Monday Musings: I Skipped Paris for a Rainforest Full of Bears. No Regrets
Happy Monday, ladies. I hope you had a great weekend. Mine was calm, and the weather was beautiful.
I broke out my raspberry colored washed linen dress yesterday along with my open-weave flats to head back to the yarn store for stitch markers. I’m carrying my large tote these days so I can bring my knitting with me. It’s much healthier for me to take out my knitting while waiting than doomscrolling on my phone.
I’ll be turning 70 in a few weeks…that sure happened fast. To celebrate, we’ve decided to go on another adventure.
Paris, Tokyo, or Florence would have been fun, but we’ve decided to hop on a small prop plane to fly three hours north, followed by a 90-minute boat ride to arrive at Spirit Bear Lodge in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest.
As you know, I’m not a water person. I’m not a boat person. I’m not particularly a small, bumpy, propeller-driven plane person either, so this should be interesting. I don’t think of myself as terribly adventurous the way most of my family members are, but when there’s something I really want to do, I’m willing to step up to the plate.
I’ll be packing plenty of anti-nausea medication and hopefully leaving my usual worries behind…because I expect I’ll be wrestling with brand new ones, like how to avoid freezing, getting seasick, trying to spot whales, and actually seeing the elusive spirit bear.
It would be so cool to see a spirit bear or a grizzly. When we went arctic cruising out of Svalbard a couple of years ago, we saw several polar bears, but they were a long, long way away. Frankly, keeping that kind of distance from a polar bear is a pretty solid plan. This time, we’ll be out in Zodiacs and small boats, experiencing nature up close in a small group.
When it comes to what I’m packing for Great Bear Rainforest, we’re keeping it simple and using what we already have. I tried to order silk long johns and a backpack, but they didn’t arrive in time, so I’m borrowing a few pieces from my daughter. The rest of my suitcase will be filled with warm layers, comfortable walking clothes, and some cozy fleece. My preferred fleece happens to be from Frank & Eileen, which is my elevated version of sweats but comfy cozy nonetheless. There is nothing dressy about this trip, and we’re entirely fine with that. I am packing my makeup because I go nowhere without putting on a bit.
So why are we choosing the wilderness for 70?
When I turned 60, we went to Iceland at my daughter’s encouragement, and it was unforgettable. Now, as 70 approaches, this felt like the right move because when we think about major milestones, cities don’t pull us the same way nature does.
Wish us luck, and wish my anti-nausea medication luck, too.
Reader questions
Q – I have a couple of longer tunic-style sweaters from Eileen Fisher that I have trouble styling now that leggings are “out”. How can I wear my sweaters? Also, do you hang or fold your sweaters in your closet?
A – I hang almost all my sweaters, or I forget to wear them. Most get folded in half and draped over a pant hanger. I suggest you try a slim ponte knit pant, which has more substance than leggings. Eileen Fisher also makes a washable crepe slim-leg pant that looks better than leggings. Here are some other options:
Q – I’m going to a wedding on October 3rd in Pennsylvania. It’s semi-formal, and the venue is outside unless it rains; then inside a “barn “. I plan to wear nice black pants or a long black skirt with chiffon material, with black boots. I’m undecided on a nice blouse or jacket. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
A – I love the sound of your bottoms. If you have a semi-cropped jacket, that would be nice with the skirt or pants. Blouses mean you tuck them in, so if you’re comfortable doing that, it would be nice under that jacket. You could also consider a lightweight sweater that stops near the high hip area to go under the jacket.
Q – What denim is on trend for fall?
A – I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with trends because they can easily encourage us to buy what’s popular but not right for ourselves. I do like to know the direction fashion is moving so I can tell when something is making me look hopelessly outdated.
1-Relaxed/baggy is still big, but pair it with a fitted top, or it just reads sloppy.
2- Slim straight leg and stovepipe are creeping back for anyone tired of fighting volume.
3 -Washes are calmer, and heavy distressing and shredded hems are fading out.
4 -Gray is the new neutral wash, alongside classic blue.
On the way out: exaggerated flares, frayed raw hems, aggressive rips.
