Sixty Things I’ve learned in Sixty Years
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But once I got used to the idea, I’ve also spent the last few weeks thinking about what a great life I’ve had, with so many experiences to be grateful for. Life continues to throw new things my way, and I love the new things I’m learning now. Even at the ripe new-to-me age of sixty, life is very, very good. And since I know there’s a pretty good possibility that most of you reading this are younger than sixty, I thought it might be fun to share a few things I’ve learned along the way. In no particular order, here’s my list of sixty things I’ve learned.
And blogging is most fun when it’s a conversation, so if you feel like leaving a comment, I’d love to hear something you’ve learned in your own life.
Kalyn’s List of Sixty Things I’ve Learned in Sixty Years
- The book is almost always better than the movie.
- Growing your own vegetables is definitely worth the work.
- Older people really are often wiser, but once in a while you meet a very wise young person.
- When you’re buying food, expensive brands usually taste better than cheaper ones.
- It’s easier to stay organized than to deal with the consequences of not being organized.
- Falling in love is a lot easier than staying in love.
- Remodeling always costs twice as much as you’ve planned, and takes twice as long.
- Spending more for good quality clothing that you love to wear is a good investment.
- People who make you laugh are important to have around.
- Intelligence is much more important than age when it comes to choosing friends.
- No one is thinking about you, they are all thinking about themselves. (From “Rules for Aging,” a very funny book.)
- Women were much happier with their looks before television was invented. (From “The Beauty Myth,” a very insightful book.)
- Having a huge house isn’t that great if you have to clean it yourself.
- Not having car payments is definitely worth driving an older car.
- Most kids will behave well if they have the right incentive.
- Understanding how someone else feels is pretty much impossible.
- Butter makes almost anything taste better.
- Whether you feel really bad or really good, it usually doesn’t last for long.
- It’s much easier to stay in shape than it is to get back into shape.
- Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.
- Knowing a lot of people can be fun, but having a few good friends is much more important.
- Getting up early can be just as fun as staying up late.
- Some of the best times of your life can be moments when you’re all by yourself.
- Having money in the bank is a wonderful feeling. (This is a lesson I was slow to learn!)
- People who can’t be honest with themselves won’t be honest with you either.
- If you’re more intelligent than the average person, you’ll be misunderstood a lot.
- Not everything about getting older is enjoyable, but it beats the alternative.
- Always having fresh-squeezed lemon juice in the freezer is a wonderful thing.
- Saving all your meat and vegetable scraps and making homemade stock is a good habit to acquire.
- People who are great cooks, rarely get invited to people’s houses for dinner (unless they’re lucky enough to have friends who are also great cooks.)
- When you lose weight, it’s a good idea to get rid of all the clothes in the larger size you don’t want to return to.
- Most people don’t really notice whether or not your fingernails are done.
- When the day finally comes for your hair appointment, your hair will look better than it has for weeks.
- It really is possible to become great friends with your brothers and sisters.
- It’s much easier to criticize the schools than it is to fix them.
- If you’re not lucky enough to have children of your own, being around other people’s kids can be good enough.
- Most every problem will seem less serious after a few days have gone by.
- Most adults have very little idea what the job of a grade school teacher is like.
- If you have bad news to deliver, the only fair way is to do it in person.
- Flowers can make even the worst day seem a lot better.
- Growing your own herbs is one of the best things you can do to become a better cook.
- Price has little if anything to do with the quality of restaurant food.
- In strange cities when you aren’t sure where you are, a taxi is never too expensive.
- Nothing improves a child’s hearing as much as praise. (From “Rules for Teaching.”)
- Your best friends are the ones who’ll tell you what you need to know but can’t see because you’re too close to the situation.
- Unless it’s pretty outrageous, most people never notice what you’re wearing.
- You’ll never get fat by drinking too much water.
- Most any vegetable tastes great if it’s tossed with a bit of olive oil, some herbs, and roasted at high heat.
- Don’t buy tomatoes from the store unless they have that fresh tomato smell. (And even then, they are rarely that good.)
- Doing as much good as you can is like putting emotional money in the bank.
- Shoes that aren’t comfortable are never a good purchase, even when they’re on sale.
