NEW YEAR'S EVE REVERIE
Nat King Cole's Wistful NYE Song, Breakfast Matters, Silver Sky Divers, and Popular Posts of 2024
Hiya, Friends!
Earlier today, as I drove down the deserted streets of Hollywood, this song came on the radio. ⬇️
Click to play and join my wistful New Year’s Eve reverie. Tbh, I didn’t expect to be so emotional and reflective today. But something about the empty streets of Los Angeles, and Nat King Cole singing about “sipping a glass of lonely wine,” plus the older woman I saw sitting alone at the bakery, got me all teary-eyed.
I’d gone to pick up a loaf of bread at the bakery and spotted the petite woman with long white hair. She wore a fisherman’s hat that had Hollywood embroidered on the rim and a navy skirt suit that looked one size too big. I watched her take teeny tiny shuffling steps over to the coffee station and pour two packets of Splenda and a splash of cream in her cup before shuffling back to her seat. Part of me wanted to join her at her table and find out her story, but I didn’t want to intrude. Jared says she’s a regular as he’s seen her there before. I don’t know why, but I saw a future version of myself in that woman. Maybe not the fisherman’s hat per se, but I’ll probably be the person dressed a bit more formally than everyone else at the cafe some day.
Later, Jared and I meditated for ten minutes—a practice we started this past year to try to clear our heads— but instead of getting my Zen on, a melancholic mood washed over me. I suppose I was just feeling emotional about the end of another year. Now that I’m in my 50s, life seems to flash past like scenery through a train window. Jared said, “Things are just beginning.” He’s right and then again, so am I. It’s the end and it’s the beginning. I think it’s okay to grieve a little for the way things were as long as we remember to remain open for what’s to come.
As 2024 bids us adieu, I thank you all for being here. Your readership and feedback has been the best gift I received this year. May 2025 bring you good health, happiness, and plenty of delicious eats in 2025.
TURNS OUT, BREAKFAST REALLY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY.
And while we’re on the topic of delicious eats, here’s some great news for breakfast lovers like me! According to a recent study in The Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging, older adults who consume 20-30% of their daily calories at breakfast are healthier than their peers. Benefits of eating a healthy breakfast rich in vegetables, healthy fats, fruits, and whole grains include lower cholesterol, triglycerides and higher HDL cholesterol levels and better kidney function. So don’t rush out the door on an empty stomach. If you need some inspiration for healthy breakfasts, I shared some ideas in this post.
MIGHT AS WELL JUMP!
I just came across a story in the New York Times about a group of aging sky divers that get together on the regular to jump out of planes. There’s a pretty spectacular video of the group holding hands mid-air to form a snowflake shape that’s worth a peek. While I commend and admire these daredevils, I do not have what it takes to leap out of a plane. And what I mean is, I’m a fraidy cat. Our friend left his car here for us to use while he’s away and I avoided driving it for weeks for fear of a) not being able to figure out how to turn on the lights, and b) totaling the car. I finally braved it the other day because I was too lazy to back our car out of the driveway and DANG, this guy’s car is so fun to drive. Why did I wait so long? I guess it’s a good lesson to be less fearful, but you’ll still never convince me to jump out of plane even if the jumpers claim it temporarily relieves all ailments.
The sport also offers a sweet reward for aging jumpers. “When you leave the airplane, there’s no arthritis, no aches and pains,” said Mr. Miller, whose jumpsuit sported badges earned for night jumping and a world record group formation. “It’s the most freeing thing you’ll ever do.” Read full article for FREE here.
MOST POPULAR POSTS OF 2024!
ICYMI, below are a few of my most popular posts from 2024. If you’re a fan of The Thin Man movies, check out my homage to William Powell. Find out how to add 7.5 years to life in the “Change your Mindset” post, and get a pep talk from Ruth Gordon in the post titled, “Good News Only.”
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Okay. That’s a wrap. I will leave you with another song that’s been on my mind all day and very apropos for NYE. xo H2
All the best in 2025, Hilary!
OK, I am way late to the party here... but wow that Nat King Cole song is GREAT! It's so melancholy-fabulous! And thank you for the Al Green! So wonderful. Here's to health and happiness in 2025! xo