4-21-2026 9:07am

Sisterhood and Brotherhood

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

Sisterhood and Brotherhood. That's what makes aging easier to bear.

On a recent visit to Delmonico's in New York City, I celebrated the birthday of my sister-friend, Deb. Deb and I lived a floor apart from each other in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn for many years. We formed a sisterhood that continues to this day. It's a bond that is rare. It is a cherished friendship that has spanned more than 30 years. We've been through boyfriends and breakups, hair styles and heartache - the good, the bad, and the unspoken. We stepped out on the town on Friday nights throughout the 90's and came home at dawn with our makeup intact. We talked for hours in my living room about life and the afterlife. We smoked a lot of cigarettes. The Cosmo became my favorite drink. I learned about it from Carrie Bradshaw. We were Sex and the City.

As we were escorted to our seats, I noticed a large group of men at the table next to us. They were elder gents. I thought perhaps they were members of an elite club. They certainly peaked my interest, so I gently walked over to them. "Hello, I'm Christine. May I ask who you are? Are you part of a club?" The man at the head of the table said, "We are celebrating my birthday. I'm Jimmy. We're all in our 80's, and we know each other either from high school or college. We've kept in touch through the years. We used to fill this place, but a lot of them are gone now." The brotherhood continues. I was very moved to see this many men dining together. I can only imagine the stories they've shared over the years.

Let's get back to sisterhood. I've had a lot of girlfriends throughout my life. Few remain. The loyal ones. The ones who get me. The ones who align with my outlook on life. My faith. My intentions and interests. My values. We share love for each other. Those are the members of my sisterhood. Deb is one of them.

Sisterhood refers to the deep, often lifelong bonds between women — whether biological sisters, close female friends, or women connected through shared experiences, values, or goals. These relationships are unique because they often begin in early life and can persist across decades, shaping identity, support systems, and personal growth. They can also include new friends who you either recently met or lost touch with, but rekindled a friendship later in life. You know that feeling that feels like no time has passed.

Sisterhood is important because as we age, we need more help and emotional support. We may find ourselves single, living away from family, widowed, or divorced. Even if we're partnered with a man or married, we still need sisterhood. They are the ones who will help you through the best and the worst of times.

After lunch, we took a walk to Ground Zero. It is sacred ground. I hadn't visited in many years, so it felt good to be there again. It is a beautiful, sprawling space that is a well thought out devotional site for those who lost their lives on that day. May they all rest in eternity. God Bless their families and friends forever.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, we need sisterhood more than ever. Women tend to live longer than men, so these friendships can be very valuable to our happiness.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

My pick of the week is Delmonico's Restaurant. This is one of the oldest restaurants in New York City. I had never been there, so it was really great to finally go. The food and cocktails were excellent! Check it out here: Delmonico's | America's First Fine Dining Steakhouse Since 1837

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SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week was looking up and seeing this. There is a God.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Help bring Nancy Guthrie home. Help bring all missing people home. I will pray without ceasing.

SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: May your days be filled with love.

Italian: Possano i tuoi giorni essere pieni d'amore.

SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

Exotic interiors can transport you to another place. Colorful accessories and items you love can add warmth and texture to your home. Go ahead. Be daring. Be bold. Step out of the box and create your own dreamy escape.

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SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What does sisterhood or brotherhood mean to you?

Please put your answer in the Comment section below. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - WHAT'S HAPPENING BROTHER by MARVIN GAYE

Lyrics

Hey baby, what you know good
I'm just gettin' back, but you knew I would
War is hell, when will it end?
When will people start gettin' together again?
Are things really gettin' better, like the newspaper said
What else is new my friend, besides what I read
Can't find no work, can't find no job, my friend
Money is tighter than, it's ever been
Say man, I just don't understand
What's going on across this land
Ah, what's happening brother?
Yeah, what's happening? What's happening my man?
Are they still gettin' down
Where we used to go and dance
Will our ball club win the pennant
Do you think, they have a chance?
And tell me friend, how in the world have you been?
Tell me, what's out, and I want to know what's in (what's happening brother?)
What's the deal man (what's happening, what's happening brother?)
Tell me brother (what's happening?)
What's happening brother?
Ah, what's happening brother?
What's happening my man?
Whoo, ah, ah, what's happening brother?
Say man, whoo, what's happening brother?
What's been shaking up and down the line?
I wanna know 'cause, I'm slightly behind the time

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MY BRAND - SKYLARK LIVE

I created my brand, Skylark Live, when I turned 60 years old and noticed a profound shift in this age. 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 ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. I am open to conducting in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. To be continued.

Skylark Live Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark - Living Life Inside and Outside the Home, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, goals, motivation, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I open to ideas of what to write about, so let me know. 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 paid subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each week 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! You can also become a paying subscriber.

Skylark Live Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog is a recap of the articles I've written in my newsletter throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. You can find some of my vlogs on my YouTube channel. I also post them on my social media platforms. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark

$UPPORT ME:

Patreon - www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

Substack - https://substack.com/@christinelarkin1?

Personal Shopper for Interior Decorating Accessories - www.skylarklive.org

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!