cynthiagraceLIVING

May 10, 2025

“A mother is your first friend,
your best friend, your forever friend.”

— unknown

Table of Contents

Best Indie/Folk/Pop Acoustic Playlist

This music is cozy and soothing making it the perfect pairing to a lazy evening under the stars on your deck.


Coffee Talk

It’s been a large seven days my friends— my pretend youth took a clobbering this week.

THURSDAY - First of all…Shoppers you ROCK for giving seniors a 20% discount every Thursday. And second of all…Shoppers you SUCK for thinking a senior is 55 years old. Let’s just put that out there. Discounts are blessings, blah blah blah I know….grateful AF.

As I wondered around the store I agonzied: Do I tell them, Should I? A discount is a discount you idiot. But a SENIORS DISCOUNT? Yes, no, yes, no, yes. I literally stopped dead in my tracks to observe the shoppers. YEP - ALL seniors. Little ladies with grey hair pushing a carts, checking out boost, birthday cards, lipstick, etc. OMG This is my demographic now, a shoppers seniors discount junkie.

That’s it I’m NOT telling them.
But I could save some $$$$$?

So there I was at the counter with only a second left to decide when a young buck walks up behind me in the line. NO Deal. Not sayin’ it. Then the 8 year old behind the counter said “That will be $99”. I mumbled..I$m a sni*r —I kn*w sho*cki*ng. She just looked up annoyed and said “What?” OMF. I said I’m dying right now, I qualify for the discount. I fully expected her to be like Lady this is for SENIORS but nope, she didn’t even blink which pissed me off even worse somehow. UNTIL she said, “That will be $79.20.” Scores, Hallelujah, Praise Jesus and Shoppers. 

I walked to the car thinking my two worlds are colliding…Me feeling like I should be dancing out of Myrons and the actual me sulk-walking out of Shoppers Drug Mart Seniors Day.

Can’t deny it, I’m in my Shoppers Seniors Discount Era.

MONDAY- You know those 70s old lady off white and baby blue feet soaking tubs? Yeah, that was me at the kitchen table. Soaking my feet like I just walked the the camino in record time. (Nope, I just walked.) Boo.

Kim you are falling apart.

THURSDAY shook me right to my core. One minute I’m like Get your walnuts into ya! The next minute I’m in a dentist chair, face frozen and the dentist is yanking a half broken tooth out. (Thank you walnuts!). Then THEN she starts talking about a PARTIAL!!!!
Riddle me WHAT???

So now…
I’m in my partial era too.

Life is a blessing, I know. I know.
Every day is a gift yadeeyadeeyadee.

It was just a lot of realization at once—Time is ticking away.
Actually, time isn’t ticking away….my life is!
Time to live it up.

Fine, I may be senior but don’t expect me to act like one.

PODCAST

Humble the Poet discusses how
to reframe anxiety as a signal rather than a problem to be cured.

He shares practical wisdom on building mental resilience, embracing discomfort for growth, and setting healthy boundaries, while offering 50 simple truths to help over-thinkers transform their relationship with anxiety and discover more calm in their daily lives

The Anxiety Expert: Get Out of The Rut!
Why comfort is the enemy of growth.

by Marlene McKenna


“I had the pleasure of working for 40 years with the Seniors of PEI.

Most of these residents had ‘dementia’ which means ‘your brain isn’t working well’ and one type of dementia is Alzheimers, which is memory loss.

I learned many skills over years on how to help Seniors feel safe, secure and less anxious when dealing with dementia and I’m honoured to share what I’ve learned with anyone who is navigating this journey with a loved one.”

Small actions that make a big difference for loved ones with Dementia 💖

Senior with Alzheimers DO NOT like to be around loud noise (this confuses them) and they want to get away from the noise quickly.

They love to go for walks.

What makes them feel happy? Looking at pictures of babies and animals and listening to the genre of music they’ve enjoyed over the years.

Eye to eye contact is very important.

Dementia/Alzheimers seniors like to help. They love folding face clothes, washing plastic dishes, wiping tables, and help pouring juice. They also find comfort in matching socks (you could collect socks specifically for this activity).

Use simple sentences when speaking.

DO NOT TRY to jog their memory.

If a senior with dementia asks “Where is my spouse” (who is deceased), tell them she/he is resting. Telling them that their loved one has died is like them hearing this for the first time, the pain is new again and devastating. NEVER tell them they have died.

