IT'S NOT TOO LATE!

There is an old saying:

A Bayberry Candle Burned to the Socket

Brings joy to the Home and

Gold to the Pocket!

Burning bayberry candles is a tradition dating back to colonial times. Early colonists came upon the bayberry shrub growing in the sand belt of the Atlantic coast, as well as the shores of Lake Erie. The berry-type fruit is crusted with a greenish-white wax, settlers found that boiling the fruit created a wax residue on the surface of the water. The wax had a fragrant aroma and burned magnificently. Many berries had to be boiled to get enough wax to make a candle, these candles burned longer, cleaner, and brighter than did the traditional candles of the time. Therefore, bayberry candles were saved and burned on special occasions only! One such special occasion was the celebration of the New Year. (New Year's Eve and Christmas Eve)

Over the years, the burning of bayberry candles on New Year's became a tradition, creating a saying by who, no one knows, yet the tradition continues today:

"Bayberry candles burned to the socket, bring health to the home and wealth to the pocket!"

 The wax was believed to have medicinal uses, and honoring someone by burning a bayberry candle had a special meaning, perhaps creating a closer partnership and therefore better dealings!

Keep the tradition alive by burning a bayberry candle during the holidays, or better yet, give one to a close friend as a gift to ensure a close relationship.

 I hope that you will join me in my annual tradition on New Year's Eve by burning bayberry scented tapers. May it help bring you and your loved ones a peaceful, plentiful, and rewarding new year.

Aside from the blessing above, the information in this post was complements of www.buyacandle.com
Where they offer bayberry candles made from the wax of real bayberries!

Happy New Year.....

and Let's Keep Tradition Alive!

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

JOY TO THE WORLD!!!

It's not what's under the tree...it's what's around it......

AND

Let us do our best this coming year and beyond, to spread Joy and Love...

That is not only Ageless, It's MIRACULOUS!

 

THE ANTI-GRINCH!

The Magic of Christmas Lies in Your Heart

 

Many of you contacted to ask me to please continue this. So, here is part two of Ageless with Aunty’s Best Christmas Gifts of 2014. We say 2014, but, these presents are Ageless and Timeless!  

Qi-Gong is the secret to a healthy life. Okay, that might just be my opinion but I truly feel it’s magical. I have witnessed miracles happen in my own life when I practice qi-gong. And, its’ a martial art form that I also practiced with our late beloved Aunty! She was a natural at it.

I promise you an improved EVERYTHING when you do qi-gong. Just try it and see. It’s so good for you. Give yourself or someone you love a simple way to practice. Qi-gong DVD’s make sublime gifts for Christmas, and there are many. Lee Holden (seen on PBS) has some great ones.  I have promised myself to continue my qi-gong practice eternally….it’s that good! And it keeps me connected to Aunty, nature, and the entire Universe! www.leeholden.com

Books are always a great gift. And, I personally love holding a book in my hand. I am proud to say I am friends with that fantastic author, Roland Merullo (ABOVE). I met him at one of his readings and after sharing my own little writing journey we became friends. We also share a place we both hold dear, Revere, Massachusetts. (That’s where Roland is from and where Aunty and Uncle D lived). I highly recommend all his books! Just go to his super website and see for yourself. www.rolandmerullo.com. Roland also happens to be a top notch human being. And a huge fan of Aunty’s!!! Need I say more?! WE LOVE RM and all twenty of his books!

 

Tammy Fender….Tammy is one gorgeous woman who knows how to help the rest of us look good too.

I can recommend anything in her skincare line. All the ingredients are chemical free, 100 percent natural and organic. Best of all they are effective. As a quality skin care devotee I would just adore any gift that had Tammy’s name on it. So, consider www.tammyfender.com for something extra special. Even just one product in her line is enough to take your skincare regime to a whole new level. But, I dream of the entire collection. Tammy is the fountain of youth!

 

We love Christmas so much we have added a part three this year…so, come back tomorrow for more great gift suggestions. WE know they work, and all our gift suggestions are Aunty Approved!

 

P.S. My friends say wearing Santa Caps, Jingle Bells, and Enjoying Christmas Cookies may help one stay youthful too!

 The Anti-Grinch Strikes Again...

 

 The Spirit of Christmas is Ageless...

YOU CAN COUNT ON ME.....

