective: Why This Blog? </a></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-22460980885316585372023-12-31T16:31:00.003-06:002024-01-01T16:53:22.628-06:002023 Top 10 Posts<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsBt6Ppf2RNKywfrNX7VKehZXfXAz3ZpCwfAhVbq3vLjs5Y0NBjTZjUZd8EOoMlnAKd3LM1Otm7BGkSVcBQAwd8vjw2PWEj_G1l5_B-1P05ELw5ZAhv4ctYfuovZOFfQ6dhZFMQ7nfmgd48NN8LOBd1_7gG4uDk5p8pTAlcVTyGEfy1aW0BCkQ7pSjHg/s400/4082518065_2d9f2830e3_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="400" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsBt6Ppf2RNKywfrNX7VKehZXfXAz3ZpCwfAhVbq3vLjs5Y0NBjTZjUZd8EOoMlnAKd3LM1Otm7BGkSVcBQAwd8vjw2PWEj_G1l5_B-1P05ELw5ZAhv4ctYfuovZOFfQ6dhZFMQ7nfmgd48NN8LOBd1_7gG4uDk5p8pTAlcVTyGEfy1aW0BCkQ7pSjHg/s320/4082518065_2d9f2830e3_w.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Joseph Brent<br />via <a href="https://flic.kr/p/7dKYov">Creative Commons</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It's time to look in the rearview mirror. </p><p>In 2023, this blog hosted 14 blog posts--excluding this one. Here are the Top 10 most viewed posts in reverse order. </p><p>10. It's Never Too Late to Stand Up Straight. Published 5 June 2023. <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/06/its-never-too-late-to-stand-up-straight.html">LINK</a></p><p>9. My Source of Wisdom. Published 28 April 2028. <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/04/my-source-of-wisdom.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LINK</a> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOadFHiXT5VZNUZf6at1qRcagnLZlm5foJUZ_WoZoHkVLUcigjgEyImfU-ukiX0a7FYyxlRfR4i-SyaqlFb0oNn_5Elhzx92a2IJbhMOLYU7-p_1RBlfU4unXNdk8Q3fdyGHOzvo_ZRp92-0cufuBhFrjgVHFL_1rdog32uZBJ5w-hSNxh-3ohQFn-GH4/s579/NumbersTopWorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="361" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOadFHiXT5VZNUZf6at1qRcagnLZlm5foJUZ_WoZoHkVLUcigjgEyImfU-ukiX0a7FYyxlRfR4i-SyaqlFb0oNn_5Elhzx92a2IJbhMOLYU7-p_1RBlfU4unXNdk8Q3fdyGHOzvo_ZRp92-0cufuBhFrjgVHFL_1rdog32uZBJ5w-hSNxh-3ohQFn-GH4/s320/NumbersTopWorn.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p>8. Posture Mantra: Tall, Proud, Ballerina-Book. 26 June 2023. <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/06/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LINK</a></p><p>7. Empty Nest Ennui. Published 7 March 2023. <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/03/empty-nest-ennui.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LINK</a></p><p>6. Mother's Day Gift Guide: Nonfiction Kidlit. Published 1 May 2023.<a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/05/mothers-day-2022-gift-guide-nf-kidlit.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> LINK</a></p><p>5. Boomer Named Karen. Published 4 April 2023. <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/06/a-boomer-named-karen.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LINK</a></p><p>4. In Love--A Memoir of Loss and Love. A Book Review. Published 28 February 2023. <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/02/in-love-memoir-of-love-and-loss-book.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LINK</a></p><p>3. Numbers Top--Friday Fashion (photo at the right). Published 31 March 2023. <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/03/numbers-top-friday-fashion.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LINK</a></p><p>2. Curriculum Vitae with a Focus on Gerontology Instruction. Published 1 February 2023 <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/02/curriculum-vitae-with-focus-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LINK</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and DRUMROLL, please. </span></p><p>1. Word of the [2023] Year: Breath(e). Published 29 January 2023. <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/01/word-of-year-breathe.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LINK</a></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-25563808846800361872023-11-25T08:52:00.007-06:002023-12-31T14:46:20.423-06:00Holiday Gift Guide 2023: Nonfiction Kidlit<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbZmfjda6XzhJagAPSj0pDltxmKiLwhqKGDAUYQdjSUffL2qsUsAdnGYtyAzst75YSHrqM7Wzhy3yI-Hjs1anG-AQaMdTCfqvtPIju2-rMIizDsENnY3G-MCvL_cCJ_rNhCs0B_6pjbXepZiGSYbuCjZ-IguvTRbc4ffQQ-ToJyLMZCKswCvmQw4J_Ww/s712/Holiday2023GiftGuide.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="712" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbZmfjda6XzhJagAPSj0pDltxmKiLwhqKGDAUYQdjSUffL2qsUsAdnGYtyAzst75YSHrqM7Wzhy3yI-Hjs1anG-AQaMdTCfqvtPIju2-rMIizDsENnY3G-MCvL_cCJ_rNhCs0B_6pjbXepZiGSYbuCjZ-IguvTRbc4ffQQ-ToJyLMZCKswCvmQw4J_Ww/s320/Holiday2023GiftGuide.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>For the last five months, I have the opportunity to read 90+ nonfiction books for children (elementary, middle school, high school). I do tend to favor picture books. I believe that they make great coffee table books for readers of all ages. They are great conversation starters. I learn a great deal about a variety of topics from reading these books, which can inspire me to read college-level books on the same topic. </p><p>I also end up giving copies of some of the books to families with young readers. <b>You might find a title that will make a great holiday gift or birthday gift for a young person in your life:</b> your own child, niece/nephew, grandchild, neighborhood kid, a child from your faith community. </p><p>Yes, it was painful to select just 10 from the nearly 100 nonfiction kidlit books I have read during the second half of 2023. I hope that you have the opportunity to read at least one of these titles so that you can give a copy of that book to a child (or a local school). </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Listed by the age of the target audience. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKu56uyAF2iCGsnVf7uRO5LRWOSbia3BMhHMDrsgfW6UcrzUK-eiggHmcdprlU3VZVoZTJ5ELxWGgJUYwOiGMV0OYoQSfoGqqSHzXglSArDqf2lLrbV3Bk7Ny78fcenvxLJ-TzPs-jF3awMr0O4jfDxiegE9xNVblmKMXt9D8mXABvm1Kvr9hIqh_5vU/s181/Cover_Peridot.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="150" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKu56uyAF2iCGsnVf7uRO5LRWOSbia3BMhHMDrsgfW6UcrzUK-eiggHmcdprlU3VZVoZTJ5ELxWGgJUYwOiGMV0OYoQSfoGqqSHzXglSArDqf2lLrbV3Bk7Ny78fcenvxLJ-TzPs-jF3awMr0O4jfDxiegE9xNVblmKMXt9D8mXABvm1Kvr9hIqh_5vU/s1600/Cover_Peridot.jpg" width="150" /></a></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Meet the Bears</i>.</b> </span>Author Kate Peridot, Illustrator
Becca Hall. Published 27 June 2023 by Welbeck Children’s.<div><br /></div><div>The overt narrative depicts a parent helping a child identify the species of a teddy bear. However, the book teaches young readers about the scientific principles of definition and classification. The illustrations set each of the eight species of bears into their habitat, and there is a great map of the world that depicts the types of bears found on 4 of the 7 continents. <span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Goodreads Review: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6097360686">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6097360686</a><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvc7z7UN2NcpqdCkES8hgIhrgCVD2OK33rk7d8f-XPIyq1dqbVOwLdaEvMGPnfdk0Oz5FAvtm-TgJ8yCr8Q1-bSyxSrV97PJMtUTwYeJ0Ox-HuQUzgXS7GH47GPVluswBI1-xvM-J4dRW5_4yMGxljJDeAbluy9UX-ItpQzEvwJURZNd4pPYgnxntcJOE/s150/Cover_Judge.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="150" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvc7z7UN2NcpqdCkES8hgIhrgCVD2OK33rk7d8f-XPIyq1dqbVOwLdaEvMGPnfdk0Oz5FAvtm-TgJ8yCr8Q1-bSyxSrV97PJMtUTwYeJ0Ox-HuQUzgXS7GH47GPVluswBI1-xvM-J4dRW5_4yMGxljJDeAbluy9UX-ItpQzEvwJURZNd4pPYgnxntcJOE/s1600/Cover_Judge.jpg" width="150" /></a></i></div><i><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span></span>Dogs: A History of Our Best Friends</b></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>. </b></span>Author Lita
Judge. Published 18 April 2023 by Harry N. Abrams<o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The book is organized chronologically, showing how humans and dogs have interacted with each other. The dog's role shifts from hunter, to guard, to fashion accessory, to family member and more. The pictures are engaging. Dog lovers of all ages will love this book and learn something new--even if they just casually thumb through the gorgeous and expressive artwork. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6007421633<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMJ-_UEZsfzzkXVfahV0AscuwE8jjnqykd7fARfzZn638t3Kqzhak8b3L3uVuXOBdy7V6YkKgF7lVnvYDcV1m4creLLLonNLhvoe9m88lUHK6qA3EAcEMi55-I7cHsjtLa8M-Ox4dLNwseElHxmY4eKl2TQ0CA3ntdYrYHFuVBXgwcSHvyptIR4e-Cuo/s150/Cover_Armand_etal.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="150" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMJ-_UEZsfzzkXVfahV0AscuwE8jjnqykd7fARfzZn638t3Kqzhak8b3L3uVuXOBdy7V6YkKgF7lVnvYDcV1m4creLLLonNLhvoe9m88lUHK6qA3EAcEMi55-I7cHsjtLa8M-Ox4dLNwseElHxmY4eKl2TQ0CA3ntdYrYHFuVBXgwcSHvyptIR4e-Cuo/s1600/Cover_Armand_etal.jpg" width="150" /></a></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat
Better</i>. </b></span>Authors Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman with Keith Mallett
Contributor. Published 17 January by Crown Books for Young Readers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most people love ice cream, but do they know who it transitioned from a delicacy only enjoyed by the elite to a treat that could be stored and shipped to a broader customer base? This book shares how Augustus Jackson used some principles of science and entrepreneurship as a way to bring ice cream to the masses. The pictures place the reader with the people in the book as if they are in the same room or standing on the sidewalk. I felt as though I was time traveling by reading this book. <br /><p class="MsoNormal">Goodreads Review: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5794218832">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5794218832</a>
<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnXwiUuE1_OERfP-sVoq6S7kBIKRXoozhnBt9AF7NOzQDKTEl7WWe8NSHVg3qEBm6zs8rxFvC9MUhagfA6f15BpdUEHLWnzbi3GcTxvg4byeO-kd7gFpiijq352VyJ4EeVaeM_MRyDrOx3RZrgnHuIxGvGhM377CED_ztuF8w9gIZsiFvXfyvKKthLwM/s164/Cover_Sidman.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="149" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnXwiUuE1_OERfP-sVoq6S7kBIKRXoozhnBt9AF7NOzQDKTEl7WWe8NSHVg3qEBm6zs8rxFvC9MUhagfA6f15BpdUEHLWnzbi3GcTxvg4byeO-kd7gFpiijq352VyJ4EeVaeM_MRyDrOx3RZrgnHuIxGvGhM377CED_ztuF8w9gIZsiFvXfyvKKthLwM/s1600/Cover_Sidman.jpg" width="149" /></a></i></div><i><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>We Are Branches</b></span></i><b><span style="font-size: large;">.</span> </b>Author <span face="Lato, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f3f3f3; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">Joyce Sidman, Illustrator Beth Krommes. Published 2 May
2023 by Clarion Books. </span><span face=""Lato",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I must confess that I love a good schemata. This book helps young readers understand the concept of branching, which can help with coding software, building circuits, studying biology, analyzing fluid dynamics that underpin traffic management or water management. However, the book looks basic with it's examples from nature and anatomy. It's sneaky, and I love it! </p><p class="MsoNormal">Goodreads Review <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5695194221">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5695194221</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdc9WW_S4JlS5yY-X6ufViPKl6RDHw4yJUY6chRQfNOcbnba8zlyjB8-jzOGaL8xWocfMoCmPFYkNo_MsSx14HK1K3VVr_DmktlVsOCrBpwx_9AKYMtvF1NeUk0MUh9KwOq905Q1Wrzp_RCOFiPpBosAGBhez_XkoUSp2lImulJTmBasf9PyVnAacvxk/s178/Cover_Pearson.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="149" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdc9WW_S4JlS5yY-X6ufViPKl6RDHw4yJUY6chRQfNOcbnba8zlyjB8-jzOGaL8xWocfMoCmPFYkNo_MsSx14HK1K3VVr_DmktlVsOCrBpwx_9AKYMtvF1NeUk0MUh9KwOq905Q1Wrzp_RCOFiPpBosAGBhez_XkoUSp2lImulJTmBasf9PyVnAacvxk/s1600/Cover_Pearson.jpg" width="149" /></a></i></div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Real Princesses Change the World</b></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>. </b></span>Author Carrie
Pearson, Illustrator Dung Ho. Published 11 April 2023 by Roaring Book Press.</div><div><br /></div><div>I enjoy books that take a global perspective and an historical perspective. This also helps young readers see that women can contribute in a variety of ways. I value being a wife and a mother, but I also see how women have the ability to transform society in a variety of venues. Boys can read this book, but I can see girls taking an interest in how princesses across time and space have been athletes, scientists, educators, humanitarians, and more. <br /> </div><div>Goodreads Review: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5784047140">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5784047140</a><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIA3cYE1yuKUemgEPYsZ5fZxASrZJY4fBasDPEhaS-2bJZVPSzue5YPOeW0aF7eFNIf7sd4qVtVynpX-hk0mlSp-3NhzFfc-m9l1Nj2yCZ3gT6yUMVEKJUITAJVh2XuK1SDgpko6lkubpU5Yb72lbIypiGz0ooajw5cq-9QAKavxITSvQ-yZ9ba70GxaM/s188/Cover_Roy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="149" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIA3cYE1yuKUemgEPYsZ5fZxASrZJY4fBasDPEhaS-2bJZVPSzue5YPOeW0aF7eFNIf7sd4qVtVynpX-hk0mlSp-3NhzFfc-m9l1Nj2yCZ3gT6yUMVEKJUITAJVh2XuK1SDgpko6lkubpU5Yb72lbIypiGz0ooajw5cq-9QAKavxITSvQ-yZ9ba70GxaM/s1600/Cover_Roy.jpg" width="149" /></a></i></div><i><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Making More: How Life Begins</b></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>.</b></span> Author / Illustrator Katherine
Roy. Published 7 March 2023 by National Geographic Books. <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The concept of generativity gives this book an opportunity of looking at a variety of ways that nature procreates. Some of the sections look at life on the cellular level. Some pages depict plants, others animals (including humans). Many people of all ages are not aware of the complexity and fragility of life, and this book helps readers gain awareness of how vital (literally) it is that we are good stewards of living things so that we can continue to make more life. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Goodreads Review: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5825812949">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5825812949</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdI7ZGK-GGZfPxWyx1v9d0xMMFlXiZP-Uy2EZwvpnxSZbhCrb6huVrH48K9cp_hVVAeSnd4u2WJi5GB78WMhNRzRMTqN2sx8u2SESUVE2lNy4DuBWgDwyD5E50rn5zGXnqSIK9nBoqSgaoi4YSzgm5uqfaTJg9l5Viivy0px2wtscF8-u5YPqxFV1wvo8/s184/Cover_Clendenan.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="150" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdI7ZGK-GGZfPxWyx1v9d0xMMFlXiZP-Uy2EZwvpnxSZbhCrb6huVrH48K9cp_hVVAeSnd4u2WJi5GB78WMhNRzRMTqN2sx8u2SESUVE2lNy4DuBWgDwyD5E50rn5zGXnqSIK9nBoqSgaoi4YSzgm5uqfaTJg9l5Viivy0px2wtscF8-u5YPqxFV1wvo8/s1600/Cover_Clendenan.jpg" width="150" /></a></i></div><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cities: How Humans Live Together</span></b></i><b><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></b>Author Megan Clendenan,
Illustrator Suharu Ogawa. Published 16 May 2023 by Orca Book Publishers. <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Do you know a young person with an interest in civil or mechanical engineering? How have cities managed to provide housing, energy, transportation, and water to their inhabitants? This book also conveys concepts of history and culture. The illustrations are rich and engaging. I learned a lot by reading this, and I encourage readers of all ages to get a copy. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Goodreads Review: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5896906120">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5896906120</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnnI3TkPMVLSgmXcV2G7Lo71U5t6iWK9UYsu4HixFP5ZDiwQGvu27sMZP3NTqA3RSmYeXlEicOufEQIVSzpg3g0Vzi8gN8JsXHbVLCZfpbPCY7yObk-th_wOSZ02fDJh6ChAgBnYKWmSNxLZTwNRTnRyzMrB_zjzvObykigyLYwmy9zwGy8L38Q4elsk/s223/Cover_King_Argile.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="150" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnnI3TkPMVLSgmXcV2G7Lo71U5t6iWK9UYsu4HixFP5ZDiwQGvu27sMZP3NTqA3RSmYeXlEicOufEQIVSzpg3g0Vzi8gN8JsXHbVLCZfpbPCY7yObk-th_wOSZ02fDJh6ChAgBnYKWmSNxLZTwNRTnRyzMrB_zjzvObykigyLYwmy9zwGy8L38Q4elsk/s1600/Cover_King_Argile.jpg" width="150" /></a></i></div><i><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Vaccines
Change the World</span></b></i><b><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></b>Author Gillian King-Cargile, Illustrator Sandie Sonke.
