Staying socially active as we age is as important as staying physically active. One would think as my career is nearing retirement that opportunities to socialize would fizzle. Instead, they are abounding with opportunities to meet up with other like-minded women as a member of the Forever Fierce group. And today, I want to explain how that came to be.
We all know that Instagram is the go-to platform for visual storytelling and inspiration. I took the Instagram plunge in 2012 with a cute photo of my daughter, Channing. That was just my comfort level at the time but little did I know that ladies my age were already embracing and connecting to the platform.
It was around that time that I realized there was a void in the arena for advanced women talking about aging gracefully — living in good health while being fashionable. This was the inspiration behind my blog, The Age of Grace, which came to exist that January 2013.
But back to how my virtual connections became real in New York City. Some people you admire from afar, whether it’s through how they support my blog, because of their faith, or their sense of style. 
Lesley Wolman and Eugenia
It was Instagram where I first discovered Lesley — a singer, actress, nurse, wife, and mother. I even featured her in my Women of Grace series. Lesley lives in California but frequents Manhattan on business trips with her husband or visiting her daughter in college. We’ve tried to meet many times in real life, once in Philly, and again when I was in Napa last summer.
We finally had our chance, recently. Lesley already had plans to see her daughter’s performance at Steps On Broadway in New York City. We agreed to have afternoon tea at Bergdorf’s initially but decided to have lunch at Lesley’s hotel. We were fortunate Brenda (whom I met last year at the Chico’s MeetUp) was able to join us. 
After lunch, we headed over to Bloomingdales for some shopping and chit-chatting along the way. Oh, I forgot to tell you about my discovery when driving to New York City. Some apps help you locate parking near your destination. If you pre-pay, it’s about one-half the price of what it usually costs. I was able to find a parking space less than one minute from the hotel.
I say all of this to say: it’s healthy to socialize at any age. It’s good to stimulate your mind to meet new people and travel to unexplored places. Lesley, it was fabulous to meet you finally, and Brenda, it’s always a treat to see you.
Thank you for reading. Have a wonderful week.
p.s. Thank you to Lesley’s husband Jeff, who took our photos; and to my daughter, Channing, for the pics in front of a brownstone in Harlem.
