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SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER
I'm not ready for September. Are you? I feel like I was just soaking up the sun on the beach. I love the beach. Don't worry. Summer's not over yet.
It has been a challenging week. When a loved one gets sick, you drop everything to help them. But when they spend a week in the hospital, it consumes your life. It's times like these that we take stock of being very present and become grateful.
These can be sobering years. I chose to write about 60 and beyond because I knew I was going to be facing different challenges. I felt it the moment I celebrated my 60th birthday. Something felt different. If you recall, I posted my first vlog about it. Sorry to all of my subscribers. I did not record a September vlog this week. After all, it was Labor Day. A day off to honor by not working.
As we reach the age of 60, our bodies undergo a series of changes that can impact our health and well-being. These changes are a natural part of aging and can vary from person to person. Here are some of the common changes that occur in the body after the age of 60:
- Skin Changes: The skin becomes drier and may develop wrinkles, age spots, and a crepe-paper appearance. Sweat glands become less active, leading to reduced sweating and longer healing times for wounds.
- Muscle and Bone Changes: Muscle mass and strength decline, and bone density decreases, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises can help maintain bone health.
- Cardiovascular Changes: The heart and blood vessels stiffen, making it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently. This can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.
- Mental Changes: Cognitive function may decline, but vocabulary and long-term memory often remain stable. Vision may be affected by age-related eye diseases.
- Joint and Muscle Changes: Joints may become less flexible, and muscles may lose strength and endurance, raising the risk of falls and injuries.
- These changes are part of the natural aging process, but with proper care and lifestyle adjustments, many can be managed to maintain a high quality of life. It's important to stay active, maintain a healthy diet, and seek medical advice for any concerns or symptoms.
By now, we all know about these common changes, but what do we do when a more chronic disease is present? I don't know about you, but I believe in prevention. Annual physicals and blood work are a great way to find out early on if something is brewing in that beautiful body of yours. Eating well is absolutely necessary for vitality. And what about that dreaded exercise you keep putting off. Me, too! We all know it's good for us, so why don't we do more of it? Even 10 minutes a day of stretching can make a big difference in our energy level, and over time, it can contribute to more flexibility. Walking a little bit each day can improve cardiovascular health. We always feel better after a walk, don't we.
I consider myself a fairly active person. I recently joined the YMCA in my hometown. I spent many years in the gym when I was younger, and I've studied yoga for years. I also love waking on the beach. Sand makes walking more difficult, so you get an added benefit of working your legs. I don't pressure myself with an exercise schedule. I do it when I can, and I take the stairs whenever possible. At least I'm making an effort, and so can you. If you are consistent, you can see some good results from exercising.
September is a great time to get out and walk in the fresh air. If you live on a property with walkable grounds, try to take advantage of it. I've been walking in the evening around sunset. A new routine like this can break up the monotony of ordinary exercise.
I spend a lot of time outside when I'm not working. The beach is my favorite place, but I also love gardens. September is the perfect time to walk where flowers and trees are abundant. Here's a list of some of my favorite gardens and arboretums:
The Bayard Cutting Arboretum www.baryardcuttingarboretum.com
Old Westbury Gardens www.oldwestburygardens.org
Planting Fields Arboretum www.plantingfields.org
Long House Reserve www.longhouse.org
John P. Humes Japanese Garden www.northshorelandalliance.org
These are just a few of my picks. Long Island is a vast oasis of natural beauty and wonder. So get outside and visit some places you've never been. I'll see you in September.
Peace and Love,
Skylark
At 60 and Beyond, spending time in the natural world just might be the best medicine.
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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK
The September Full Moon is the Corn Moon that turns red! This is because it coincides with a total lunar eclipse. Enjoy the view this coming Sunday, September 7, 2025. Check your local listings to find out when the Full Moon will rise and set at your exact location.
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SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
The highlight of the week was watching the moon set Monday evening, September 1st, Labor Day. The illuminated Waxing Gibbous was visible out my bedroom window through the trees. This phase indicates that the moon is more than halfway illuminated and continues to grow in size as it approaches full illumination. Voila! The Corn Moon.
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SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK
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SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK
English: Moon glow
Italian: Lluce della luna
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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Dear God,
As we enter a new month, please keep everyone safe and sound. Amen.
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SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What does September represent to you? To me, it means family birthdays. Three of my sisters, my brother, and one of my nieces celebrate their birthdays in September. It's like a pre-Christmas.
Please put your answer in the Comment section below this post. I'd love to hear from you.
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SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK
As the seasons change, so do decorating trends. This month, it's all about muted tones. So, if you're thinking of painting those drab white walls, check out some warm hues that are confident, cozy, and undeniably chic.
SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER by THE HAPPENINGS
LYRICS
I'll be alone each and every night
While you're away, don't forget to write
Bye-bye, so long, farewell
Bye-bye, so long
See you in September
See you when the summer's through
Here we are (bye, baby, goodbye)
Saying goodbye at the station (bye, baby, goodbye)
Summer vacation (bye, baby bye, baby)
Is taking you away (bye, baby, goodbye)
Have a good time but remember
There is danger in the summer moon above
Will I see you in September
Or lose you to a summer love
(counting the days 'til I'll be with you)
(counting the hours and the minutes, too)
Bye, baby, goodbye
Bye, baby, goodbye
Bye, baby, goodbye (bye-bye, so long, farewell)
Bye, baby, goodbye (bye-bye, so long)
Have a good time but remember
There is danger in the summer moon above
Will I see you in September
Or lose you to a summer love
(I'll be alone each and every night)
(While you're away, don't forget to write)
See you (bye-bye, so long, farewell)
In September (bye-bye, so long, farewell)
I hope that I'll
See you (bye-bye, so long, farewell)
In September (bye-bye, so long, farewell)
Oh baby I'll
See you (bye-bye, so long, farewell)
In September (bye-bye, so long, farewell)
See you in September
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ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE
My brand, Skylark Live, began when I turned 60 and noticed a profound shift. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature aging through knowledge and self-awareness. Andiamo! Let's go!
Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!
Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, is a recap of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the previous month. Then I introduce a new topic. My vlog is live on my YouTube channel, Skylark Live, and you can view it at any time. Just click the link to subscribe: (736) Skylark Live - YouTube
HOW TO SUPPORT ME
Patreon - This is where you can financially support my brand. It enables me to write my newsletters and create my vlogs to share with you. Just click the link to contribute: www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive
Social Media - Follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.
Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day. Saluti!
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