FRENCH WORD-A-DAY

You have better photos to use than the one today. It is a bit somber and grey, not at all like your lovely colorful photos, which I think will sell welll.

In your sixties wear the same crazy clothes you wore before and keep in shape to wear that string bikini on the beash. Just don't stay too long and remembr your sunscreen.
In your seventies you might just have an inkling that you are not 40. Same clothes..no sun, more naps...but with your honey, that's a plus!.
In your eighties...well, you suddenly realize you are not 50! Keep in shape with Pahla B on video for 20 minutes a day, and your same clothes will still fit, haha. You would LOVE her videos. Very positive and she's wacky.
In your nineties (fill in blank)Don't know yet but you will probably not thread a needle as well as before and remember, what other people think of you is NONE of your business. I love that.
At 100 (fill in blank, and merci to our readers who are nearing la centaine!) Not sure at all that this stage of the fame is necesary but I am such a wuss about death and dying that I'll just wear the same clothes and hug my honey more that I do even now and that's A LOT!

sixties--find a new recreational pursuit with friends. Petanque, kayakimg, walking, painting etc.
seventies--become lovably eccentric with your enthusiam for projects - photography, the garden etc. Develop a new 'dream' about the future
eighties --become an 'activist' on social projects assisting young people.
nineties--slow down a but but don't stop!
100--let your kindly shared wisdom be for friends like sunlight coming through a beautiful stained glass window
At ALL decades--excercise regularly, eat sensibly but most of all --maintain the friendship of younger people

I have a 94 YO friend who people love to meet each week. He's fun and fit and interested.My mother had young friends until 99 and still joked to the end.

bonjour tous et toutes. Loved the post and many thanks for all of the advice as we grow.

I your 60’s move to Paris for 2 years and meet Kristin Espinasse!
In your 70’s relive that time and write a book about it!

Having a daughter (or two in my case) is a great gift for a Mom, especially as one becomes a “person of a certain age”!

What a lovely time you had with Jackie! Yes, that photo would make a wonderful postcard. I want to be there eating la soupe de poireaux especially on a cold day. The old port looks like an interesting place to explore. That corner reminds me of the 7th arr. in Paris. Your story about the flics made me laugh too. We all get so paranoid ...

I think the opposite of Suzanne D. - I love the photos. They create a mood for me and bring back memories of early morning walks or the contrast of the outdoors with the warmth of the inviting glow through the windows. This post resonated with me as I turn 70 this year and am struggling with what do I do now? Merci!

Hi Kristi,
Thanks for the wonderful story! Cherish your time with Jackie!
I am relaxing a bit in my 60's and I made a vision board for the first time ever and it was really fun!
Blessings to you and your family! Thanks for sharing your stories and wonderful photos and postcards!
Eileen

La foto è bellissima!!

In your 70s - use those precious things that you have been saving.

My life did not follow that pattern, not as to work. I found my career in college, worked in it happily and with satisfaction until my 40s. Then I was fully disabled from work, a total surprise. My income fell, and was then based on my prior work. Had I not worked at two good jobs — no income now! The disability stopped travel pretty much. I am in les soixant-dix, la vie n’est pas du tout comme la vie de mes sœurs et mes frères. Mon petit frère est en Autriche aujourd’hui, il fait du ski. Je regarde ses merveilleuses photos.

I did try lots outside work in my 20s, and am glad I have those memories. My big trip to Europe, my first time backpacking in the US in mountains! More backpacking in mountains in my early 30s, then various physical issues ended that decade. I had one week in England when I was 39, started to learn how limiting the disease was when I had to return to the hotel to nap midday, not walk all day as I wanted.

Find love in les vingts, puis les enfants. Like your life, which has been full and rich with experiences and people.

I like the photo with Gambader (the stone steps and 2 dogs, posted in February) and also Patissier, Chocolatier from 14 février. Aussi, les pointus de La Ciotat, tous en enfilade.

Perfect!

I agree with all of these!! In my late 60's now and want to be sure I do all I want before this body wears out, which it will eventually even with all the good nutrition etc. Here's to living life well at any age!

I guess no one mentioned what you should do in your teens (or before). Learn to play an instrument. You'll have that pleasure through-out all the other decades.

Recently read “The Light of Paris” by Eleanor Brown and enjoyed it very much. It’s a bit on topic for the discussion today about stages of life and how we tend to lose touch with things which ignited our spirit when we were young. It alternates between a young woman examining her life’s direction and her discovery of a similar dilemma that her grandmother experienced.

Great advice, everyone!

Les clés! Be sure to include a photo of your fabulous collection!

Dear Kristi! Your story is like a bouquet of cheery tulips or a glimpse of spring! I feel as if I'm laughing along with you and Jackie. This cafe looks to be my ideal place to hang out, converse and dream. I imagine we'd meet here often to share with each other our experience of being in our fifties. I think it would make the perfect postcard! Thank you for sharing this glimpse into your day! Love, Stacy

J’adore ce poste. Les filles sont spéciales, c’est la vérité! Aussi, j’aime la photo des bâtiments français avec les rues étroites. C’est charmant et pittoresque. Et finalement, je suis dans mes années soixantes et mon avis pour ce décennie est : essayez beaucoup, ne travaillez pas trop, aimer vos petits enfants, pardonnez, et prenez soin do votre corps et cerveau !

Dear Kristi, I remember your post from what was probably many years ago, though it feels like it was very recent, about driving Jackie somewhere and panicking when you thought that a police office was about to stop you. This story reminded me of that incident, and I wonder whether you and Jackie also thought of that memory.

As a 40-year-old at the start of a new career, I hope that it's okay to veer away from the advice you mentioned. Perhaps I'm a late bloomer, but in truth, I have always wanted to be une bibliothécaire and am proud of having recently completed my second Masters degree to allow me to pursue this new career. As some say, 40 is the new 20/30, so I'll go with that. :)