Here is AGELESS WITH AUNTY’S 2014 Guide to the BEST CHRISTMAS GIFTS EVER…..(in alphabetical order)

ACORN SLIPPERS:

A friend came over for a holiday sleep over.  I had on my red and green leggings. We sipped Christmas Tea from porcelain cups with candy canes, and watched all the Christmas Classics including Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life. We shared ribbon candy and sugarplums! However, the best part of all was her slippers. She only wears Acorn. I fell in love with how cozy and inviting they look. Now, I can’t stop dreaming of having a pair for myself. Take a look at these. They come in many color and sizes. I do hope Santa Brings me a pair. acorn slippers

                      

BEANSTOCK COFFEE: HO HO JOES!

I WAIT ALL YEAR FOR THIS AND IT’S WORTH THE WAIT. I HAVE YET TO TASTE A BETTER ROASTED AND (LIGHTLY) BUT PERFECTLY FLAVORED COFFEE. These guys are coffee purists. The aroma alone is divine and worthy of song and praise. I wish they had TV commercials for this because I could write some great copy for them. But, even so, you  simply need to taste it to experience this perfection in a cup. Ho Ho Joe is my all-time seasonal favorite….and best part of all, it was Aunty’s too! Brew some for your favorite friends, while you write out your Christmas cards, or make people really happy and just give them a bag or two for themselves. http://www.beanstockcoffee.com/

FRAGRANCE BAR OF NEWBURYPORT: Wherever I go I am always asked “What perfume are you wearing?” I just love to smell good. But, let’s face it there are just too many fragrances to choose from. So, imagine a shop where they will make a fragrance just for you. Or, make a much less expensive version of the fragrance you already wear. That’s exactly what the Fragrance Bar of Newburyport does (and online too). One of my very favorites (and I am only sharing with the readers of Ageless with Aunty) is the Fragrance Bar’s White Tea Fragrance. I have renamed it after my favorite movie White Christmas! And, for those of you who live in Massachusetts, the next two Friday nights the town of Newburyport will be having their now famous INVITATION NIGHT 6-9pm. It’s a perfect Jingle and Mingle along the old cobblestone streets. Highly recommended. Make sure to stop by the Fragrance Bar. Located on Prince Place behind the library. www.fragrancebaronline.com

                              

And, while you are in Newburyport (going out of Alphabetical order for a moment) you MUST go to see Kevin at PARTRIGDE IN A BEAR TREE! This store is exactly what my mind looks like at Christmas Time…colorful, happy, and ultra Christmassy!!!!! I simply cannot say enough about this shop. Nowhere on earth expect for maybe the North Pole will you find more glee, joy, and AMAZING Christmas ornaments, objects, gifts, candles, and pure enchantment!! Depending on the night, people may stand in line to get in. And, I would wait all night if I had to. No one does Christmas like Kevin. He makes people feel so good, and you will make the people on your list jump for joy with a gift from Partridge in a Bear Tree. An extra added bonus: during Invitation Night they serve bubbly Christmas Punch out of a silver bowl! But, even without the punch you will GLOW out of there….I am all lit up just thinking about it! Christmas Galore

 

                               

This post will be continued….MUCH MORE TO COME, SO STAY TUNED! And, STAY MERRY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?

An Angel Among Us...

 

In honor of the three year anniversary of Aunty’s passing into heaven…November 18th 2011 at six-forty-eight p.m.

Today I am going to carry on EXACTLY LIKE AUNTY did every single day of her life. I will smile all day long. Even my heart and liver will be radiant. I will tell everyone I love them. I will perform countless acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. I will say with conviction and genuine sincerity that everything is “wonderful. “I will fully appreciate the trees, the birds, and everything around me. I will say thank you to everyone for everything; including the people letting me pat their dog, a car allowing me to pass on the road, the bagger at the supermarket, and the people picking up the trash. I will forgive everyone for everything, no matter what!  

Every day is Christmas

when you have the Aunty spirit!

 

I will put on lipstick just to get the mail at my door. I will have ten cups of coffee and enjoy every one. I will relish every moment spent with my family. AT the end of the day if I am not too tired I will call my sister, or my dear friend Gracie and invite her over for a game of bridge.

Aunty and Gracie

Before I fall asleep I will say my prayers. I will lovingly remember every family member who has passed and call it a “wonderful” day. I will look forward to giving my heart to the world and aid anyone who needs me. I will rest soundly in the light and comfort of GOD. Amen.

(this picture looks like little girl Aunty)

 

I sure hope the readers of Ageless with Aunty will join me in an Aunty-like day. Collectively we can literally raise the vibrations of the planet even just a little bit! Living life with grace, compassion, and humility creates "a happy life" (the  ten cups of coffee are optional).

