HAPPY EASTER...

We are always the same age inside...

Aunty loves her Easter chicks. They sing and dance We Got the Tweet, to the rhythm of the Go Go's We Got the Beat.

The Easter Bunny, that would be our friend Lori, brought us another glorious basket. We have church to go to, songs to sing, family to visit, and candy to eat. What could be better? We are grateful for every glorious second of this blessed holiday season, and for our readers.

So many wonderful things are on the horizon, my head is spinning. Agents are seriously considering my work. The secret product (idea) that I want to develop is miraculous. And, the blog is growing! Aunty has been joyous and happy. Things keep getting better and better, as we live more and more in the moment, and in deep gratitude each day.

Please come back to Ageless next week. And hit FOLLOW. We do not share email addresses. By hitting the FOLLOW button, (right there to your right) you are simply giving us a thumbs up. When you do become an official follower, Ageless Aunty automatically sends all good karma your way. Just ask any of our followers already. Each one of them has been blessed. So, tell your friends too!

Happy Easter and Happy Trails.

HULA HOOPING IN THE MOONLIGHT

Another way to stay Ageless...

Saturday night, after a full moon gong and meditation, Lori, Aunty, and I, went outside to soak up the Autumn moon. We noticed some hula hoops against a tree. I picked one up and started gyrating. What fun! Lori couldn't resist, and followed suit. With some assistance, Ageless Aunty joined in...

Ageless

Coming up next...a pair of ageless & magical shoes. And speaking of shoes, in light of recent posts about the shimmer and glimmer around me, did you notice the sparks coming from my sneakers, and the light behind me...

Stay with Ageless, the blog that is also a beacon!

PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH...

happy*healthy*holy

This past weekend I spent praying, chanting, and meditating with the yogis at the Kundalini Fall Festival. Oh yes, and having a lot of fun too!

I share this with my readers because…. I have discovered the number one anti-aging secret… and that is Celebrating Life… any way you can. One of the many ways I do this is through Kundalini yoga. This form of yoga focuses on Radiance and Bliss! It connects me to the light within. Ultimately, I can help light the way for others. Isn't this what life is all about anyway?

As for meditation, it is truly miraculous. When you pray you are talking to God. When you meditate you listen to God. What better entity to have good communication with than the Creator himself! I am happy to impart this to you because contemplation really works wonders~ If you go within, you will never go without...
Amen

Sat Nam…



SIMPLE SUMMER PLEASURES...

relaxing after a good cry

With all the work I do, like securing an agent for my first book, working on the second, taking care of Aunty, fighting to save Grace (I will explain later), maintaining a blog, and just trying to live a life…I had to take a couple of days off. I headed for Martha’s Vineyard. It just happened to be the busiest week of the summer with the President arriving, the annual fair, Illumination Night, and their fireworks celebration. I managed to book the one available room. I was delighted to find out that the farmhouse I would be staying at had an outdoor shower, a cozy hammock, and a certain something spectacular which I will write about soon.

Does anyone know anything about hammock etiquette, or how you get in and out of those things? Once I put my feet up, it was impossible not to relax. I cried for the first few minutes while my psyche adjusted to a state of pure relaxation. Later, that hot afternoon, the owner suggested I try the outdoor shower. What a blast. The feeling is ageless. Lathering up with lavender soap under the August sun, with the sky overhead, and a breeze to dry you, makes for a truly unforgettable experience. I hope all my readers can find a way to such bliss, and such a simple pleasure, before summer is over.

Please enjoy what warm days we have left. I promise to be back soon with one incredible tale of my time on Martha’s Vineyard. I found a way to go back in time. I sat and watched the sun setting on a beach. And, yes, I did manage to get close to the president. It might not be what you think…but, I followed what I said in the closing of my last blog post. Now the story of my two and a half days on MV is one of my favorites yet….

Stay tuned, and PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to THIS BLOG> JUST ENTER YOUR EMAIL to the right>. You can be assured no one will contact you. Subscribing to this blog will simply allow you to receive my posts. And, there are some great ones on the way.Thank you.

WHERE THERE'S A WILL THERE'S RENEE...again~

Rockin out at Fenway...

They said it could not be done….but then my motto kicked in…Where There’s a Will There’s Renee!


