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!
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.