- When you’re on vacation, sometimes it’s better to buy postcards of the scenery than to spend lots of time trying to get good photos.
- People who talk about other people to you are probably talking about you to other people. (I do admire people who never gossip, but it’s a trait I’m still working on acquiring.)
- Pretty much everyone’s face looks more attractive when they’re smiling.
- You can catch a lot more flies with honey than you can with vinegar. (Favorite saying of my mother who died in 1998.)
- Words actually can hurt a lot more than sticks and stones.
- Cards that come in the mail are more fun than e-cards any day.
- Often it’s better not to say what you really think.
- Even people who are very intelligent sometimes do things that are truly stupid.
- Nobody knows everything, and the longer you live, the more things there are that you know absolutely nothing about.
147 Comments on “Sixty Things I’ve learned in Sixty Years”
Reading this list again has a whole new meaning now that I’m just a few days away from this life milestone. Thanks for being such an amazing sister and for sharing this list with those of us who are just arriving! Here’s to at least 30 more years!
Thanks Rand! And thirty more years for you too. You are a great brother and friend.
Number 5 on your list is so true! Now that I am 75, I have been thinking a lot about memory and how much easier it if to forget things now that it used to be (says one once known for her memory…). I’ve begun a campaign to fight the ever growing forgetfulness. First, I am following my husband’s habit of creating a check list of chores to be done each morning. The hope is that once I get a good habit of remembering launched, things done daily will be more or less automatic…including the habit of remembering to actually use the check list.
Next, I am recording repetitive things with a variety of schedules in a note book which will include weekly, monthly, and annual tasks (like getting out the Christmas decorations and hanging the wreath on the front door, or like getting the gutters cleaned, or getting an eye examination each year, or putting out the garbage can each Thursday). Getting this list organized and easy to use will take me quite a while…but it will be good practice in planning, using my computer skills, and staying out of trouble. I think it will be valuable to me as I age and to relatives, friends, and caretakers.
I am also organizing my house so that it will be easy for me to care for it, easy to find things(!). I will record the various providers of services that we use along with telephone numbers and any comments that will be helpful to have handy.
I think this whole process will be good for me – a challenging project with a clear purpose, a benefit to those who will take care of me someday, It also lets me pass along things to those who will enjoy them.
Thanks for the list and for all the recipes!
So glad you are enjoying the recipes!
I like your system for staying organized. I am always working on that myself!
I am 71 and loved your list
Thanks Cheryl!
Kalyn,
I know this is quite a few years late. But, I absolutely love your list. While I am in my mid forties, I am trying to live my life to be appreciative of every single year I have on this earth. I am going to hand write my own list in my journal and add to it every time I learn something noteworthy. You are a great inspiration to people of all ages! Thank you for much for what you do to educate, inform and most importantly entertain us! I am so glad to know there is someone out there that has many of the same feelings that I do, I am sure I'm not alone in that sentiment. xoxoxo
Happy Birthday Kalyn. Here's one on my list: Better over the hill than under it! ๐ (courtesy of my Mom)
Happy Birthday to you Kalyn!
I recently turned 59 and really appreciate the words of wisdom you shared.
Your blogs and recipes are a source of joy in my own life here on Long Island, NY.
Also-Oprah, Christie Brinkley, Jerry Seinfeld, John Travolta, Katey Sagal, Howard Stern and many others are turning 60 too, so we are in good company!
L'Chaim!
I had trouble at 35 and 50 wasn't a lot of fun but the rest I quite enjoyed. It's not about the number as there are a lot of people who are old at 45 and there are a lot of people who are young(ish) at 90.
Happy Birthday.
happy birthday
I wrote on my blog how I was dreading my 60th birthday later this week, and someone left a comment with a link to your column. I have to say, reading your list has helped me. I loved my 40th and 50th birthdays, but the thought of turning 60 has been distressing to me. Thanks for helping me look at it differently. Maybe I will write my own "60 Things I've Learned in 60 Years" list. Thanks – and VERY belated Happy Birthday!
Found you today via Karina. Wonderful list! Happy belated b-day; thanks for the inspiration !
