MONTH of MAY
I have a MOTHER & DAUGHTER duo for YOU ALL being the MONTH OF Mother’s Day here in the STATES!
Meet MARTHA and her MOTHER who has had 107 BIRTHDAYS!
LOUISE CAMPBELL DENBOW.
Martha has answered MY QUESTIONS and then asked her MOTHER to do the same!
I hope you ENJOY this POST as I did putting it ALL TOGETHER!
AFTER you read MY POST head over to Cindy Hattersley DESIGN to read about HER PICK for the month!
CINDY WRITES A POPULAR BLOG ON DECORATING,ENTERTAINING and FASHION she is a WEE bit older than me and the NICEST PERSON you would ever WANT TO MEET!SO, while you are there join her SUBSCRIPTION LIST!
A) SHE is NOTHING LIKE ME!
B) HAS A CONTRACTOR HUSBAND LIKE ME!
C) DRESSES WITH FLAIR BUT NO THEATRICS LIKE ME!
D )ALWAYS HAS A KIND WORD of ENCOURAGEMENT!
E) NEEDS VERY LITTLE SLEEP TO FUNCTION!UNLIKE ME!
F) HAS TWO KIDS AND IS NOW A GRANNY to a 3 year year OLD!
MAKE ME PROUD and if you donot have TIME today maybe RED FLAG the BLOG and do it when its convienentt.
I KNOW TIME IS FLYING!
NOW TO MEET MY GUESTS THIS MONTH!
“I’m excited I get to be a part of your Ageless Style post,
Although I know my mother at age 107, will truly be the hit!!”
Martha Foss on the RIGHT!
LOUISE CAMPBELL DENBOW
MOTHER OF MARTHA at 107!
MARTHA SAYS: I was born and raised in Orange California, back when it was truly all orange groves. My dad came to California, during the depression and started by picking lemons for 10 cents a day in Torrey Pines. When he had saved up some money, he bought an old truck, fixed it up and got it running. He then bought a tractor and a spray rig and turned this humble beginning into a 65 year career!! He met my mom at an Orange City dance, and told his friend that he wanted to dance with the girl with the big smile!! They were married within the year, and surprisingly, I came along a year later!! (My mom at this point was mid 40’s!!). My sister came along 17 months after me, so we were always together, as we lived on 5 acres of oranges and avocados!! Even though we grew up in Orange, every summer we packed up our camper and drove to British Columbia, Canada for the summer. My mom had grown up there and wanted us to experience the beautiful summers there. When I was 9, my parents bought a little old beach house, perched on the side of the beach on Vancouver Island. Every year we spent from June to September in Canada. We had the best childhood. We had lots of friends that lived by us, and we spent all our time, either on the beach,riding our bikes or swimming at the river! We were outdoors from the time we got up, until the sun set, (which up there, is about 10:30pm). Our family still owns the beach house. The original house burned down in 2003,but we rebuilt, and in 2007 we had a new improved and much bigger house, for the entire family to enjoy!
After I married, I lived for over 35 years in the San Francisco Bay area. I started to feel like I was a Northern California gal, instead of a Southern California gal…but in 2017, we moved back down to North County San Diego, to be closer to my mom (who at that time was only a mere 104!) My life really has come full circle!
How would you DESCRIBE your personal style?
My style is really easy going/casual. I have been a flight attendant for most of my adult life, so uniforms have been a BIG part of my wardrobe. I would have to say, that 75% of my wardrobe is easy, jeans, white tee shirts and light sweaters. When I splurge on clothing—I splurge on natural fiber clothes. I love linen!! I don’t mind ironing ( a weird quirk, I know) and I think a great white linen shirt with natural colored linen pants and a classic belt is one of my favorite things. I love Brooks Brothers shirts, both their linen and their non-wrinkle classic white shirt. Just last year, I purchased some J.Jill faux wrap linen pants that work great for traveling. I love a classic khaki trench coat, it can be your main travel coat 75% of the time. Besides working, my husband and I love to travel. My travel wardrobe is a pair of Mario Seranni of Italy, black knit pants, a white blouse black cardigan and a great scarf!! The pants never wrinkle,and are super comfortable, even after an all-night flight.A beautiful pashmina is the secret weapon, for walking off a plane, after many hours, and still looking pulled together!