~

Dear Aunty, miraculously I love you more and more each day. We are connected eternally. And, I will love you forever and a day. I find comfort in the signs and love you send from above. I will honor and cherish your memory and spirit for “ever and ever and ever!” And, as promised, someday I will meet you in heaven.  Until then, I will be happy and productive and inspired, with a heart full of gratitude and love, in large part because of YOU. Uncle D too! Thank you.

with Aunty and Uncle D

on their 50th Wedding Anniversary

 

IS THIS MUCH FUN ALLOWED?

Lighting Up the Night...

 

I was thinking of calling this blog post "TRADITION" because here I am once again with my gal pals keeping up yet another tradition. This is one I started with our beloved Aunty back in 2007. It's called the Lantern parade and it's run by a fabulous organization called Spontaneous Celebrations. Two nights every October, hundreds of people light up Jamaica Pond (right outside of Boston) and walk around in a gigantic circle carrying colorful lanterns.

 

It might sound simple, and it is. Yet, the bonding, camaraderie and good feelings are all magnified under that irresistible autumn moonlight and maybe its the magic of the water that reflects them back to you. But, you are somehow whirled into enchantment and wonder...

One of my all-time favorite Aunty pictures...

 

If you notice in the picture above, and at the top, I am carrying that very first lantern. My heart smiles at the thought of keeping up any traditions started with Aunty. She was the quintessential kind and loving human being! Her love is so big it still pours down from heaven!!! The eyes of my heart see it clearly. And having good friends by your side is a blessing as well.

 

My friends and I sure do know how to enjoy ourselves. I dare say I don't think a Sunday night was ever this much fun! We danced non-stop after the revelers congregated at the grandstand for some of the best music around. A super funky group called Opposite People played. My toes were actually buzzing!

 

I really hope you can join us next year! Keep your heart open and your inner child alive....I promise it will lead to wonderful places and people.

 

 

ON THE ROAD WITH JANIS JOPLIN!

THE NEW BOOK IS OUT TODAY.....

 

The super new book is called On the Road with Janis Joplin.

and it's written by John Byrne Cook, author, musician, occasional actor, Harvard-educated son of erudite British broadcaster Alistair Cooke, and great-grandnephew of

Ralph Waldo Emerson!

 

Monday night in Cambridge before the big release I got the rare opportunity to meet John, and listen to a talk at a preview book signing. 

As close to Janis as I can get

 

As her road manager, John was there with Janis all the way! He showed his own private footage of what it was like being on the road with the one and only Janis. I was spellbound. And the soundtrack featuring Joplin was sublime. I have always been fascinated by that woman. She really was smart, funny, and supremely talented!

 

For anyone who might question this, or those young ones who may not be familiar with her voice, please, I urge you to just listen to her first album Cheap Thrills or the Pearl. Here is a link. www.janisjoplin.com

Even if you think you know Janis she is well worth another look!

 

I was only a young girl while she was doing her thing and rocketing to super stardom but man there was something about her that really drew me in. One thing I particularly admired was that she was not afraid to be different. She sat there with Dick Cavett with feathers and boas and just full-tilt confidence. That white woman could sing the blues.

 

I really dug that the post office recently issued a Janis Joplin stamp.

They used this picture.

I guess she influenced me more than I realized

I have another picture from when I was about twelve years old and I have on big round Janis glasses exactly like the ones she has on in the picture above. I wanted to place it here but like the sixties themselves it must have faded away...

Let's celebrate, and keep alive that funky, wild and free spirit that Janis epitomizes. Here at Ageless we wish you love, peace, and a groovy day....

 

Rest in peace Janis. You have taken a little piece of our hearts....

 

For more on John's tour http://www.sfgate.com/music/article/On-tour-with-Janis-Joplin-an-insider-s-view-5850984.php

 

WHO YOU GONNA CALL?!!!

 

Want to have a super fabulous and fun Saturday night this month….Well, why don’t you do what I did last Saturday night and watch Ghostbusters while enjoying a cool pumpkin ale!

After several hours at the library of some serious studying I came up with this great idea. While I was putting my books and papers away I thought what can I do tonight that won’t cost much but yield lots of laughs and taste good too. This time of year I always crave a pumpkin beer. And, for some reason the movie Ghostbusters popped into my head. This comedy classic seemed very appropriate for October.  Luckily the library had the DVD and I immediately checked it out. On the way home I passed a very alluring spirit shop (as in alcohol spirits) and I bought some Shipyard Pumpkin head beer from a fancy display.