The bottom line is to check your closet first. A good straight leg and a good relaxed pair cover both directions this season.
Would you ladies be interested in a blog post on this year’s fall trends? Please let me know in the comments.
I would also love your input as I plan my content going into fall.
I have several regular posts I do: Monday Musings, Try-ons, Styling tips, Healthy Aging, and Beauty. Which are your favorites? I’d love to know which ones to concentrate on as I reduce my number of posts per week.
Thanks so much!
Happy Birthday Jennifer! I am looking forward to reading about your latest adventure. One thing that makes your blog so interesting and fun for me is we never know where you are (US, Canada, Iceland ???) or what is on your mind at the moment. Variety is the spice of life. I am a couple of years older than you, all of your content touches me in some way. Just continue to do what is best for YOU. Of course, I do love Monday Musings…Thank you, xx
Thank you Pamela!!
Your trip sounds amazing. We lived in ALaska for 35 years, with a 6 year stint in Indonesia.
I miss the Alaska wilderness and the beautiful nature that surrounded us.
Hope it is all you wished for
I would love to get information on fall trends. As a high school teacher, I like to look current without following fads.
Hi! I love all your posts and your sense of humor! And I would love to know your take on the latest fall fashions. Have a wonderful birthday and enjoy your exciting trip. Looking forward to hearing all about it and seeing pictures.
Yes please to a Fall trends blog.
Enjoyed today’s blog and like your blogs on how to look current as we age.
Happy 70th and enjoy your trip and stay warm!
Happy travels! Sounds amazing.
I carry a small knitting project in my work bag and knit while I’m waiting for elevators (I work in a 15 story hospital, and to this a lot). It feels so much better than looking at my phone.
I really do love the try-ons, and you have a great commentary about what you’re trying. And I would appreciate a trend report as well. All the best!
Thanks Anne
I like Monday Musings and Healthy Aging, and yes, I’d be interested in fall fashion trends.
Your 70th birthday trip sounds wonderful! Very exciting!
Love the pink dress in this post.
I have enjoyed reading and appreciated all your posts from far away for at least 2 years now. My favourites are your Monday musings, styling tips, answers to reader questions, try-ons and healthy aging, in that order, thank you. A post on long lasting fall trends would be good and help to re-discover what is already in my wardrobe.
Great idea
First applause applause for you deciding on a beautifully natural way to celebrate your 70th! A new adventure for a wonderful woman setting wonderful examples for all of us. I would love a Fall blog post! I need it!
Thanks so much!
Thank you Donna!
Hi, I am a very active…..pickle baller, golfer, hiker 70-yr-old woman and live in San Diego. I have been following you for a couple years. I love all your suggestions on styling pieces for outfits. I’m 5’7,” have a 32-in. Inseam, so I wear a tall in pants. I have wide shoulders, long arms, which I find some tops too short.
I would love to see more styling suggestions for us taller women, if possible.
I really love all your posts. So many of them I read early in the morning then go back later in the day just to see the comments! You have the best subscribers! However you want to continue posting is just fine with me.
Hi Jennifer, I love your Monday Musings, but really I will read anything that you write because I love your wry sense of humour. Looking forward to hearing about your trip!
YES to fall trends and colors! Got the fall (August) Talbots catalogue and I’m thrilled with some of the color stories (camel, blue) but not as excited with the green or gray. Thx.
Early Happy Birthday, Jennifer. Your trip sounds amazing. I hope it is everything you want it to be.
Happy Birthday! Enjoy your latest adventure!
Sincerely,
Suzanne
I love Monday musings! Try ons and healthy living would be next. You are a good writer and I enjoy your sharing your life with us. I love all of the comments from my friends that also share. At 70 you want to enjoy your life not slave over writing a blog every day. I’m 81 and understand completely.
My 70th is in 3 weeks. Enjoy your celebration trip. We’re on our way to Alaska (through Vancouver for a week!) for mine.
Yes, a fall trends but I really love the stying and aging posts.
Thanks for all you do!
Happy Birthday!🎂
Happiest of birthdays to you!!! Have an amazing trip – I cannot wait to hear about it. I just celebrated my birthday in Toyko and a cruise around Japan.