Which accessory is your ABSOLUTE FAVORITE?
My absolute favorite accessory is a turquoise and coral necklace, a friend gave me over 20 years ago. It brightens up any outfit, and looks great with a white shirt, white tee shirt or makes a casual dress look a little dressier! My runner up item is a suede Coach belt, I bought at Lohmans, about 25 years ago! It’s getting a little tighter, but I still love it!
What was the FIRST thing you noticed about the AGING PROCESS?
Hair loss, skin issues, bone loss?
The first thing I noticed with aging, for me, was probably dark spots, appearing.
I have olive skin, which tends to be a little less prone to wrinkling, but since I have spent a lot of time outdoors,I do get some dark spots.
I have had some burned off my face, so now I try to always use sunscreen, and I love Australian Gold Botanical BB cream. It is tinted, so I can use it, most of the time, in place of foundation!! The other thing I have noticed with aging, is that my hair has gotten thicker and frizzier, as I’ve aged.
I believe it is all those crazy gray hairs!!!
Who was your MUSE growing UP?
Growing up, my muse was Cheryl Tiegs.
She represented, to me, the all-American girl, that everyone wanted to be and look like!! I can remember getting so excited when the September issue of Seventeen Magazine would come out!! It would hit the newstands about mid-August, and I would desperately be trying to find it in Canada, usually not finding it until we got on the ferry to head home!! My sister and I would pour over every picture and figure out our “look” for the upcoming school year!! Cheryl Tiegs was a staple of Seventeen Magazine. Her picture graced my bulletin board for years!
How about in TODAYS WORLD?
As an adult, I have admired Diane Keaton, for years.
She has that classic look down to a tee and everything she wears looks great!
What is your FAVORITE make-up product?
How about skincare products?
How often do you wash your hair?
ANY SHAMPOO’s YOU CAN RECOMMEND?
I might go to the grocery store looking like a wreck, but I will always have on lipstick and blush!!
I have worn Clinique “A different Grape” for years, although I love to buy every plum/rose colored lip gloss out there!! Before, masks, I would always line my lips with Mac “Half-Red” and then use Buxom gloss in Brandi. For the last few years, I have been using Nars “Hot Pursuit” for blush. My skin tends to be sallow, so I always wear blush. My favorite eye make up product is Urban Decay glide-on eye pencil in “Rockstar”. I have blue-green eyes, so the eggplant color makes them appear bluer, (or so they say!!)
When I was in high school, one of my good friends’ mom was just stunning. I was over there one day, when she happened to be putting on Clinique “Dramatically Different” moisturizer. She turned to me and said, “never forget to use moisturizer every day”.Those words stuck with me, and as soon as I could, I went to Bullocks Department Store, and bought the Clinique lotion. I have been wearing it ever since!! Lately, as my skin has been getting dryer, I have started wearing Tatcha “Dewey skin Cream” It is so rich and I like to think it is melting my wrinkles away!! My daughter has gotten me hooked on the Tatcha rice wash, as well as the eye cream. Sephora just recently, had a travel set, on sale. With anticipation of actually traveling again, I bought it to make sure I have it in my suitcase.
Growing up, I always used to have to wash my hair every day. Then about 15 years ago I went to every other day. Now, I can actually go about 4 days, unless, I am going out!! I just use Patene Micellar shampoo and Aussie 3 minute miracle conditioner. I love Perfect hair day 5-1 styling treatment and highly recommend Aveeda “Speed of Light” blow dry accelerator spray. San Diego is much more humid than Danville was, so on more humid days, I use Perfect Hair Day Restore smooth blow dry concentrate, as well as Perfect day humidity shield hair spray. This is also my defense when flying in very humid areas!! Florida weather can be ruthless on hair! I have my hair professionally highlighted and colored every few months, but to touch it up I depend on the Loreal Magic root coverup!! I can extend my color by at least 2 more weeks!!