Happy Belated Birthday! I love your blog and your recipes. I am still learning to cook and love your recipes, they are a great inspiration! Yours is one of the best recipe blogs out there! Thank you for sharing this list of knowledge. I am 30, and am proud that I have friends as young as five and my eldest friend right now is 64. Most of my friends are 20+ years older than me, and we met when I was only 20, so I’m so grateful to them for being open to me, and understanding that age didn’t matter. I’m with you, Intelligence as well as openness and compassion as well as being a good listener are qualities I think are important in friends, age is NOT. Here’s wishing you continued happiness for the next 40 or more years!!
Please excuse me for commenting so late. Happy birthday!! (I’ve always adhered to the idea that one should celebrate one’s birthday for at least a month)
You put together a terrific list. With regards to #8: spending more on good quality shoes, polishing them often, even before ever wearing them and polishing them again when they have to be put away because they’re out of style is a great investment. I have a pair of shoes that I bought in 1981 that I have started to wear again. Young cool women, whom I don’t know, have asked me where I bought my shoes because they want a pair. (I just recently had to put into storage – again – a pair that I bought in 1975(!)) I wonder if I’ll be able to wear them in 20 or 30 years though. The heels are on the high side….
And #22, whenever I get up very very early, I’m amazed at how beautiful it is outside. I love the soft feel of the air and the quiet of the city not yet awake. Every time, I wonder why I don’t go outside very early more often. And very early in the morning is MUCH different after getting a good night’s sleep than it is if I’ve stayed up waaaaay too late….
and #51: if the shoes don’t feel fabulous in the store, they’ll NEVER be comfortable.
-Elizabeth
P.S. I always vowed that I wouldn’t be phased by any birthdays. 30 was no problem; 40 was no problem (inexplicably I had a bit of trouble with 42). But I had the kind of flip-flops you had when I turned 50, realizing that my life was more than half over and what did I have to show for it. For the first time in my life, I was cagey about my age and even considered lying about it! It still gives me pause to have turned 50, but 3 years later (I think) I’m finally coming to terms with it and have been able to admit freely that I’m 53 (or is it 54??)
Kalyn, I read every point. Some enlightening and some downright funny. Hope you have a great day!
Great list Kalyn and belated birthday greetings.
Late to the party, K, but I can’t believe you’re 60 either!
I hope you’ve had a great birth month and look forward to visiting at the Denny party in a few days.
It really doesn’t matter 60 or 50 or a 100 or does it?
I never really understood age. We grow old and then we die, we only try to minimize pain and suffering and maximize happiness and joy.
Kalyn, dear, I wish you a Happy Birthday, one that’s hopefully filled with joy and peace.
I’ve had this post bookmarked to come back to because I really did want to wish you a belated happy 60th and read your wisdom. It was a joy to scroll through. You sure don’t seem 60 Kalyn! Whatever that means heheh.
Some of these things I feel like I have learned already (mostly about love and friendships and self-esteem) and obviously there are many, many I am still learning.
I like your last one. My dad always used to say a variation of that. “The more I know, the more I realize how little I know.”
Many happy returns to you~
WOW! What a great list of insights, and since I’m hitting 50 in the next few months, there are many that apply to me as well! Yes, when we let go of what we think is important, we truly realize what is important! Love you, and am sure glad you’re my sister (in-law)
I know I’m starting to sound like a broken record here, but I have to say one more time, I’m so touched by all the nice comments. Thank you again everyone.
Happy birthday Kalyn, and thanks for all these words. About butter, have you read this article ?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/12/09/ST2008120902160.html
But of course, as a vegan, I’ve got a partial point of view…
What can I say?
No 1. Happy Birthday!
NO 2. Don’t let the dreams of life be interupted by the clock of reality!
No 3. And you certainly haven’t!
No 4. I took early retirement to do our food blog.
No 5. I should have done it 10 years ago!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Lesley
Happy belated birthday, Kalyn. I’m 66 so I guess I should have 66 things that I’ve learned, but I’ll only add two to your list:
61. Spend good quality time with your 60ish parents while they are still on earth so you can “really” appreciate them when you reach the same age; and
62. Walking a mile every day really is a GOOD thing.
Just want you to also know that I’m have become an even better cook in the last six years, something for you to look forward to. Loved your comment about not being invited for dinner by non-cooking friends. Hope you got lots of hugs for your birthday.
