Which vitamin is essential for calcium absorption and often decreases in women after age 50 due to less sun exposure?

The Eve of Foolishness

The week went by fast — too fast. I’d been cool all week, keeping my mind on the wedding and nothing else. Between making reservations for the maids of honor and the groomsmen, choosing the right all-inclusive resort, making sure my parents, my children, and Duane’s children had their accommodations, squeezing in dress fittings, and helping my girls get their dresses just right, I barely had time to breathe.

But when Friday came?

Whewww.

It hit me.

There was only one day left until the big meet-up, and suddenly my chest felt tight. A mini anxiety attack tried to take me out like I owed it money. I trusted my man — that wasn’t the issue. It was the other party I didn’t trust.

I trusted her to act like a woman scorned, but women express hurt in all kinds of ways. And something in my spirit said she was gonna act out in a way that was not becoming of a 50+ woman. Not even close.

I knew this feeling too well. It was louder than my girls, louder than my pride. I needed to talk to someone who knew me inside and out.

Someone I could be completely transparent with — no filter, no ego, no pretending.

My mother.

Up to now, I hadn’t told her everything. She knew a little from the meet-and-greet, but she didn’t push, and I didn’t volunteer. I wanted to protect her peace. And honestly? I didn’t want her judging Duane or the validity of our relationship. Besides, baby… I got some skeletons in my own closet. Nothing in his past shocked me.

But today? I needed Mama.

The Call

“Hello?”

 “Hi, Mom.”

“Hi baby! What a lovely surprise. I was just telling your dad how excited we are about the wedding — marrying off our beautiful daughter *for the second time.”

They both chuckled.

“And most of all, we were talking about this ALL-EXPENSE-PAID trip to Jamaica. Tell Duane we said thank you! This is so nice of him.”

 “Oh Momma, I will. But trust — you don’t have to keep thanking him.

He’s happy to do it, and we can afford it, so why wouldn’t we? But… Momma, I actually called because I need some of that good old-school momma wisdom.”

“Okay baby. What’s going on?”

 “A lot. I don’t even know where to begin.”

“Just begin.”

So I did.

From the shenanigans at the meet-and-greet to the conversation Duane and I had afterward… to the restaurant run-in… to the phone call… all the way up to the anxiety that had been chewing on my insides. She listened the whole time without interrupting. But I could feel her spirit through the phone — quiet, thoughtful, and already reaching for wisdom.

When I finished, there was a silence that lasted fifteen seconds but felt like fifteen minutes.

Then she sighed softly, the way only mothers do before they hand you the truth.

“Baby girl, I’m sorry you’re dealing with all this. You would think at your age, this kind of mess would be behind you. But trust and believe — I’ve known PLENTY of women in and out of the church who still get caught up in nonsense when it comes to men. Age doesn’t stop it one bit.”

She paused.

“It’s like the old saying — you reap what you sow. That seed was planted a long time ago. It’s just now coming to harvest. So tell me, what are your thoughts? What’s making you so anxious? You’re secure in your relationship. Duane told you the truth. And you, my dear, are a woman of great character and substance.”

 “I know, Momma… I just can’t put my finger on this feeling. It’s like opening a closed door and not knowing what’s behind it. I wish this was a bad dream I could just wake up from. I wish that woman never entered our lives — or at least had already dealt with her feelings. You would think at our age she would’ve, but you’re right… women handle hurt differently depending on their past, their upbringing, and their circle of friends. Thank God I had a wonderful upbringing, some great and some not-so-great experiences, and an amazing circle of friends.”

Mom didn’t hesitate.

“You’re forgetting the most important part: You are a child of God. You were raised in the church and have exercised your faith all your life. You didn’t make it to 50+ without relying on God’s wisdom.

Remember this — life can feel like a battlefield. People fall into discouragement, fear, confusion, heaviness… but Psalm 91:7 says, ‘A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you.’

This scripture whispers strength to the mature woman who knows storms come and go. It says, ‘Others may fall, but YOU will stand’ — not because life has been gentle, but because God has been faithful.

You and Duane will be fine. All things are working for your good. Now do what you know best to do: walk into every situation with prayer and supplication.”

Settling My Spirit

After hanging up, I knew I’d made the right call. As always, Mama guided me straight back to where I needed to be — in prayer.

I hadn’t been to church in a while, and my daily devotional had become more “when I remember” than daily. But prayer? Prayer never misses.

I grabbed my Bible and my favorite guide to living my best life beyond midlife — F.L.Y. After Fifty. I read, meditated, and shifted my focus back to what I could control, not what was trying to control me.

My spirit settled. My mind quieted. I felt ready for whatever tomorrow might bring.

At least… I prayed I was.

Because one thing about life?

It’ll test that readiness real quick.

Lord… we shall see.

And something in my gut whispered…
Everybody else might not be ready.

As women move into their 50s and beyond, life brings a shift from meeting external demands to embracing inner authenticity.