Published 27 October 2023 by Albert Whitman & Company. <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">During the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, I read eight books about earlier pandemics. By reading this book, I learned a lot more about the people who developed vaccines. This is a great introduction to the scientific process and to how evidence-based medicine works (hypothesis, methodology, data collection, analysis and then repeat to refine). All people need a good foundation in the scientists, but young readers interested in chemistry, biology, health, and medicine will be particularly engaged. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Goodreads Review: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6001218836">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6001218836</a>
<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghib8131XGy2seV_vKlfjkC9zA5Cl8bfoOhCtSGDIGEIKGfmHmcVN67ctL5jCvaQ_jRpFUWfUZAewnARrJ9jkts1MgukC7pZocGf68qjBv2W1QTE28EZvn7vm4fhRPEBgUZayDv9tGRySlAqOdhjPN4T1Rh2e5_8TOttFJzqO7JUuYmomHEtTjv7uUINU/s193/Cover_Havrelock.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="150" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghib8131XGy2seV_vKlfjkC9zA5Cl8bfoOhCtSGDIGEIKGfmHmcVN67ctL5jCvaQ_jRpFUWfUZAewnARrJ9jkts1MgukC7pZocGf68qjBv2W1QTE28EZvn7vm4fhRPEBgUZayDv9tGRySlAqOdhjPN4T1Rh2e5_8TOttFJzqO7JUuYmomHEtTjv7uUINU/s1600/Cover_Havrelock.jpg" width="150" /></a></i></div><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Indigenous Ingenuity: A Celebration of Traditional North
American Knowledge</span></b></i><b><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></b> Author Deidre Havrelock, Illustrator Edward Kay. Published
9 May 2023 by Christy Ottaviano Books.<o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">For centuries, Indigenous people employed techniques for growing food, making shelter, applying medicines and more. And the European colonists discounted their knowledge base. This book helps introduce some of the effective and powerful skills from Indigenous peoples that can help all people be better stewards of the earth. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Goodreads Review: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5757344094">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5757344094</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZMV6ABNAmD6XNoyxRnGCJqLb1zBOyaf4tDtkngjQ_4mkyU-4AcsMeWTxxmgvfncJ3bT8yKyxjt6epgeJYCauNokXgrALWs02jUEvKZmhGdmop2rraXI5y501XC7xNOqDp9INE-rs6b94p-xzyYt0fOUFty3HcWkkQf_PmuVOXGaVN1PMXoSb-LIkYvI/s204/Cover_Rottmann.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="150" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZMV6ABNAmD6XNoyxRnGCJqLb1zBOyaf4tDtkngjQ_4mkyU-4AcsMeWTxxmgvfncJ3bT8yKyxjt6epgeJYCauNokXgrALWs02jUEvKZmhGdmop2rraXI5y501XC7xNOqDp9INE-rs6b94p-xzyYt0fOUFty3HcWkkQf_PmuVOXGaVN1PMXoSb-LIkYvI/s1600/Cover_Rottmann.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Astonishing and Extinct Professions: 89 Jobs You Will Never
Do.</span></b> Author Markus Rottmann, Illustrator Michael Meister, Translator Ashley
Curtis. Published 1 August 2023 by
Helvetiq. <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Readers need to have a strong stomach to read about some of these professions that deal with bodily functions, disease, and death. However, those are not the only types of professions depicted in this book. This book is inereseting, funny, and bizarre. But by reading about extinct professions (organized chronologically), readers get a quick tour through various time periods and cultures. My only critique is that the book is a bit slanted to Europe and North America when African, Asia, Oceana, and Latin America have some interesting extinct professions as well. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Goodreads Review: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6020684147">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6020684147</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Again, I am in my 60s, and I often read books designed for children. There are some beautiful, interesting, informative, and engaging books written for children that can delight older readers. </span></p><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Related: </span></b><p></p></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/05/mothers-day-2022-gift-guide-nf-kidlit.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mother's Day 2023 Gift Guide: NF Kidlit</a></div>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-2654010708574187632023-07-08T06:28:00.003-05:002023-11-13T14:55:53.502-06:00Classes that Address Posture: Yoga, Core, Ballet, and Tai Chi<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaImuzqx-jCP-4ezXxhD6uvy4k4etA_0p3mGNHZMlAlcCKsHYdLFQQMjWh_6K6jAfiQEB4yrO9j07696MzQzgTYcm49JzW9ClRkMXpoJMgQ7pQk7PgXuiA3NZ8bHjfz0ipgFwgNtf4-YfXh53eekfrH6Ho1zMvFcPpWrEXbJBRFV1f2P44msbXMH-IHew/s400/51532578326_f99a91deda_w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaImuzqx-jCP-4ezXxhD6uvy4k4etA_0p3mGNHZMlAlcCKsHYdLFQQMjWh_6K6jAfiQEB4yrO9j07696MzQzgTYcm49JzW9ClRkMXpoJMgQ7pQk7PgXuiA3NZ8bHjfz0ipgFwgNtf4-YfXh53eekfrH6Ho1zMvFcPpWrEXbJBRFV1f2P44msbXMH-IHew/s320/51532578326_f99a91deda_w.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://flic.kr/p/2mvKWaL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Image</a> by Nenad Stojkovid<br />via Creative Commons</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>From 2015 to 2023, I have been experiencing problems with my right shoulder. This gave me the opportunity to visit orthopedic surgeons who referred me to physical therapists. I thought my issue was overuse at the gym since I attend a mix of 10+ classes at week at my local YMCA (strength training, stretching, cardio). </p><p>No. The problem was poor posture, caused in part by tech neck. (I am right handed, the hand I use to hold a mouse and a cell phone.) </p><p><i>Note: I am not a professional fitness instructor. Nor am I a licensed medical professional. This post only invites people to increase their awareness of the benefits of movement. I am sharing my experience as friends might do while having lunch toether. I strongly suggest that readers hire a personal trainer or visit a physical therapist for quality help in proper positioning and movement. </i></p><p>I have been practicing yoga regularly since 2004; however, I still managed to have my neck jutting out too far and my shoulder blades slumped too far forward and apart. Physical therapy helped me see how to place my upper body in better position during the many classes that I attend. </p><p>I decided to change the mix of my fitness classes so that I was doing fewer intense cardio classes and doing more classes that allowed me to maintain nearly a constant focus on my posture, particularly of my "frame," as the ballroom dancers describe it. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Yoga. </span></b>I attend yoga 2 to 4 times a week. Yes, I work on positioning my feet, knees, and hips; however, I have good muscle memory with the lower half of my body. I talk to myself almost the entire time about my shoulder blades and neck. </p><p>I also adapt some poses to focus on correcting my posture. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>For example, when everyone else is holding their arms strait up like the number eleven (11) with their arms resting over their ears, I frequently adapt this pose by putting my hands down by my tailbone and hold my hands together, pulling down towards to floor behind me. This is a counterpose to the slumping I often do while at the computer during my work day. I also sometimes hold up my hands in "cactus arms" and intentionally pull my shoulder blades back towards my spinal column in an attempt for them to "kiss" each other. <p></p><p>The photo above and the video below depict posture correcting poses. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hu_-_6VwaS8" width="320" youtube-src-id="hu_-_6VwaS8"></iframe></div><br /><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Core. </span></b>I attend core classes 2 to 3 times a week. The work I do with my core muscles helps me hold myself up more upright throughout the day. When I first started the class, I was doing crunches by focusing too much on pulling my neck and chin up. My instructor helped me fix my focus to moving my shoulders towards my hips in a way that focused on my upper rib cage and my navel. One I moved the work to my torso, the pain in my neck disappeared. It made total sense, but I had been doing sit ups and crunches incorrectly for decades. One of my core instructors works as a physical therapist, so I got a little bonus tip from a licensed professional. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p1I8ev9AEgU" width="320" youtube-src-id="p1I8ev9AEgU"></iframe></div><br /><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Ballet. </span></b> I attend ballet-inspired dance classes 1 or 2 times a week. My YMCA offers an adaptation of ballet called Barre, trademarked by Les Mills. Ballet is arguable the dance form that works the most on lifting every part of the body to the sky. These classes also have a lot of arm movement. I must focus constantly on keeping my chin tucked and keeping my shoulder blades back and down. Nevertheless, I find great benefit from these classes. The teachers all have excellent posture. Also, some of the students took ballet for years as children and teens, so I am inspired by observing my fellow classmates maintain correct posture in and out of class. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pEGnbOuGdRI" width="320" youtube-src-id="pEGnbOuGdRI"></iframe></div><br /><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Tai Chi.</span></b> I attend 1 tai chi class a week. Years ago, I regularly attended tai chi classes in West Virginia. I had a hard time following the form, and it frustrated me. I tried tai chi again in Indiana in 2022. The instructor made it easier for me to follow the form. Tai chi involves a greater bend in the knee than other exercises. Like core classes, it focuses a lot of energy in the core, or the site of life force or "chi." Tai chi is also called "moving meditation." </p><p>Because of the slower pace, I can focus more proper position of my head, neck, and shoulders as well as my hips, knees and feet. Yes, we move our arms around a lot, but the movement of my arms starts with my spine and shoulder blade, which are supported by my core. I am always very relaxed and content with life after I conclude my 60 minute tai chi class. Try it sometime! It has an even more "chill" vibe than yoga. And tai chi is great for balance as well as posture. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZBgkbBx_c9o" width="320" youtube-src-id="ZBgkbBx_c9o"></iframe></div><br /><p>Whether you exercise with others in a gym or by yourself at home, I hope that you find a great mix of moves that help you correct and maintain your posture. </p><p><b>BONUS</b>: Strength Training. I also focus on my posture when lifting weights. I strongly advise people to work with a personal trainer when learning how to life weights. It's easy to do some damage by having poor posture. </p><p><b>Related:</b></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/06/its-never-too-late-to-stand-up-straight.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It's Never Too Late to Stand Up Straight</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/06/posture-mantra-tall-proud-ballerina.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tall, Proud, Ballerina-Turtle Book</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-18109425037552692062023-06-26T06:58:00.006-05:002023-11-11T06:25:04.681-06:00Posture Mantra: Tall, Proud, Ballerina-Turtle Book <p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXOTKlA4MVg-UI75jh1eHvmHCLc2SwloP0l4ZUO3h0I09AFb0ZTH5y60-g-yjJ_0WKMZqBHW54PK4h1xO8eRh9bFmfqF80mobqwqWMX2MeSr-1RbWx9rvyu99hMckRtD0zBKWeW_vqfpOvN2fK0kwn6fzcAJ6Mr5_oHycjfggmWoA6PX7nkIrmNmZYoM/s400/4156833288_8bc5ff6730_w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXOTKlA4MVg-UI75jh1eHvmHCLc2SwloP0l4ZUO3h0I09AFb0ZTH5y60-g-yjJ_0WKMZqBHW54PK4h1xO8eRh9bFmfqF80mobqwqWMX2MeSr-1RbWx9rvyu99hMckRtD0zBKWeW_vqfpOvN2fK0kwn6fzcAJ6Mr5_oHycjfggmWoA6PX7nkIrmNmZYoM/s320/4156833288_8bc5ff6730_w.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Scillystuff <br />via <a href="https://flic.kr/p/7kjRHs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I have met many people with issues created by having an
incorrect posture for years, even decades. An ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure. A very small adjustment
to the position of your head, neck, shoulders, arms, back, hips, knees, or feet
can prevent future pain and even prevent the need for surgery.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>This post strives only to raise awareness about issues with
posture. If you have questions about any problems with posture—from head to toe—please
see a licensed medical professional—particularly orthopedic surgeons who can
diagnose and then refer to a physical therapist. <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I met a retired elementary school teacher in my Tai Chi
class years ago in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. She talked about how she spent
30 years standing in a way where she locked her knees. She was learning Tai Chi as a way to address problems from her back all the way down to her feet—all caused by
improper posture. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Since 2004, I have been practicing yoga, but it wasn’t until I
started seeing a series of licensed physical therapists that I received detailed,
customized instruction on how to further improve my posture. <i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here is a mantra that I have developed, based on advice from
three different physical therapists over the last eight years as well as some
advice from a handful of yoga instructors over the last twenty years. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I try to recite this to myself at least once every hour to
help me adjust my posture, primarily for my upper body: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><blockquote>“Tall, proud, ballerina-turtle book.” </blockquote><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Do I imagine that I am some bizarre oversized book that is shaped like a turtle in a tutu? </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let me explain what I do with each word. And, yes, there is repetition with standing tall, pushing my shoulder blades together, and tucking my chin. I need the repetition to double check my posture. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Tall:</b> Elongate my spine. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Proud:</b> Roll my shoulder blades back and down.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Ballerina</b>: Slide my head and neck up and back.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Turtle:</b> Tuck my chin. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Book</b>: Push my biceps back.</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Try A Video!</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here is an instructive video. I haven’t talked about core, thighs,
knees, or feet position. My two decades of yoga have helped me with that, so I did
not include those reminders in my mantra. You might need to adjust your posture
in your lower body and/or your upper body. My challenge comes from the top
third of my body, so this mantra focuses there. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ifIbl3wMNog" width="320" youtube-src-id="ifIbl3wMNog"></iframe></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p class="MsoNormal">Initially, I just recited "tall, proud, ballerina, turtle" to myself. However, After a little “fine tuning” by my physical therapist, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I added “book” to my mantra to remind me
to double check the position of my upper arms in relation to my chest and shoulder blades. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even though I have a mantra that works for me now, I am sure
that I will find ways to fine tune my posture even further. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Afterall, it's never too late to stand up straight. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> Related: </b></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2016/08/shoulder-pain-and-ageism.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shoulder Pain and Ageism</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/06/its-never-too-late-to-stand-up-straight.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It's Never Too Late to Stand Up Straight</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2022/12/gym-rat-at-sixty.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gym Rat at Sixty</a></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-81818167381028247042023-06-05T04:46:00.005-05:002023-11-11T07:14:58.451-06:00It's Never Too Late to Stand Up Straight<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcT8E-Zg2NUPwe1wdVdVTWjlVCxnasBNxU2cBNUvPFYkpotw7fo4U-fA6-moyl9tH0hemCgyA4qaXQQZYkvApZh8sGB7V5PEBz0jVOunJhNIwdT0VaVXsKkjWcPGaWub5OHRpCxO-C5t0nTe-bLNciXpu5XOiXaQAEkn3LjOgn8IsnUAQToDi5paMHgR4/s683/kdaPosture2012to2022and2023.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="683" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcT8E-Zg2NUPwe1wdVdVTWjlVCxnasBNxU2cBNUvPFYkpotw7fo4U-fA6-moyl9tH0hemCgyA4qaXQQZYkvApZh8sGB7V5PEBz0jVOunJhNIwdT0VaVXsKkjWcPGaWub5OHRpCxO-C5t0nTe-bLNciXpu5XOiXaQAEkn3LjOgn8IsnUAQToDi5paMHgR4/s320/kdaPosture2012to2022and2023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slouchy KDA at a park in Wichita, KS in 2012 <br />vs "Stand Tall" KDA in the UK & at the YMCA in 2022</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of the benefits of going to the gym is that I get to
“talk shop” with other members and with the instructors. We can share stories of our various triumphs
and challenges. </p><p class="MsoNormal">For the last seven years, I am most often talking
about issues with my right shoulder and my right arm. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I thought that I had injured myself by lifting too many
weights. After talking with some of my instructors who are physical therapists
and after visiting an orthopedic surgeon who referred me to a physical
therapist, I discovered the foundation of my shoulder / arm problems. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Poor posture. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This revelation caused me to remember a physical therapist’s comment to
me about a decade ago (2013). I showed this PT a photograph of my centenarian
friend, Gladys Bever, who was 103 at the time: “<a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2013/07/centenarians-on-rise-in-us.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Look at her posture</a>,” he