A very belated Happy Birthday, Kalyn, but better late than never (one of the 21 things I’ve learnt so far). You’ve just pipped my dad to it by a matter of months, but he looks a lot older than you. He’s really looking forward to the free bus pass next year – do you get any similar perks in Ohio?
Happy Belated Birthday, Kalyn! I have really enjoyed reading your blog. Hope you have yet another wonderful year ahead!=)
happy birthday!!!!!! I loved your 60 insights.i am also 60 and to realy enjoy your blog you need to be our age. im sitting here laughing because i understand all your about.have a great life.I have been bloging for 2 mo. hope to see you again.
Happy Birthday Kayln! Gosh, I hope I look as good as you when its my turn to be 60! Must be all that great food you prepare!
I enjoyed your list, Kalyn. My birthday was Dec. 7, and I turned 30. You’ve inspired me to try to come up with 30 things I’ve learned. John
I know I’m a little late, but better late than never. Happy Birthday! You wrote a great list and your words are very wise. I love your outlook! I’m glad to have stumbled upon your blog! I hope you the best in the years to come!
One thing I’ve learned in all my very few years, is that you can never learn too much, and its never too late to start learning.
All the best,
Johnathan.
Happy birthday, Kalyn! Great list…love it. My birthday is in two weeks and I’m proud to share a birthday month with so many brilliant women, among them my CE friends Heather ClizBiz and you! ๐
I love your outlook and attitude.
happy birthday kalyn – and thanks for your words of wisdom – they were fun to read and made me think a bit too! Hope you had a great day and enjoy the being a sexagenarian ๐
Wow, I’m really being blown away by all the nice comments here. Thanks again everyone! I hope no one is feeling slighted that I’m not keeping up with replies. I seem to get worse and worse at that the longer I’ve been blogging, but I do read every single comment in my e-mail when I approve it.
Happy Birthday Kalyn!
What a fabulous list. Experience really is the best thing going…
Love your list. I’m going to keep it as I count down to each of my milestones… I do agree with Haalo, up there about life being too short for bad wine.
Here’s to (at least) 40 more!
Many, many, many, many happy returns of the day, Kalyn!
Here’s wishing you many more recipes and life’s lessons.
Warmly
Happy birthday! I would never guess your age. Never. And I can’t think of a single thing to add to your list. Life is good!
Happy belated birthday, Kalyn! What a brilliant, insightful and wise list. Thanks for your gift to us ๐
Amen, sister. The two things I would add:
61. When whatever you’re cooking “needs something,” that something is almost always salt.
62. And if it’s not salt, it’s vinegar.
Hope you’re happily rockin’ the 60s. I have to be honest — I thought you were a full decade younger.
Happy birthday.
Great list, great lady.
Happy Birthday from Brisbane Downunder (almost like Hugh Jackman singing Happpy Birthday – but not quite :))
Happy Birthday, Kalyn! My birthday is next week and I’m thinking of copying you!
Thanks so much for passing along the wisdom. Love to hear it.
Happy birthday!
HAPPY BELATED AND BIG BIG GIANT HUGS FROM ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a great post! Loved the list. Hope you had a lovely birthday week. After all, at 60 one deserves a whole week, not just a day, right?
Happy Birthday!
xoxo
Happy Belated Birthday. I truly enjoyed your list of what you’ve learned. One of my favorite pieces of advice was given to me by my father. He once said to me, “Never attribute to malice what can be attributed to ignorance.” Although I can’t say that the saying is his own, it is one that I often think of when I am offended by someone’s behavior.
Happy belated birthday! I have been enjoying your blog for a few months now and since I will be 56 in a few days I can really relate to your list! Hope you keep on having a wonderful life.
Love the list, I am right behind you, only kind of like a younger sister ๐
Happy belated birthday! As someone who is less than ten years behind you, I like your attitude towards turning 60! Hope your birthday was a great one.
My dear Kalyn, happy belated birthday.
Wonderful list! I’m going to save it. ๐
Happy Birthday! May all your dreams CONTINUE to come true.