In my post J. Geils, I talked about the fact that I did not have tickets to last week’s J. Geils and Aerosmith’s sold out show at Fenway Park. Everyone knew that I was so determined to get tickets that even the Boston Herald newspaper wrote (page five on Saturday August 14th 2010) “Renee Gold, of Ageless with Aunty, doesn’t have tickets but plans to show up anyway.”

So, I did what my friends call Pulled a Renee….

I put on my rock and roll garb, including the original J. Geils tee-shirt, grabbed some cash and headed towards Kenmore Square in Boston. I believed I would find someone selling tickets. Eventually, outside of House of Blues, my sister and I met a guy and his girl who had two extra tickets. Ten minutes before the show we gave him all the money we had between us, which was about three hundred dollars (ouch…. I honestly have not ever paid that much for a ticket in my life) and we walked into Fenway Park, into the concert that had sold out in twenty-three minutes.

diddyboppin

When I realized we had last row, grandstand seats, I put on my sky blue rock and roll cap and my mirrored shades, and grabbed my sister’s hand. We moseyed into a great empty section of box seats and carried on as if we belonged there. Miraculously we were able to stay in the good seats all night….well, almost all night. Towards the end of the show, the generous guy standing next to us asked, “Would you like to go down front?” Silly question…. Next thing I knew…

while Aerosmith played Walk This Way….WE DID! My sister and I, and some guy who obviously worked for Fenway, went traipsing through the crowd of over thirty thousand, while I waved my glowing magic wand. We made our way up close to Steven Tyler…who by the way, is AGELESS. He looks great.

It was such a rush I almost jumped out of my skin. And both bands were incredible… It was worth every dollar.

I guess I will have to ask you to come back soon OR SUBSCRIBE TO THE RIGHT, IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY, to hear about how we got into one of the after parties at House of Blues…Things just kept getting better all night! Not only did I walk that way, but, I walked the talk of this blog: I kept unleashing that triumphant spirit….where anything is always possible… and no dream is too big.

Rock on~

THE ARTIST CURRENTLY KNOWN AS ROBERT HUNT...

Ageless Artist and Art Lovers

Everything about art is ageless. Mona Lisa still looks the same after five hundred and seven years. Whistler’s Mother hasn’t aged a bit since 1871, 139 years ago! Although this might have something to do with Mother literally hanging out in Paris at the Musee d’Orsay. How can one ever get old surrounded by masterpieces by Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Gauguin and Van Gogh.


Creative people also have a certain vibe that keeps them young. I recall my years at the Boston Conservatory of Music where I studied dance. The instructors were not young…but, they were ageless.

Hanging out with creative types is exciting. My friend, the talented and highly creative Robert Hunt, is an ace photographer. At his last show I was truly in awe over his work… and I wasn’t the only one. Everyone was raving. Here is just a glimpse of his some of his work. I can honestly say his entire collection is pretty incredible.

To get a better view you can go to his website http://www.roberthuntphotography.com/

You can also email him directly for listings of future shows…

Contact email - Rhuntphotography@cs.com
Bob also works with another impressive photographer, Sharon Devereux.


Ageless Tip of The Week: hang out with artists, or visit museums more frequently…summer is a great time to preserve our youth~

TRANSCEND YOUR NEXT THURSDAY...

Channeling my inner "Aunty"

“I can’t take her anywhere.” No, that is not what my friends say about me, ---- well, okay, maybe sometimes. But, that is what I say about Aunty. She goes just about everywhere I go, and she always creates a stir. It might be the way she smokes her fake cigarette, the high-heels she still manages to strap on, her trendy sunglasses, the sly way she says, “I’m going with the guys,” or a swear she might blurt out with a mischievous grin. But, most often it’s her simple childlike joy that turn moments of every day living into something sublime. Take for example last Thursday night. We went out to get a bite to eat, and according to our friend Lori, “Aunty created another magical night.”


The three of us were sitting in the back of the restaurant eating our salads when a jazz quartet walked in and started setting up right next to us. Naturally (as someone who is into live music) I jumped up in revelry when they started playing.

 Sure, I was in a restaurant, but, it was a friendly neighborhood establishment, the kind of place where you usually have good food and fun.

