Blue porcelain pottery
Tumbling bunnies
lilting lyrics
Artist and porcelain maker Harumi Ota gave local artist Robert Amos lessons.
Robert has created a whimsical line of vessels.
This one was a gift from our darling daughter Jennifer.
The two bowls shown here are by Harumi Ota.
I have had them several years.
For those of you reading this post who may be local
they were purchased from a local gallery in Oak Bay called Eclectic.
Harumi Ota frequently sells his work at The Moss Street Market on Saturdays.
Here's my new swimsuit...
also blue and white.
Finding a "flattering" suit was quite a challenge.
First off there was a limited selection in my price range
and
coming to grips with my ample figure "weighed heavily"
I wanted decent support and good coverage...
needing to camouflage the "wobbly bits" as much as possible.
I ended up at a bathing suit specialty shop...
where they have many sizes and styles and expert fitters.
While in the change rooms I overheard many women's conversations
ALL of which were lamenting that they were FAT!
They were mostly young women and teenagers...
I was the eldest by far!
We are sensitive and critical of our bodies...
not everyone can be the same size or shape
we all have "problem areas"
no one is perfect.
I am overweight
I know that I should slim down and get back to my WW goal weight.
I have a serious conversation with myself about this regularly...
and its not really working.
I eat healthy
I try not to indulge in chocolates or sweets.
I walk every day and swim once a week.
I look around at the pool and there are women of all shapes and sizes.
There are some who would be considered morbidly obese
in swimsuits much bigger than mine
participating in the Aqua Fit classes...
How do they feel in their own skin?
Do we all have negative thoughts about our body image?
Is this a healthy way of thinking?
Here's my healthy lunch.
I AM going to try harder, starting right now,
TODAY!
How about you?
Are you struggling to lose weight?
How do you feel about your body image?
Have you been swimsuit shopping lately?
Are you shocked by the swimsuit prices?
(many that I looked at were over $200)
Its a lovely sunny day and I am heading out for my second walk.
Thank you for reading my humble blog and I'd love to hear your thoughts on this issue.
Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
~ Be Well and Be Kind ~
65 comments:
beautiful blues .. :)
*and yes, i struggle with weight.
the past number of months i've experienced
far more days of emotional eating and stress
eating which of course increased the numbers
on the scale and from which i'm freaking out
just a tich. doesn't help that i've not been
to a ww meeting in months. sigh. this needs
to stop. for my health - certainly.
but also for my well being.
*a bathing suit! and a lovely one at that...
I think most of us feel that we are "fat" when middle age hormones start to fluctuate. I was recently looking at photos of myself in my mid 40s. My immediate comment was " oh yes, this is when I got fat for the first time." I was later able to shed about 25-30 pounds. Here I am at 63 and "fat" for the second time. I recently lost 5 pounds by limiting snacking. I think it is an uphill battle and it may be futile. I now look like every sister ( I have 4 ) and every auntie or grandmother in my mom's family. Genetics are strong. Oh how I wish I was as fat as I was when I first thought I was getting fat... about 30 pounds ago... lol
Weight has been a struggle all my life and right now I'm under doctor's orders to lose weight for my health. It is tough! I eat more healthfully than most friends - never eat "Fast Food" and watch my portion sizes - but it's still a really slow process and sometimes very frustrating. My cardiologist would like me to be No Carb - but the best I can do is "Low Carb" (which my GP actually agrees is better) so I eat tons of fruit & veg, protein at every meal - and as few carbs as possible - but it's not easy.
I walk as much as I can but I have mobility issues so have to adjust - Chair Yoga - small weights done at home, that sort of thing. I know that everyone says to go swimming but the thought of appearing in a swimsuit terrifies me - and I know it shouldn't - but it does.
I am frustrated with myself that I let it get to me - but at the moment that is my reality.
I love your swimsuit - in fact I could wear blue & white (with maybe a bit of red) all the time - I'm always torn between those colours & my black, white & grey outfits! If I could redecorate my home (which doesn't need it) I'd switch from my existing colour scheme to a blue & white one and have a whole set of Blue Willow dishes!
Stress can wreak havoc on our systems...emotional eating and comfort foods are definitely a factor for me too.
I have avoided the scale...because I know its going to be a shock!
