Goldivas.com - Article By Category

Issue#23 (May, 2010)

When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present

This book is a trip down memory lane for women over 50, who have lived through those times. This book is both personal and historical for so many of us.

The author begins by relating stories of the early days. For example, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra O'Connor tells of graduating from Stanford Law School and being unable to get a job in any Phoenix law firm except as a file clerk. The stories remind us of our own experiences. It’s an excellent book for a group to read and discuss. ( more...)

Issue#22 (April, 2010)

When You Need to Step In

Today, some 15 million children and Baby Boomers already care for elderly parents, but this care is provided mostly in a fragmented manner and as a response to an emergency occurrence, such as a fall or an acute medical event.

We, as children, are reluctant to step in and take over the handling of our parents’ affairs, and are happy to push the time as far into the future as possible, until we have no choice but to act. It is difficult to decide when it’s the right time to sit down with your parents and go over financial issues, safety issues, and planning for their senior years, without your parents thinking that you are interfering with their lives. You need to make it clear to them that you are not after their money and possessions. Such a conversation needs to take place, should be brought up early, and even happen a few times so as to become less threatening. The conversation should be respectful to the elder, and on their terms. ( more...)

Issue#21 (March, 2010)

Making The Golden Years Golden

Women over 50 are often dealing with aging parents and stressing out over the many decisions that must be made. Often, our roles are reversed, and we must take the lead in guiding our parents through this stage of life.

Dr. Mor’s book, Making The Golden Years Golden, examines the options available, and goes over the pros and cons of each choice. Dr Mor spent over twenty years in the home care industry, so she is very familiar with this subject. She has been featured on CBS-TV, NBC-TV, ABC-TV and others.

This book contains a wealth of information and gives state-bystate lists of resources. She also discusses developing a plan to protect the elderly from scams, making the home environment safe, and protecting assets.

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Issue#20 (February, 2010)

What About Love?

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways”

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

My mother used to say that she always loved me, but there were times when she didn’t like me very much. I understood that. It meant that I had done something, not of her approval. We always expect our parents to love us, but as my mother reminded me, we are not commanded to love parents, only to honor. Love is complicated.

So what is love?

Love is a deep emotion that defies definition. It can be passionate, familial, platonic, romantic or devotional. It is so important to us, that without it, we are bereft and often psychologically distressed. To feel un-loved is tantamount to being unwanted.

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Issue#19 (January, 2010)

Go finger

My friend Bonnie is petite, blond, a grandmother of three. When she's standing up straight in stiletto heels (which she'd never actually wear), she's 5 feet 4 inches tall. She weighs slightly more than a hefty golden retriever, even when she's soaking wet and claims she’s bloated.

She's a typical working mother and grandmother. She works hard, dresses conservatively, loves her children and grandchildren to pieces; attends church; pays bills on time; recycles old newspapers and bottles; eats five fruits and vegetables daily; and flosses frequently. She writes thank-you notes. She knocks before entering. ( more...)

Issue#17 (October, 2009)

The Hourglass Solution: A Boomer’s Guide to the Rest of Your Life

Many women over 50 experience this time of their lives as the best ever – we may have more freedom now, and our post-menopausal energy level is high, we have the self-confidence to do whatever we want. But there is a dark side. Boomers in their fifties show growing rates of suicide and high rates of “accidental” death. ( more...)

Invisible No More: The Secret Lives of Women Over 50

By Joyce Kramer, Renee Fisher, and Jean Peelen

This book, Invisible No More: The Secret Lives of Women Over 50 is a frank, intimate discussion by three women who talk about all aspects of their lives, and how their lives have changed over time. The women discuss everything, from sexuality to spirituality, relationships with their mothers, weight management, painful experiences, irrational choices, and moving on from those choices. ( more...)

Issue#16 (September, 2009)

Taking another new step forward

Well, here I am branching out. Since I started writing this blog 13 months ago I’ve been thinking that at some point I’d like to synthesize some of the things I’ve learned about retirement and start doing workshops to help other women make this transition a little more gracefully – and with less angst – than I have. ( more...)

Issue#15 (August, 2009)

Have A Theme Party!