As the band jammed so did Aunty. Everyone started clapping and cheering as she swayed in a groove from her seat. As the music continued to move her, she got up and danced. There were waiters, cooks, chefs, fellow dinners, who each wanted a glimpse, or a moment with Ageless Aunty.

Our quiet night of eating and chatting turned into a party. But, with Aunty, things always get good. She lives her life with pure bliss and it is contagious. By now I am used to hearing the sweet words…

“Aunty is the happiest person I have ever met.”

Ageless Tip of the Week, Get in touch with the Ageless Aunty in you, and take any night of the week up a notch. Who knows, a jazz band might show up and play your favorite song!

What did you do last Thursday night while Aunty hit the bull’s-eye of living in the moment? Please share your comments below. And if you don’t remember, well, take a cue from Aunty~ it’s time to kick up those heels. And, if you are past a certain age, you can’t use that as an excuse any longer. Look at Aunty go, go, go… She inspired this blog. Let her inspire you…

WHAT'S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?

Aunty + 5 Guys = Hamburger Heaven

My guilty pleasure involves five men and a cow. Before I explain, you must promise not to tell Alicia Silverstone (who I told her to her flawless face that I would eat less meat) or strict vegetarian, Sir Paul McCartney, whom I hope to meet one day. I don’t want to give him any reason not to like me.

I recently tried a burger from the chain called Five Guys. It is the best hamburger I have ever had. And, I realize as someone who eats mostly chicken and fish for protein, I have not had all that many burgers, but, it was amazing just the same. The meat was lean and fresh, and cooked just right. The toppings are my absolute favorite. I choose mushrooms and onions, but you can have anything you want, and they are included in the price. The darn thing was so good I went back three times in the first week. Okay, that is a bit much…but I didn’t eat the bread. I only went in twice last week, and plan to eat there only once more this month…. I should be okay. The rest of the time I am exercising, staying out of the sun, avoiding alcohol, sipping medicinal teas, meditating, breathing deep, smiling, connecting with others, and steaming kale…. I think if I indulge in a nice juicy burger once in a while I can still be Ageless…

Look at Aunty. She has been enjoying hamburgers and hot dogs for more than 86 years!

I shared my guilty pleasure…Now, what’s yours? Have you ever eaten at Five Guys? Please comment below.. just click the word comment and tell us. Aunty wants to know…

A MEMORABLE MEMORIAL DAY...

Snatum Kaur

I am in the middle of a memorable Memorial Day Weekend….so perfect I have even caught a glimpse of God…

Friday night a dear friend picked me up and took me to a concert. There is simply something about Friday night that creates excitement…and especially when it’s the start of a long holiday weekend. And, there is something about Snatum Kaur (the singer we were going to see) that sets her apart from other artists. Since I have all of her recordings, and listen to her in my Kundalini Yoga class, I knew I was in for an extraordinary show. Snatum is a young, radiant woman who has a voice that is a profound and compelling talent. Anyone who sits and listens to her will be moved. She wraps you in a warm lavender scented, clean, and cozy blanket, and sings devotional lullaby-byes to you. Well, they may not be lullaby’s’ but she has an innocence that opens your heart. She sings and chants with grace, eloquence, and pure bliss. You will be moved. Her connection to the divine is palpable.

As I sat and listened, my heart just blossomed. When I closed my eyes, the light within shined so brightly…I caught a glimpse of God….

What a better way to start a weekend called Memorial Day …It was only Friday, and my high-spiritedness was already off the Richter scale.

I had another glorious day on Saturday. I found myself surrounded by my family. The reunion was remarkable because we don’t get together often enough, and everyone was there. We laughed, danced and hugged all day long. I felt like I was reaping the blessings bestowed upon me the night before.

On Sunday, as I drove around with another friend, she watched in wonder how our Ageless Aunty chanted every word to one of Snatum’s Kaur’s CD’s…Ong Namo, Guru Dev Namo. After witnessing Aunty in all her glory with all her wits about her, humming happily in the back seat, my friend said with glee… “Aunty plays cards, does yoga, sings, and dances. You make her so happy she is going to live to 102.” And with that, we pulled over to the ocean. I poured some ice, mint green tea and we un-wrapped home made sweet potato pie, reveling in Aunty’s amazing youthfulness (the rewards of my hard work and devotion). I may not be famous yet, but, I will not call myself a failure, because I have made, and am keeping, another person genuinely happy.