If a senior doesn’t want to take meals or pills - try crushing it and putting it in pudding. Say things like “I just made this pudding from scratch, can you tell me if it tastes OK, I’m just not sure.”

DO NOT CORRECT them . DO NOT argue. This is so upsetting, creates anxiety.

When bathing - always have the water in the tub BEFORE the senior goes in. (The loud running water makes them anxious).

ALWAYS put face cloth over their face when rinsing hair, running water over their face is very uncomfortable and triggering.

If a Senior calls you by a different name - just go along with them - if you state ‘That’s not my name ‘it confuses them further.

Don’t have a lot of dishes in front of them on the table when eating. Cut up food and place fork or spoon by dish.

If a Senior does not want to eat at the table - give them a sandwich and let them walk around and eat it. It’s okay.

If a Senior seems confused in the bathroom - it is the mirror! Place a towel over the mirror.

Seniors love to reminisce. NEVER start a sentence by ‘Do you remember when….’. Instead start your sentence by ‘Tell me about the time when you …..’ They love to tell stories from years ago.

Introduce your kids as soon as they walk in the door - or they introduce themselves. Don’t wait for questions or a confused look. ‘Your grandson Alex is here.’ Or even for yourself, walk in the door and say ‘Hi Dad it’s your daughter Malia.’

If a Senior states that someone has stolen their sweater, jacket or anything - just say ‘No, I am so sorry I forgot to tell you that I took it to get it cleaned, or fixed, or polished, etc’ then quickly ask them if they want a glass a juice, a cookie, or say ‘That reminds me, can you tell me about when you used to….’

We had a gentlemen on the unit that had been a carpenter so we used to give him pieces of wood and sandpaper. He would rub that sandpaper over the wood and be so peaceful and content.

We had a lady who was a seamstress so I gave her a lot of different material she would fold. She loved the familiar feel of silk, cotton, poly, etc. Another lady was a great knitter so she loved to roll yarn into a ball.

During certain times of the day some people with Dementia may become more confused and disoriented. This is called Sundowning - It happens early evening when the sun is setting. It is very distressing for them - they don’t feel safe. It is then they feel most anxious, restless, irritable, pacing. They may not know where they are. Reassure them everything is fine, walk with them, massage their arm or back in a figure 8, hold their hand, play soft music, ask for help folding face clothes.

Seniors love very calm music in the background. If they used to love Irish music, gospel music, country music, etc. — play is SOFTLY in the background.

The most simple piece of advice I can give to a loved one is this: Do NOT argue, do NOT try to get them to remember, Do NOT say ‘No Dad, it is…..’

Life is distressing for them, although it is so challenging and heartbreaking please please refrain from making them feel bad for not remembering. It’s OK. They just want your reassurance, your kind voice, gentle touch, and love.

Let the fading memories fade away.
But love’s a beacon, come what may.
In this unique and fragile grace,
Love’s gift we find, in time and space.

PEI Spiritual Expo 2025

A day of enlightenment, connection, and positive energy!

Join us at our inaugural PEI Spiritual Expo 2025 at the Rodd Royalty Inn.

We will be featuring guest speakers, demonstrators, group readers, workshops, giveaways and a sense of spiritual community. The event will be from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with presenters all day (see below for details).

We will be featuring, as one of our presenters, Rev. Barry King, a Master Psychic Medium, Spiritual Life Coach, Registered Spiritual Practitioner, and instructor. Rev. King will be helping us understand the modality of mediumship as well as conducting a group reading.

So excited to welcome him to our Expo.

We have such a diverse group of practitioners and vendors that will be ready and eager to present their business. From Reiki to Tarot Readers to Dowsing Rods to Crystals to Tapping!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - PEI Spiritual Expo May 17, 2025

9:00 am: Doors Open

9:30 – 10:00 am Welcome
Alana Green

10:00 – 10:45 am Tarot Group Reading
Doris Chandler

11:00 – 11:45 am Sound Bath Demonstration
Liz Fay of Fay’s Empathic and Divine Healing

12:00 – 1:00 pm Mediumship/Group Reading
Rev. Dr. Barry King

1:15 – 2:00 pm EFT (Tapping) Demonstration
Barb Dyment

2:15 – 3:00 pm Dowsing Rod Reading
Natasha Clayton

3:15 – 4:00 pm Medium Reading
Megan Sentner

See you there!