I love Tokyo!! Such an amazing place
I would love to hear about fall trends. I think we all like to read Monday Musings and like to see what your wearing. Happy Birthday and have a wonderful trip 🌸
I enjoy Try Ons very much. And I would love a fall trend post.
Have a glorious trip Jennifer ! Peace and harmony to you and yours.Looks like a very special place. I like Healthy Aging myself! x
I would love to hear about Fall trends. Have a wonderful trip! It sounds fun to me.
I love the try ons, my favorite! But I also love styling tips and beauty. It’s so hard to choose. All good, helpful!
I’m in the yes camp on fall trends. And also Would like a run down on what looks dated now and how to update those pieces like info about leggings.
Happy 70! Have a wonderful, wonderful trip!!
I think the trip you planned will be great. If you are nervous about the boat ride, etc. I would take the nausea meds in any case. Just taking it will probably relax you so you can enjoy the trip! Have you ever watched “Somebody Feed Phil” on Netflix? It’s really a food/travel show that is so great! You really get a feel for the city he is visiting. The episode we watched last night was about Lisbon, and it seemed like a great city to visit! We went to Paris a few years ago and it was worth it just to see the Louvre.
I’m always interested in healthy aging (I’m 74) beauty and styling tips. Is that too much? I do enjoy reading about your travels as well.
I love the Try On posts! I find them to be so helpful. Have a wonderful trip!
Love and look forward to your try-on segments. Your the only influencer I know that shows us what’s in stores now and how it presents. Fall try-ons please!
Awesome. I plan to keep doing them
Yes to Fall trends.
I suffer from motion sickness on small boats, buses, small planes and back seats of cars. Scopolamine patches, Bonine and Dramamine turn me into a zombie for hours and I can’t enjoy the activity. What works for me is wearing accupressure sea bands and taking ginger capsules. Dramamine brand makes ginger capsules that work quite well. Perhaps they might help you. Good luck with your birthday trip. It sounds amazing.
I will dig my bands out! Thanks for reminding me
Monday Musings and Try-Ons are my favorites. But, I also love your articles about health. You shared your experience with rosacea and my husband benefitted from your recommendations. I’m also curious about your foot issues since I’m in the midst of a plantar fasciitis flare up that refuses to resolve. Regardless of what direction you take, I’ll still be reading!
Thanks Terry
Jennifer, you’ve helped me so much with your posts on thinning hair as I have the same issues . So I would like to continue seeing posts on Beauty , Monday Musings & Styling Tips . I love your blog and thank-you for all you do ! Wishing you a wonderful Birthday !
Hi Jennifer
I am Canadian so I am very pleased that you’ve taken this opportunity to celebrate your 70th birthday in our country. I too I’m turning 70 in my next birthday and just trying to figure out where I’m going to spend mine. I hope you have a fabulous time Bonita.
Canada is my country too 🙂 I was born in Regina and spent part of my youth in Toronto.
I’d love a blog on fall trends. I’ve been overwhelmed reading all the Nordstrom sale blogs and, living in the Arizona desert, will not be wearing “fall” clothes until November. at that time, most items are sold out. i have a very healthy closet of classic clothes but am looking to add a few trendy pieces so I feel current.
Good Morning Jennifer – I thought I would share what I use for motion sickness. They are called Motion Guard Sickness Bracelets. They use an acupressure point to alleviate nausea. They work great as long as you put them on BEFORE you feel sick. They have all kinds of colors now so you can color coordinate your outfit. Have fun looking at all the bears!!!
Styling tips and healthy aging I am 81 going on 82
Love your long fushia dress arthritis has shrunk me from 5’1 to 4’10 can you give ideas for very short people that are a bit big I weigh 134
Thankyou and have a great trip
Yes to seasonal trends, updating, without overhauling. Enjoy styling tips, healthy living & Monday reader Q&A. Thank you for a well-rounded, educational & entertaining blog. Happy Birthday & Happy Trails!