Big hug and a kiss,
Paz
I have tried a lot of your recipes and love them even though I don’t follow the South Beach Diet I like to eat healthy!! I want to wish you a happy birthday. I will turn 60 in April and it gives me a lot to think about. I love that you shared your list of wisdoms and I will have to come up with some of my own next spring. After being told I probably wouldn’t live past 40 when I was pregnant with my daughter 29 years ago I am thankful for every birthday!! Kathy in Montana
I’ve come a little late to the party, but I do bring Happy Birthday wishes. Your list is great, especially #’s 9, 11, 13, 14, 23, 30, 33, and 34! And you can count on me for dishing up plenty of #9 for your next 40 years.
Happy Birthday (belatedly) Kalyn!!
I can’t believe I missed your birthday yesterday, Kalyn. I can tell from your list that, with your wonderful attitude and outlook on life, you had a great day. I love so many of the things on your list – mostly because I know from experience that they’re true. Here’s to at least 40 more years, for both of us! Happy, happy birthday, my friend.
Hugs,
Christine
Happy Birthday Kalyn…so enjoyed reading your birthday list of 60 items. Enjoy your blog and use many of your recipes…..thanks for sharing. Best wishes for many more years.
Happy Birthay, Kalyn! Excellent list. I just turned 62 and it really is “O.K.” If we keep eating healthy, delicious food, take some basic supplements, get some exercise and avoid becoming mentally lazy, we have a damned good shot at another 40 years! Blog on! Judith from Calgary, Alberta
Sorry we’re a day late! We thought about you all day and hope you had a wonderful day. It sounds like you did! We love you! The Torsell’s
Many happy returns to you Kalyn! Hope you had a super day!
Happy B-Day! I would never have guessed you were turning 60! I love the list and love your blog. It has helped me with my weightloss! Thanks!!
Happy Birthday, Kalyn, from a stranger who visits you almost every day. Thank you for your contribution to life. Z
Happy Birthday! Mine is next week, I’m not far behind you. Here’s my mother’s rule for dealing with depressing or difficult times: “No matter how bad you feel, get out of bed, get dressed, and please comb your hair and put on some lipstick!” She’s been gone for many years but I still follow her advice.
Happy, happy birthday. At 58 I’m not far behind and can identify with everyone of your thoughts. I would add – “Happiness depends on what happens, but joy comes from within.” – not original but one of the pluses of aging is that I don’t think twice now about saying “I don’t remember who said that” – I wish you joy!!
I wish Blogger would let you put replies right after the comment because I must have been cross posting when my brother Mark wrote that wonderful comment. I think everyone can see what a wonderful family I have. I love you too Mark, Pam, Kristen, Jenn, Kara, Angee, Aly, and Janet. Hope I didn’t miss anyone!
And the best birthday present ever: My sister Val (the mother of these cute kids made 60 handmade postcards and she and the kids wrote “60 things we love about Aunt Kalyn.” They all arrived on the exact day, and I read every one with tears in my eyes.
Thanks to everybody for making this my best birthday so far!
I agree with every single one of these except #28, and I’m sure I’ll come to see the wisdom of that one in future years (I’m 46 now). I’m printing this out for daily reference. Thanks so much for the reverse birthday present, and many happy returns of the day.
Your list was really fun, interesting and right on! Lots of wisdom there. Have a Happy Birthday!
What a wonderful post to share with us. Happy Birthday Kalyn!
I’ll be turning 40 in five months and I’m already obsessing about it. Your post has inspired me to get over it!
Happy Belated Birthday, Kalyn! Thanks so much for sharing your words of wisdom, they really started my day on a positive note. ๐
Happy Birthday!!! ๐ That is an awesome list! I really enjoyed reading it and so many items on it struck home!
Happy 60th Birthday Kalyn! You are an inspiration to us all!
Went on this blog to wish you a Happy Birthday and, to my surprise, I discovered you are sixty. You wrote you are not sure what it means when someone says you don’t look sixty. What it means, Kalyn, is you are ageless! You seem way younger than your chronological years which is probably the exuberance, vitality and curiosity that you have. Sixty really IS the new forty with you. Now that you are at midlife, what new ventures will you be doing for the next sixty years?
