Learning to Sing, Finding Plant-Based Protein, and Answering Estate Planning Questions

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Singing isn’t just for the young or the naturally gifted — it’s one of the most accessible and uplifting forms of self-expression. Whether you want to join a choir, sing along with your favorite records, or simply strengthen your voice for fun, learning to sing later in life can be both joyful and surprisingly good for your health.

Your voice is like any other muscle: it improves with mindful practice. Simple breathing and posture exercises can expand your range, while gentle warm-ups help retrain the ear and vocal cords. Many beginners start with humming or singing scales softly to build control before tackling full songs.

If you’re shy about singing in front of others, remember that confidence grows through repetition. Practice in private, record yourself occasionally to track progress, and focus on tone and breath rather than perfection. Singing has also been shown to boost lung function, sharpen memory, and lift mood — all powerful reasons to start.

Local community centers, music schools, and online instructors often offer small-group or one-on-one lessons specifically for adults. You don’t need performance goals — just curiosity and a willingness to play with your voice.

If you’d like to explore your voice in a supportive setting, reply “free singing lesson” for a complimentary introductory session — no experience required.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend — singing together is one of the simplest ways to make life a little brighter.

“The Snow Shovel”
From the life overview of Doris K., 79, Buffalo, NY. Shared with permission.

Winter in Buffalo was always relentless, and the driveway that we shared with a neighbor became a battleground of ice and snow. I remember the first time my father handed me a snow shovel. It was heavy in my small hands. The metal was cold and rough, and the wooden handle felt smooth from years of use. I grumbled, certain I’d rather stay inside with cocoa and blankets. However, my father insisted, “You’ll thank me one day.”

By the second snowfall, I understood. Shoveling became a rhythm: the scrape of metal against pavement, the crunch of packed snow under my boots, and the sharp tang of cold air filling my lungs. As my brother and I raced to see who could clear our side first, our laughter echoed through the quiet street. Neighbors waved from windows, and sometimes, we’d make snowmen for passersby, sculpting carrot noses and coal eyes with proud, cold fingers.

Now, decades later, I still shovel, though my knees protest more than my lungs do. I take my time, noticing the patterns that the plow leaves behind. There’s always a soft sparkle of fresh snow under the streetlights, and the wind creates tiny sculptural forms from the drifts. Every flake feels like a memory falling slowly around me, serving as a reminder that even in the coldest, hardest work, there is warmth, joy, and shared life waiting to be uncovered.

The driveway isn’t just cleared for cars anymore—it’s cleared for remembering, for laughter, and for the small victories that arrive one shovelful at a time.

***

The Memory Palace
This short-form history podcast turns moments from the past into poetic reflections on memory and meaning. Host Nate DiMeo’s storytelling blends archival detail with quiet emotion, offering a contemplative way to see how ordinary lives become extraordinary through time.

BBC Earth’s “The Green Planet”
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this documentary series reveals the secret world of plants with stunning cinematography and thoughtful pacing. It’s a peaceful, awe-inspiring look at life forms that often go unnoticed but sustain nearly everything on Earth.

Project Gutenberg
Home to more than 70,000 free eBooks, this digital library preserves classic literature in accessible formats. It’s a treasure for readers who want to revisit timeless novels, essays, and poetry without ads, subscriptions, or distractions.

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Keeping track of groceries, appointments, or to-dos doesn’t need to involve sticky notes on the fridge anymore. Notes apps on your smartphone or tablet can help you create neat, searchable lists that sync automatically across your devices—so you never forget the milk again.

If you’re new to using notes apps, start with the built-in options on your device: Apple Notes for iPhone and iPad users, or Google Keep for Android and web users.

Both Apple Notes and Google Keep automatically save your updates, and if you’re signed into your account, they’ll sync between your phone, tablet, and computer.

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try some time-saving extras:

Notes apps may seem simple, but when used well, they can become a lightweight organizer that fits right in your pocket—no paper required, no apps to learn beyond what’s already on your phone.

Cruise deal of the day: 5 Nights Bahamas Cruise - departing November 29, from $178

Unmissable American gem: Newport, Rhode Island offers seniors a graceful coastal escape filled with oceanfront walks, historic mansions, scenic cruises, and charming downtown shops—all at a relaxed pace that invites unhurried exploration.

Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Global fan frenzy sparked by four young Brits.

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