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! 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!!