Later that night my boyfriend joined me and we watched the movie while enjoying the brew in pint glasses rimmed with sugar and cinnamon. After a fit of laughter he declared “My sweetie created another Tradition. We have to do this next year.”  (I was already thinking next week).

The zesty, aromatic brewed beer and the paranormal comedy Ghostbusters proved a fantastic combination. I haven’t laughed like that in a long time. When the movie came out over thirty years ago (yes that is three zero) I was much younger and didn’t pay much attention to it. But, now I can really appreciate the humor.

Over the years I have become a fan of the late Harold Ramis, who wrote the script with Dan Aykroyd, and played the role of Egon Spengler. The name alone cracks me up. Mr. Ramis also directed, wrote, and acted in several other comedy classics including Caddyshack, Groundhog Day, Stripes, and more. He was an extremely funny guy. I had the distinct privilege of talking with him at a film festival in his honor not that long ago (I will be glad to share that with you another time).

Enjoying the supernatural classic comedy Ghostbusters with the lights low, candles flickering, Halloween decorations in the window, while relishing a delightful seasonal potion so crisp and tasty, was a perfect fall Saturday night at the movies. We paused, and played some lines over and over at least five times. It was hilarious. And, in total all this fun and coziness cost just under ten dollars!

 If you take my suggestion make sure you turn the volume up and pay attention. There are so many funny lines and scenes I wouldn’t want you to miss a single one!

Warning: your cheeks might hurt from extreme laughter…

Boo!!!!!

Who You Gonna Call....

 

 

HAPPY AUTUMN....

 My pal, Mr. Pumpkin!

 

 

I would like to wish all the readers and followers of Ageless with Aunty a happy fall.

 

According to the Discover New England website, In fall (autumn), New England is famous for its glorious foliage as billions of leaves change from green to a kaleidoscope of colors. The air is crisp and cool – perfect for hiking, biking or a classic fly-drive break along back roads, where farm stands are piled high with crunchy apples and orange pumpkins.

Our late Aunty drew a pumpkin

over and around another picture

 

This is a perfect time of year to receive and absorb wisdom.

 

So I have heated up Aunty's favorite for YOU...

(stay warm)

 

The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest.

And, the first to forget is the happiest.

 

~unknown

 

Maybe this is why children are (and our late Aunty was) so happy...they love unconditionally and don't hold grudges. 

 

Drive down your life's path with a smile

and a light heart at every moment.

When you break down all your barriers and defenses

you will get much better mileage and a smoother ride!

And, you'll avoid all the tolls...

Just like Aunty did!

 

 

"The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest

The first to forget is the happiest."

~ Unknown

"The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest.
The first to forget is the happiest."

~ Unknown

THERE IS NO PLANET B!!!

Give Bee's a Chance (not to mention Mother Earth)

We made history! WE, the three-hundred thousand plus marched in NYC this past Sunday in the LARGEST Climate Change March in History! It was utterly amazing. And, when I use the words "utterly amazing," in this case the participation in the march was indeed just that. It was exhilarating standing there in the streets of New York for a real cause and a real purpose. I felt proud as I stood there representing Nature! I truly felt like I was taking a stand for the air, the water, the birds, the bees, and the trees! Not to mention the future of the earth for my darling nieces, nephews, and God-children to thrive. My dear pal Helen marched for the Dolphins.

Stop the Freaking Fracking!

The Climate Change issue is a very hot subject and there is much to know and be aware of. I am only just starting to really pay attention to this and will educate myself and pass the information to my Ageless Followers. I can assure you this is a most deserving and urgent cause that we all need to pay attention to. Quite simply and literally, collectively we make all the difference in the world!

The power of people in the streets  and people like you spreading the word is the ONLY way we can overcome the financial power of the fossil fuel industry and get people to listen and make changes!

 

Everyone is concerned now...the old and the young!

What can you do you might ask. It is quite simple. Talk about this. Write to your congressman/woman, eat less meat, take shorter showers, ride a bike, consider a solar home, and do your part to recycle. And do whatever it takes to get the politicians to lean hard on the Fossil Fuel Companies and MAKE POLLUTERS PAY! Believe it can happen and continue to envision the world, cleaner, fresher, and safer for all. And eventually if we all believe and do our part it will be again. Just the way it was made for us. This is not for the next guy to fix. As soon as YOU believe you are responsible too, that is when we start to see real change.

Aunty Thanks you...

 

help prevent climate change (click on those words for more tips)