We hear a lot of talk these days about the Great Depression, and the free-wheeling twenties that preceeded the Depression. Interestingly, the politicians and corporations were into financial de-regulation in those days. They took the position that too many regulations were hampering business – sound familiar? But the twenties were a fascinating time, elegance and fun were the words of the day.

Summertime is the ideal time of year to have a theme party! Dress up your yard with colored lights and paper lanterns, and send out your invitations for a twenties-themed tea dance or garden party.

It’s a good excuse for us to dress ourselves up, you probably have something in your closet that would work, just add a few touches of fringe and a straw hat with flowers. Don’t forget to adapt your makeup, you’ll want to give attention to creating dramatic eyes and bow lips. ( more...)

Issue#14 (July, 2009)

Be Careful!

Your safety and well being is of the utmost importance for you, your family and friends. Never throw caution to the wind. Follow your instincts in sensing danger involving people, animals and places. We will begin with a few pointers for attending parties or going to bars:

Dress appropriately and comfortably. Dressing provocatively is an open invitation for unwanted attention. You can still be a great looking female by wearing a sharp, classic look. Do not wear expensive jewelry if you are out in a public place.
Go to a bar with a group or with a friend. Do not leave with an acquaintance or a person whom you do not know.
Guard your drinks as if your life depends on it; it does.

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Issue#13 (June, 2009)

Tough Stuff!

I admit it – I’m a tech groupie! I love to hear about interesting new businesses, and I belong to the Colorado Green Tech Group - http://alternativeenergy.meetup.com/ The group meets monthly, and each meeting consists of presentations by 3 or 4 companies that describe their business and products, all having to do with green energy.

Last month, all of the presentations were fascinating, but one in particular stood out for me – ToughStuff, a social enterprise that provides inexpensive solar powered products to low income consumers in developing countries to create social, financial and environmental returns. ToughStuff exists to alleviate poverty in developing countries and to help protect the environment.

Typically, consumers in developing countries use kerosene lamps for lighting. ( more...)

Issue#12 (May, 2009)

Dating After 50

The prospect of dating after 50 can be a daunting one for women over 50 who have been away from the dating scene for many years. So much has changed, and of course, dating at 50 would never be the same as dating as teenagers or young adults anyway.

Annie Gleason specializes in dating coaching for midlife singles. Annie also writes a column for the San Francisco Examiner, and her advice is always compassionate and wise. Here are some of Annie’s thoughts on meeting men through online dating sites: ( more...)

Issue#11 (April, 2009)

Women's History Month Quiz – From Feministing

1. In 2009, women make up what percent of the U.S. Congress?
A. 3%
B. 17%
C. 33%
D. 50%

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Issue#10 (March, 2009)

Garden Reminder!

Last fall I said I would remind you to check your garden for places to plant spring bulbs. The time has come to patrol around your yard and notice any places that could use a few bulbs. Spring-blooming bulbs are generally planted in the fall, so you’ll want to mark the planting places (I used flat rocks, & I even painted a code on the bottom, using nail polish – T for tulip, D for daffodil, etc.) and make a list of types, colors and quantities. Never think of planting less than 5 bulbs in an area, and 50 is better! Now is also a good time to think of your summer garden as well. Start your plans and, weather permitting, get to work! ( more...)

Swim at Home Year-Round in an Endless Pool

Endless Pools, Inc., a privately-held company founded in 1988, has pools installed in all 50 states, and over 50 countries worldwide. The pools have an adjustable current system that allows you to swim for many miles in a small amount of space. These pool systems are highly rated by outside sources such as Epinions.com. ( more...)

Issue#9 (February, 2009)

5 Ways To Have The Happiest Valentine's Day Ever!

The thought of Valentine’s Day conjures up romantic evenings, a candlelight dinner, and long walks with your loved one. It is, without a doubt the most romantic day of the year. So how could you possibly be expected to enjoy Valentine’s Day when you’re alone? ( more...)

We’re Not There Yet

Progress for women’s issues has always been a case of two steps forward, one step back. Women over 50 have witnessed this battle for our entire lives. But, sometimes I worry that younger women don’t realize the battle isn’t over. I was dissappointed to see this post a few months ago: ( more...)