You will love your adventure. We boated the coast for years and seeing bears, wolves, and orcas never got old. But, the spirit bear was elusive. We’ve been up every inlet in hopes of seeing one but no joy. Your tour will certainly know where to look and it is the perfect time to go when the salmon are spawning.
And, Happy 70th birthday!
My favourite posts are Monday musings, styling tips, health & beauty. And, I love Trend Reports and how we can adapt them.
That sounds so fabulous Joanna
I agree with Bea that I like your try-on and styling posts the most. I’ve ordered several clothing items that I would never have tried otherwise! Your “pondering” posts are also thought provoking and engaging and they’d be great mixed in on occasion, but the style posts are the core and I’d love to see them stay more frequent.
I would very much like a post on current trends for fall. I am always interested on the most current trends but I try to tailor them to my casual lifestyle. 😀
Jennifer, Happy Birthday and hope you have a fabulous trip! I went to Spirit Bear website and it looks wonderful. I hope you do a follow up blog post complete with some photos so I can live vicariously through you.
I will!
Your birthday adventure sounds like fun and I’m sure if your medications work, you’ll enjoy it tremendously! Happy birthday wishes sent your way.
I find all your columns interesting in one way or another but I particularly enjoy Monday Musings and Styling Tips. It’s also fun that you’re answering Reader Questions. I hope you keep this column going as long as you’re still enjoying it.
I love helping so keep those questions coming!
Yes pease — a blog post on this year’s fall trends?
Happy Birthday, Jennifer! My feelings are the same as yours regarding helicopters, prop planes, and water travel. However, to be up close with nature they are worth it! The Galapagos was my more recent version of your trip. Zodiacs were our main mode of travel everywhere. I loved them! They go so fast to get you to shore, or stop quickly to observe animals up close. Your photos will be amazing. Enjoy!
My daughter loved the Galápagos Islands so it’s on our list.
I’d love a post on fall trends! Also, maybe at some point, one on purses? I’m 5′ 2″ and have a hard time with purses. I can only use crossbody ones because of arm issues and it’s difficult deciding which ones look good and don’t look overwhelming. What are good crossbody bags to use?
My favorites are Styling tips and Monday Musings. Thank you for doing the blog, I love it!
Thanks Leah. I’ll work on one.
Hi Jennifer,
Just curious, what brand of silk long johns do you recommend?
Thanks!
I don’t have a particular brand. Can you ladies suggest yours?
Trends are definitely useful to read about. Also, I love the Try-one as it is so hard to get to the variety of stores you share. And , Styling Tips are very important. Thank you.
You look absolutely stunning in your picture today! Have a great trip, it sounds fantastic!
Your trip sounds amazing! Enjoy!
Re: Stitch markers – have you seen the ones from Firefly notes in Steveston? The markers and cute tins to hold them in are here: https://fireflynotesonline.com/collections/all
As a matter of fact, I just bought the cactus tin yesterday!! That’s so funny.
I have written here before that you are my favorite blogger and the most hard-working……I can see why you’d like to reduce your number of posts. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite but if I had to, the try-ons might be the one.
As for your upcoming trip, I have often thought that with the exception of world class cities (Paris, NYC, Florence/Venice/Rome) my hubby and I usually choose more rural settings. This October we are doing a Canada cruise that starts in Montreal, cruises the St Lawrence, hits the easternmost provinces like Nova Scotia. We love being around nature. Like you, I tend toward seasickness, when we were in Cabo once I went whale watching, on a small boat, nervous the whole time. In Alaska we did a lot of zodiacs but we did the inside passage, the water was tranquil. But the best ever was a safari to Tanzania and Kenya.
Happy birthday and wishing you many more trips around the sun.
Thanks Sheila. We did that Maritime cruise and it was fabulous! You’ll love it.
You have your ear to the ground on these issues Jennifer – I read all your posts and like them all. Good to know you are cutting them back for your own sake at this stage of life – better to have less of you than none of you at all! That is a powerful message on self care we all need!
Your trip to the Great Bear Rainforest sounds wonderful! May it be all that it promises and immerse you magically in the natural world. It is interesting that this call to nature seems to increase as we age. I remember your trip to Iceland and it feels like that was yesterday. How time flies…. Happy Birthday!