Happy Birthday
from your friend Wanda
I’m not keeping up on the comments here that well, but THANK YOU everyone. I feel so blessed to have such a great family and so many wonderful friends, both real-life and virtual. It’s been a great birthday.
Happy Birthday Little big Sister!!
It’s been a busy day so sorry I didn’t get to this sooner. I can’t believe you’re 60! You really are my hero when it comes to healthy!! Not to mention cooking. I am really quite passionate about good food. I read your blog faithfully and just wish I lived closer. I would invest in the ingredients of your choice and hire myself as a professional taster! Wow, what a great job that would be. By the way, the turkey barley soup was fantastic!!
You have always been the big sister I could trust, confide in, bounce ideas off, speak freely to, and laugh or even cry with freely. Thank you for that. A familiar poem talks about harvesting the wheat, chaff and grain together, carefully sifting through the contents, keeping what is worth keeping and gently blowing the rest away. You have committed the last 30 years of your life to finding “what is worth keeping” in the hearts and minds of thousands of grade school children. They will continue to thank you for that tender loving care, not always in words, but in the good that they do for others, because of you. Often, when we need to put life back into perspective, it’s good to look at things through the eyes of a child.
In the Bible, The Savior told his Discipes “Suffer the little children and forbid them not to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of God” My children were not actually ever taught by you but continue to be touched by you. As do I.
Sorry if I got too personal about my sister and my friend, but I do really know what I’m talking about. After all, I married a Grade School Teacher.
Many happy returns. Love you tons, Mark
This is a beautiful post and so refreshing to know that in life, most of us are all “learning as we go.”
My mother says “you catch more flies with honey…” also. And so did HER mother! ๐
Happy, happy birthday. The older I get, the younger people older than me are. (If that makes any sense.) Enjoy the next 60…
60 post cards! That is so fun Kalyn.
Yes I loved Val’s poem too.
And Rand coming by as well.
You deserve every good thing!!
Happy Birthday Aunt Kalyn! I loved your list.
Happy Happy birthday to a great sister!! I really hope your day was wonderful….you deserve it.
Thank you for all you do for me and my family. I so appreciate your wisdom, kindness, love and most of all I am grateful you are my sister.
I love you, Tons!!
Happy 60th Kalyn! I’m a fairly new visitor to your blog and truly enjoy your recipes and appetizing food photos. I also turned 60 in November and have to agree with some of your observations/life lessons listed. Funny, but at one time I always thought 60 to be sooo old. It truly is a wonderful life! And thank you for your sharing your healthy, scrumptious recipes. Best Wishes to you and may you still be blogging for many, many years!
Happy 60th!! I’m about to welcome my 61st in a couple of months. I never think about being 60 and am always a little surprised when I have to tell someone my age or write it on a form. I just don’t think about it. Have a very happy birthday. Hope there’s many more to come. Jancd
Hey Sis… You are the youngest 60 yr old I know!!! Happy Birthday! I love you, and thanks for all you do for all of us. You are wonderful!
Janet
Happy Birthday from South Dakota! I love your list. They were all very good. But #26 and #30 are my favs. Well done and here’s to many more happy and healthy years.
Happy Birthday, Kalyn! I really enjoy your blog, and particularly enjoyed this post. I hope you’ve had a terrific day! I plan to print this post out and share it with family this evening. I think they will enjoy your insights. And, I have suspected that #30 and #58 were true for some time now!
Happy Birthday!!! Yay! Someone older than me! I love your list.
I don’t believe you are 60, but Happy Birthday! I like number 13.
Number 32!! Hah-hooh!
Happy birthday, friend. You are a foxy babe.
Man! You are popular! Happy birthday Aunt Kalyn!
Congrats Kalyn!!…. A big hug from Dominican Republic!
Oh, and lessons?
Just because somebody doesn’t love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you the best they can.
Happy Birthday Kalyn – that’s a great list full of many truths. There’s one that I picked up early on “life is too short to drink bad wine!”
Happy Birthday Kalyn! I am a loyal follower of your blog, but I never comment. I am about to turn 30..when I reach 60 I hope I am as funny, as wise and as good of a friend as you seem to be. Enjoy your day!
