Her hands were wide and strong, with short fingernails and a dusting of age spots along the base of the thumb. "You've got man hands!" she'd been told in a comment.

Truth be told, they did look a little rough at the moment, with a lacework of fine scratches from a marathon of squash bug hunting. The garden was not happy with the dry conditions, and stressed plants were a beacon to pests, which meant more work for the gardener.

But those same rough hands could gently comfort a child, create beautiful and delicious meals, and soothe a worried brow. Those things were more important than some arbitrary definition of appropriate appearance.

Well, my man hands and I have made another loop around the sun. It's been a learning year - writing my first book with a publisher, Duncan tackling massage school, adjusting to age related changes. This whole getting older business is not for the faint of heart.

​Common Sense Preparedness is my first book with Lyons Press. It'll be released in September, but you can pre-order your copy now. (This helps the publisher gauge the interest in the title.)

If you enjoy the newsletters, you'll probably like the book, as each chapter starts with a personal story before we dig into practical advice. There are over 100 full color photos from around the homestead. Pulling it all together was a challenge, but think it turned out well, and it's something I've been wanting to do for a while. (Bucket list item complete!)

Duncan (my youngest) started massage therapist last fall, and is on the home stretch for training. He took (and passed) his Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination on Friday, and a state test earlier in the week. He was concerned about all the bookwork, as he has dyslexia, but dived in and did well.

As I told a friend this week, "the change of life is really life changing". Some people glide through noticing few differences, but many of us need to shift routines and become more attentive to self care. I'm still working on it. I confess, my own needs usually come after everything else, so I like solutions that I can easily stack on daily habits, like getting early morning sun or collagen in my coffee.

This Week's Resilience & Abundance Boost

• Honor what your hands have accomplished. Whether they've planted gardens, comforted loved ones, built homes, repaired fences, or kneaded countless loaves of bread, capable hands tell the story of a life well lived.
• Keep learning at every age. A new skill, a new hobby, or even a new way of caring for yourself reminds your brain—and your spirit—that growth doesn't have an expiration date.
• Adapt instead of giving up. Our bodies change over time, but changing how we work, rest, and recover is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
• Celebrate progress, not perfection. Every finished project, mastered skill, healthy meal, or short walk is another investment in the life you're building.
• Encourage the next generation. Share what you've learned, cheer on someone's new adventure, and remember that resilience grows stronger when knowledge is passed from one set of hands to another.

A resilient life isn't measured by smooth hands, endless energy, or perfect health. It's measured by the good we continue to create, the people we encourage, and the willingness to keep growing through every season of life.

All our best to you and yours,

Laurie (and August IV, August V, and Duncan)

Making the Most of the Season

Every season brings its own opportunities—and its own challenges. As our gardens mature, we're blessed with fresh food to preserve and new recipes to enjoy. At the same time, our own bodies appreciate a little extra care, too. Whether you're looking to support healthy joints and skin, learn about an interesting wild plant, or make the most of your summer harvest, I hope these articles help you enjoy the season a little more.

More than skin deep

Collagen has become one of the most talked-about supplements in recent years, but what does it actually do? Learn how collagen supports healthy skin, joints, bones, muscles, and connective tissue, along with practical ways to support your body's natural collagen production as the years go by.

Read: Collagen Benefits: More Than Just Better Skin​

The Common Sense Home Perfect Supplements special sale ends tonight at midnight! Make sure to use the code "COMMONSENSE15" for 15% off your Perfect Supplements brand products. (You can mix and match to get the bulk discount, too. Buy any three products and get an additional 20% off!)

Getting to know wild lettuce

Often called "opium lettuce" online, wild lettuce has a long history of traditional use—but there's also plenty of misinformation surrounding it. Learn how to identify wild lettuce, understand its traditional uses, and separate folklore from fact before heading out to forage.

Read: Wild Lettuce: Identification, Uses, and Precautions

A fast supper with zucchini

These crispy zucchini pancakes are quick to make, family friendly, and a delicious way to turn an abundant harvest into an easy meal or side dish.

Read: Easy Zucchini Pancakes​

Save summer's green beans for winter

Fresh-picked green beans are one of the easiest vegetables to preserve. Learn how to blanch (and why you should) and freeze them properly so you'll have garden-fresh flavor waiting in the freezer long after the growing season has ended.

Read: How to Freeze Fresh Green Beans​