Maybe its time for us both to go back to the meetings? The support and cameraderie is a key component to our successful weight loss....that and the weigh in before the meetings!!!
Good luck and thank you for sharing your thoughts I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
Congratulations on your 5 pound loss! Thats really positive...and very inspiring.
You and I are also short so that makes every pound look like 5!
I remember when I started putting on weight in my 40's...my father had passed away that year and I ballooned...I was good until mom passed away last year and here I am again needing to get back on track. The sunshine today helped me get out twice for a walk and seeing myself almost naked in a full length mirror was a shock...genetics do play a role...but my sister is very svelte...she has never had children, is quite active and is much better at avoiding carbs.
The blues call me every time! I love the pottery AND the bathing suit. I detest shopping for a bathing suit. It is like punishment.
My sister is slim and she avoids carbs...I try hard to just eat proteins, veggies and fruit but then I crave a potato or a piece of bread...and I give in to that craving.
Good for you to be mindful of your eating and I do know how difficult it is to lose weight ...it took me a year to lose 30 pounds on WW. I did it once, I can do it again.
Exercise is really important too for our bone health...your weight training will help to boost your metabolism too.
Oh and do try swimming and aqua fit the classes are such fun! If I can wear a swimsuit to the pool you can too! The water is so gentle on our joints and my doctor suggested it to me after I developed shin splints from walking.
The suit is by Penbrooke and it is comfy and offers camouflage...
take care and thank you for joining in on the conversation.
I love the blue and white pottery with the bunnies! Beautiful! I've been trying to lose weight and find it very frustrating. I have done it before, so felt I could do it again, but it's been harder this time. I'm guessing because I'm older now, 65 years, 66 in June. I walk every day at least once, most times twice...getting 10,000 to 14,000 steps each day; eat healthy meals, and track my food intake so that I can actually see and remember what I'm eating. Still...if I drop a couple of pounds, a week later it's back. Very discouraging.
Yes I agree bathing suit shopping is a challenge and one that can make us feel "bad" about our appearance...the staff at Swimco at Mayfair are very professional and positive. I felt like I had made the right choice after a marathon in the dressing room!
Good for you to keep track of your steps...so you wear a Fit Bit? My BFF just purchased one and I wonder if it might motivate me to walk more?
It seems like many of us over 60 woman are going through the same struggle with weight..
Good luck.
After a certain age, I don't think about body image too much anymore! Lol! I like your swimsuit, what brand is it? :-) Emily
Yes. I too am battling the weight issue. (After considering myself too thin and lanky for most of my life- what was I thinking?) I tried Dukan and it worked probably the best in terms of motivation through quick results, but it only took a couple of holidays when I relaxed a bit and most of the weight came back on. Currently eating healthy clean food and willing myself to stay the course even though results are slow. I have also considered going back to WW. Your swimsuit is lovely and well worth the change-room marathon.
I really like shades of blue and white together ... in clothes, around the house, pottery etc It always looks crisp and fresh ... reminds me of the sea and blue skies and snow! 😊
All the comments about weight loss and weight gain really resonate ... I walk, eat healthily, try reducing or cutting out alcohol and somehow unless I’m extremely strict and have very small portions I don’t seem to loose weight .,. and when I do it seems to become even harder to maintain and creeps back on again!
Good Luck everyone! I’m trying to get “back on track again” encouraged by the fact that some of my favourite trousers and dresses no longer fit! and obviously because I know it’s important, health wise. Like you, I’m not very tall Leslie, so even a few lbs makes a big difference.
Rosie
Your swimsuit is beautiful and I see you enjoy swimming and aqua fitness - well done you. I am another weight watcher, always trying to lose a few more kilos. It gets more difficult as the years go by. I love my walking but sometimes arthritis and foot problems curtail my efforts. Carbs are my downfall, and I try to restrict them and avoid after 4.00pm. Not always successfully!
Your salad looks fantastic! Things like beans, lentils and chickpeas get dissed as carbs, but they have protein and fiber. It's hard to get full on lettuce (and I usually replace it with spinach, which has bigger nutritional punch), but the fiber in beans is filling. It isn't just a question of cutting calories--the microbes in your gut also affect your weight--processed foods, high fat, high sugar all cultivate microbes that make us hang onto weight.
