An AHA Moment: "The 2025 NYC Class of Survivors"

It has been a thrill and an honor to be selected to be a part of the powerful sisterhood that made up the "2025 NYC Class of Survivors" for the American Heart Association -- New York City. It's been empowering to meet these other dynamite women who have suffered a heart attack or stroke and LIVED to tell their inspiring stories. (Hello to my FELLOW WARRIORS!)

The AHA is now accepting applications for the "2026 NYC Class of Survivors"! Go to https://easternstates.heart.org/nycgrfwclasso.../Application (Application closes on October 24th)

Be a part of this amazing opportunity to share your story & raise awareness about heart health & well-being.

  

 

"Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale" -- This global phenomenon is coming to a close (Don't cry!)

Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, NY, hosted a premiere screening of "Downton Abbey: The Grande Finale," followed by a Q&A with Simon Curtis, the director. (Did you know he's married to Cora Grantham, aka Elizabeth McGovern? Neither did I!)  

Two women in the audience got in the spirit of the evening by their wearing real diamond tiaras:

 

"Lady of Larchmont" and "Lady of Pleasantville" 

A Couple of Fashionistas: Sitting in the Shade Doing Sudoko

I was in the water doing aqua aerobics at the gym when I looked up to see this smashing, elegant, fashionable elderly couple walking towards the outdoor pool. The gentleman was carrying an oversized LV bag, wearing all beige with a brown cravat around his neck. The woman was tottering behind her husband, all in black, with a black turban and high, sexy heels. 

They had pure swank.  I just had to talk to them.

Got out of the pool and wrapped a towel around my waist. (I thought the white towel and black bathing suit showed that I had some sense of style!)

They were out by the private pool, which has a touch of adult Country Club written all over it. (E.g., NO KIDS allowed and quiet.) The couple was adorable. Sitting in the shade under a large umbrella, each working on their own book of  Sudoku.  

I told them I spotted them as they were walking and had to tell them that I admired their sense of fashion. (They loved that I was someone who appreciated it.)

"Thank you for reaching out! That's so nice of you," said the woman. Up close, I noticed the matching necklace and earrings.

We got into a conversation. Carol and Alex are in their upper-80s and have been married for 56 years. She wears the high mules (see below) everywhere. They had open-toe silver mesh, silver trim, and delicate 3-inch heels. As my mother would say, "They were stunnnnnnning."

Carol said she learned fashion from her mother, who used to clean the house in heels. 

Doncha love it? I do!

National "WE LOVE MEMOIRS" Day ... A Stroke of Perseverance

What was I thinking that Easter Sunday morning when I was driving on I-95 at 65mph with my mother & discussing my son's upcoming marriage in only eight weeks? HAVING A STROKE RIGHT THERE ON THE HIGHWAY, while cruising in the middle lane, was far from my thoughts.

One reviewer said, "With a narrative that radiates authenticity and candor, Bonni's tenacity, unyielding determination, and unique sense of humor become beacons of hope in the darkest corners of 'Stroke Land'. Her exceptional bravery and unwavering determination are profoundly inspiring, rendering this book a deeply engaging and emotionally charged journey into the limitless resilience of the human spirit."

[Crooked head and right-sided weakness are remnants from the stroke.]

"My Stroke in the Fast Lane: A Journey to Recovery" is available at your favorite local bookstore, Bookshop.org & Amazon.

Empty Nest-ers Unite!!

 

                                                                                                                    Photo: Unsplash

When my son went off to college, I cried. A lot. Every time I saw a school bus, I would get teary. The CD in my car was cued up to "Sweet Dreams, Little Man," by the Dixie Chicks. I was a wreck every time I listened to it.

When my daughter went off to the same college two years later, they drove down our country road in the same car. (We were still living in Pound Ridge, New York.)

My husband and I waved goodbye and shouted, "See you at Thanksgiving!" 

When the car was out of sight, we made two large Gin & Tonics, took out the cigarettes, and ate a bag of Cape Cod Chips. For dinner.

Full disclosure? It was grand!

To all of those experiencing a quiet house after dropping off your progeny at college, have a look at my Huffington Post, "Empty Nest, New Beginnings."

Although you might not have an immediate house-wide celebration (like we did with Child #2), be patient. After 18 years of raising your child, it's natural to take some time before you appreciate not having to worry about their post-party driving. Bid adieu to the feeling of guilt that the refrigerator is running on low. Adios to nagging about deadlines and homework. Take a back seat. 

There is something liberating about not shopping for dinner and feeling the angst of "What should we eat tonight?" No more worrying, 

"Did they not make their bed in the morning?" Feh. 

"Do I care if they're late for class?" Meh.

Relax. You're gonna love it. (Believe me!)