Little Life Upgrades

Every Woman Should Know 🌟

  • Wearing shiny lip balm in the sun is like laying out with baby oil — it magnifies UV rays, speeds up sun damage, and breaks down your lip collagen.

  • Quick, chic outfit: a striped button-down, neutral blazer, great jeans, neutral shoes, and a layered necklace. Easy and polished.

  • Full, fluffy brows are the secret to a youthful look! Back-brush them gently, then set them with a good brow gel.

  • Prioritize protein and plants, especially during menopause — your body will thank you.

  • Creatine isn’t just for the gym crowd — women in menopause need it for stronger bones, better muscle function, and overall vitality.

  • Magnesium before bed is a game-changer. Your muscles, mind, and sleep quality will all get a boost.

  • Wearing different shades of cream together instantly looks polished — and expensive.

  • If you’re over 50, it’s time to lift heavier! Ditch the tiny weights, do fewer reps, and build real strength.

  • Swap your jean jacket for something a little sharper — like a cropped leather jacket or a great blazer.

  • Every woman deserves at least one pair of fabulous leather pants — trust me, they’re a closet superhero.

  • Alterations are your secret weapon — nothing fits perfectly off the rack, and a good seamstress is pure magic.

  • Jeans and a crisp white shirt never go out of style — it's classic, effortless, and always chic.

  • End your shower with a blast of cold water — it boosts your immune system and builds serious mental endurance.

Smart Living

Quick Tips For Body, Mind, and Style 💫

Stand Tall - Shine Brighter ✨

GOOD POSTURE doesn’t just support your body — it transforms your whole presence.

A woman who stands tall with her shoulders back and head high radiates confidence, grace, and strength.

Good posture lifts not only the spine but also the spirit, making any woman instantly look more poised, vibrant, and beautifully self-assured.

Next time you walk into a room, notice those with good posture vs. not so good. It truly makes a difference.

So…are you standing up a little straighter already?

Wear The Nice Perfume On A Tuesday🌸

Stop saving the “special” things — the perfume, the fancy journal, the pretty teacup — for a someday that might never come. Everyday life deserves little luxuries, too. Using what you love now reminds you that you are worthy of joy, even in the middle of an ordinary week. Use the damn good stuff.

How Many Lipsticks are Too Many?

That’s like asking ‘How much wood would a wood chuck chuck?”
He loves wood….He’d chuck ALL the wood silly!

My point is, you can NEVER have too many lipsticks!

L'Oréal Paris Lipstick 601 Riche is like a little black dress for your lips —
classic, rich, and instantly flattering. 💄✨

Power-Packed Plates

Korean Marinated Eggs

Boil eggs for 7-8 minutes, transfer to cold water

MIX: soya sauce, water, garlic, sesame seeds, garlic, honey, green onion, jalepena peppers.

Add eggs, marinate overnight.

Cook rice, top with eggs, drizzle sauce add Kimchi.

Best Chickpea Salad Ever
Vegan Diet Recipes
Jo-Lynn Olsen Davis

Mix together:

  • Can chickpeas

  • Vegan Mayo (or not 🙂)

  • Celery

  • Green Onion

  • Shredded carrot

  • Dried cranberry

  • Chopped Walnut

  • Pickled onion

A High protein bowl I will make with veggie ground round but calls for ground beef!

  • Sweet potatoes

  • Lean ground beef

  • Taco seasoning

  • Cottage Cheese

  • Avocado

  • Mike’s hot honey ( or sweet hot substitute)


PEI Parks Passes and Permits 🏖

Family/Group Up to 7 people in one vehicle. $87.25 $54.50

Adult. Person aged 18-64. $43.50 $22.00

Senior. Person aged 65+. $38.25 $19.00

Free admission for youth 17 and underParks Canada Passes and Permits

And Speaking of the Beach 🏖

Australian company, Klipsta, is known for its innovative award winning clips and accessories.

You can find them on amazon.ca

A Gentle Reminder

A Prayer For Mothers

Affirmation 🌸

Good things are heading my way today.

We’d LOVE to know your ‘must haves’

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Shine with kindness, act with purpose, and remember:
your journey is unique, and your presence makes a difference.

Cherish Today.

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