I'm not overweight, but I'm at the high end of normal. It's easier to pay attention and not cross over than to try to get the weight back down. Of course, I'd like to be lithe, but I never have been thin.
As for swimsuits, I wear swim shorts, a bikini top and a long-sleeved, high-necked rash guard. I like to think I look like a fierce surfer. I'm mostly concerned about sun exposure, but I have to say the shorts are not only more flattering but they prevent burns on that little crescent of thigh--which I figure doesn't need to see the light of day at all.
I am 67 and I am very active every day. I am very careful about my eating habits. I have been athletic for most of my life. I cannot seem to get below 153 lbs no matter what I do! Pre menopausel I was 122 lbs. Since menopause I have slowly crept up to my current weight. I believe that some of us are biologically set to certain body types and weights.
Oh, that weight! It really takes a great effort to lose it. My daughter now eats no rice or pasta and occasionally half a sandwich. At 66, I would have to eat the same way. I've been dealing with a decline in my mother's health and the back to work year. I love the work but I find that I am drinking more wine in the before dinner time. I never drink it after dinner. I probably should go for a walk after school.With better weather, we can walk more.
My weight is OK, I'd always like to be 5 lbs. less, but at 65, I'm happy to be healthy and fit. I eat lean protein, vegetables, and a few low sugar fruits like berries. No dairy, grains, potatoes, etc. Occasionally, I will, but pretty rarely. It seems like hitting 60, there were just major shifts in maintaining weight (that seem pretty universal) so that's what I do. As for swimming, I love being in the water and feeling "free". I wear a comfortable swimsuit without support because I can't stand feeling"constricted". If I'm at a resort or the beach, or even at home and I'm going to be hanging around in a suit, I always wear a long sleeved rash guard, both for coverage and sun protection. Your blue and white pottery is beautiful.
Hello ladies ! Long time reader, first time commenter (English is not my native language). I am 67 and lost around 9 pounds en 1 month and a half doing this : no sugar, no gluten, no dairy produce during that time (part of a program for a good microbiote). During the three first weeks, for carbs only lentils and chickpeas but adviced for every day. Then we introduced others slow carbs like quinoa and other leguminous plants...Walnuts, hazelnuts ,almonds and so on were recommended.If you are interested in more details, please fell free to ask.
Hostess I appreciate your kindness and sensivity.
Have a great day !
Martine
I lost a significant amount of weight last summer and fall when I was doing physical therapy after my knee replacement. (I don't weigh, I gauge by how & which clothes fit.) But then the travails of teaching set in & comfort food & a nap was all I wanted when I got home from school. Soon I will not have to clean the snow off the car & can go back to my therapy exercises before school. And with the extra daylight, evenings are not so bad now.
Your salad looks delicious!
Weighty subjects indeed! I am about 20 lbs over my teenage weight, which I realize isn't out of the ordinary for a post menopausal woman. I would dearly love to lose 10, but I am already on a plant based whole food diet. There is always some room for improvement! Upping my physical activity is key and as I am still working, time is a factor. And some laziness. No one is perfect. Being over 60, I find weight redistribution and changing shape to be a factor in my discontent. I am trying to be philosophical. I am aging. It is what it is. I try to live as healthy as possible and accept with good grace. I often remind myself that my body has served me well, no health conditions, still (relatively) strong and limber, and I am truly grateful. It is disturbing to hear young women be so disparaging of themselves. However... I HATE swimsuit shopping and am just as critical in the change room. Oh, dear. Your swimsuit is elegant. I always admire your choices. Including the pottery! I will be looking for it at the Moss Street Market. Cheers, V.
Love your pottery and the swimsuit. I've been a yoyo in weight all my life and now at 65 is no different. Became a WW lifetime member in my 30s but now am committed to TOPS - less expensive and great camaraderie. Have had RA for over 20 years so exercise mostly limited to recumbent bike and now a rebounder in my garage (love it). Also on wt. gaining med - that's my excuse - ha, ha! No, I do want to be a healthy eater and weight! Thanks for this post.
I agree with your comment about attaining the media's idea of perfection is a myth at our age. Even the Jane Fonda character "Grace" in the Netflix show "Frankie and Grace" admits she keeps her very trim figure because "I don't eat"!! I believe it is important to strive for a healthy lifestyle- regular exercise, a Mediterranean diet, but PLEASURE is a part of life too!! I'll take my extra few pounds and wobbly bits and engage in a little self acceptance.