Happy birthday! What a truly wonderful collection of lessons, I feel like printing it out and sticking it on my fridge! Have a wonderful time, I’m also astounded that you’re 60!
Happy Birthday!!
~*~
Happy Birthday! May you have many more. Thank you for sharing your wonderful list. It’s good reading!
Happy Birthday Kalyn! Have a good one.
Happy birthday!!!
Fantastic list to read! What a fun way to celebrate your milestone.
You have a kind and creative spirit, Kalyn. Happy Birthday!
Hi Kalyn, Came across your blog looking for info on the Chantal Talavera 4-qt pot I purchased at Marshall’s yesterday (yes, a year after you found yours at TJ’s, they can still be found at some Marshall’s). Well…I then began “surfing” your pages and found that you turned 60 today. Congrats! I met up with this number last April, so I’m now approaching 61. What I’ve learned is to be grateful for each day, and no longer let little things upset me or spoil my day. Where I used to be a perfectionist and a clean nut, I now realize they will not etch the words “Here lies a lady who kept the cleanest house in the world,” on my tombstone! I am also a bc survivor, and that has something to do with this new way of looking at things, too. I copied your “Sixty Things I’ve Learned” to file, and plan on printing them out an putting them on my refrigerator for all to see!
Happy Birthday, Kalyn…and many, many more years of health, happiness and a super duper attitude! ๐
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dearest, lovely wonderful, super cool, amazing, beautiful Kalyn!
Happy Birthday to you!
xxxxxxx
Happy birthday! (You don’t look sixty…)
Happy Birthday, you sweet young thing!
{gasp!} Even though you talk of retiring soon, never in a million years would I have guessed you were 60. What’s your secret?!
I hope you have a fabulous birthday week!
Happy birthday from a long time lurker and fan. Love the list – especially 11, I say that ALL the time.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I hope you have the greatest birthday yet. Thanks for all of your tips/advice. You are a gem!!
Happy birthday. That’s a brilliant list although I’m not so sure the early morning is that good. Wish I’d had a teacher like you rather than the ones who tortured me.;)
I’m teaching school today so I can’t keep up with responding, but thanks to everyone for the nice wishes.
(And especially thanks to my brother Rand who helps me so much on the blog and in so many other things in my life. I love you too!)
What a lovely list Kaylyn! I hope you have an amazing birthday.
Great post!
And Happy Birthday Kalyn.
Wishing you a happy 60th and many. many more!!!
Happy Birthday Kalyn! I have been using your recipes for 2 months now. I love them, and I have been telling all my friends about your blog. Thank you for sharing so much with us. I hope you have a special day.
Happy Birthday Kalyn! Joy, joy, joy to you!
happy birthday!! i enjoyed your list ๐
Happy Birthday Aunt Kalyn! We love you!
Happy Birthday, Kalyn! Love your blog and definitely have to agree with all your 60 observations, even at the ripe young age of 43!
TKSellman || BuzzFood
Thank you for the note about wise young people. I spend a bit of time with young teens and you’d be surprised the number of wonderful old souls out there.
Happy Birthday! My husband and I were just talking about how many people we have had over for dinner who never reciprocate (#30 on your list) — now I know to take it as a compliment instead of being disturbed at the breach of social contract.
I would need some more South Beach practice, but I would invite you for dinner…
60! How can that be? With your braces I would have sworn you weren’t a day over 13! But, seriously, one thing I’ve learned over the years is that there are lots of things you can pick in your life, but since you don’t get to pick your sisters, you better cross your fingers, say your prayers, repeat your affirmations, make your wishes, and then hope like heck that you are lucky enough to have a sister like Kalyn. Your continued love, support, compassion, understanding, and friendship is something I treasure. I love you Kalyn. Happy, happy birthday. And many, many more! 60? Wow.
Truly unbelievable!
Happy Birthday – I agree with all sixty statements. Very wise indeed.
Happy Birthday! That was an excellent list.
What an awesome list–such wisdom! I have to add that along with butter, bacon also makes everything taste better. Happy birthday!
Happy birthday, Kalyn! Mutlu Yillar!