On a scale of ONE TO TEN how important are your GIRLFRIENDS in your LIFE?
Can you share a GOOD GIRLFRIEND STORY with us?
On a scale of 1-10…… girlfriends to me are a TEN!!! I have a group of friends, from highschool, that we still get together every year, for a few days of love and laughs and sharing each other’s sadness and joys. One of the groups has been my friend since I was seven!! Some of my very best friendships were made when our children were very young. Those days, really bond you to other women, who are going through the same struggles of motherhood, as you. From flying, I have friends throughout the country, and it is always special to have a layover, in their hometown and get to visit! I was in Scotland, having dinner in a castle in Ballater. From the other side of the booth, I heard someone say “Is that Martha Denbow?”(my maiden name) Almost 45 years later, one of my friends from high school, was staying at the same hotel, and recognized me!!
Which color is your ABSOLUTE FAVORITE?
Do you wear it in your clothing and do you use it in your Home DECOR?
I would have to say turquoise blue is one of my favorite colors to wear, especially in the summer! I think it brings out my eyes, and even more so when I’m tan!! I do have a lot of blue in my home, more of the darker blues, but I do have a guest room, that is accented with lots of turquoise and ocean pictures!! So I guess, I do dress like my home!
They say our DOGS look like their OWNERS…………
Do you think you “DRESS” like your home decor?EXPLAIN THAT!!!
I think I do dress similar to my home!! I love jeans and a white shirt, with a bright scarf and my home is blue and white with vibrant colored rugs! Lots of white slipcovers and pillows that change with the season. The classics that I can change with accessories!!
Pick Two COLORS below to wear:TELL US WHY YOU WOULD PICK THOSE COLORS?
A) Brown & Pink
B) Red & Orange
C) Blue & White
D) Green & Pink
I really do love most of those colors, but I would have to say Blue and white permeates my wardrobe. I love a bright pink, (espcially on a tropical vacation) and I have a red jacket, that is part of my uniform, which I really love!! Since my skin is olive, I tend to lean towards the warmer red tones!
This was a portrait done after my mom graduated from college in about 1933. It was probably done a year or two afterwards. The dogwood pin she’s wearing at her neck is a China pin given to her by her father for graduating from college.
I know you have a VERY ACTIVE MOTHER at the age of 107!!!
Do you think you have inherited her genes?
Can you share her “SECRETS”?
Did she keep moving?Are you happy you left her in her own home?Can you share some of those benefits with us PLEASE?
My mother is amazing!! At 107 , she lives like most women do at age 80. She has always been very energetic!! I believe her secret is, she has always been a fast walker!! She is only 5’2″ (now probably 4’10”) but she could walk circles around almost any of her friends. Her nickname in college was “Strider”, because she walked so quickly between classes. I read an article once, that said your longevity could be determined by how fast you walk….This is certainly true in my mom’s case! She is also very determined and stubborn. She doesn’t let anything stop her! We were on a cruise ship a few years ago, and we kept telling her, her walker wouldn’t fit through the door, as I was explaining WHY it wouldn’t fit, she pushed the obviously, too-wide walker, right through the doorway!! A Group of people walking down the hall, who witnessed the whole thing, said”Well, she showed you!!”