The brand is Penbrooke...your attitude is to be admired.
I read about the Dukan diet...WW is the only regime that I had any success with for weight loss. Excercise, healthy eating and portion control are the main things I am trying to adopt...slow results may be discoraging but I believe that research shows this is the best way to acheive long term weight loss.
Imagine if we were 5'7 we could easily carry our weight :-))
Alcohol is empty calories too...I enjoy wine, maybe too much!
All my clothes still fit it is the "muffin top" that is unsightly and it feels uncomfortable...a bit like the Michelin Man!
What do you think of the new WW Freestyle Program?
I have not gone to a meeting for so long and have no idea if it is better or if the Smart Points still would be my choice.
Ah yes carbs...they do mess with our weight don't they?
Fierce surfer is a great vison of an athlete to channel...your positive attitude will keep you on the straight and narrow. Beans and hummus are both handy as they keep me feeling satisfied and a little goes a long way.
I have added a small amount of kimchi to see if this will help with weight loss...not totally loving the flavour though...
I am not sure how tall you are Carolyn but 153 might be a decent weight for your frame. You can check your BMI online as they have many sites with calculators.
There is a lot of talk about women gaining weight to ward off heart problems once readily available estrogen has been depleted after menopause...there is estrogen stored in fat cells...it may be natures way of protecting us. I don't think I need "as much bulk" in my midsection though! Genetics do play a major role...I am built like my grandmother.
I think your daughter's eating habits are an example of healthy food consumption...my sister avoids carbs and is much slimmer as a result...she is also 5 years younger and does not have a thyroid problem like I do.
Wine is another of my downfalls...eating fewer carbs, drinking less wine, and walking more in the sunshine should help nudge the scale.
Sounds like you have figured out what works best for you to maintain your weight and that is what I need to do too...lose a few pounds and keep it off. Health and fitness is so important especially for our bone density...and flexibility.
If I lived in sunny California I'd probably need more sun protection...I am not a sun worshipper...I do my laps in the outdoor pool at the cottage and then sit under an umbrella for a few minutes as I dry off a bit then head back up to our cottage and wash out my suit and change into clothes.
Sounds like an interesting plan Martine...sugar is a no no these days!
If the readers are interested in learning more how do they get in touch with you?
I've struggled with my weight off and on for the last 26 years or so. I would crash diet and then gain it back. I went through menopause and the struggle increased. Even when I was heavy I didn't have a belly but now I do. It's difficult not to feel insecure and bad about yourself when society places such importance on how a woman looks. I've noticed that I'm starting to be more "kind" and forgiving toward myself as I get older. Oh, I'm still going to try to get in better shape, but I've come to realize I am more than just my weight. I'm going to enjoy my life right now. I can't even remember the last time I put on a bathing suit, but the one you got is really pretty. Wear it proudly and have fun!
Love the blue pottery and the suit. Blue being my favorite color, they're right up my alley. I haven't worn a suit in years and just don't want to think about it, frankly. I could stand to lose quite a few pounds and while I know it's easier to gain and harder to lose at the age of almost 61, I also know that when I was young and slim I was also much more disciplined about the way I ate. I know that now I just plain eat too much and basically it's the portion control that I need to focus on - if I do, the weight starts to come off. When I was young and slim I always felt like I could stand to lose 5 pounds, but now I'd love to be the size I was then!
What a great topic to discuss. I am struggling with my weight. I lost quite a bit of weight and felt great and liked the way I looked. Then I gained part of it back. I'm not giving up. I feel better physically and emotionally when I'm trimmer. Also, I've been lucky to be in good health and I want to avoid weight related health problems that often come with aging. I did it before--I can do it again!!! I also think the microbiome in our gut affects our weight-- as several women have mentioned. I will have to research that again. Good luck everyone--may you all reach your goal weight!
Bridget
I’m struggling too. I’ve put on 10 pounds since last year and nothing fits. The struggle is real. Xx
The Blues are very beautiful. Love the bathers.