Issue#7 (December, 2008)

Stuff Goldivas Like To Receive

Take the stress out of holiday shopping for your loved ones who have no idea what to get for you! Just click on “email this article to a friend”, then put in the recipient’s email address, and type in your message below the link, letting them know that you’re sending a gift list, and you may want to specify which gift in particular appeals to you – some of these links will take you to a merchant site, but it’s up to you to pick the item you like – just make a note of that for your email! ( more...)

Dress Up Your Home For The Holidays

A quick and fun way to add some pizazz to your décor is to change out some of your artwork. I have a wall of extra framed art hanging in my garage, just for switching out now & then. But, I can always find room for another piece of art I can’t live without! At this time of year, think of adding some colorful art, throw in a few pillows, and you have a new look for holiday entertaining, and just getting through the long, dark winter nights. Art also makes a fine gift if you know the recipient’s taste. ( more...)

Here’s a Chance To Win $25,000

I’ve learned of a contest sponsored by TrueNorth™ that will pay the winner $25,000, and turn your story into a 60-second commercial that will be aired during the academy awards. They are looking for short (300 words) essays that tell an inspiring story.

The deadline is 12/31/08, and you can submit up to five stories. ( more...)

Issue#6 (November, 2008)

Fall is Food Time!

Fall is time to light the fireplace, snuggle up with a good book, and enjoy comfort foods. Here are a couple of my favorite recipes, with lots of fall color and flavor – enjoy!

Fall Vegetable Medley

Author unknown – I saw in a newspaper years ago

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Issue#5 (October, 2008)

Love in the Present Tense – How to Have a High-Intimacy, Low-Maintenance Relationship

Morrie and Arleah Schechtman do not specialize in couples counseling. Both are psychotherapists, Morrie has been a personal and corporate consultant for 30 years, and Arleah has 25 years of experience working with individuals and small groups of adults and adolescents, and working with people experiencing grief and loss. ( more...)

Issue#4 (September, 2008)

Fall is For Planting!

Just the past few days, the sense of summer’s end is in the air. This has been confirmed by the arrival of the first fall gardening catalog! Fall is on the way and it’s time to start thinking about planting bulbs. I think this is my favorite gardening activity because you get the most effect out of the least amount of work! And, there are so many possibilities! Some bulbs live longer than others. Daffodils usually multiply, but you’ll notice some tulips may get weaker every year, then just not come back. But it’s not possible to predict which varieties have more staying power, I’ve been surprised both ways. In the spring, I walk around my yard and place rock markers in my flower beds wherever I see a space that could use a few bulbs (I’ll remind you about that next spring). ( more...)

Issue#3 (August, 2008)

The Economy and I: am I shirking a responsibility?

I don’t like to go shopping, but I do like to shop. I never leave on a journey anywhere without having a collapsible suitcase inside my suitcase full of clothes; I know that I’ll be bringing home more than I left with even if I do leave some things behind. There’s no place in my personal lexicon for statements like “you don’t need another brooch” or “do you really need another pair of sandals?” My closet is evidence of my proclivity for shopping; it’s always jam packed and that’s even with keeping only seasonal clothing at hand (in Toronto, that means every October I have to put away all “summer” clothes and bring out the warm, cozy clothing, and I reverse this procedure every May.) I’ve noticed a shift recently, and it’s worrying me. ( more...)

Planning For The Third Age

Aging is weird. First of all, it sneaks up on us. It seems like we go along for long periods of time, looking and feeling the same, then one morning you look in the mirror and think, “What happened”? There are so many issues connected with his subject, Where do we start? I guess the first thing has to be financial considerations. Do we need to work, or can we manage without paid employment? Either way, it’s doubtful that we want to be on vacation for the last 1/3 of our lives, even if we can afford to, so we all have the same problem. Those of us with financial shortages just have more constraints, but it’s the same question – how do we stay engaged? ( more...)

Issue#2 (July, 2008)

Weekend getaway in Niwot, Colorado - It’s Sew Creative!

Have you dreamed of becoming a famous dress designer, but don’t know where to start? Nora McCray, founder of SewFresh Studio can help – Nora offers coaching services for aspiring designers. She can critique your designs, make a muslin draft of the garment, recommend fabrics, and refer you to a colleague who will take Nora’s pattern draft and convert it to a factory-ready pattern. Nora can then refer you to a factory that can produce small to large quantities on short notice. Then, with Nora’s guidance, you can take your collection to a trade show where industry buyers may place their orders. ( more...)