She was also a very healthy eater, and made sure we were too. When a neighbor tried to give us candy, my mom asked if she would give us radishes instead! To this day, radishes are one of my favorite vegetables! I do think I am alot like my mom, minus the extremely healthy eating!! I look alot like her, and have her energy. It’s amazing to listen to her stories and realize that this is the second pandemic, she has lived through. During the Spanish flu, her mom would tie a hunk of camphor on a string, for her to wear around her neck, to smell, when she had to sit next to others in the streetcar, to get to school! She loves to travel, and my sister and mom and I take a trip every year, someplace special. Her favorite place is our beach house on Vancouver Island. She hadn’t missed a summer there in over 65 years, until this pandemic hit. We are certainly hoping Canada opens the border up this summer. Mom says”I hope I don’t have to wait until I’m 109, to go back!!
I asked her some of the Ageless beauty questions, and here are her answers:
Her look is classic, and she always wore a scarf!! The brighter, the better! Although she sewed all our dresses for school, Mom was a teacher and at the start of every school year, we would go shopping for her new clothes at Buffums, in Santa Ana Fashion Square. She usually bought skirts and blouses, so she could always mix and match. I would walk through the clothes, and dream of the day, I could go to a department store and pick out my own wardrobe!!
Her favorite piece of jewelry is a beautiful engraved silver cuff, from her best friend, Minnie. It was given to her on her college graduation. On the inside it says, “To Louise from Minnie for Graduation May 11, 1933. She wears it every day.
Her biggest problem, from aging, is back pain. If her back didn’t hurt, she is sure she wouldn’t need her walker, that she has only really used starting about 103.
Her muse growing up, was a girl in school named Mary Lamberton. My mom admired her, because she was the smartest girl in her class. After school, she would go to Mary’s house and her mother would give them the best chocolate eclairs! My mom commented, “Mary was so smart, but it was such a waste, she didn’t take the test for university, and ended up working at the dime store.”
Her favorite beauty product has always been the original Neutrogena Clear Bar Soap.She didn’t use face lotion very much, because she had very oily skin. When she started to use lotion she always used Oil of Olay. She always says that having oily skin as a young girl, saved her from wrinkles now!
Mom had a special girlfriend, named Minnie that she grew up with One of her favorite memories is, they drove in Minnie’s new car, from Vancouver to Seattle, and stayed in a hotel for 3 days. While they were there, they picked out Minnie’s trousseau. They also bought all her sheets and towels, as they were much less expensive in the states, than in Canada. They went to Pennys, as it was one of the nicest stores in Seattle! Minnie had a job as an operator with the phone company, and made lots of money. My mom had gone to university, and could only get one teaching job a week, for $5.00 a month. Going on this trip to Seattle, seemed like a dream!
Her favorite colors are green and pink!
She believes they are the color of life-in a garden!
She dresses flashier than her house!!
She loves bright colors and jewlery!!
Her house is more in neutrals, but with flashes of bright colors and LEOPARD PRINT in pillows!
Her secrets of growing old:
-keep moving
-eat healthy- start your day with oatmeal with flaxseed and hot water with lemon
-eat an apple, with cheese, when you need a snack!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH YOU TWO FOR JOINING AGELESS STYLE!
TO FOLLOW MARTHA on INSTAGRAM TAP AWAY HERE!
IF ANY OF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR MARTHA OR LOUISE PLEASE WRITE IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.
JUST KEEP SCROLLING DOWN AFTER THE SUBSCRIPTION BOX!
NOW SKIP OVER TO CINDYS BLOG ON AGELESS STYLE AND SEE WHO SHE IS FEATURING!
I HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED THIS I CERTAINLY LOVED PUTTING IT TOGETHER………..just a side note!Martha shopped at my vintage/antique shop years ago when she lived in Northern California!We have yet to meet in person AGAIN but I know it will be a THRILL!Martha also worked for THAT OTHER MARTHA ONCE UPON A TIME!We may need to do a POST ABOUT THAT!
BE WELL…………BE WILD……….BE LIKE LOUISE
XXX
cindy says
oh my gosh my comment just disappeared….I just left a long one! This is your best interview EVER! I love Martha (of course) and Louise. We have so many similarities. I grew up playing outside from dawn to dusk. I am a fast walker like Louise. I hope that fast walkers do live long healthy lives. I love linen…(I do not like ironing though Martha). I love Martha’s home and garden (I am a stalker). I can’t believe she lived next door (practically) to my daughter for so many years. We have to meet one day. I know I would love her.