I was quite reticent to go to hydrotherapy for my knee. After much thought I too came up with the combination of swim shorts (& undies), swim bra (for support) and a short sleeved t-shirt (which has now morphed into short-sleeved rash vest). I really enjoy working out at the pool as you are in a weightless environment. Carol S
1. You're smart to get a pattern. That's what I did. It takes everyones eyes off the bits and they look at the pattern. 2. Ever since I fractured my foot I've been eating terribly. So I'm impressed that your exercising and eating healthily. That's more than I can say for myself. Be kind to yourself. You're still in mourning.
You always seem to make me feel better, and motivate! My twenty pound weight gain seemed to happen rapidly with a thyroid diagnosis and I think, even more of an issue, losing my Mother suddenly and unexpectedly to cancer. My father moved in with us, and five years later the twenty pounds still refuse to budge. Knowing I need to eat better and move more doesn't seem to make it happen. lol
But you're right, I can change things starting TODAY! Your blog is a haven of beauty and kindness. Thank you again.
Hope that your knee replacement is working well for you...I do recall how tired I felt after a day at school...so I totally understand how you would want to rest and indulge in comfort food. The extra daylight is a gift!
The changing shape is common with post menopausal women...we start to look like our Mothers after we hit 60. If we are healthy and can still participate in most activities that should keep us happy....I think the bathing suit shopping nudged me to write this post. I do plan to change up a few things...see you at the market and please introduce yourself if you see me :-))
I have heard of TOPS...my sister has a rebounder and she likes it...
RA does limit you to certain excercises and swimming is very gentle and helpful...my friend who has RA swears by it as her weekly regime.
Hope you have a lovely weekend...thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
I watch Grace and Frankie and I am impressed by how tiny Jane has kept her figure...I thought it was because she was active in aerobics....as she was in the past. I cannot imagine "not eating" I would not be able to function without nourishment...she must nibble food but perhaps is clever about her choices.
Pleasure eating and the love of cooking is probably why I am not svelte.
Crash diets are not a good idea...we need to change our eating habits slowly and embrace a new way of eating and exercising...being kind and forgiving yourself sounds so gracious. You are wise to put this all in perspective...we are more than what the scale reports...and I suppose that is why I am off to the pools to participate in swimming and aqua fit !
I remember being able to lose 5 pounds in a weekend when I was in my 20's...but hey those days are long gone! Our metabolisims have changed drastically...we can gain 5 pounds in a weekend now!
Its difficult staying in the same weight zone now without paying attention, eating fewer calories and exercising more! We have definitely got our work cut out for us!!!
Well this post topic may be a minefield in many ways...and not giving up or giving in may be our only hope. Good Health is more important than a slim figure...unfotunately my blood pressure rises when I gain weight.
Glad to read your comment here tonight Bridget....thank you.
10 pounds is a great doable weight loss goal...I have every faith that you can acheive it.
Yes the patterns were way more flattering than the plain colours!
I do not judge you at all Sandra...breaking a foot must be such a drag...when I have been sicj in the past I have eaten badly...my frozen shoulder pain is not helping me either...I am trying harder though as I want to be healthy well into my later years.
I will try to be kinder to myself...and yes I am still very much in mourning but Mother woud be the first to compliment me on any weight loss!
Motivation is a powerful tool in changing the way we live...if I have inspired you to take action thats wonderful!
Our recent loses do come into play...it is easy to fall into a pattern of emotional eating...comfort foods do feel cozy. My BFF just bought a Fit Bit and several of the bridge ladies have them and they say that they are great reminders and motivators...I have already made some changes these past few days and will continue to embrace the weight loss challenge...hope that you feel energized too! Thank you for chiming in and sharing your thoughts on this post subject Christine.
Another lover of blue and white. My sittingroom and diningroom are decorated that way.
I have recently lost some weight following the sudden death of my husband, a diet not to be recommended. I have managed to keep it off but not sure how as my eating habits have fallen by the wayside, think chocolate and wine!! My failing is bread with butter, comfort food. But with the eventual onset of Spring, we still have snow here in the UK, I intend to shake myself up and improve my diet. My exercise is not so bad---2 classes of pilates, 1 each of yoga and bodytone, every week. So ladies onward and upward. By the way I am 71 and 5'4" and weigh 133lbs.
