About 10 years ago, I read an article about three siblings each over 100 years old. The newspaper, which I couldn't find but recall was the NY Times, interviewed each sibling to understand why they lived so long.

One brother mentioned that continuing to work was his secret. He kept a strict schedule and never missed a day of work, even past age 100 while running his company.

The second brother advised longevity was all about diet and exercise. He neither smoke nor drank, and always made sure to get a good night's sleep.

The daughter, who was the oldest and 108 years old at the time of of the interview, claimed longevity was about having fun. She smoked and drank, and stayed out late with friends after attending shows on broadway.

So what was the big secret to longevity?

Probably genetics.

Regardless though, I found each siblings advice particularly compelling.

One of my grandmothers lived to be 100, and I think her secret was open-mindedness. She had an equanimous presence, always observing but withholding judgement.

This mindset seemed to let her live with great joy and ease, as she was always able to appreciate the people around her.

What do you think the secret to longevity is? How do you balance the quality of life with life span?

Though only a week in, the new year has surprised me each day. I've planned for each day only to discover each plan thwarted last minute by fate. The changes of plans have reminded me of my grandmother and how easily she went with the flow in life. With that idea, I created this seal... The seal depicts a coat of arms with acorns, which among other things, are known for longevity. The clown marches in unexpected with his paint trumpet. The interruption of the of the clown in life is inevitable, but how we see his presence affects the way we live and the way we age. The clown reminds us to embrace the chaos and use the freshness of the moment as our medicine.

Would you like this piece for your home? If so, please reply to this email.

It's my very first framed collector's seal, and is intended to bring it's special magic to your space.

This one-of-a-kind art is signed on the front and includes a written description about the symbolism and meaning on the back.

I consider this an extra special collector's seal since it is the first of a series of framed seals that I will introduce over the coming years.

Centenarian Mail

Did you know the in the UK the reigning monarch sends a special card when a citizen turns 100?

Though this milestone may seem uncommon, the number of people living to 100 years old has grown by at least 70% since 2004, with now over 14,000 centenarians.

Furthermore, there are about 700 people 105 yo and older who receive a special card each year.

Due to the sheer increase in centenarians, a full team is now employed to write this special correspondence.

(source: Independent)

More secrets to life?

I believe the secret to a long life may vary for each person. If you're looking for inspiration, here os some advice from centenarians:

• ​Champagne - Dorothy Flowers celebrated her 108th birthday with cake and champagne, and credited her health to the occasional glass of champagne.
• ​Cheetos - 106 yo Edith Atkinson Wylie of Montana credits her good health to "good genes and perhaps bourbon, water, and Cheetos while watching 5 o’clock news."
• ​Tea - 108 yo Margart Young gave some of my favorite advice yet: "Be happy and have plenty of cups of tea."
• ​Bacon - 109 yo Ruth Benjamin credited her longevity to bacon, "lots of bacon"
• ​Ice Cream - 112 yo Richard Overton said "I eat ice cream every night. It makes me happy."
• ​Avoiding Men (!)- 109 yo Jessie Gallan shared, "My secret to a long life has been staying away from men. They're just more trouble than they're worth."
• ​Sushi - 117 yo Misao Okawa enjoyed regular sushi and ramen, and remarked how quickly life went.
• ​Olive Oil - Jeanne Louise Calment, the oldest documented person ever, lived to be 122, and only quick smoking at 117.
• ​Lingerie - Susannah Mushatt Jones lived to be 115 years old. Though she had a diet of bacon, eggs and grits, she also wore fancy lingerie. Her reasoning? "Oh sure, you can never get too old to wear fancy stuff." I agree!

Which is your favorite?

To a long and happy life,