I wish you the happiest of birthdays! You’re so fortunate to have accomplished as much as you have at a young 60 years of age. So many more years to celebrate and live! What have I learned in my years? Laughter is great medicine. Kids keep you young. Spontaneity is good. And a hug can make someone’s day.
Happy Birthday, Kalyn! My 60th is in January.
This is good, too:
http://www.cleveland.com/brett/blog/index.ssf/2006/05/regina_bretts_45_life_lessons.html
What a great list! Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday, lovely lady! I’m so glad I found your page. ๐
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Kayln! I will join the chorus of fans who’d never have guessed 60–to paraphrase Gloria Steinem, “This is what 60 looks like”–yay! (And boy, I guess I’m showing my own age by paraphrasing Gloria Steinem, eh??) ๐
Loved #5–Don’t I know it!, #31-Well, I did and had to go buy a whole new wardrobe; #34-I’d have to disagree considering my sis and me; #57-Absolutely! But mostly #27–for which I’m thankful every day. Thanks for the great list and helping us look forward to 60!
hey…its really good to hear a whole lotta experiences of your life…wish you health and joy.
Happy Birthday! Great list.
Thanks everyone for the nice wishes. I’m laughing that a couple of people have said things about me “sharing my wisdom.” I definitely don’t consider myself to be wise. I’m making mistakes daily in my life. Some of these things took me YEARS to learn!
Val, loved the poem! And I do feel lucky to have so many friends, virtual and real-life included.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! much wisdom, from someone who is 60 years young ๐
Happy Birthday!! What a great post to share with us…your wisdom:)
Hope you have a wonderful day with many more to come.
Happy B’day Kalyn! Hope you have a wonderful day with lots of love and cake! ๐
Happy birthday, dear Kalyn! And thanks for sharing your wisdom with us.
No way Kalyn, I would have never guessed 60. Happy Birthday! Wishing you have a great year ahead and many more wonderful years of blogging.
Happy Birthday, Dear Kalyn! I was going to mention the gossip thing myself – and I agree with you totally about the shoes – I also never believe the salesperson’s promise that they will expand and fit perfectly after you (buy them and) wear them for a while – they never do!
Happy Birthday, Kalyn! My addition: Unexpected birthday cards onto your own blog from extra-special brothers are an extra-special hoot. (Rand, anyone?)
Count you garden by the flowers
Never by the leaves that fall;
Count your days by golden hours
Don’t remember clouds at all.
Count the nights
by stars, not shadows,
Count your life by smiles, not tears,
And with joy on every birthday
Count your age by friends, not years.
Happy, Happy Birthday Kalyn…and many more:D
Many happy returns of the day Kalyn. Great wisdom in your 60 thoughts
Hugs
Joanna
Happy birthday! I love your list. Here’s hoping that in the next 40 years, we’ll get to enjoy a couple of those wonderful dinners together. xo
Happy Birthday!! – what a great list, this is the best thing I have read on a blog in a long time. I’m bit partial to #55, there are a couple of similar sayings that my mother shared and they always make me smile.
Best wishes on a great day!!
A very Happy Birthday to you!
That was a wonderful list to read through. I wouldn’t have thought either that you are 60. So good to know you!
Wishing you All The Best!
Kalyn, congratulations…with your young looks I would have never guessed 60!
Age is an attitude, “carpe diem”!
Congratulations! It looks like you’ve become very wise over the years ๐
Kalyn! Happy Birthday my blogging friend! Wow, you don't look 60!! Enjoying celebrating with family & friends! Cheers!
That’s a great list and it sounds like your 60th birthday is a special time for you. ๐
Happy birthday Kalyn. Count me among those who’d never have guessed 60!
Happy Happy Happy Birthday Kalyn!!! I agree with all the 60 wonderful insights you have shared. I just hope to remember to use them when I need them. ๐ May you have more than 40 more years of more delicious and healthy dishes to come! ๐ Cheers!!!
Happy Birthday Kalyn! That is such a grand way to celebrate and count to 60! I hope I’ve learned all 60 of those as well!
So glad I’ve come to know you here. I simply must trust we’ll really meet one day.
I know you’ve been living life. You have to be living to learn all these things.