Love that swim suit! I've been on the hunt for a new suit as well. J. Crew has a few possibilities that I'm considering. Seemingly overnight, my jeans became too tight! Truthfully, my scale needed a new battery (3 months ago) and I was in no hurry to replace it, lol!! Well, I fixed that situation and stepped on the scale and ...ugh...the weight struggle is real! Decided to try Weight Watchers (my first time) 3 weeks ago. I'm down 5 pounds...7 to go. I really like the Freestyle program (on-line, only), not too restrictive and I'm not starving. Tracking, being aware of my food/wine intake is so helpful toward losing this extra poundage!! I feel better and my clothes aren't as tight, yay!
Yes! The "muffin top" is my nemesis. (Not sure there is much to do for it, is there?) I practice the Fast-5 approach to eating and find it has kept my weight steady. Not PERFECT, mind you. But no longer up and down. At the last visit to the doctor, he told me I was among the smaller of the people he sees in his office. Realistically I'd like to drop about five pounds before summer... I blame them on the inactivity of winter.
I will look for you! I would love to do that. V.
My condolences...you are not the only widow that I know who have lost weight following the death of their spouse. It must be a very sad and difficult time for you and food is probably not uppermost in your mind. Comfort food is there for times such as yours. Your weight and height are well within the normal range...staying active is working well for you.
Take care Marilyn
Congrats on your hard work and dedication to the program....by the time you read this response you are probably down a few more pounds closer to your goal! I know WW works...tracking is very important...it keeps us mindful of what we are eating...and drinking!
Thank you for your kind words. Coming to your blog always brings a smile to my face as does your Instagram page. Long may you reign.
We winter at the beach and I too could not find a swimsuit I considered flattering- so I created my own solution! I wear shorter board shorts or a running skirt with one of my yoga tops. This keeps covered what I want covered and is fun to mix and match and come up with multiple outfits. I did this because as a 61 year old who certainly does not feel that way, my choices were either too revealing for me or the little old lady suit in strangling fabrics in solid black or ugly prints. When I wear my version of a swimsuit I fee like me- and isn't that the whole point? Every body in the pool!
I'm struggling to lose the 10lbs I put on after a holiday with my daughter in Australia last November and then Christmas! I have good days and then ruin it by craving a chocolate bar............
Hi Leslie
I think having a full length mirror in my bathroom is a powerful motivator. I don't have weight problems and don't weigh myself. I can tell gain or loss by the fit of my clothing especially pants.
Best wishes to All!
What a lovely bathing suit! Having nice garments for fitness activities can help reinforce exercise habits. Wearing good quality clothing is a form of self care. Exercise clothes are not an exception. I get so upset when I see other senior women wearing faded bathing suits and ratty exercise duds at the gym.
I admit to living an athletic lifestyle, however I believe food is the problem/solution for genuine weight management. Everything in moderation, and no mindless eating or drinking! Every meal is an opportunity for an experience.
I have seen quite a few women wearing a swimming costume similar to the one that you wear. I like patterns as they camouflage better than plain colours...much more comfortable for me and I agree we need to feel that we are dressing ourselves in things that best reflect our personalities.
Winning at the "losing battle" is not easy...but stay the course and you should see results as your reward for diligence. The occasional chocolate can be factored into your eating regime...WW understands that we all need a treat now and again!
Oh yes that mirror is a great motivator...
I feel more motivated to exercise when I have nice things to wear.
I agree with you about the food factor... moderation!
Be kind to yourself. You may feel comfortable at a lower weight and it's fine to try to get there, but please don't judge yourself so harshly. I think as society we've gotten better at acceptance, but it jarred the heck out of me to see a post by blogger I previously liked who took unflattering pictures of people in their bathing suits on the beach and wrote nasty commentary about their bodies and their eating habits -- all while she wore a head-to-foot caftan! I can only guess that she turned her own self-loathing loose on the world. We don't make the world a better place by feeling contempt for ourselves and it can lead to turning it outward.
I always feel my weight could be improved. I know exactly how to do it -- eat less move more -- but some times are more difficult than others. I've found that cutting out whole food groups and focusing on one fad or another isn't sustainable for me. It's all about portions and avoiding true trigger foods (like pizza, which I always overeat). But I always advise friends to remember that we're living in the now, and living for a thinner future makes us miss things in the present. It's not worth it!
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