Your face may give away your age, but youth can remain a state of mind. At least that’s what I tell myself. I’m telling myself this as I inspect the face I see in the mirror. It’s the face of my mother! I swear every time I look in the mirror, my mom is there. Where did I go? Where did all the time go?

Mom and me February 2018, just before her 102 birthday.

Staying in love with life will keep me young. My body has served me well and will continue to do so. This seems good self-talk for me right now. As I investigate new things, and challenge myself to do more than think about how I look on the outside, I can appreciate life fully without being concerned with wrinkles, the effects of gravity (OMG), and grey hair. (I’m so old I spell grey with an “e” instead of an “a.” Either way is correct, but when I was a kid, we spelled it like the British do.)

My oldest son gave me this in January. I’ve been taking lessons for two months now. I waited until I could find a teacher close by.

I love Kermit.

My ukulele lessons are fun. I’m playing songs now that I love and singing out loud (to myself). This week I’ll be learning “The Rainbow Connection.”

I have two more dives before I’m certified for open ocean scuba diving. I already passed the final written exam with a score of 98%.  Of course my husband got 100%. He’s also finished with his dives, so he is already certified. Sheesh. He beats me at everything.

I recently got some of my photos and paintings framed. Just like a real artist. So there. It was a thrill to see them done so beautifully.

I’m trying to grow old gracefully. It helps not to look at advertisements for beauty supplies, seeing all those beautiful, young, flawless faces, and not to watch TV. I accept the lines and the brown spots on my face. I’ve experienced a lot in my (almost) 72 years. Remember: Wrinkles only go where the smiles have been. I will continue to smile.

It’s been quite a ride and there’s more to come. I am happy to get out of bed every morning early and throw on something suited for a beach walk. Sunrises and sunsets define my days.

Today’s sunrise. I couldn’t help turning from the ocean to watch el sol come up over the Sierra Laguna mountains. What a treat.

If only Mom would quit showing up in the mirror. hahahaha