It’s does fly fast! Thank you Olwyn. I’m so happy you’ve stuck with me.
Would love to have you comment on dress lengths…….I’m 5’5″ and feel the long length makes me look dumpy. I have nice legs so feel comfortable with exposing them.
Also, would love to know what is on trend for the next season. It’s nice to hear how to incorporate what we have in our closet with what’s coming. (example: a baggy top with leggings (now making it’s exit from what’s on trend).
Jennifer, I look forward to your try-on and styling tips posts, so I hope you will continue to offer those. And yes to a post related to fall trends! Thank you and enjoy your birthday adventure. Happy Birthday!
Thanks Bea. I’m glad you enjoy those.
Good morning !
I want to wish you the happiest of Birthdays and I hope you love your trip. You will have to tell us about it when you get back.
I really enjoy and learn from all of your posts. If I had to put them in the order that works best for me it would be ….
Styling tips, try ons, Monday musings, aging, beauty….whew that was hard.
Thank you for all of your hard work, I appreciate everything you do for us !
Thanks Beth
Enjoy your bear sightings! And early happy birthday!
I’m in favor of keeping Monday Musings and fashion advice . And try ons. I would like to see more
Clothes in petites as I’m 4’11”! And not such expensive brands as I can’t afford what you’ve been showing lately.
I would love to see a post of Fall trends!
I would love a blog on fall trends. I think your perspective on fashion is priceless. I am short and the wide leg pants make me feel like a fire hydrant with feet.
I appreciate your blog, and your opinions thank you.
Thanks for the morning chuckle
Yes, please on the fall trends!!
Happy Birthday 🎂 and have a wonderful time!!
Wishing you a happy & healthy birthday, Jennifer & welcome to the 70’s! Glad to have you join us ! You sound like me with your motion sickness. I too don’t do well on small planes or in boats but the scopalomine patch has been helpful for me. Like your attitude about going in spite of the possibly uncomfortable transportation. Have fun! Regarding future topics, I’d like most to hear about styling tips, healthy aging & beauty.
Thanks Lisa. I’d totally forgotten about those patches. They are brilliant.
My vote goes to styling tips, try-ons and the like. I feel like I have beauty under control to the extent possible. Healthy aging is also interesting. I will turn 70 in January. How can that be?!?
Have a great time with the bears!
Please do a post on this year’s fall trends. Happy Birthday and enjoy your trip!
Sounds like an exciting trip! I remember thinking the same thing as you, “where did the years go” when I turned 70 over a year ago. I hope you have a wonderful trip.
Thank you Jennifer for these informative emails. The question segment (how to wear, what to wear)and your styling advise have helped me the most.
What a fabulous way to celebrate! Your scoutmaster approves! You’ll still want to keep some distance from that bear. They are amazing, majestic and terrifying! I turned 60 this summer and did beach and NYC trips. I love your Monday Musings best! I don’t shop at the stores where you do try ons but I know they help many others. I had to give my Rory dress to my taller sister. I wish F and E made petites!
I would love to see a fall trends posting. Also, my favorite postings are try on and styling tips.
I love every single “Try Ons”! …even for brands I don’t usually buy. Your comments are so helpful to short me. I also love the Monday Musings. You are a good writer and always post such interesting thoughts.
I really enjoy Monday Musings and Beauty. I don’t shop at Chicos, J Jill, or Talbots, even though I appreciate your willingness to try on their clothes. Those posts are less interesting at least for me.
Your birthday trip sounds very adventurous!
As a 73 year old woman I would like to see more articles about healthy aging as well as styling tips to keep me somewhat relevant.
I love your blogs and look forward to reading your latest post!
I look forward to your Healthy Aging and Styling tips, but enjoy and learn from all your topics.
Go, you (!!!) for the adventurous birthday plan. Inspiring me to push myself a bit despite orthopedic issues. Agree with your thoughts on long sweaters. Slimmer pants will be back, and Eileen Fisher slim are classics. I’d say a straight hem sweater looks great, but would not go back to the asymmetrical or waterfall hem sweaters now.
I totally agree with you about the waterfall and asymmetrical hems tops. They’re looking particularly dated to me.