admonished me. “That correlates with longevity.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That was the first time I started to pay attention to the importance of posture beyond an aspect of aesthetics and a vehicle for conveying confidence. Each passing year, I grow more and more dedicated to spending time,
effort, and a bit of money (on physical therapy co-pays and deductibles) to
work on the root of my posture problems. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Because this topic includes a lot of areas, I’m going to
start a series. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Here are the topics I am anticipating covering. I will return
to add links and revise the topics as necessary.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/06/posture-mantra-tall-proud-ballerina.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Posture Mantra: Tall, Proud, Ballerina, Turtle, Book</a></li><li><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2023/07/classes-that-address-posture-yoga-core.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Classes that Address Posture: Yoga, Core, Ballet, and Tai Chi</a></li><li>Tech Neck from Cell Phone, Desktop, and (low tech) Books</li><li>Sticking my Neck Out Causes Shoulder Problems</li><li>AC Joint Impingement aka Weightlifter's Shoulder</li><li>Proper Positioning of the Shoulder Blades</li><li>Shoulder? Elbow? Fingers? It's a Pinched Ulna Nerve</li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><o:p><b>Related: </b></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><o:p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2013/07/centenarians-on-rise-in-us.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Centenarians on the Rise (featuring Gladys Bever)</a></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2016/08/shoulder-pain-and-ageism.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shoulder Pain and Ageism</a></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><o:p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2014/11/grateful-for-aging.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grateful for Aging</a></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2022/12/gym-rat-at-sixty.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gym Rat at Sixty</a></p><p></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-18061256063298409832023-05-31T03:12:00.002-05:002023-10-14T09:35:58.703-05:00Quilts and Entropy<p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mG1OkY09TXuZMx4ay5TCbNACe7ec6KeYs6mbda3fq2_sP2TRtQAYdVIqxu6WBdpVhDA-rIjB5B5aMek8WTrcA1TJKkSEH7E9ACQ3qbmScv8Bt7l_CiMkvT64jr6MtWOIq3ENCFQ4hGKY2oJRrdYdJRuoQLeRNsxyIu_1GVWJ81bgndUgyjiJmaxfpms/s550/BabyQuilts3and4Gens.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="412" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mG1OkY09TXuZMx4ay5TCbNACe7ec6KeYs6mbda3fq2_sP2TRtQAYdVIqxu6WBdpVhDA-rIjB5B5aMek8WTrcA1TJKkSEH7E9ACQ3qbmScv8Bt7l_CiMkvT64jr6MtWOIq3ENCFQ4hGKY2oJRrdYdJRuoQLeRNsxyIu_1GVWJ81bgndUgyjiJmaxfpms/s320/BabyQuilts3and4Gens.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Heirlooms<br />Photo by Karen D. Austin</td></tr></tbody></table>I love textiles. <p></p><p>Life can be cold and hard edged, so I love to surround myself with sheets, blankets, and quilts. I also have a lot of towels for the bathroom and kitchen, but today I am thinking about quilts. We own several store-bought items, but I feel especially comforted when I snuggle up with quilt made especially for me or a member of my family. </p><p>My beds usually have layers of blankets, comforters, and quilts on them so that I can burrow into a nest of softness and warmth. </p><p>I don't know how to knit, crotchet, quilt, or sew. Consequently, any hand-made items in my house came from one of several women in my extended family--my mother, Donna; my mother-in-law, Linda; my sisters, Julie and Michelle; and my own grandmothers, Thelma, Viola, and Doreen. </p><p>Today I was packing up some of these heirloom quilts and thinking about the generation above me. How these women haunt me--in ways that are assuring as well as ways that are a bit unnerving. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>I am sure that when these women made these quilts, they thought about binding the generations together as they bound the fabric together. They imagined their children and grandchildren moving into the future with more than shared DNA but some shared values and with a legacy of their love moving on beyond their own lifetime. <p></p><p>Today while I was packing up some of these items, I had a hard time imaging the future. My children are not cut from the same cloth as my grandmothers who were rural, church going, family centered people. My children have are urban and defined more by their jobs, friends, and tastes in media than by their ancestors. They do care deeply about civil rights and finding a way to live in a pluralistic, multicultural, global world connected by hypertext media. They don't have much use for the quilts that I have saved for them. </p><p>For now, I am going to keep these quilts, but I am thinking about integrating them into my household for everyday use. As I fold and refold these quilts that my children chose not to take with them when they launced as young adults, I am thinking of two pieces of literature. First is William Faulkner's novel <i>Absalom, Absalom! </i>This 1936 novel describes the ambitions of Thomas Sutpen who spends decades rising out of poverty to build up his family wealth and family system so that he is successful by conventional standards. By the end of the novel, however, Sutpen sees his efforts unravel--his wealth depleted, his family dispersed, his homestead in flames. All his efforts to build a legacy were in vain. </p><p>Although I read this novel before my children started elementary school, I am wondering if I failed to heed the lessons of this cautionary tale. Have I focused too much on imaging a future, a legacy for myself that is built on vanity rather than on meaningful relationships with my children in the present? Now that my children are adults, how might I collaborate with them in order to support the future that they are building? Otherwise, I might be sitting in the ruins of a burnt homestead that was a product of my own ego more than a product of being vulnerable to the possibilities that each day presents to me as I walk into an uncertain future. </p><p>The other work of literature that I think about is Alice Walker's 1973 short story "Everyday Use." The story centers around the way three women interact with the heirloom quilts from the household they shared before the daughters became adults. One daughter, Maggie, still lives at home with her mother, identified in the story as Mrs. Johnson. The other daughter, Dee, has just returned after being absent from the family home and her hometown for years because she was pursuing an education. </p><p>Dee comes home and assertively demands the family quilts, explaining that she understands their value as homespun artistry where Maggie (according to Dee's tone) is too naive to understand their value. Dee wants to take them back to the city and display them on a wall. Maggie wants to put them to everyday use. </p><p>The mother usually caves to Dee's bossy ways; however, at the end of the story, the mother pulls the quilts out of Dee's arms and gives them to Maggie who has a more sentimental connection to the women who made the quilts and who has learned how to make quilts so that the legacy will live on rather than being frozen into the past by hanging on a wall.</p><p>By thinking of Walker's story, I am not promising to hang these heirloom quilts on the wall. And I am not promising to freeze family history. </p><p>OK. Before I write something that sounds grounded and sage, let me be honest, I am wrapping myself up in these quilts and mourning the loss of heritage and tradition. I am stuck trying to decide whether to press my children to take these quilts into their apartments or whether I should box them up and stick them in the back of my closet until they retrieve them--which honestly might be after I die. And even then, they might throw them out or give them to a thrift shop. I have no control over how they will entail their family heritage into their own future lives.</p><p>With a little struggle and a bit of grief in doing so, I can learn to accept a future that uses material from the present instead of clinging too tightly only to material from the past--only to have it decay in my closed fist. </p><p>But after being sad for another day or two, I will find a way to put these quilts to everyday use, meaning that I will put them in the daily traffic of my life. I am going to use some, display some, and store some within my eyesight so that I can look at all of them regularly. I need to find a way to transform the pain of loss into an opportunity to meditate about intergenerational connections, family legacies, and shared values. </p><p>I will never convince my children to treasure these quilts. They are never going to regard extended family through the same lens that I do. (We each have our own generational and individual world views.) However, I can reduce my grief by making different choices. I can stop trying to push my children into my vision of their future and instead find a way to connect with them and support them--even when they change fundamentally from the way their great grandparents, grandparents, and even parents function in the world. </p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-82465095913837284702023-05-01T05:40:00.005-05:002023-08-13T17:03:37.296-05:00Mother's Day 2023 Gift Guide: NF Kidlit<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEVBQrMkPcsnkZcp1qF4vQmx47coaSFcMPvCadxalerIl0KYgt_9QHqnOLyDYkTuEa62CX8gr2CBhANkYNjBtXwOFVhBdrmyCAW0mmxSsjAH3M9L7Je9CxYUJpjvykmXJ6QUbu40glKaTWwtjBFAxYyWYNFtzCLYCUXEYa29wB7Mcoh9jEpyNjZuZPPI/s1024/readingtochildrenSJPublicLibrary.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEVBQrMkPcsnkZcp1qF4vQmx47coaSFcMPvCadxalerIl0KYgt_9QHqnOLyDYkTuEa62CX8gr2CBhANkYNjBtXwOFVhBdrmyCAW0mmxSsjAH3M9L7Je9CxYUJpjvykmXJ6QUbu40glKaTWwtjBFAxYyWYNFtzCLYCUXEYa29wB7Mcoh9jEpyNjZuZPPI/s320/readingtochildrenSJPublicLibrary.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Inter, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26204872@N08/3823034917" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; background-color: white; border: 0px solid; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">Reading to children.</a><span face="Inter, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">" by </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26204872@N08" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; background-color: white; border: 0px solid; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">San José Public Library</a><span face="Inter, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> <br />is licensed under </span><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; background-color: white; border: 0px solid; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 2.0</a><span face="Inter, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #30272e; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">.<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Many women who nurture children enjoy receiving children's books as gifts. I do! I can keep them at home so that young visitors have reading material. Or I can take these books with me when visiting young readers. I am not yet a grandmother, but many of my peers are. (I am in my sixties.) Mother's Day can include </span><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">mothers</span></li><li><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">bonus mothers (step-mothers and other partners of parents)</span></li><li><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">grandmothers</span></li><li><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">aunts and great aunts</span></li><li><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">fictive kin family members. (I am an "auntie" or "grandmother" of sorts to friends' children)</span></li><li><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">teachers</span></li><li><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">librarians</span></li><li><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">and MORE! Many people nurture children. </span></li></ul><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">I was recently invited to judge the nonfiction category for the <a href="https://www.cybils.com/cybils-books/2022-cybils-finalists" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cybil Awards</a>. I have only been a judge fore one year. I read 85+ nonfiction children's books that were published between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023. I loved many of them. I am invited to continue, so I will probably do another gift guide, maybe in time for the holidays at the end of this year. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">This list from the 85 titles is not definitively</span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"> "the best" of the lot. Investigate for yourself. See my </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/34993116" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads list </a><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">for all books that I read in 2022 (which includes more than just kidlit titles). It was hard to choose just eight books! </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><b>Younger Elementary School Readers (or listeners)</b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMsv-_jt2ZZ_XwV--jcbqX2EFkSvyXBxx-e_duiOHkaYs2SiAm575O9R80-ScJUqtD3eZoJQqKdQ4tgRtrxcoyx4ZE32LYH8JV0wORjHsRkJQacjtMNF-MHvxstKrwbWLuipuF-90CY24zll5Osf-34laafcBHb295DqRkq0TBHcBtyC5j3TeTES0G4I/s250/kidlitUncleJGarden.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="176" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMsv-_jt2ZZ_XwV--jcbqX2EFkSvyXBxx-e_duiOHkaYs2SiAm575O9R80-ScJUqtD3eZoJQqKdQ4tgRtrxcoyx4ZE32LYH8JV0wORjHsRkJQacjtMNF-MHvxstKrwbWLuipuF-90CY24zll5Osf-34laafcBHb295DqRkq0TBHcBtyC5j3TeTES0G4I/s1600/kidlitUncleJGarden.jpg" width="176" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Ford, Bernette G. with Ilustrator Frank Morrison. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5046544474" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Uncle John's City Garden.</a> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Bernette G. Ford writes a story inspired by true events. The main character of her book is a young girl who spends a summer helping her Uncle John maintain a garden plot in the city. The book provides an overview of the gardening basics: preparing the soil, planting seeds, watching things grow, harvesting, and sharing the yield with friends and family. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">The book's target audience is probably students in the lower elementary grades (K-3 or 5 to 8 year olds). But adults can read this aloud to preschoolers, and older readers will find the project of urban gardening interesting. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Frank Morrison's illustrations are rich and lush and show vibrancy and community in an urban area. Too many children watch TV shows that only depict Black neighborhoods and the projects as a site of decay and crime. The photos complement the story in showing a good work ethic and strong family ties. These are depictions that need more visibility.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0Lw1-cZohTC3VKPuurfpdbqe_zHJAo_ShB_9P9-tqMkdODe8Uqoo9fAjNXG-TlgrRWblcZncfQbhGw_QkR4s_9Rd7KayU8eO0eXRpONRK1EJbefkwcZxg3tiorIuXYbtCwzv0b5O5QBgUu0zmaJvkdoOFBCMbgFRKW8l6Btk-S6rxp8Nr9U1I0Gc8qo/s250/kidlitdigdancedive.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="193" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0Lw1-cZohTC3VKPuurfpdbqe_zHJAo_ShB_9P9-tqMkdODe8Uqoo9fAjNXG-TlgrRWblcZncfQbhGw_QkR4s_9Rd7KayU8eO0eXRpONRK1EJbefkwcZxg3tiorIuXYbtCwzv0b5O5QBgUu0zmaJvkdoOFBCMbgFRKW8l6Btk-S6rxp8Nr9U1I0Gc8qo/s1600/kidlitdigdancedive.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>Kaner, Etta with Illustrator June Steube. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5129054436" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dig, Dance, Dive: How Birds Move to Survive</a>. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">The book dedicates two pages to describing an action that birds can perform. For example: </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>"Birds Twist. How far can you twist hour neck? Like many owls, a long-eared owl can turn its neck nearly 270 degrees in either direction. That's all most all the way around! Why does it do that? To see better." </i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">The accompanying illustration depicts a family of owls: three adults and four babies sitting on a tree. Some of the owls have their heads twisted--15 degrees, 45 degrees, 180 degrees from upright.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">After highlighting an action per page, the book ends with smaller illustrations next to seven more actions: climb, dig, walk, run, dance, stalk, and dive.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><span><a name='more'></a></span>Older Elementary School Readers</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrfeNhBEiNh1mEcQcSAO7gajc3UzncU27h5DbFLt3fdPOve-ut9XzCJxX2VOADsTWgkJPiHTkVFpOCOPB3b3pULbYuvwaHZpLsybSZDQ8jVWf72DHjS-j-t10zOPQK21fsUXWiFxqPg82rQfr46mNf38QCiwnnNhMKurrvM2PSIwlbCGlAgP0rAlpnvs/s242/kidlitdeepdive.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="200" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrfeNhBEiNh1mEcQcSAO7gajc3UzncU27h5DbFLt3fdPOve-ut9XzCJxX2VOADsTWgkJPiHTkVFpOCOPB3b3pULbYuvwaHZpLsybSZDQ8jVWf72DHjS-j-t10zOPQK21fsUXWiFxqPg82rQfr46mNf38QCiwnnNhMKurrvM2PSIwlbCGlAgP0rAlpnvs/s1600/kidlitdeepdive.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">McGeachin, Jess (author / illustrator). <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5179731770" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deep: Delve Into Hidden Worlds</a>.</span></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">I love this book! I am interested in categories / schemata. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">McGeachin presents a great overview of various realms by using the word DEEP as a way to find commonalities: ocean, forest, earth, time, space, inside. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">This book is probably the best fit for readers ages 9 through 13; however, the illustrations make it accessible for younger readers, and the concept of "deep" appeals to high school readers who might thumb through a younger siblings' book or books on grandma's coffee table. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZpj2DYatWVeupVOFy0jJyOJxM2cdpt67NIwpzeYtpy7jgeXFVPfAelWmBESkWB6YBxu2ZLYl_6_6XG--huJGCavuwCvNGmiu8KDXKacYE7ezIhJDY9Fwnn4swxHsfIeMgVeMymDcFbyJtH5dthHcVA_Ueb_6ojWJNS5IOYBCMvkWD15rSeXJewJDAH8/s250/kidlit100animalsRatios.