Today, I get to write to you about all the joy, love, and peace.

What was re-affirmed for me this weekend (with Snatum Kaur as the soundtrack all along) is: when you open your heart in the name of love, anything is possible. Good comes to you. You don’t have to go looking for it…you don’t even have to ask. If you don’t recognize that it’s already there, you will.

For more on the amazing Snatum Kaur go to http://www.snatumkaur.com/

BACK IN THE HIGH LIFE...

Steve Winwood with Renee Gold and Entourage

My passion in this life, in addition to writing and taking care of my precious Aunty, is music. If it’s a good live concert, I am there. When I am driving in my car, I play the radio or listen to one of my thousand and one CD’s. At home, Aunty and I dance around to all kinds of great music.

Music moves me like nothing else. And, my answer to the question, “If you were on a desert island, and could only bring three things....  is, “My tapes, my CD’s and my I-Pod.”

Two of my (many) favorite rock songs are Low Spark of High Heel Boys, And Can’t Find My Way Home, both written and performed by Steve Winwood, while he was with Traffic and Blind Faith. The songs were a bit before my time, but, I found my way to them none-the-less. They remind me of a time in my life when I was a young girl and so many things were taboo…even songs like that because they were a bit mysterious and so alluring. I get a profound feeling of nostalgia when I hear them. Some of Rock and Roll’s finest moments…

You might be wondering how I met the legendary Steve Winwood. Well, my friends’ fiance was playing in Steve’s band, and placed me on the guest list. I brought my four sisters along. They were so gorgeous,  no one in the band minded at all. They even posed for pictures with us. At the end of the show when the group played an encore of Gimmie Some Loving, which Steve Winwood also wrote, I was dancing all over the aisles and on the seats. I thought I might get thrown own. But, that was in the eighties and things were a bit more lose. However, that high-voltage charge of fun I felt then, I still feel at most live concerts. That is why I keep going. I seem to de-age with every beat. They say Botox is addictive, but for me, it’s the music. And, aside from the fact that these days, I might have to take a hot bath the next morning if I am a little sore from dancing too much, when you use rock and roll to preserve your youth, there is usually no recovery time, or possible complications. Although, beware…concert tickets today probably cost more then Botox!

For more info go to http://www.stevewinwood.com/

FABULOUS FACEBOOK...

~Friends~

I am so excited that my blog is aligned with Facebook…

We both represent Agelessness. When I am not telling you all about how I met Prince Albert, or posed as a Rock Star in Vermont, I write about ways to bring more fun into your life. And, Facebook helps you to do just that.

To think that in the push of one button, I can be talking to my old teachers, my sister’s ex-boyfriends, my high-school girlfriends, aunty’s old neighbors, and even a few local celebrities. They are all on Facebook. I find this so exciting. You can never have too many friends...

It’s good for my social life too. Already, Aunty and I have been invited to three parties, one reunion, and a beer festival.

The experts continue to tell us that staying connected is a key component to health and well being. Facebook keeps us connected to as many people as we want. I believe you can have up to 5,000 friends! And if you have more then five thousand friends, you can start your own social network, or run for office. And, speaking of the latter our President uses Facebook too.

Stop complaining there is nothing to do, or you have no one to hang out with. Just turn on Facebook and connect with everyone you have ever known, while making new friends too. It’s free, and it is so much fun. And having fun will help you to stay young. Just look at Aunty. One of her many friends took this picture.

Now she wants her own Facebook page too… sharing this blog with me is not enough. At this rate she’ll never get old…

Making friends at 86 is one great way to live…. Thanks Facebook! And thanks to all our friends, from Facebook, and right here at home….

BEHIND THE BLOG...

I Just Keep Rolling Along...