Hi! I enjoy all your post topics and feel like you should release what ‘feels right’ when it feels relevant to you! Personally, I’m finding that your comments about your mental processes/decisions etc are even more impactful than the fashion advice. Thank you for your transparency in life’s journey!
We are navigating this time together, and sharing helps us know we are not alone.
We went to Ireland in June and that was the trip of my lifetime so far. The best part of the trip was meeting a relative and seeing the stone house my grandmother lived in as a child. The Irish weather was perfect in June. I brought a lot of things I could layer. I turned 76 in June and as you said that went fast. A Longer life is gift. I like when you try on clothing in the store so we can see what it looks like on real person. Sometimes when you see something on a professional model it does not translate well on a normal person.
Jennifer, hope you enjoy your fabulous trip! Looking forward to hearing about it.
Regarding fall content, I’d love to hear your thoughts (and thoughts from your readers) on whether or how it’s possible to wear a twinset in a modern, non-mumsy way. I saw a twinset on the J Crew Factory site in an appealing dark green, but the traditional styling they feature wouldn’t hit the same on me as on their younger model.
I’ll be looking forward to hearing about your birthday adventure! We went to Svalbard after reading about your trip, and it was unforgettable, in a good way!
I always enjoy your posts!
We loved that trip!!
Your trip to Spirit Bear Lodge sounds wonderful! Love nature, enjoyed Iceland too. Yes for post on fall trends! Enjoy all your posts, if have to pick, try-ons and styling tips. BTW, love the raspberry dress on you. Happy 70 Jennifer!!
Thanks Pat
I am most interested in styling tips and beauty.
What hair tools do you use to style your hair and what products do you use on your hair? Your hair style is very attractive.
Always want Fashion updates from you. I scroll right by what starz
are wearing and other crazy fashion blogs.
Happy Birthday Jennifer! I just turned 72 a few days ago an am so thankful for that.
Please keep Monday Musings (it’s so enjoyable – like an email from a good friend)- and maybe rotate the others – styling tips and try ons one week, and beauty and healthy aging the next.
Have a wonderful birthday celebration and enjoy your adventure vacation.
Thank you Yvonne! I hope you’re doing well. Xo
I would absolutely love a fall trends post! It’s nice to know what’s in style and also what is out of style. I don’t think it matters as much in 2026, but it’s still good to know!
Hello Jennifer,
I don’t get to stores or websites all that frequently so post on fall trends would be appreciated. Particularly colours and combos so I can ‘shop my closet’ as well as explore retail options. Your trip to Spirit Bay Lodge sounds amazing – have a wonderful time!
Try buying a Reliefband for you air/boat sickness. I have the original that uses batteries. It changed my life! I would get sick just being a passenger in a car driving down the road. Once I found the relief band I have not gotten sick once now! It was developed originally for patients in hospitals and we saw it as an advertisement on a fishing show for a fisherman who used it. It’s not very expensive and just a wonderful alternative for helping you with your sickness!
I’m glad you reminded me. I have a set! I’ll bring them.
My doctor prescribed scopolamine patches for my motion sickness and they have been a miracle! And no drowsiness! Have a great trip!
I would definitely be interested in fall trends. I need a new jacket but wanted something that looks good but not too dressy.
Yes, I would like a blog post on wearable trends.
You may want to read Touching Spirit Bear, an adolescent coming-of-age novel. It’s a very good read. I would like articles on the latest trends. I enjoy your styling tips the most, for example the info about proportions or the responses about leggings. The Try-ons are fun to see, especially when I can afford the clothes. Have a Happy Birthday and a happy trip. I’ll stick to cruising.
I think a post on fall trends would be great and helpful! And, is there a way to find old posts – like an index? (hmm – probably not..) I am searching for your post on toes and how you fixed them so you could walk…I hope you know what I am talking about! I do enjoy your posts and look forward to them. Stay safe with your bear travels!
Yes, there is a search bar at the top. Sometimes it looks like a circle
I like the try-on sections. Saves me a lot of time in the dressing rooms and has gotten me to try brands I normally might not consider.