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 packing, 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!
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.