My life is not easy at all. Yet, I continue to get emails, calls, and people coming up to me saying… “What an amazing life you and aunty have… What fun!” Well, yes we do. And, I appreciate those comments and compliments a lot. But, behind the blog, it’s not all one big wild ride…

Aunty has Alzheimer’s (or so they say). She does get forgetful, and as I mentioned in an earlier post, she can not be alone. Since I am the only one caring for her, this can put enormous pressure on me. It’s just me all the time (for several years now). When you care deeply for someone, or some cause, there is usually a lot of work associated with that caring. Who knew devotion had a price? But, I wouldn’t have it any other way. That devotion is what’s keeping Aunty vibrant and glowing in her 86th year of life.

So, …in between yoga gongs, pageants, meeting royalty, hanging out with Senators, and sneaking into sold out shows, I am putting on/in various eye-drops and medications, ordering pills, making doctors appointments (by now Aunty has a doctor for each part of her body, including her toenails). I am following many, absolutely crazy, and unfair, rules and regulations because at this point we are getting some outside help. I answer the same question one million times a day. I search an entire neighborhood and house, at least once a month, for aunty’s lost tooth (she has one little tooth that comes out, I guess you call it a partial) and she always loses it. The piece cost $1,700! We can not afford to have another one made. Which leads to our big stress> Money… We have none. Yes, we fooled you too… We live by the skin of that one take-out tooth. But, through our dearly beloved blog (the one you are reading right now) we focus on the positive (that fun, zesty gumption we both posses) and sure enough, more good keeps coming our way. It’s not always easy, but I found out, things turn out better when you stay positive.

My dear mother always says, “Life is what you make it.” I have packed in a lot of chutzpah, a cup full of spirit, a dash of sass, and a sprinkle of spunk to make mine more fun…no matter what is going on behind the blog.

AGELESS QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What ingredients are you putting into your life to make it better?

A PLUG FOR POETRY...

                                Aunty and I with a real live poet

When was the last time you read, or wrote poetry, or had someone read a poem to you?

That’s what I thought.

Many of us are too busy, and the last thing we might think of is picking up a poem to read, or taking the time to read aloud to someone we love. We are missing out on an enriching simple joy.

Aunty and I had the distinct pleasure of attending a poetry reading recently and we enjoyed every verse. Our dear friend Meg Kearney is a poet. She read from her latest book of poems called Home by Now. Sitting there listening to the words eloquently flowing off her lips was just a little slice of wonder. Poetry asks you to listen, reflect, and when you are writing, to dig deeper.

I was so inspired I am reading more poetry (including Meg’s poems of course).

Dabble in a few poems if it’s been a while. Read aloud to someone. It’s as simple as packing a lunch, grabbing a blanket, and putting a few poems in your pocket to go sit by the lake. Now that’s Ageless if you ask me. Or, stay right where you are, just grab a pen and paper and go with the flow…

Poetry can bring you to the most amazing places and make you feel alive. It creates enriching conversation when you discuss poems with others. But, most of all, poetry is to be enjoyed. Raindrops on roses might be one of Julie Andrew’s favorite things, but having someone read to me (poetry included) is one of mine. How utterly romantic…I swoon at the thought.

Further reading:
Sound and Sense (and introduction to understanding poetry) by L. Perrine.

For more on the brilliant Meg Kearney, and her poems, go to http://www.megkearney.com/.
Meg is the embodiment of a good poem…stunning, smart, and good company. Oh yes, and she moves you.

"WHAT IS SHE GOING TO DO NEXT?"

I have been known to crash a party or two. I have managed to sneak into sold-out concerts, maneuver myself into front row seats, and have even made my way into the MTV awards by hitching myself on to another’s posse (including the late Rick James’). But, until recently, I had never crashed a famous person’s bathroom.

On a recent tour of historic New England homes, my family and I went gaga over a particular house. We were in awe over how Boston’s Celebrity Chef, Lydia Shire, decorated her amazing and whimsical home. See her dinner table below.

At one point I left the tour, and snuck into one of the many bathrooms to snap a picture. Wow… the red Japanese wall paper was exotic, and really stood out. Graced on the all glass, see-through sink was a tall lily plant coming out of a shimmery fairy planter. Miss Shire showcased more creativity and flair in that small bathroom than many people do in an entire home.