Martha Foss says
Cindy, I am counting down the day when we can all meet!! I will fly up to the Bay Area, and Elizabeth will have to come, as well!! I know we would be great friends, or at least I’m hoping we would be!
Best, martha
Martha Foss says
I am so honored that you did this amazing blog post about me and my mom!! She will be thrilled. I am sending it over to her right away so that she can enjoy her new found fame!!! Thank you again for the feature!! I love it!!
Penelope says
So lovely to “ meet “ Martha and Louise! I think they both emit a great sense of warmth and joy and perhaps that is the secret to living with true style, health and longevity. I am going to up my walking speed! I always travel with a beautiful pashmina too. Thank you, Elizabeth!
Martha Foss says
I’m so glad you enjoyed this interview!! A pashmina, is certainly a secret weapon, in a variety of circumstances!!! Thanks again!
paiman salimpour says
What an amazing and beautiful tale of a family LOVE her mom attitude toward life and she is one lucky person to still have her around thank you for sharing a true piece of LIFE and LOVE .
never want to be a blank page in this world …..!
Martha Foss says
Dear Paiman,
I love this!! What a great saying!! I never want to be a blank page, either!
Best, Martha
kim says
LOVE this SO much. Can’t believe Martha’s mom is 107- she looks fab and what a blast she is. Wonderful to know more about Martha’s style. I adore her home too. Love the gingham dress on her and knowing her beauty secrets. Could that photo with the blue shopping bag be in Antibes? I swear I have been in the same spot. It must be so fun to travel the world. Louise is inspiring me too. She’s a beauty also. FABULOUS post! Go California girls!!
xo Kim
Martha Foss says
Hi Kim, thank you so much for your kind comments! That picture with the blue shopping bag is actually in Portovenere, Italy, but it has a fort around the town like Antibes. Those European seaside towns are all so wonderful! I will read all these comments to my mom-she loves them!
Best, martha
LA CONTESSA says
YOUR CONTESSA HONEYMOONED THERE ON A SAILBOAT!
DIDn’t KEATS or another British writer drown in the bay there?
I loved the old castle ruin………..boys were playing soccer there!
I was really struck by all the history and beauty!
XXX
Gayle Olson says
What a wonderful post on two beautiful women. They both are real! I took note of everything Martha uses and the wise words of Mom. 107!!!!!!! I need to pick up my walking speed if I can get 30 more healthy years.
Martha Foss says
Hi Gayle!!
The walking part is probably the biggest part of my mom’s good health! Make sure you try that Tacha face cream… it feels so indulgent,!! Thanks for your kind comments!
Martha
Lorna says
I so enjoyed reading this. Louise is amazing and so is Martha. I generally walk fast too but don’t eat very healthy (I’m too fond of chocolate). It was a pleasure to be introduced to these two wonderful women.
Martha Foss says
Hi Lorna, my mom loves chocolate, especially dark chocolate!! So I think you are in good company!! So glad you enjoyed this! I’m reading the comments to my mom, she loves them!!
Best,
Martha
mimi says
This is incredibly special Contessa!! Thank you for featuring this mother & daughter. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Anne Mercer says
I agree with Cindy, “best interview ever”! Martha is a doll. Probably one of the most creative people I know. We met 35 years ago when we helped Melissa Neufeld put on a week long class for Martha Stewart! And we’ve been buddies ever since. She lives her life passionately and your interview says it all . What a gift to have Louise for a mother. Thank you all for sharing this with us.
Martha Foss says
Dear Anne,
The best thing I got out of working with Martha Stewart was my friendship with you!! And what do they say about creative people?…. they know to surround themselves with artistic, imaginative friends!! I’m sure some of your talent has had to run off on me!!