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="226" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZpj2DYatWVeupVOFy0jJyOJxM2cdpt67NIwpzeYtpy7jgeXFVPfAelWmBESkWB6YBxu2ZLYl_6_6XG--huJGCavuwCvNGmiu8KDXKacYE7ezIhJDY9Fwnn4swxHsfIeMgVeMymDcFbyJtH5dthHcVA_Ueb_6ojWJNS5IOYBCMvkWD15rSeXJewJDAH8/s1600/kidlit100animalsRatios.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>Smith, Amanda with Illustrator Aaron Cushley.<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5155808297" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> If the World Were 100 Animals: A Visual Guide to Earth's Amazing Creatures. </a></span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">This is a great book to teach children about biodiversity while also foregrounding the tools of math and logic.</span><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Miranda Smith wrote the book with Aaron Cushley as the illustrator. Every two pages (open recto and verso pages) presents a question about animals that is answered by ratios.</span><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">For example, "How many mammals still live in the wild?" Only 5:100. 36:100 are humans and 59:100 live on farms. These two pages have images of wild animals, people, and domesticated animals such as dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, goats, working animals (such as horses, oxen, donkeys, and sheepdogs), and animals raised for their fur (small ones such as a rabbit and large ones such as a llama).</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14px;"><b>Younger Middle School Readers</b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t2wEiOkxJxsJVT45FhgvpLyBmkdB_mKrkBB4TEskk1_fzEYZ9kBHxd6xLoZ03YZczOBGQn63NzOlf_jXTSuV1UAJGBukaDCJLJR-xDn6_JbIH6TW1-mWbIGtMD8Vmr5lLh0aoTtDwVZ7znkjhXTDhAPlxmwfozVnxergWTIDKQ3y8Jp4869TfF8KBx4/s250/kidlitHistory_of_TP.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="250" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t2wEiOkxJxsJVT45FhgvpLyBmkdB_mKrkBB4TEskk1_fzEYZ9kBHxd6xLoZ03YZczOBGQn63NzOlf_jXTSuV1UAJGBukaDCJLJR-xDn6_JbIH6TW1-mWbIGtMD8Vmr5lLh0aoTtDwVZ7znkjhXTDhAPlxmwfozVnxergWTIDKQ3y8Jp4869TfF8KBx4/s1600/kidlitHistory_of_TP.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>Gholz, Sophia with Illustrator Xiana Teimoy. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5128394227" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A History of Toilet Paper (and Other Potty Tools)</a> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">On the surface, this book looks like something for kids to giggle about, but it's sneaky! While discussing the taboo topic of cleaning one's behind, Gholz brings readers through a number of countries, cultures, time periods, and technologies.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14px;">I can see readers ages 4 to adult enjoying this book. The illustrations are detailed enough that prereaders can thumb through it and learn some things about toilet paper and the cultures depicted from various time periods. The best age range is probably 8 to 11. Some of the sentences are difficult because of puns and other tools employed to make the narration funny. Nevertheless, I have an adult friend who was delighted when I gave her my advanced copy as a holiday gift. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_Y_-qt24QvW7QUIEstjOMOi7R0pMxtSt3cEElHlDPx5Sv0DHiKzPX7v8IemUSWXX2XOnZfUU6bqbDAyw6oji9JOahM7clIxtKtwV_Oy7-4DO3ssLdJCkKiKku3r0vtur2S_1JeiByjB34MFKFzkaEJaTO639TYsXty93A-yLBnnB6tyQhBwIAEyVZwU/s250/KidlitOddBody.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="199" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_Y_-qt24QvW7QUIEstjOMOi7R0pMxtSt3cEElHlDPx5Sv0DHiKzPX7v8IemUSWXX2XOnZfUU6bqbDAyw6oji9JOahM7clIxtKtwV_Oy7-4DO3ssLdJCkKiKku3r0vtur2S_1JeiByjB34MFKFzkaEJaTO639TYsXty93A-yLBnnB6tyQhBwIAEyVZwU/s1600/KidlitOddBody.jpg" width="199" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Poliquin, Rachel with Illustrator Clayton Hamner. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5193465549" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Museum of Odd Body Leftovers.</a> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Poliquin's book<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"> describes the process of (mainly) human evolution by focusing on the vestigial aka leftover parts such as tails, the hiccup mechanism, thicker body hair, goosebumps, and various muscles in our limbs for climbing.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">I can visualize young readers 6-8 focusing on the silly pictures and the fun facts such as "people used to have a third eye!" and "people had tails!" But I can also see readers 9-12 reading the text, which explains the processes of natural selection, survival, and evolution. Some of the vocabulary or concepts are challenging, but--again--I can see a young reader owning this book and then getting greater understanding as they reread it over a few years' time.</span></div></div></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Older Middle School Readers and High School Readers</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLbpRvOzUH6lcPflqSEOFdf21w6UoZiTbLukEqBNvhL_V-kkNg0v1z_iKsYKGsL9mI1a0fuQqXoYu0lHN6ltVv64RdXlYaEib7-8nL1UIlq-XlfkJDjh5xyrlLoTfbsJiiWkC7oNCNLJODFns7fpe7Rcubz_P3PA8-KGQb476_scu9l4NEM9T3CJ2cT4/s250/KidLitHookWorm.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="203" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLbpRvOzUH6lcPflqSEOFdf21w6UoZiTbLukEqBNvhL_V-kkNg0v1z_iKsYKGsL9mI1a0fuQqXoYu0lHN6ltVv64RdXlYaEib7-8nL1UIlq-XlfkJDjh5xyrlLoTfbsJiiWkC7oNCNLJODFns7fpe7Rcubz_P3PA8-KGQb476_scu9l4NEM9T3CJ2cT4/s1600/KidLitHookWorm.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>Jarrow, Gail. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5155770436" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Murderer: The Parasite that Haunted the South (Medical Fiascos)</a>. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Jarrow writes an engaging book about a widespread health crisis that affected thousands of Americans in the South--if not a million plus: hookworm infestation in the colon. The book explains how cooperation among scientists, medical professionals, the government, journalists, and non-government organizations (charities funded by wealthy Americans) all worked together to help reduce cases dramatically. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">The book is well-designed for adolescent readers ages 12 to 17: It has a lot of short sections with clear headings, several images, and clear language that is not patronizing. I enjoyed this book. I see it as a great example of a public health issue parallel to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, reading about this crisis allows readers to be more objective when looking at policies and interventions taken by various institutions. You readers might go on to be scientists, politicians, public health officials, or healthcare workers. Or historians! </span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6Q4xkX4trdHiuBENLcbUvHs2deq71AXzWFHBcHZsJFQ2l9vPhd_tFfezzsAqQN_so0tID3GyMkyUOM_dRR79o9a_J1tfX6MW3f_YnAOgbxPaZy58Aesel_XAW0C3BGBtX7I218WvKGjRU6ULDdxEyQHcozwq7JBHOWI2D5-9inSGLXqZkc8ZkRuT4To/s250/KidlitWomanAllSpiesFear.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="170" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6Q4xkX4trdHiuBENLcbUvHs2deq71AXzWFHBcHZsJFQ2l9vPhd_tFfezzsAqQN_so0tID3GyMkyUOM_dRR79o9a_J1tfX6MW3f_YnAOgbxPaZy58Aesel_XAW0C3BGBtX7I218WvKGjRU6ULDdxEyQHcozwq7JBHOWI2D5-9inSGLXqZkc8ZkRuT4To/s1600/KidlitWomanAllSpiesFear.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>Greenfield, Amy Butler. </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5170578249" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">The Woman All Spies Fear: Codebreaker Elizabeth Smith Friedman</a></span></div><p></p><p></p><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">I was delighted to learn about cryptographer Elizabeth Smith Friedman and the work she did for decades on codebreaking. Her husband also was a cryptographer, which often meant she lived in his shadow. However, this book does a great job of describing her contribution to the world of codebreaking. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;">This book appeals to readers ages 14 and older particularly those with an interest in computer science, codebreaking, World War II, and/or women in STEM. As a college instructor, I would assign this book in 100-level courses. I was riveted, but it's not too technical. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div><div></div>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-58133301571697598012023-04-28T13:33:00.004-05:002023-07-07T10:51:55.097-05:00My Source of Wisdom<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlK45UjaFIQLF8jJi_5nc_h2LY3MRt1poDpJGCdXR1w1DrUGmjkBMcJ49zd-eC_k567tDhFsnfZccfTfH-cCOhHOH5z1_MevwwgENMXcLrL2cK-ADT2TJ8vI6ktYhTbKKeClYmDSNDGUTwjC2S1qQv-H4xPdDmSfClnkGbRk65kRJW5YpoMm-ON473Os/s400/3320930905_5647516f19_w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="400" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlK45UjaFIQLF8jJi_5nc_h2LY3MRt1poDpJGCdXR1w1DrUGmjkBMcJ49zd-eC_k567tDhFsnfZccfTfH-cCOhHOH5z1_MevwwgENMXcLrL2cK-ADT2TJ8vI6ktYhTbKKeClYmDSNDGUTwjC2S1qQv-H4xPdDmSfClnkGbRk65kRJW5YpoMm-ON473Os/s320/3320930905_5647516f19_w.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/35914311@N03/3320930905" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Image: </a>Emilio Labrador via<br />Creative Commons</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I would like to think that I am growing wiser with each passing year. Perhaps I am making better choices, exhibiting a better attitude, and showing greater compassion towards others. I do think this is the case some of the time. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">However, I do have to admit that the source of my wisdom does not stem from maturity. Instead I see that a lot of my wisdom is born out of fatigue. </span></b></p><p>What do I mean? </p><p>I will be in a situation where I have to make a decision. Am I going to be upset? Am I going to confront another person? Am I going to assert myself to achieve an ideal? I begin to imagine all the physical and emotional work that will need to exert in order to get my way, and then I pivot. </p><p>It will save me a lot of effort if I just learn to accept the situation at hand. I can adjust my attitude, which is also called "cognitive reframing." I can detach as the Buddhists advise: attachment leads to suffering. </p><p>Now that I am in my sixties, I am seeing that I still have some character flaws, but I often just refrain from pushing for my preferences because it's just easier in the long run. </p><p><b>Related:</b> </p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2016/04/quotes-about-aging-through-f.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Quotes about Aging</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2014/09/books-on-aging-spiritual-growth.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Books on Aging, Wisdom, and Spirituality</a></p><p><br /></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-51181519451396663952023-04-04T12:47:00.001-05:002023-06-05T12:49:37.823-05:00A Boomer Named Karen<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEz1k-FGPzT08IHxeCRjuzV667wjQkr1J0mWRzq8ZBOdXtUM3BMN4nSlDVY08nZnot75CyxCGgWTMipQTQQlrAO8IyAykY7qHJbVpLm9iX6CaTJavSa0Y1DtZAQrj1sX3Fx6wVzymJAMLNkGg00yHOsjXfmM66hwblP_JD-cj0ndhvkR-ecCeEbIt/s400/QuiltOregonDeptofTransportation.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="400" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEz1k-FGPzT08IHxeCRjuzV667wjQkr1J0mWRzq8ZBOdXtUM3BMN4nSlDVY08nZnot75CyxCGgWTMipQTQQlrAO8IyAykY7qHJbVpLm9iX6CaTJavSa0Y1DtZAQrj1sX3Fx6wVzymJAMLNkGg00yHOsjXfmM66hwblP_JD-cj0ndhvkR-ecCeEbIt/s320/QuiltOregonDeptofTransportation.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Oregon Dept of Transportation<br />via Creative Commons</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Given the recent use of the name "Karen," I have taken to introducing myself as "Karen. . . but not THAT Karen." </p><p>I am not describing myself as a victim for having this name. Instead, I take this cultural phenomenon as an opportunity to acknowledge the privilege that I have in my life as a white Boomer with a college education who enjoys relatively good health. </p><p>I grew up in a middle class home. I enjoyed extra curricular activities, travel, access to a car, an allowance, and a college education. There are a lot of people who have not enjoyed these advantages.</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>I could complain about the derogatory use of "Karen" that appears in social media these days. However, there are thousands of people who have been called worse for decades, centuries. And many people have lost opportunities for jobs, education, and housing because of their demographics. Some have lost their lives. It seems disingenuous for me to complain that people are identifying the advantages that I have enjoyed. <br /><p></p><p>Instead of complaining about any loss of status or respect, I see this moment in time as an opportunity to listen to other people talk about their experiences, to give them space to share their perspectives, their ideas. </p><p>I do not need to make myself the center of attention. </p><p>I have a lot to learn about the lives of other people who come from different countries, cultures, religions, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientation, immigrations status, and physical / intellectual abilities. </p><p>Now is the time for me to refrain from asserting and demanding; this is the time to observe and learn.</p><p><b>Related:</b></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2013/05/lgbt-right-to-ltc.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LGBT Older Adults</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2020/11/global-aging-2nd-edition-book-review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Global Aging</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2015/05/films-about-aging-in-japan.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Films about Aging in Japan and Other Asian Countries</a></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-66641613741475930792023-03-31T07:28:00.003-05:002023-07-05T13:44:37.881-05:00Numbers Top - Friday Fashion<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3zpP5MNLXUSvZ3fwVgXPM8IaZo2WWuuQa61byvWQ8Pp0qsnNkWbZPq2GsPuAXo1ZeiS-CFGWRlFWdiPAiikO_smHaPdxdcOOksDB8DomfBhozpAzhCcGIHr6tLJ1WU7QaLdx_NyJwJlfPxqM8bJcKIsXJ2CPbGHMYwM3YpVZA1qyh2gPjjSP0i3d/s579/NumbersTopWorn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="361" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3zpP5MNLXUSvZ3fwVgXPM8IaZo2WWuuQa61byvWQ8Pp0qsnNkWbZPq2GsPuAXo1ZeiS-CFGWRlFWdiPAiikO_smHaPdxdcOOksDB8DomfBhozpAzhCcGIHr6tLJ1WU7QaLdx_NyJwJlfPxqM8bJcKIsXJ2CPbGHMYwM3YpVZA1qyh2gPjjSP0i3d/s320/NumbersTopWorn.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Consignment Shopping Find</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>I have been feeling a bit "blah" since my twentysomething children have made their Declarations of Independence. I suppose this is giving me an identity crisis, which can lead to shopping. </p><p>The post title includes "Friday Fashion," which implies I will do a fashion post once a week. To be honest, I will probably do a fashion post once a quarter, so that title is a bit misleading. </p><p>While I do buy some things from retail stores (underwear, shoes, socks, jewelry), I buy most of my clothes from thrift shops or consignment shops. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>Here is a photo of one of my recent hauls. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpXLQCfirCBMY-x_I9KAnc3XumTOf24sks81AJ5j7EfZ13Q5VKCRmcDXbl8X_WB6GZrwJyRXfvqjEELp2nAHSIvit5yohqPhY2pVWp9kWL_zG4QgRj53c_c92vktzI08S3-Mxze20eExW4r_D1b2LbBynrKrfcemMoPN6ZR5jGhjbF9QBXcOvbJq_/s572/ThriftingHaulNumbersTop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="478" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpXLQCfirCBMY-x_I9KAnc3XumTOf24sks81AJ5j7EfZ13Q5VKCRmcDXbl8X_WB6GZrwJyRXfvqjEELp2nAHSIvit5yohqPhY2pVWp9kWL_zG4QgRj53c_c92vktzI08S3-Mxze20eExW4r_D1b2LbBynrKrfcemMoPN6ZR5jGhjbF9QBXcOvbJq_/s320/ThriftingHaulNumbersTop.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From World Mission Consignment<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>I was happy to find something a little quirky. This is a gray knit top with three quarter sleeves, adorned with bright green numbers. They are machine sewn into the fabric rather than being a print or an applique. I already had the green capri pants and the green earrings. <div><br /></div><div>I feel festive and "edumacational" when I wear this top, which I think matches my personality. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Related: </b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2013/03/aging-disgracefully.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aging Disgracefully</a><br /><p><br /></p></div>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-8672021207300340022023-03-17T06:58:00.003-05:002023-06-05T12:52:01.968-05:00Empty Nest Ennui<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyWpm9Z1xh31vO_MZujXg0-ZFcnqS8CAoE22gOqEmnUvDPusW6nAzzyx-YCUuQp0iIOuwp7TKC73ff_e_yM8C_dUCksnmIOs15_pXCHrDaOI4qyQcUk5qzp1VQU8fB3hVGBBD4eUiDU84W-xzqh3J9E4Z0az5Tf6OxVo2iqEU3RhM4mBYXsqr7-Bx/s400/listwestviaCC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="400" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyWpm9Z1xh31vO_MZujXg0-ZFcnqS8CAoE22gOqEmnUvDPusW6nAzzyx-YCUuQp0iIOuwp7TKC73ff_e_yM8C_dUCksnmIOs15_pXCHrDaOI4qyQcUk5qzp1VQU8fB3hVGBBD4eUiDU84W-xzqh3J9E4Z0az5Tf6OxVo2iqEU3RhM4mBYXsqr7-Bx/s320/listwestviaCC.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Liz West via <a href="https://flic.kr/p/5CGZ9p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>My rate of posting to my blog has slowed down a bit. I credit this in part to what I am calling Empty Nest Ennui. True, my children are 21 and 25. You would think that I would be well past adjusting to an empty next. However, I just passed two mile markers. </p><p>My son just turned 25, which is the end of adolescence by the way we talk about things in our house. Neurologists declare that the age where the frontal cortex is (typically) fully formed. Insurance actuaries figured this out decades ago from data regarding accidents. This is when people are better equipped to conduct risk assessments regarding their personal choices. Also, my son moved out a year ago in March, and he seems to be managing his own expenses. He's flown. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>My daughter is in her senior year of college. I just recently paid her tuition for her final semester. She isn't quite sure what she will do for work when she graduates. Her degrees are in music performance and music media production. She needs to learn how to hustle, but she is also busy working on two senior projects: recording and editing some music and then rehearsing for a senior solo recital. She's too overwhelmed to look for a job until after graduation. But the real point here is this: she lives 5 hours a way, and she signed a housing contract to stay in her college town next year. She's flown. <p></p><p><span></span></p>Even though I did not have children until my late 30s, I am feel a bit lost, without purpose. Things that usually engage me (teaching college, hosting friends once month at my house, going to the gym, being a big fan of Eurovision) feel a bit blah to me. Yes, I am a bit depressed. I need to recalibrate, get a new project going, create a new purpose for myself. <p></p><p>I did not expect to be this influenced by my truly empty nest. (Well, we are still paying for their phones and car insurance.) But socially and emotionally, I don't play a role in their lives. It's so weird. I guess parenting is about working yourself out of a job. </p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-53954804580512350532023-02-28T08:06:00.047-06:002023-03-18T11:52:23.102-05:00In Love--A Memoir of Love and Loss: Book Review<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPQS31YSKbUNuC48tfjSHuO9VIEVr0Z5aJfVHH0-Yowjsv7sOv1KTwKLVeFdczlxhmcbHXIyjaTP3XvRHLwlGBBDq8yBXE67fTTSQgUnwOZB0pfhHjvrC9ZG6CaguJ2AeqQVtQK49MIRWrPoVJXPK0DGylTomJSccyzd_-Ah2bAZhQpRStI31Sifk/s1150/Cover_Bloom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="783" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPQS31YSKbUNuC48tfjSHuO9VIEVr0Z5aJfVHH0-Yowjsv7sOv1KTwKLVeFdczlxhmcbHXIyjaTP3XvRHLwlGBBDq8yBXE67fTTSQgUnwOZB0pfhHjvrC9ZG6CaguJ2AeqQVtQK49MIRWrPoVJXPK0DGylTomJSccyzd_-Ah2bAZhQpRStI31Sifk/s320/Cover_Bloom.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Published 8 March 2022</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Because I teach a class called Death, Dying, and Bereavement, I like to read a few titles on that topic every year. </p><p>Because I had already read a novel by Amy loom, I decided to pick up a copy of her nonfiction book In <i>Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss</i>, published in March of 2022 by Random House. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Bloom details the time between her husband's diagnosis at 67 with Alzheimer's disease and his self-administered death two years later through a death with dignity organization called Dignitas, located in Switzerland. As expected these months are a mix of anguish and administrivia. <p></p><p>Her husband, Brian Ameche, was her spouse for just thirteen years at the time of his death. He was an outgoing person who loved going fishing and enjoyed time with his grandchildren. When he got his diagnosis in 2019, he knew that he did not want to lose his life bit by bit over the upcoming months, so he applied to die by self-administered drugs. </p><p>The book explains that the person who wants to die must have a terminal disease but they also must be of sound mind when they declare their intent to die. This means that Brian had to move forward before the Alzheimer's disease eroded too much of his cognition. </p><p>Bloom describes their relationship and the response each of them have to his diagnosis, to the progression of his disease, and the arduous application process meeting with physicians and psychiatrists. The last few chapters details the trip to Zurich and Brian's death. There is a little bit about Bloom's trip home and adjustment to an empty home, but the primary focus of the book is on Brian's quest for a right to die. </p><p>This book will fit nicely with a few documentaries on the right to die, such as <i>How to Die in Oregon</i> (2011). </p><p><b>Related:</b></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2012/11/movies-about-parents-active-in-dying.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Movies about Older Adults in the Dying Process</a></p><p><a href="http://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2015/04/books-on-dying-process.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Books on the Dying Process</a></p><p><br /></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-30142353223243896052023-02-01T08:08:00.004-06:002023-02-02T09:07:42.410-06:00Curriculum Vitae with a Focus on Gerontology Instruction<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdnnnjUFZGw_mDmF-d_J0jPn1nQI9pEBiSXgavPjFyxNRMZn3eztO-CkNvxxuXprOn0mCGLa_wpZnP1yYbUGRrokCGlwnbXktPCd08OIvTmThGTTdVBiHsGszjExIB12EYG3KqaV3Fad-RLxf9BT9JxN6U4XGUi6jONnJcZ5CYMLdaCGCP9dYwJSl/s640/KDAHarlaxtonConservatory.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdnnnjUFZGw_mDmF-d_J0jPn1nQI9pEBiSXgavPjFyxNRMZn3eztO-CkNvxxuXprOn0mCGLa_wpZnP1yYbUGRrokCGlwnbXktPCd08OIvTmThGTTdVBiHsGszjExIB12EYG3KqaV3Fad-RLxf9BT9JxN6U4XGUi6jONnJcZ5CYMLdaCGCP9dYwJSl/s320/KDAHarlaxtonConservatory.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen in the Conservatory <br />(at Harlaxton Manor, Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK)<br />with a cell phone. June 2022. </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>My employer is submitting documents for a project, and she needed my curriculum vitae. I decided to include it here. </p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Karen D. Austin<br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Gerontologist<br /><br /></span> MA earned from 2010 to 2013; part-time teaching conducted 2013 to the present (2023)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">My <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/karendaustin/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LinkedIn profile </a>documents my work and education prior to 2010. I previously worked in support services in higher education and taught classes in composition, technical writing, tutor training, and surveys of literature (world literature, American literature). <br /><br />For a few years, I actually was employed outside of a higher education setting when I worked as a technical writer. <br /><br />Other than those four years working in the private sector, I have been a student and/or an employee at nine different colleges / universities. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">At midlife, I shifted my focus to gerontology. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Current Position</b>: Adjunct / Lecturer from Fall 2016
to present in the Gerontology Program under the supervision of Dr. M. Catherine
(Katie) Ehlman Health Professions Center 3068, (812) 461-5332 mehlman@usi.edu within
the College of Nursing and Health Professions at the University of Southern
Indiana, 8600 University Blvd., Evansville, IN 47712. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">Courses taught: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Gerontology 215: Health Care Aspects of
Gerontology<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Gerontology 215 (renamed): Intro to Global Aging
and Healthcare<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Gerontology 321: Sociological Aspects of Aging<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Gerontology 317: Continuum of Care and Community
Services<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Gerontology / Sociology 343: Death, Dying and
Bereavement<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span></span></b></p><a name='more'></a><b>Education</b>: <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Master’s degree in Aging Studies from Wichita State
University in May of 2013. Program Director Dr. Nicole Rogers, Chair and Associate
Professor, College of Health Professions, Department of Public Health Sciences,
Office 325A Ahlberg Hall, 1845 Fairmount Street, Wichita, Kansas 67260 (316)
978-6684 nicole.rogers@wsu.edu<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in English from Brigham Young University
in April 1984, Provo, UT. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Work History:</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Adjunct / Lecturer for University of Evansville in the
Sociology Department teaching gerontology glasses. Fall 2019 to present. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Supervised by Dr. Mari Plikuhn, Schroeder
School of Business Building, Room 55, 1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN
47722. (812) 488-2707 mp168@evansville.edu<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">Courses Taught:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->GT 401: Biology, Health, and Personal Dimensions
of Aging<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->GT 403: Later Life and Spirituality<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->GT 407: Economics of Aging and Social Policies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Adjunct / Lecturer for Wichita State University from August
2013 to May 2016. Supervised by Dr. Nicole Rogers. (Contact information above
in the education section.)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">Courses Taught:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Aging Studies 512: Issues in Minority Aging<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Aging Studies 518/818: Biology of Aging<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Aging Studies 550: Experience of Aging in Film<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Aging Studies 715: Adult Development and Aging<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Aging Studies 798: Interprofessional
Perspectives on Aging<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Aging Studies 814: Psychology of Aging</p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Related:</span></b><p></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2020/07/teaching-gerontology-classes-at-ue.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Teaching Gerontology Courses at University of Evansville</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2019/05/gero-screagle-pride.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Teaching Gerontology Courses at University of Southern Indiana</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2013/05/pomp-and-circumstance.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Earning a MA in Aging Studies then Teaching Aging Studies at Wichita State University</a></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-14398909124389004822023-01-29T14:52:00.006-06:002024-01-28T10:19:31.901-06:00Word of the Year for 2023: Breath(e)<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFj0vq6fC76VafUz_krMAYRTwL3FhZ9Mg5vr_Siu2c2kFY6gBBBZ5zKjXt_G1Pnr1el9DVfZaXSwtNEVydTNUOOFSFytVVQBntHk2hJv5gFTD0eK9sI1DEqUIFYhjSHDN1otLIORXVPYLsRVsLAqSPEfdugZpxJs5J6NtKS-8_mgIyU1inRWz4hgF/s400/9313275425_7e6d7dbdaf_w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFj0vq6fC76VafUz_krMAYRTwL3FhZ9Mg5vr_Siu2c2kFY6gBBBZ5zKjXt_G1Pnr1el9DVfZaXSwtNEVydTNUOOFSFytVVQBntHk2hJv5gFTD0eK9sI1DEqUIFYhjSHDN1otLIORXVPYLsRVsLAqSPEfdugZpxJs5J6NtKS-8_mgIyU1inRWz4hgF/s320/9313275425_7e6d7dbdaf_w.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by <a href="https://flic.kr/p/fbYYje" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sharon Brogan</a><br />via Creative Commons</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>I have long given up making resolutions. </p><p>Instead, I choose a Word of the Year. </p><p>I like how malleable a word can be over the course of a year. </p><p>This year, I am choosing BREATH(E). Yes, I put parentheses around the final letter to create a two-for-one word: </p><p>breath and breathe: noun and verb. </p><p>I like the verb <i>breathe</i> because the form is a command. "Breathe!" invites me to stop, live in the moment, relax, and to take an inventory. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>When I breath, I create a pause between stimulus and response. <p></p><p>Breathing helps me to slow pulse, slow my blood pressure, slow down my speech, slow down my physical activity, and slow down my thought process. </p><p>I like the noun <i>breath</i> because it is associated with spirit or the divine force. In Hebrew, God breathes life into Adam. The same word (ruak or RUE-AWK) is translated as not only as breath but also as wind and spirit.</p><p>Spirit. Inspiration. Respiration. Breath(e). </p><p>In the gospel of John, Jesus appears to the disciples in a locked room and says, "Peace be unto you." Then he breathes on them and says, "Receive ye the Holy Spirit" (John 20:22). </p><p>That is some powerful use for breath! </p><p>Here's to a year dedicated to slowing down and reflecting. </p><p><b>Related:</b></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2022/01/2022-word-of-year.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Word of the Year for 2022: Smaller</a></p><p><a href="https://segullah.org/blog/witness-my-2021-word-of-the-year/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Word of the Year for 2021: Witness</a></p><p><a href="https://segullah.org/daily-special/resolution-evolution/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Word(s) of the Year for 2020: Humility and Compassion</a></p><p>(I cannot find a post about my 2019 WOTY)</p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2018/12/not-resolution-but-focus-word.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Word of the Year for 2018: Grounded</a></p><p><br /></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-76137313643069720102023-01-01T18:46:00.005-06:002024-01-10T13:53:24.880-06:00Happy 11th Blogoversary<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6O0QgWW9hP6BWVu1ZjMVZ1CDsrIxZk0sH-_hH5MQTO7Yfb7N3t6AtWRKNr1Bv0ZufJUcutil_FZSGdba2nIX2FGLQZ2yPEewaP_S75oi6Z5ZpdW98G_CX676CRZev1s3IPps0jdG3HBQs_RSDgNDkpgs5lcwi7DgcMOdBQ1Zp42iwlXx3wk9cV5o/s400/14305112243_c6e9734793_w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="400" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6O0QgWW9hP6BWVu1ZjMVZ1CDsrIxZk0sH-_hH5MQTO7Yfb7N3t6AtWRKNr1Bv0ZufJUcutil_FZSGdba2nIX2FGLQZ2yPEewaP_S75oi6Z5ZpdW98G_CX676CRZev1s3IPps0jdG3HBQs_RSDgNDkpgs5lcwi7DgcMOdBQ1Zp42iwlXx3wk9cV5o/s320/14305112243_c6e9734793_w.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by <a href="https://flic.kr/p/nN6rug" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">texturepalace</a><br />via Creative Commons</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Happy 11th Blogoversary to <i>The Generation Above Me</i>. <p></p><p>Over the last decade plus, this blog has been the host to 459 posts and 2,795 comments. </p><p>These posts have gleaned over a million views (1,355,636). </p><p>In 2014, this blog hosted 114 posts, the most productive year. </p><p>In 2022, this blog hosted 9 posts. </p><p>I am still thinking about aging. I just need write about it. </p><p>Part of the issue is that my children have six living grandparents ranging in ages from 80 to 88. (My in-laws, my mother and her husband, and my father and his wife.) All six of them are experiencing some growth and development, and they are making some great contributions to their churches, neighborhoods, their friendship networks, and their families near and far. However, they are also facing notable challenges. However, I want to afford them privacy, so I am not detailing those challenges here. </p><p>The posts with the all-time views has not moved very much in the last few years, so you might want to visit <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2018/01/happy-6th-blogoversary.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this 2016 post</a> that lists (with links) the 20 posts with the most views over the life of this blog. </p><p>The most viewed post written in 2022 was this conference preview. </p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2022/06/2022-maia-concurrent-sessions.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2022 Mid-American Institute on Aging and Wellness - Concurrent Sessions</a><br /></p><p>The most viewed post over the last twelve months was this 2013 post, which I update now and then: </p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2013/06/movies-set-in-nursing-homes.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Movies Set in Nursing Homes (and other venues for senior housing). </a></p><p>If you are only going to read one post, I would recommend this one: </p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2021/04/ten-books-essential-library-on-aging.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ten Books: An Essential Library on Aging. </a></p><p>All my best to you and yours for a 2023 that is filled with opportunities to promote wellness in mind, body, and spirit. </p><p><b>Related:</b></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2022/01/happy-10th-blogoversary.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Happy 10th Blogoversary</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2021/01/happy-9th-blogoversary.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Happy 9th Blogoversary</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2020/01/happy-8th-blogoversary.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Happy 8th Blogoversary</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2019/01/happy-7th-blogoversary.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Happy 7th Blogoversary</a></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-44817400753930236542022-12-31T19:18:00.004-06:002023-06-05T19:12:13.547-05:002022 Top Posts, but not really<p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgormkXnuMH8xRW2mwTM3Th-kfeoZiFmwgri6FgKh3fxDw5FtJfqoqgOS36iAqJGfzNIBAFsAAorOYgk52lkBIrrXLa4h_AopmYBN_7MdbZr-0lYPv0G-Quvsabis1wq8IT02i8F1ZlA145revF3KOmHyb1vnN51bxOCQkzigvDZeUVG3z_-lCKLU57/s400/1379780606_7ec2d9eeb1_w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgormkXnuMH8xRW2mwTM3Th-kfeoZiFmwgri6FgKh3fxDw5FtJfqoqgOS36iAqJGfzNIBAFsAAorOYgk52lkBIrrXLa4h_AopmYBN_7MdbZr-0lYPv0G-Quvsabis1wq8IT02i8F1ZlA145revF3KOmHyb1vnN51bxOCQkzigvDZeUVG3z_-lCKLU57/s320/1379780606_7ec2d9eeb1_w.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by <a href="https://flic.kr/p/36VJGN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leo Reynolds</a><br />by Creative Commons</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Today marks the last day of 2022. <p></p><p>I am looking back over the posts published on this aging blog over the last year and seeing that I have not been sharing a lot of my insights on aging. I only completed nine posts--counting this one. Consequently, compiling a list of Top 10 posts is a little disingenuous. </p><p>Here are the three posts written in 2022 with the most views: </p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2022/12/gym-rat-at-sixty.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gym Rat at Sixty</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2022/10/critical-age-theory-book-review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Critical Age Theory: Book Review</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2022/06/2022-maia-concurrent-sessions.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2022 MAIA Concurrent Sessions</a></p><p>I am still teaching gerontology classes as an adjunct at both the University of Evansville and at the University of Southern Indiana (USI). </p><p>In previous years, I frequently wrote posts about films that I have viewed and books that I have read on topics related to aging. In 2022, I only read one book about aging. Lately, I have been spending more time at the gym and less time reading and watching films. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>I also helped a friend by serving as a judge of nonfiction books for three categories: elementary, middle grade, and high school readers. Here is my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/34993116" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads 2022 Challenge</a>, which shows the 84 children's books that I read (in addition to another 20 books, with a total of 104 titles read this year). <p></p><p>I also traveled a lot this year with trips to the following places: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Harlaxton Manor in Grantham, Lincolnshire, England</li><li>Edam, Netherlands (which is just a bit north of Amsterdam)</li><li>Burlington, Vermont</li><li>Seattle, Washington</li><li>Houston, Texas</li></ul><div>I also traveled to Muncie, Indiana to see our daughter play the trumpet in recitals and in performance groups with other brass players or in the university concert band (which is like an orchestra but minus the strings). That's a four hour drive each way, so we typically stay overnight after the evening concert. During the pandemic, we only had the opportunity to watch her on a livestream, and she is a trumpet performance major at Ball State University. We were trying to make up for lost time. </div><p></p><p>Also, I am experiencing some eye fatigue after teaching online during the day, so I tend to listen to podcasts in the evening instead of reading or watching films or television. I could work harder to find podcasts on topics related to aging so that I can write reviews and make recommendations. </p><p>I am hoping that 2022 brought you all some great opportunities. </p><p><b>Related:</b></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2021/12/2021-top-posts.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2021 Top Posts</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2020/12/2020-top-10-posts.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2020 Top Posts</a></p><p><a href="http://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2019/12/2019-top-10-posts.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2019 Top Posts</a></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-29663790037682989182022-12-28T11:56:00.007-06:002023-01-08T14:30:15.753-06:00Gym Rat at Sixty<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQj1VOUcWIXqKVjUTvoR_cXrEzA9I6qzapFFWh_ktaimuHLoA0P9y9oMoEpdmenaf_tN5iZcQYmiyoHNXLnw2Cni61a-1zckVhsOtmhPwatSBeGAhHprRUr62XNJisfuK-fCRkUgPo6vaJNqe9CW0z2WEIXgoyJjwFCHDVRktye9FAY8QNi6hVMtzD/s555/kdanewcutymcaoutsidecropped.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="383" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQj1VOUcWIXqKVjUTvoR_cXrEzA9I6qzapFFWh_ktaimuHLoA0P9y9oMoEpdmenaf_tN5iZcQYmiyoHNXLnw2Cni61a-1zckVhsOtmhPwatSBeGAhHprRUr62XNJisfuK-fCRkUgPo6vaJNqe9CW0z2WEIXgoyJjwFCHDVRktye9FAY8QNi6hVMtzD/w138-h200/kdanewcutymcaoutsidecropped.jpg" width="138" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen outside of the <br />Dunigan YMCA<br />in October 2022.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I admit to going to the YMCA a lot. </p><p>Because I teach biology of aging for the sociology department at the University of Evansville, I am well versed (in a generalist sort of way) on the benefits of regular, varied exercise.</p><p>This means that when I am sitting around, reading about the benefits of exercise, I will often put my book down and drive over to one of the two YMCA locations in the Evansville area: </p><p>Dunigan on Oak Grove is just a ten-minute drive for me, but I also drive downtown to the Ascension St. Vincent's YMCA, which is only a twenty-minute drive. </p><p>By exercising regularly, I am improving my muscle tone, heart health, balance, bone density, flexibility, circulation, posture, digestion, cognitive function, and mood. </p><p>However, I have several reasons for attending exercise classes frequently: <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I am a <b>social </b>person. I teach primarily online, and I am now an empty nester. My husband is a writer, editor, publisher. (He is very introverted.) I give him more quiet if I attend the gym. And then I get to chat up 100 plus people on the regular. </li><li>I see the <b>financial</b> benefit of renting equipment from the YMCA instead of purchasing items for a home gym. </li><li>I <b>save space</b> at home instead of purchasing equipment for a home gym. </li><li>I can <b>focus </b>entirely on fitness when I am at the gym. When I try to practice yoga at home or jump rope or lift hand weights or even dance around in my kitchen, I am distracted by the dog, the phone, housecleaning, the computer, etc. </li><li>The gym allows me to participate in <b>all three areas</b> of fitness: cardiovascular exercise, stretching, and strength training. </li><li>I can <b>cross-train</b> by taking a wide range of classes. It is too easy to injure yourself if you only participate in one type of exercise because people overuse the same set of muscles. By taking an array of classes, I get to work a wide range of muscles. For example, I take three yoga classes a week. However, by taking Les Milles Ballet Barre classes and Athletic Stretch classes, I find muscles that I was not working despite having a handful of yoga teachers who run the class through different poses. </li><li>I have role models and fellow fitness enthusiasts by connecting not only with the teachers but with the other YMCA members. We talk in the halls about fitness, nutrition, recovering from injuries with the help of physical therapy, etc. We <b>"talk shop"</b> about how to live in our bodies effectively. </li><li>I struggle with high levels of anxiety, and regular exercise helps me to <b>decrease my anxiety levels</b> so that I can better work, sleep, and relate with others. (One in four people in the US lives with some kind of challenge with mental health: depression, anxiety--GAD, OCD, PTSD, etc.--, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, eating disorders, etc.) </li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: large;">What Is My Weekly Routine? </b></div><div><br /></div><div>My exercise routine varies from about 8 classes a week to 14 classes a week, depending on my schedule. Here is a typical week for me: </div><div><br /></div><div>(RPM is a spin class aka stationary cycling. Sh'Bam is a dance class. Everything else should be evident. If not, you can search under Les Mills classes or YMCA fitness classes for a description.)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Monday</b>: RPM in the morning, Tai Chi in the late afternoon, Gentle Yoga in the evening. </div><div><b>Tuesday</b>: Sh'Bam in the morning, Body Pump in the late afternoon, Step in the evening.</div><div><b>Wednesday:</b> RPM and Core Strength (short 30 minute classes) in the early morning. </div><div><b>Thursday:</b> Barre and Athletic Stretch in the morning (short 30 minute classes). Warm, Flow Yoga in the evening</div><div><b>Friday:</b> RPM in the morning, which I leave early after 30 min. to attend Sh'Bam following.</div><div><b>Saturday:</b> Body Pump in the early morning and then Core, Barre or Step, followed by Athletic Stretch.</div><div><b>Sunday:</b> Hot Yoga in the late afternoon. I practice yoga very devotionally and not aggressively, particularly on this day, given it is the Sabbath. It's an analogue to Sunday nature walk. </div><div><br /></div><div>Again, because of other responsibilities or appointments, I do not always do every one of these classes every week. For example, I am going to a women's basketball game at the university this week, which conflicts with one of my regular fitness classes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes I think that I have hyper-gymnasia, but then I do skip the gym to accept other invitations. Also, my lab numbers are good (including A1c, iron count, blood pressure, pulse, and BMI), and I am free of injury. I do have osteoporosis and arthritis, but exercise helps both of these common, age-correlated chronic diseases. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2015/07/biomarkers-for-aging.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">18 Biomarkers for Health and Longevity</a></div><div><br /></div><div>The highest number of classes that I do within a week is 14 classes--but they are not all hard-hitting cardio. I often choose to do a class and work on my form more than on maximizing my heart rate or muscle capacity. My norm is to do about 10 classes a week, plus or minus two. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>All my best to you for forging a fitness plan that works for your needs!</b> Forging a solid fitness plan is necessary for people of all ages and abilities. You are never too young or too old to start moving in a healthy way to improve your health, function, health span, and life span.</div><div><br /></div><div>See a licensed medical professional (i.e., general practitioner, internist, gerontologist, orthopedic surgeon, podiatrist, physical therapist) before embarking on a fitness program, especially if it is a big change from your regular fitness routine. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPEwZkb6eomsmcLF68i7FsbSMiGQ-6qPiClbtsNagIHbcxRrYaDhAq5VMZWpBWiHfZBZrH6txlq3ta_D1XJY0orvA1oE5dNZupJjNVE-qvCKuSPwtehY7AM5gv7HDQki9jeCyLFyCxiUMPWUIKaNo_bXmGWMhV6PIV5rHN0GZLgPWESzi2VkTUEv2/s640/IMG_1580.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPEwZkb6eomsmcLF68i7FsbSMiGQ-6qPiClbtsNagIHbcxRrYaDhAq5VMZWpBWiHfZBZrH6txlq3ta_D1XJY0orvA1oE5dNZupJjNVE-qvCKuSPwtehY7AM5gv7HDQki9jeCyLFyCxiUMPWUIKaNo_bXmGWMhV6PIV5rHN0GZLgPWESzi2VkTUEv2/s320/IMG_1580.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen in the Dunigan yoga room.<br />December (duh) 2022.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div> <b>Related: </b></div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2014/10/3-karens-on-track.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Three Karens on the Track</a></div>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-88832692792179792262022-10-10T08:58:00.004-05:002023-01-02T11:02:30.504-06:00Critical Age Theory: Book Review<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7O0w_oujgMN9w0pKk2_H8ALupJVhl2Cs2CmWrHfLPFj7QFkJ9cLMfreXkuFm3xAU7fWcWw3ABAFhOttoY0no6DoYD39drJ2G-vT18v8QwPwOf4vi2d03MSxarziNT3ggYuMQ_m0lnkfJ-Wp0SHr_x-bIUok5dns-miSWq0HSde5qA3H_N6n48Riq-/s538/Cover_Garrett_CAT.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="354" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7O0w_oujgMN9w0pKk2_H8ALupJVhl2Cs2CmWrHfLPFj7QFkJ9cLMfreXkuFm3xAU7fWcWw3ABAFhOttoY0no6DoYD39drJ2G-vT18v8QwPwOf4vi2d03MSxarziNT3ggYuMQ_m0lnkfJ-Wp0SHr_x-bIUok5dns-miSWq0HSde5qA3H_N6n48Riq-/w264-h400/Cover_Garrett_CAT.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Published 29 May 2022.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">I have been reading widely about aging since 2010. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">A few books take a comprehensive view of the aging process, titles that I often recommend to people who are not gerontologists so that they can get The Big Picture. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2021/04/ten-books-essential-library-on-aging.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ten Books: An Essential Library on Aging</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have found another title to add to my list of must reads about aging. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mario D. Garrett, PhD has written a jeremiad of sorts about the many institutions that prey on older adults, capitalizing on the vulnerability many face in late life. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To create a context, I suggest readers first watch the 2020 film, <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Care_a_Lot" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Care A Lot</a></i>, directed by J. Blakeson and starring Rosamund Pike. I watched the film the year it was released and found it interesting as an exaggeration, a dramatization of the state of eldercare in the 21st Century. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Two years after viewing that film, Garrett's book has me rethinking <i>I Care a Lot</i> as being less a niche genre black satirical comedy thriller and more from the genre "based on true events." I had already planned on mentioning this film in my review before I saw that Garrett references <i>I Care A Lot </i>(2020) himself. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Watch the film, but if you going to choose one, read Garrett's book. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Critical Age Theory: Profiteering From the Final Stages of Life </i>(2022) describes the ways for-profit companies and even the government and non-profits fail older adults when they are the most frail of mind, body, and finances. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I teach college courses on aging (gerontology), and this book would work well to alert my students to the unethical practices that are inherent in the system and challenging for individuals to change at their level. </div><div><br /></div><div>The chapters are as follows (with a staccato summary/response for each chapter). </div><div><br /></div><div>(Here is my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4897799079?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads review</a>, which I wrote chapter-by-chapter as I read. It's grittier than my blog review.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Introduction: This sets the tone with Garrett as the lone voice in the wilderness, asking people to look at the larger systems controlling aging and to spend less time blaming elders and their family caregivers and less time wagging fingers at those paid to offer support directly to older adults. The problem goes higher up, and it goes deep into the structures of 21st century power structures. Here is one example that gestures to system rather than the individual as the root problem:</div><blockquote><div>"We make it easy for . . . commercial practices to continue as we tend to see only individuals that commit fraud or harm. As with elder abuse, we personalize the interaction. however, in most cases, the institutional make up--what we euphemistically refer to as their business model, or business culture--determines how individual workers behave within an agency. Since the business model dictates workers' hours, duties, and responsibilities, it is logical to examine the business model being used" (9). </div></blockquote><div></div><div><br /></div><div>(I do not remember Garrett using the word "hegemony," but academics use this--and other words--to study the network of power that is pervasive and difficult to combat.)</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Drugs: Drugs are often improperly prescribed and almost always overpriced. </div><div><br /></div><div>*Each chapter ends with a "Playbook" that unearths the game plan that seems to drive decisions based on profitability over patient-centered / customer-centered / client-centered service. One of the items from the "Playbook" on the chapter "Drugs" is this: "Price medications on the basis of what people can afford rather than what they cost to develop and manufacture" (37). </div><div> </div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span>2. Conservatorship: Not just individuals but companies manage conservatorships unethically.<br /> </div><div>3. Housing: Not all elders have equity in homes, but even those who do often lose too much value by using reverse mortgages and other exploitative practices. </div><div><br /></div><div>4. Assisted Living: This is expensive and not as comprehensive as touted. A la cart services add up quickly. </div><div><br /></div><div>5. Nursing Homes: There are laws in place, but those who are striving to make a profit can find loopholes that diminish care in the name of profits. Overworked, undereducated CNAs do most of the point-of-contact care. Those at the top (owners, investors) make a lot of profit and shield themselves from law suits about neglect or abuse, pushing the punishments to those who work on site. </div><div><br /></div><div>6. Hospitals: The contemporary hospital is complex and patient care often gets lost in the complexity but economics always stays in sharp focus. </div><div><br /></div><div>7. Sub-Acute Care / Cryonics: People are fearful about dying. Expensive medical care can keep people alive when their quality of life is extremely low (coma / vegetative state). And those who have the money can find companies promising (but not delivering) eternal life by freezing the body for future reanimation. </div><div><br /></div><div>8. Do Not Resuscitate and Hospice: Patients with DNRs do not always get their wishes met because the paperwork is not always reviewed before treatment, and the central tenant of medicine is curative care not palliative care. Hospice can help people with end-of-life care, but its a business, and many business decisions by some hospice companies are made based on which kind of death trajectories (for example, those on hospice with dementia as the primary diagnosis) are profitable to the hospice business. </div><div><br /></div><div>9. Funeral Services: Those planning for their own death, burial, services and those who will survive them often fall victim for paying too much for the basics (cremation or coffins) and paying for upgrades or unnecessary additional services and products. </div><div><br /></div><div>10. Pensions, Insurance, and Funds: Government programs such as Social Security and Medicare and private programs such as pensions and health insurance are in transition. People used to live very few years post-retirement. Now people live 20 or 30 years past retirement, and it's expensive. Politicians robbed from Social Security, not planning for the dramatic increases of life expectancy, and now the Boomers are drawing SS benefits, and the program cannot pay out. Companies have switched from defined benefits to defined contributions, but not all workers pay into retirement programs. Poverty in late life is a real problem, and our government and businesses are not as well prepared to support our oldest citizens as other industrialized nations. The individual gets the blame instead of the larger systems. </div><div><br /></div><div>Conclusion: The conclusion does a little bit of summary; however, it also includes quite a bit of new information that is relevant across several of the prior chapters. Some of the conclusion also identifies patterns that cut across various industries. And some of the conclusion makes broad observations about culture in addition to what has been observed throughout by institutions such as healthcare, insurance, and the government. Because of the complexity of the conclusion, it's best if I share the headings that indicate this in-depth, far ranging content: </div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Findings So Far</div><div>Government Collusion<br />The Business Evolution of Dialysis</div><div>Policy Limited Fraud and Abuse</div><div>The California Master Plan for Aging</div><div>Futile Fines</div><div>Future of Artificial Intelligence</div><div>Failing the Workers</div><div>Control of Medicare and Medicaid</div><div>Failure of Long-Term Insurance</div><div>Combining Insurance Eligibility</div><div>The Birth of Medicare Advantage</div><div>Gaming the Risk Score</div><div>Expropriating Medicare</div><div>The Final Playbook</div><div>Step Up or Step Down</div><div>Shame and Tell</div><div>The Future</div><div><br /></div><div>True, this book does more to describe the problem than to propose specific, practical solutions; nevertheless, the first step to change is acknowledging there is a problem. Yes, the tone of the book is quite heavy, but I applaud Garrett for marshalling a lot of specific detail to support the jeremiad nature of the book. This is no religious text; it's academic. The facts that he present make a compelling case for brainstorming with others to find a way to intervene, to transform a complex system so that it does less harm and more good. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>(I received a copy of this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.)</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Related:</b> </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2012/06/books-on-aging.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Books about Aging</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-41308244482551510692022-06-20T11:11:00.013-05:002022-09-26T09:03:30.404-05:002022 MAIA Concurrent Sessions<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorHcarmKE8Vkp-PMWs_s8QRGDqsEM97OYnwcRx2gCCv71M4cUqGngK5pgADD3oPo_KFSrhhqoaBVIgc7ERoXatSGpBqRBPuw4O2pqHDQpKPBEEooUrtzl4ufl7SuuGRRVDns9_IVPuBRzOO6nqOyfXKubMyCcOTbmcoHNTS4caiSPAYadCCVlwVE3/s568/2022MAIAbrochuretop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="568" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorHcarmKE8Vkp-PMWs_s8QRGDqsEM97OYnwcRx2gCCv71M4cUqGngK5pgADD3oPo_KFSrhhqoaBVIgc7ERoXatSGpBqRBPuw4O2pqHDQpKPBEEooUrtzl4ufl7SuuGRRVDns9_IVPuBRzOO6nqOyfXKubMyCcOTbmcoHNTS4caiSPAYadCCVlwVE3/s320/2022MAIAbrochuretop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://setv.usi.edu/maia">https://setv.usi.edu/maia</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>After being virtual for two years, the Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness (MAIA) will be returning to an in-person format on Thursday August 11 and Friday August 12, 2022. </p><p>See the <a href="https://setv.usi.edu/maia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MAIA webpage </a>for details about keynote speakers, concurrent sessions, corporate sponsors, exhibits, and registration. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is a list of the presenters for the concurrent sessions. Here is a <a href="https://setv.usi.edu/health/healthyaging/join-us-for-maia-august-10-11-and-12-2022/2022-maia-brochure/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link to the 2022 MAIA brochure</a>, which lists the dates and times. Room numbers will be announced at the venue. </span></b></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-branam-7353a272/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scott Branam</a>, MA, LMHC, MBA "The Pandemic and Effects of Isolation"<p></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-capps-a71980139/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chaplain Becky Capps</a>, M. Div. "Purposeful Spirituality and Self-Care: Insights for Aging Patients and Their Caregivers</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghancraven/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Meghan Craven</a> "Exercising Safely with Rock Steady"</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtFYr_OV_c8&t=66s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Migdalia Cruz</a> co-presenter of "Tackling Stereotypes of Aging with AARP"</p><p><a href="https://states.aarp.org/meet-connecticut-volunteer-leader-marilyn-diaz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marilyn Diaz</a> co-presenter of "Tackling Stereotypes of Aging with AARP"</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1MH9TTfIe-mbiiWWfjRI5ag0DQ9ya2Ah3qBp35tIX-3r5zyChp5mEOTvrcSk_QHaUNWkeApddX7nNi3QB9G35C_qPxlTTYiXmH8EjG65QS3YWEHvRZpGsM4DpF0P2ZKfnZumu2J51poLVPWEbpjUBtO6RIw_BbcDgz6vvI20eMF_cPVE_MkVocWq/s200/ImagebyPhilWarren.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="200" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1MH9TTfIe-mbiiWWfjRI5ag0DQ9ya2Ah3qBp35tIX-3r5zyChp5mEOTvrcSk_QHaUNWkeApddX7nNi3QB9G35C_qPxlTTYiXmH8EjG65QS3YWEHvRZpGsM4DpF0P2ZKfnZumu2J51poLVPWEbpjUBtO6RIw_BbcDgz6vvI20eMF_cPVE_MkVocWq/s1600/ImagebyPhilWarren.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Phil Warren </td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="http://faculty.usi.edu/mehlman" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Katie Ehlman</a>, PhD co-presenter of "Dementia Friendly Communities: Working Together for Older Adults"</p><p><a href="http://faculty.usi.edu/taengbers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trent Engbers</a>, PhD "Making the Most of the Volunteer Experience"</p><p>Melanie Garland, BSW "Solving the Medicare Puzzle: Putting the Pieces of Medicare Coverage Together" </p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/roseanna-parkhurst-gatewood-97375825/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Roseanna Gatewood</a>, NP "Specialized Care for Seniors with Acute Mental Health Needs"</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-gregory-81196b63/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Margaret Gregory</a>, MSN, RN, FNP "Polypharmacy Causes and Management" and "Holistic Therapies and Medical Treatment"</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggI3rTGV6b2sIBpuGeQUIQMkrL0Asie8x80xohZi1FikMZOgNxpxj0HTDq-xvI3H7P0p8yO2eFgcs1oBtr2JpZ0faHJ456lzAIoH8pOKVfDqDRFLx8J7ZuIQIU8o-01eZpJGYGZpdlVujRCWUVxcD44LmXPP4HlZ3SfXEXhhrNEGlgAGJ-eb5oAdjL/s199/Imagebyemagineart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="151" data-original-width="199" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggI3rTGV6b2sIBpuGeQUIQMkrL0Asie8x80xohZi1FikMZOgNxpxj0HTDq-xvI3H7P0p8yO2eFgcs1oBtr2JpZ0faHJ456lzAIoH8pOKVfDqDRFLx8J7ZuIQIU8o-01eZpJGYGZpdlVujRCWUVxcD44LmXPP4HlZ3SfXEXhhrNEGlgAGJ-eb5oAdjL/s1600/Imagebyemagineart.jpg" width="199" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by e-MagineArt</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Vanessa Hassler, MPAc, CPA "Elder Fraud"</p><p>Carol Havens, RN "When the Time Comes: Are You Prepared?" </p><p>Kylie Heckard-Boink, BSN, RN, CCRN-K, SCRN co-presenter of "Diabetes Survival Skills"</p><p>Trevor L. Helmer, First Sergeant "Fraud: From a Law Enforcement Officer's Experience"</p><p>Heidi L. Holt, MPA "CDC's Healthy Brain Initiative"</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqKYUQ5WOt4DZT1mxxdyXYBDKJLVaucHpokGuT38liA9pEXM7e4BgYmNC_ed-AQ8LqdlpXPEkv-eR4vVeq7y-N2sKAQWNFAiBpmeMBqLi7F9o1CUefzleG99Pr-x6cKyhwjSoSQGfmq0Jc9gdiqbM3C0PrjcewRI-SfrYPqmqjViUPLmg8Nj7vhyF/s197/ImagebyMarkBSchlemmer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="146" data-original-width="197" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqKYUQ5WOt4DZT1mxxdyXYBDKJLVaucHpokGuT38liA9pEXM7e4BgYmNC_ed-AQ8LqdlpXPEkv-eR4vVeq7y-N2sKAQWNFAiBpmeMBqLi7F9o1CUefzleG99Pr-x6cKyhwjSoSQGfmq0Jc9gdiqbM3C0PrjcewRI-SfrYPqmqjViUPLmg8Nj7vhyF/s1600/ImagebyMarkBSchlemmer.jpg" width="197" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Mark B. Schlemmer</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Kristin Hood, BS (with Melanie Garland) "A Matter of Balance: Reduce the Fear of Falling"</p><p>Kris Izzi co-presenter of "Dementia Friendly Communities: Working Together for Older Adults"</p><p>Chris Johnson, MD "The 'Time Travel' Paradigm of Alzheimer's Disease" </p><p>Cathy Jones "Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions"</p><p>Lindsay Lang, RN, BSN, NP-C "Sleep Apnea: Symptoms and Referrals"</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1E60jGTYqcRoH8oFlvNC-uHFf9L0fiVlgEet735JeoFM3pL3CTUSqMYiJfpy5FCK3pSvkslzWtFOv3dExr3-E5yVtwl_TUle9z9sh6yndH7ln9YMqXvh87mu830RBAZ2dcpHUQ_24r3trKDAQnV0mi7l4UhyMO1VbzT5k9hUQ-QqJRIEy1zmDpQL/s197/Imagebysmcgee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="197" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1E60jGTYqcRoH8oFlvNC-uHFf9L0fiVlgEet735JeoFM3pL3CTUSqMYiJfpy5FCK3pSvkslzWtFOv3dExr3-E5yVtwl_TUle9z9sh6yndH7ln9YMqXvh87mu830RBAZ2dcpHUQ_24r3trKDAQnV0mi7l4UhyMO1VbzT5k9hUQ-QqJRIEy1zmDpQL/s1600/Imagebysmcgee.jpg" width="197" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by mcgee</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Andrea Lantz, LCSW "Before It's Too Late"</p><p>Cathy Jones, MBA "Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions</p><p>Alyssa Mills, BSN, RN co-presenter of "Diabetes Survival Skills"</p><p>Nathalie Moreno, CPT "Exercising Safely with Sh'BAM<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(TM)</span>"</p><p>Rebecca Neel, MLS "Research Well to Age Well: How to Find Credible Information Online"</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODd59n8Z6TRj51PyyFKT6hxjSES4iIukKLagU45BYJTlccFXz9n6vBFYzcGUHMSVjRDHfyEvUDZhFWcFjB773Qwac1fwMbMPHuTu7RjXD0-kfhKNHR5LoWo-_wzrFFQz_W2NdhBTdbDcPukxdGFZj32KTAZJy63oI0znoEguXYkWw6Z1uaW9ODH2y/s195/ImagebyPhilippePut.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="129" data-original-width="195" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODd59n8Z6TRj51PyyFKT6hxjSES4iIukKLagU45BYJTlccFXz9n6vBFYzcGUHMSVjRDHfyEvUDZhFWcFjB773Qwac1fwMbMPHuTu7RjXD0-kfhKNHR5LoWo-_wzrFFQz_W2NdhBTdbDcPukxdGFZj32KTAZJy63oI0znoEguXYkWw6Z1uaW9ODH2y/s1600/ImagebyPhilippePut.jpg" width="195" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Philippe Put</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Panel Discussion "Post-COVID Discussion" will be <a href="https://healthcare.ascension.org/doctors/1427468438/monica-june-maikranz-evansville-in" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Monica Mailkranze</a>, NP, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bailey-29913a3b/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brian Bailey</a>, HFA, MA. Announcement of other panelists forthcoming. </p><p>James Porter, MD, FAAP, FACHE "COVID-19 Overview"</p><p>James Pridgen, MSM, CDRP, CAS "Elder Abuse: From Mouthwash to Methamphetamine and Everything In-Between." </p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-sidelinger-ms-ctrs-7a9978149/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jessica I. Puntney</a>, MS, CTRS "Depression and Elders"</p><p>Danette Romines, BSW, MPA "Homeless and Aging Populations"</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCNO61-UbaxLxYyaUYOoucAC2qvIIvLjV5rgN5-_vIzCr2OBzHN2c4hhwfzvKXVfIMO6BudItZZzTRf9RhWqxDlu1c0DJyJBrbm73cQViGtgJgCqhVSXgXRGnuYNZ-XTakRFHJSh8eaCawKxTT5LdYnLxlh8rxi4gSDvTNVd97QnEPt1P3NOab0Ov/s200/ImagebyHowardBever.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="200" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCNO61-UbaxLxYyaUYOoucAC2qvIIvLjV5rgN5-_vIzCr2OBzHN2c4hhwfzvKXVfIMO6BudItZZzTRf9RhWqxDlu1c0DJyJBrbm73cQViGtgJgCqhVSXgXRGnuYNZ-XTakRFHJSh8eaCawKxTT5LdYnLxlh8rxi4gSDvTNVd97QnEPt1P3NOab0Ov/s1600/ImagebyHowardBever.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Howard Bever</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Susie Schenk, LMHC "Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults"</p><p>Deborah Turner "AARP and the Benefits of Volunteering"</p><p>Becky Vogal "Effective Communication"</p><p><a href="https://www.regenstrief.org/guests/dustin-ziegler/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dustin Ziegler</a> "Dementia Friends Indiana: Taking Action and Making Impact"</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Related:</b></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2022/06/2022-mid-american-institute-on-aging.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2022 MAIA Keynote Speakers</a></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2019/09/2019-maia-review-aging-wellness-in.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Review of 2019 MAIA - Day One</a></p><p><a href="http://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2019/11/2019-maia-review-day-two.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Review of 2019 MAIA - Day Two</a></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-73873825524932231692022-06-18T14:58:00.004-05:002022-09-26T09:02:25.715-05:002022 Mid-American Institute on Aging & Wellness: Keynote Speakers<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAItJEWKE0CZycgN_79fpemdPVwHMTWYXrbAmgfwS6guQY4ikn5vv-NTdYSXdVDHxxxIikORvJ-WnRfXM087ObKbq3KIa0jHFUIPglHfnV8Hi0A338G6T5NgKE_Vf_wVB2TCBcxjvNjSnzUT9NWpmaXbZ4rd3boNx1k7ne8iLoSM-MqSCDrbqumyp/s800/2022MAIAKeynotes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="800" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAItJEWKE0CZycgN_79fpemdPVwHMTWYXrbAmgfwS6guQY4ikn5vv-NTdYSXdVDHxxxIikORvJ-WnRfXM087ObKbq3KIa0jHFUIPglHfnV8Hi0A338G6T5NgKE_Vf_wVB2TCBcxjvNjSnzUT9NWpmaXbZ4rd3boNx1k7ne8iLoSM-MqSCDrbqumyp/s320/2022MAIAKeynotes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MAIA 2022 Keynotes</td></tr></tbody></table><p>After moving to an online format in 2020 and 2021, the Mid-American Institution on Aging & Wellness is returning to an in-person event. </p><p>The University of Southern Indiana, located in Evansville, Indiana, will host on Thursday 11 August and Friday 12 August. The local area on aging, SWIRCA is a co-host. There are several corporate sponsors as well. See <a href="https://setv.usi.edu/maia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MAIA's site </a>for information, including a brochure and a link to registration information. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://usi.edu/health/healthyaging/join-us-for-maia-august-10-11-and-12-2022/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://usi.edu/health/healthyaging/join-us-for-maia-august-10-11-and-12-2022/</a></p><p>Here is a preview of information about the four keynote speakers who deliver their remarks at the start and end of each day. In between, there will be 30 plus concurrent sessions. See <a href="https://usi.edu/health/healthyaging/join-us-for-maia-august-10-11-and-12-2022/2022-maia-brochure/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the brochure</a> for a list of the concurrent sessions. Here is a <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2018/08/2018-maia-concurrent-sessions.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blog post</a>, detailing the concurrent sessions from MAIA 2019, complete with several photographs. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></b></p><a name='more'></a><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Gregory Jicha, MD, PhD. "Normal Brain Aging." </span></b><br /><br />Jicha is a <a href="https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/doctors/gregory-jicha" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Professor of Neurology</a> with University of Kentucky HealthCare. He received his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY. He then completed a fellowship at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. <p></p><p>Dr. Jicha will speak on Thursday, 11 August 2022 at 8:30 am. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Erin Ramsey, MPA. "Reset and Rejuvenate: Paving a Positive Path Forward."</span></b> </p><p>Ramsey has worked in the nonprofit sector for 30 years as an executive, trainer, and community organizer. She has und undergraduate degree in child development an psychology from California State University at Sacramento. She earned a master of science in public service administration from the University of Evansville. She is the <a href="https://erinramsey.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">author of two books</a>--Be Amazing: Tools for Living Inspired as well as Inspired Work: Showing Up & Shining Bright. </p><p>Ms. Ramsey will speak on Thursday 11 August 2022 at 3 pm. </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Pauline Boss, PhD. "Caregiving through Uncertain Times: Finding Meaning and New Hope in Ambiguous Loss." </b></span></p><p>Boss coined the term "ambiguous loss" in the 1970s and has since developed and tested the theory of ambiguous loss, a guide for working with families of the missing--physically or psychologically. You can read more about her by viewing her <a href="https://www.cehd.umn.edu/fsos/directory/BossP.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">University of Minnesota faculty page</a>. Her books include the following:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Ambiguous Loss: Learning to Live with Unresolved Grief<br /></i></li><li><i>Loss, Trauma and Resilience: therapeutic Work with Ambiguous Loss</i></li><li><i>Loving Someone Who Has Dementia: How to Find Hope While Coping with Stress and Grief</i></li><li><i>The Myth of Closure: Ambiguous Loss in Time of Pandemic and Change </i></li></ul><div>In her keynote, Boss will share her stress-based approach to finding meaning and new hope in caregiving and its ambiguous loss. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dr. Boss will speak on Friday 12 August 2022 at 8:30 am. </div><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Heidi L. Holt, MPA "Risk Reduction Strategies for Brain Health"</span></b></p><p>Holt is a Public Health Advisor in the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Healthy Aging Branch. She coordinates support to state, local, and tribal public health departments in implementing public health approaches to addressing brain health, including Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and elevating dementia caregiving as a public health priority. She also has expertise in addressing policy and partnership solutions to various issues, as well as a passion for program and strategic development in a career spanning almost three decades in international and domestic public health. </p><p> For more information on her education and experience, see her <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-holt-45baa470/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LinkedIn page</a>. </p><p>Ms. Holt will be speaking on Friday, 12 August at 3:00 pm. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Pre-Conference Workshop on Wednesday 9 August </span></b></p><p>If you are interested, you can also attend a pre-conference workshop on dementia care. </p><p>Wed. 10 August -- 9 am to 2:30 pm. Pre-Conference Workshop Teepa Snow. "A Positive Approach to Dementia Care: Time to Reflect and Recover." </p><p><a href="https://teepasnow.com/about/about-teepa-snow/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Teepa Snow</a> is a nationally recognized dementia educator who describes her philosophy as the<a href="https://www.summitcare.net/positive-approach/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Positive Approach<span style="color: #bb5321; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-size: 13.2px;">® </span></span> to Care (PAC)</a>. You <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2017/08/teepa-snow-at-maia-2017.