Wisdom now leads the way, guiding women to let go of societal pressures and step into their true selves.

Fashion in 2025 reflects this freedom, spotlighting relaxed tailoring for comfort and elegance, statement denim for individuality, and subtle metallic touches for confidence.

These trends invite self-expression, not conformity.

Health and wellness remain a focus, with holistic approaches like seed cycling, adaptogenic herbs, and digital detoxes supporting older women’s unique needs.

Nature-based activities, such as forest bathing, nurture overall well-being and a sense of balance.

Groups like Santa Clarita’s “Women’s New Power Years 45-70+” bring local women together to celebrate midlife transformation, share stories, and build a strong, joyful community.

Authenticity and gratitude now shape this powerful new chapter.

Pomegranate Persimmon Salad with Maple-Cider Dressing

This elegant salad blends jewel-toned seasonal fruits with earthy greens and warm, cozy flavors — perfect for winter gatherings or a festive solo treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pomegranate seeds

• 2 ripe Fuyu persimmons, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts

• 4 cups mixed baby greens (arugula, baby kale, spinach)

• Shaved fennel (optional for crunch)

• Vegan feta (or crumbled goat cheese, optional)

Dressing

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

• Pinch of sea salt & black pepper

Instructions

1. Whisk dressing ingredients until emulsified.

2. Toss greens lightly with dressing.

3. Top with persimmon slices, pomegranate seeds, nuts, and optional cheese.

4. Serve on a white platter for a show-stopping pop of color.

🥄 Pro tip: Add roasted butternut squash cubes for a heartier version.

A growing focus on sustainable living and healthy lifestyles is reshaping how people design their homes and daily routines.

Homeowners are moving away from standardized décor, instead choosing meaningful, long-lasting items and upcycled heirlooms to reflect their identities and care for the environment.

Nature is making its way indoors through foodscaping—combining edible and ornamental plants—and the adoption of green roofs and living walls, improving air quality and reducing food miles.

Smart technology like energy-efficient appliances and solar panels is helping residents minimize their environmental impact, while digital tools make it easier to create tailored, eco-friendly homes.

Rising living costs have changed spending habits, with more young people investing in healthy food over luxury or entertainment, showing a shift toward well-being and sustainability.

This movement reflects a larger cultural shift valuing individuality, health, and environmental responsibility for vibrant, diverse communities.

Joke Of The Day

Why did the 50+ woman bring a ladder to the bar?
Because she heard the best versions of herself were found on a higher level. 🍸💃

In 1946, the world came together after WWII to form UNICEF, dedicated to supporting children left vulnerable by conflict.

UNICEF’s guiding vision was simple: every child deserves to survive and thrive, no matter their background.

Today, its mission stretches from emergency relief to education, healthcare, clean water, and the defense of child rights around the globe.

In the United States, UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative is helping cities like Houston and Minneapolis put children at the heart of their communities.

By 2025, these cities had achieved official recognition for their commitment to young residents.

The 75th anniversary of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF in 2025 celebrated a beloved campaign that’s raised nearly $200 million to help children worldwide.

UNICEF’s legacy inspires communities everywhere to invest in children’s well-being and build a future founded on compassion, unity, and shared responsibility.

Interesting Facts

Many women are unaware of hidden heart conditions until a major life event brings them to light.

Pregnancy often acts as a natural stress test for the heart, exposing cardiovascular risks that might otherwise remain undetected.

Dr. Jennifer Mieres of Northwell Health in New Hyde Park underscores that heart concerns frequently emerge during this period, affecting both mother and child.

Gestational complications like hypertension and preeclampsia can nearly double a woman’s risk of future heart disease, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

This increased risk is independent of traditional factors such as obesity or family history.

Experts urge women to inform their doctors of any pregnancy complications to ensure proactive heart health monitoring.

Adopting healthy habits before and during pregnancy helps protect cardiovascular well-being for years to come.

Quote Of The Day

"Don’t wait for permission to sparkle. Your glow-up starts now — and it’s never too late."
– Unknown, but definitely F.L.Y. approved 🌟

Once obsessed with accumulating possessions and professional success, a three-week backpacking journey through Southeast Asia completely reshaped my priorities.

Living with just the essentials, I discovered freedom and mental clarity that clutter and excess could never offer.

Back home, I faced the hidden burdens of my overflowing closet and unused items—each one demanding space, energy, and mental bandwidth.

This sparked a pursuit of minimalism, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from experiences, not material goods.

Minimalist living also reduces environmental impact by curbing consumption and waste, aligning personal choices with global sustainability.

Many local communities now champion eco-friendly, wellness-focused lifestyles, weaving green spaces and social connections into daily life.

By intentionally owning less, we unlock greater freedom, financial well-being, and stronger community ties—discovering a richer life rooted in meaning over materialism.

Vitamin D — essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.

Sharing is Caring - F.L.Y. After 50