I’ll be 79 this month and I haven’t felt this good in years. I often wonder why that is. It’s great news, of course, but it also raises a question: why does one person thrive into old age while another’s life is cut short?

I believe the mind plays a vital role in physical health. I’ve been married for 28 years—a second chance at love I found at 50, when I was wise enough to choose the right partner. My husband is thoughtful, intelligent, kind and caring—a man who adores me. What more could a girl want?

I live in a beautiful part of the world. The mountains give me strength; the rivers bring peace. Montrose is a town on the cusp of city life. While newcomers are discovering it, congestion and traffic haven’t yet reared their ugly heads. I don’t feel threatened by crime, but at 78, I’ve learned not to tempt fate.

100 doesn't scare me!

This octogenarian isn’t scared of much—she had to give up her skate board because too many youngsters were getting in the way Read More » 

Spiritually, I follow my own path. Organized religion has never appealed to me. There’s freedom in creating your own values, and it gives me comfort and clarity.

I love music—all kinds. My mother filled our home with the sounds of Broadway musicals. She sang in a choir—not a powerful voice, but she could carry a tune. Later, I fell in love with rock and roll, the Beatles and the Eagles. In Telluride, where I lived for two decades, I hosted a weekly show on the community radio station, KOTO. I could play anything I wanted and get lost in the music.

Although my only daughter lives a thousand miles away, she visits with my two grandchildren every year. They are everything proud grandmothers rave about and more.

I used to ski and cycle in Telluride, but these days my balance isn’t what it used to be. Biking has fallen by the wayside, though I still enjoy crossword puzzles. 

Writing has always been my creative outlet. I’ve spent decades writing for newspapers and magazines, mostly interviews with fascinating people. Listening to their stories has enriched my understanding of the world and myself. For over 15 years, I published my own magazine, The Montrose Monitor, which connected me to people across Western Colorado.

I’ve tried my hand at drawing and painting but found I don’t have the patience. But I love the art on my walls and respect those who create it.

Retirement took some adjusting. I explored volunteering, but it took a while before I found my place. 

I’ve never been driven by money. I worked as a real estate broker in Telluride’s early days, earning sizable commissions, but it didn’t make me happy. However, I made enough money to travel the world—to Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean. Travel, like writing, has broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of myself and the world.

At nearly 79, I can say life has been a rich and rewarding journey, and I count myself among the fortunate ones, with so much still to look forward to.