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">can read about</a> a Snow's pre-workshop training in 2017. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Related: </b></p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2022/06/2022-maia-concurrent-sessions.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2022 MAIA Concurrent Sessions</a></p><p><br /></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-46748898175449738372022-06-08T18:47:00.002-05:002022-10-11T08:10:21.885-05:00Overloaded: Unplugging a Bit<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKh80RG8HqJwocdegrjixCI1RYR7MF9vcnFmFj2iQNIvitJJ7b2RWDU3KR7Zb0susyizdkpQWXdDD7iWhU8n2jRjmMRcN2pc8DHvM8eyDYpSy7p4wXZ4wZi2GsFaETxLrB4dnQ8qKC7fJn08-I7_UeBDW2G643uCemnfJ5x_dqysQbgk1UtopsHqk/s400/8203770880_f5e275111e_w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKh80RG8HqJwocdegrjixCI1RYR7MF9vcnFmFj2iQNIvitJJ7b2RWDU3KR7Zb0susyizdkpQWXdDD7iWhU8n2jRjmMRcN2pc8DHvM8eyDYpSy7p4wXZ4wZi2GsFaETxLrB4dnQ8qKC7fJn08-I7_UeBDW2G643uCemnfJ5x_dqysQbgk1UtopsHqk/s320/8203770880_f5e275111e_w.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Credit: State Farm<br />via Creative Commons</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> For being in my sixties, I have pretty good health. I attend between 12 and 15 (sometimes 18 ) classes a week at my local YMCA. I do a mix of cardio, stretching, and strength training. However, I am having trouble managing my cognition. <p></p><p>It's nothing serious. I am just realizing that I can no longer manage multiple projects without losing things, dropping items, or driving my car into brick frame next to the garage door. </p><p>I've had mishaps such as this as a teen, a twentysomething, a working mom in my 30s and 40s, as a graduate student with teens in my 50s. But at 60, I'm STILL overcommitting myself, and <b>it's time to choose doing a few things well instead of trying to do everything</b>--which means that I do all those things poorly. </p><p>(In April of this year, I pulled into my driving at 9 pm, thinking that I had put the car into park. I had been up since 4 am tackling my "To Do List" all day. Nope. My car was not in park. I was too busy thinking about other things instead of focusing on the immediate task at hand. I tend to live in my head. As a child, I would walk to school only to have my teacher point out my uncombed hair, untied, shoes, and wrongly buttoned blouse. I still have my head in the clouds. This June, I left my groceries in my car overnight. Again, I was thinking about other things instead of grounding myself into the immediate moment.) </p><p>For the last couple of years, I have been juggling the following: <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Teaching classes as an adjunct for three different departments at two different universities.</li><li>Once a year, teaching a section of first-year composition to 100 plus engineering students from Beijing. </li><li>Volunteering at three venues: Girl Scouts, my church, and an aging & wellness organization.</li><li>Writing for two blogs: this one and a faith-based literary journal (Segullah). </li><li>Running the Twitter account for Segullah.</li><li>Reading a book a week (one for book club, three for me). </li><li>Reading about current events.</li><li>Attending the gym nearly every day, sometimes 2, 3, or 4 classes per day. </li><li>Running the house: bills, errands, cleaning, shopping, repairs. </li><li>Taking care of our aging dog. </li><li>Touching base with my adult children, including offering financial support.</li><li>Maintaining relationships with extended family members and friends who live near and far, given that I have lived in 9 different states. </li><li>And indulging in some guilty pleasures such as watching reality TV and British detective shows.</li><li>Oh, eating, sleeping, grooming, and going to the doctor / dentist on the regular. </li></ul><div>And like everyone else, I had additional emotional and cognitive demands of assessing risks to me and my family (and my students) due to the pandemic. </div><div><br /></div><div>In addition, I do not trust the media to give me accurate information, so I spend a couple of hours every day for two years reading peer-reviewed medical journals about SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19. I also listened to 50 podcasts to vet the most evidence-based ones. I recommend TWIV, particularly the Friday clinical updates by Dr. Daniel Griffith. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's proven to be too much for me. I am scaling back--unplugging a few things from my overloaded outlet, so to speak. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I trimmed my Facebook back from 900+ friends to 300 to 100 to 30 to 3. </li><li>I quit my book club. I find that my eyes and my brain are fatigued after reading off the computer screen for 12 plus hours a day to teach, read news, watch movies, etc. Consequently, I have started listening to audiobooks. That gives my eyes a chance to rest. </li><li>I totally quit one of my volunteer assignments (aging and wellness committee), and I am phoning it in with the Girl Scouts. I am still very enthusiastic about teaching children 18 months to 3 years old (nursery children in the LDS Primary program). I teach them for an hour each Sunday. However, I come early to wipe everything down and to set up. I also think about the children all week so that I can adjust the activities for their interest and so that I can restructure activities to decrease conflict. </li><li>I have told my employers that I will only teach online. I have found that to be less stressful. I do not have to drive to campus, and I do not have to cajole students to put down their phones or close tabs such as YouTube or Instagram. </li><li>I have decided to start taking a trip a year instead of playing the martyr by staying home to manage the house, the kids (when they were minors), and the dog while my husband has been traveling to China, Hawaii, California, Utah, Illinois, Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Jamaica, England, and Israel over the years.</li></ul><div>I could still improve my cognition with better health hygiene, notably cutting back on screen time. I'm in front of a screen entirely too much with teaching online, reading news online, and watching television and movies online. I do better if I spend some time doing devotional reading, particularly books that take a mindfulness approach--whether it's a collection of Buddhist meditations or something more watered down but taking a "Be Here Now" approach. I also do better if I go on walks with gal pals. I get a boost from nature and also enjoy connecting with a friend. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>I have long cultivated an identity as the achievement-oriented, oldest child who is dependable and overscheduled. I have already shifted a bit from Knowing to Doing. Now I need to shift from Doing to Being. </div><div><br />Last summer, one of my uncles died. He was only 13 years older than I. This was a shock for several reasons. </div><div><br /></div><div>First, I had not seen him for years--since 1996 when he came to my wedding! This makes me want to visit some of my extended family members and gal pals before Father Time grabs one of us by the back of the neck and yanks us out of this realm. I had not seen him in decades. He's 10 years younger than his older brother, my father, so I thought I could focus on visiting my parents and catch up with my younger relatives after my parents died. Suddenly the Fates cut his life short. I always assumed I could see him on one of my annual trips out West. </div><div><br /></div><div>Second, it's possible that I may lose my health or I may end up serving as a caregiver to my spouse. My mother lost her health in her seventies. She has been bed ridden for years. If I follow her path, I have a decade of being active enough to serve, work, and travel. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have been saying "later" to shifting from being achievement oriented to being contemplative and to being a listening ear for others. I have benefitted a great deal from my mother-in-law's compassionate listening. I could never match her wisdom and patience, but it wouldn't hurt if I spent more of my energy as a support to others who are going 100 miles an hour in the "Make hay while the sun shines" stage of their lives. </div><p></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-71687792974351157852022-02-28T07:51:00.009-06:002022-04-21T12:08:28.013-05:00In Search of Sages<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEEsQgLbwr9v4GtzCRrc-6Gxht52GTS7Pqlx_VjSi4tMwmu8lyMPXiqcZbSzKN81z-el1qCJ866VC5q4jrCrBctP-YwIOXpXgpOjGFZBVPzLGTmfmtindswKkA-WXyINwGkaCsv3vovEVv2dvvctsPo5KRPEUD5eSI8nDm7GLsHQS3doQubgEFagMc=s400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEEsQgLbwr9v4GtzCRrc-6Gxht52GTS7Pqlx_VjSi4tMwmu8lyMPXiqcZbSzKN81z-el1qCJ866VC5q4jrCrBctP-YwIOXpXgpOjGFZBVPzLGTmfmtindswKkA-WXyINwGkaCsv3vovEVv2dvvctsPo5KRPEUD5eSI8nDm7GLsHQS3doQubgEFagMc=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M. E. Brockman (L) and T. S. Hill (R)<br />United Nations photo via Creative Commons</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I am teaching Late Life and Spirituality this semester. We are reading Holly Nelson-Becker's 2018 textbook <i>Spirituality, Religion, and Aging: Illuminations for Therapeutic Practice</i>. (Sage Publications, Inc.). In addition to taking quizzes, my students are writing short reports on living sages, aged 60 plus. <p></p><p>Initially, I let them select the sages. However, they were mainly choosing actors who are cast as sages in major motion pictures. All of my students are in the traditional college age group (18 to 25). I have a feeling that they restrict themselves to interacting with young adults, so it was nearly impossible for them to identify living sages. </p><p>Here are some of the people I suggested that they study as living sages who are 60 plus years old: </p><p>Wendell Berry, conservationist<br />Fr. Greg Boyle, activist, intervening with gang members<br />Jimmy Carter, activist with Habitat for Humanity and Council of Elders<br /><br />Pema Chodron, devotional writer<br />Daniel Dennett, cognitive scientist<br />Pope Francis, religious leader<br /><br /><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Henry Louis Gates, Jr., literary critic and public intellectual<br />Nikki Giovanni, poet and activist<br />Jane Goodall, primatologist and anthropologist<br /><br />Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama, religious leader<br />Roshi Joan Halifax, socially engaged Buddhist<br />Ephraim Isaac, scholar and peace activist<br /><br />Sue Monk Kidd, writer<br />Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize winner, environmentalist and feminist<br />Rigoberta Menchu', labor activist<br /><br />Cynthia Ozick, writer<br />Parker Palmer, author, educator, activist<br />Dolly Parton, philanthropist for literacy and more<br /><br />Richard Pimentel, disability rights activist<br />Bill Plotkin, psychologist<br />Sr. Helen Prejean, activist for death row inmates<br /><br />Fr. Richard Rohn, devotional writer <br />Sr. Joyce Rupp, devotional writer<br />Kathleen Dowling Singh, devotional writer, hospice advocate<br /><br />Anne Streaty Wimberly, scholar, devotional author, advocate for Black youth<br />Oprah Winfrey, philanthropist for African girls' education and more<br />Muhammad Yunus, economist and humanitarian<p></p><p>To help my students find a theoretical framework for defining the term sage, I have asked them to read selections from the following psychologists, sociologists, and devotional writers:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Erik Erikson's late stages of Generativity (vs. Stagnation) and Ego Integrity (vs. Despair)<br /><br /></li><li>Robert C. Peck's <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2013/06/robert-g-pecks-tasks-for-older-adults.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tasks</a> for late life<br /><br /></li><li>Bill Plotkin's <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2013/10/plotkin-describes-life-stages.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">life stage theory</a>, specifically the stages The Master in the Grove of Elders and The Sage in the Mountain Cave<br /><br /></li><li>Lars Tornstam's <a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2013/09/gerotranscendence.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">theory</a> of gerotranscendence</li></ul><div>It's very interesting (and a bit disheartening) to see how detached my students are from people who are older adults. The way our society is structured, people are placed in same-age cohorts for school and extra-curricular activities. And our society values skills more prevalent in youth: high energy, innovation, and materialism. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even though my students are reading about sages, I can tell that they are not inspired by them. I am hoping that in the future they will consider the benefits of intergenerational connections. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Related: </b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2014/09/books-on-aging-spiritual-growth.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Books on Aging and Spiritual Growth</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2014/03/when-does-midlife-start-end.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">When Does Midlife Start and End? </a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8917006732840712469.post-30584697619753002142022-01-31T11:58:00.006-06:002022-03-22T10:27:44.668-05:002022 Word of the Year<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlE8FiYWOIbX-t3ORqZ3xzHoXk68rtzs3hLREd1Jpym7lgsIvn1K-mRBDrCxit3ZV6XygfX5h5c4c22wVQ3bOLXZYTTaFfrmmvdSayI02cWBhvWSViKvEbXTsuWEj6aDhJEnrkBHlz7t3VyS-z_G8SVqDsHCSpxqo2PzfYeb4ZPwHVbmwqM218zyYC=s400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlE8FiYWOIbX-t3ORqZ3xzHoXk68rtzs3hLREd1Jpym7lgsIvn1K-mRBDrCxit3ZV6XygfX5h5c4c22wVQ3bOLXZYTTaFfrmmvdSayI02cWBhvWSViKvEbXTsuWEj6aDhJEnrkBHlz7t3VyS-z_G8SVqDsHCSpxqo2PzfYeb4ZPwHVbmwqM218zyYC=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a data-v-33b9b630="" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/32782751@N07/3539939004" rel="noopener" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; background-color: white; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; cursor: pointer; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">"Russian Nested Dolls"</a><span data-v-33b9b630="" face="Inter, sans-serif" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; background-color: white; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> <br />by <a data-v-33b9b630="" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/32782751@N07" rel="noopener" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Images by John 'K'</a></span><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> <br />is licensed under </span><a class="uppercase" data-v-33b9b630="" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse&atype=rich" rel="noopener" style="--tw-blur: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty, ); --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; background-color: white; border-color: currentcolor; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; cursor: pointer; font-family: Inter, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none; text-transform: uppercase;" target="_blank">CC BY 2.0</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>I stopped making New Year's resolutions a long time ago. More recently, I have been selecting a Word of the Year (WODY) instead. </p><p>I have found that by choosing a focus word, I can think deeply about the meaning and application of the word. In addition, the word is more flexible, allowing me to change and grow over twelve months.</p><p>A WODY is more open, dynamic, fluid, and inviting than a resolution. </p><p>For several months at the end of 2021, I considered the word "boxed" for 2022 as a way to focus on boundaries. Then I thought about choosing (un)boxed so that I could on the one hand avoid long-held labels that I felt were restricting me. (I'm a Type A. I'm an oldest child. I'm an extrovert. I'm an avid reader.) </p><p>I wanted to entertain shedding some of these labels while at the same time setting up some boundaries. (Un)Boxed would allow me all kinds of possibilities. </p><p><b>By January I found myself drawn to the word SMALLER as my 2022 WODY. </b></p><p>For decades, I have been overextending myself, trying to study everything, meet everyone, master several skills--more, more, more; bigger, bigger, bigger. </p><p>Now that I'm inarguably in the Second Half of life, I am recognizing my limits. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Of late, I want to do a few things very well instead of striving to do everything--only to find myself failing and exhausted. I have long thought that maturity is not born out of wisdom so much as it's born out of exhaustion. I need to be more strategic and precise in how I use my time, attention, energy, and other resources. <p></p><p>I also want to present myself in public in a way that is smaller. The image I have in mind is this: </p><p>I want to be a nesting Russian doll in the inverse. I want to present a very small doll as my presence to the world. I want to reserve the more complex, expressive, and vivid aspects of my personality to a smaller subset of people. </p><p>And I want the most complex and dynamic version of myself to only be visible to me and to the Divine. </p><p>I have spent decades trying to gain the attention and the approval of anyone and everyone. I have found that to be an impossible task. Furthermore, doing so has made me vulnerable to critics--some criticize me out of ignorance, some out of carelessness, and some out of malice. </p><p>I have lived for more than a half century, and I have waning time, energy, and resources. I want to be a lot more intentional about how I project my presence and what kinds of projects I adopt. </p><p>I want to be small in ways that condenses my power. </p><p><b>Related</b></p><p><a href="https://segullah.org/blog/witness-my-2021-word-of-the-year/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My 2021 WODY was Witness</a></p><p><a href="http://segullah.org/daily-special/resolution-evolution/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My 2020 WODYs were Humility and Compassion</a> (I "cheated" and chose two.)</p><p>I can't find a post at Segullah or here on TGAM for my 2019 WODY. </p><p><a href="https://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2018/12/not-resolution-but-focus-word.html">My 2018 WODY was Grounded</a></p>Karen D. Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00681456166093275598noreply@blogger.com4