At the end of the day, I felt like I had satisfied my daily chutzpah quota. If I am not pushing the envelope, even if it’s just secretly snapping a picture of an illustrious chef’s bathroom in Boston, then I don’t feel right. Everyone who knows me always asks…. “What are you going to do next?” That’s what this blog is all about (aside from staying Ageless with Aunty) nothing plain and simple here. My life is one madcap adventure…and from now on, I am taking my readers over-the-top and along for the ride. Strap yourself in. Renee’s Big Surf’s up. There is endless virtual summer fun on the horizon.

ZUMBA!

This woman is a mother of three...

I am so excited to report that I have found yet another way to stay Ageless… it’s called Zumba. Many of you are probably already aware of this popular fitness program, but I only recently stumbled upon a class. I was hooked on the first funky beat. These classes are so much fun that I have changed my schedule to make sure I don’t miss them. I urge you to try one. They are safe, effective, and thoroughly enjoyable! According to the Zumba website…
The Zumba® program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away. ... Let's face it, working out can be healthy, rewarding and beneficial. Working out can be lots of things, but it's never been known to be an exhilarating experience…UNTIL NOW!
Our goal is simple: We want you to want to work out, to love working out, to get hooked. Zumba® Fanatics achieve long-term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exciting hour of calorie-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life!
The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Add some Latin flavor and international zest into the mix and you've got a Zumba® class!
In the past years, the Zumba® program has become nothing short of a revolution, spreading like wildfire, and positioning itself as the single most influential movement in the industry of fitness.
For more info go to http://www.zumba.com/
And one popular instructor I have found on my infectious Zumba journey is Deborah Saparoff. She tells me she has three children, but, it’s hard to believe. Let Zumba do this for you too… She is available to answer your questions. Go to. dsaparoff@comcast.net
Or, Face Book link: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=751123337&ref=profile

THE WORLD IS OUR STAGE

I make a habit of living fully in the moment and luckily it’s paying off. I call this blog Ageless because, aunty and I have been fortunate to have a great deal of love in our life, and take good care of each other. Our clean living is paying off. No one has ever guessed our actual age. The fact that I have my trademark chutzpah helps too. I don’t hear no. I never sit in the back row. I always find my way to the front and often backstage. In this case, on the stage! At a recent performance of the Donkey Show, I was so in the moment, the music and the setting just lifted me into the realm of pure fun. At one point, I jumped on stage and started dancing with one of the characters from this fantastical piece of live theatre!

We all know there is more than enough pain and suffering around us. Any chance we get to create, or dive into pure unadalatured fun… I say we should embrace it head on. Don’t just go though the motions > Star in your own life! There is plenty of room up here for you. The world is your stage too. Don’t let me (and the guy in the bikini) have all the fun.

For more information on the Donkey Show go here

DANCING WITH THE STARS...

Dancing with the cars

Okay, okay, I may not be dancing with the stars, but I am dancing under the stars with the cars! I could not resist this title because tonight is the Season Premiere of the sensational television show Dancing With the Stars.


In keeping with what this blog is about, Where There's A Will There's Renee, and She's Staying Ageless with Aunty... I thought you might appreciate someone just stopping what they are doing to dance on the street! I did just that and what a terrific feeling. My friends followed suit, and soon several of us let our inner child (or is that inner wild woman) free right on the spot. Trish held back, but luckily she captured this picture. The fact that we had lively music streaming from a new car stereo prompted the spree. We pulled over, parked, jumped out, and carried on.

I know not all of you will want to stop what you are doing to go dance on your lawn, or outside your cubicle, but, maybe you could find one of your favorite songs, turn it up, and dance in your seat. Consider, when you get home from work, taking a break from your normal routine with music and movement.


Spring is here, for many of us life is pretty darn great. And if you want to give thanks... put your whole body into it. I have to say, I have not ever seen an old looking dancer. Have you?

From http://www.sixwise.com/
In fact, Mayo Clinic researchers reported that social dancing helps to:
Reduce stress
Increase energy
Improve strength
Increase muscle tone and coordination
Dancing the night away can burn more calories per hour than riding a bike or swimming.
And whether you like to kick up your heals to hip hop, classical or country, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) says that dancing can:
Lower your risk of coronary heart disease
Decrease blood pressure
Help you manage your weight
Strengthen the bones of your legs and hips