Xo
Martha
Sheila says
Love Martha and her mom and I like the way they both approach life. 107 is looking pretty good to me because she looks and lives like she’s 70. Just really enjoyed this interview and feel a great kinship with Martha…we’re both “A Different Grape” lipstick fans! Look forward to reading Martha’s blog
Martha Foss says
Dear Shiela,
You are so right! My moms attitude has kept her young!! I think that snd the walking is her secret!!
Best,
Martha
Sheila says
Hee-hee…imagine my surprise when I went to Instagram to begin following Martha and I was already following her!
Martha Foss says
Dear Shiela,
I’m so glad!! Instagram is almost like a virtual family!!!
Co
Martha
Renee says
What an inspiring interview and just what I needed today! I am in awe of these two beautiful ladies and plan to use their tips and tricks. Will, be picking up my waling pace…big time! Thank you so much, Martha, Louise and Elizabeth!
Thank you!
Renee in Nor/Cal
Martha Foss says
Dear Renee,
So glad you enjoyed the interview! My mom is enjoying all your kind comments as well!
Best,
Martha
judith says
What a wonderful post, Contessa! I enjoyed this so much. Both of these women are inspiring examples of what we can all hope to be. My grandmother lived to be 104 and put in her own vegetable garden until the age of 100. I think one of the secrets is staying active. Like someone else said, Louise looks more like she is in her 70s. I love her nice manicure and gorgeous bracelet.
Martha Foss says
Dear Judith ,
Your grandmother sounds so much like my mom, so I think you have the long-life gene as well! I am passing along your sweet comments to my mom, as well.
Thanks,
Martha
SarahLondonStyle says
Oh gosh! What an inspiration both women are Elizabeth! And looks those Cherry Teig Smiles ? fabulous lady and fabulous family!
Martha Foss says
Hi Sarah,
So glad you enjoyed the article! My mom blessed us with those smiles!!!( and hopefully a long life!!)
Thanks,
Martha
Lorraine says
I love this family . Our family were the ones that grew up with them in Parksville Vancouver BC Canada! Best times ever! We all are waiting for the border to open so we can get Louise to her beach house again! Can’t wait to see them all !
Martha Foss says
Dear Lorraine,
Your entire family is so much a part of our growing up, alll those summers, in Parksville! I can’t imagine if you hadn’t moved in across the street!! Love and miss you all!
Love, martha
Denise Charles says
Love this article, Martha is so creative and so lucky to have a wonderful mum – Louise is such a joy to be around and a beautiful woman. Having Martha for a friend and personal designer, ? is a joy. We have worked together and now travel together, so much fun and a great family. (HEART EMOJI”S!!!)
Martha Foss says
Dear Denise,
I’m the lucky one! I get so much out of our friendship!! 25 years down at least 25 more to come!!
Love, martha
Kathy L says
What a terrific duo to feature! Louise captures “aging gracefully” perfectly, and Martha embodies the easy. breezy style that I like.
I also use and love several Tatcha products, including the rice polisher, oil cleanser and neck cream.
Stay well, Louise, and God bless all our moms who are still with us.
Martha Foss says
Kathy,
I’m so glad I found out about the Tacha products, not only do they feel wonderful on my skin, I love the packaging!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the article!
Best,
Martha
jenn says
I loved reading this post. It was so inspirational. I always love to find out “longevity secrets” from those who know, like her mother. I absolutely cannot believe she is 107! I need to stop complaining about aging at 54!! I also have frizzy, coarse hair, so the hair product recommendations were great! -Jenn
Martha Foss says
Dear Jenn,
I think you will love the hair products! I’ve notice such a change, since using them. The “ Speed of Light” is great for blow drying! I’m so glad you enjoyed the article! My mom is loving the comments.
Best,
Martha
Chelsea Shields says
My mom and I met Martha, Kendall, and Louise on a Caribbean cruise several years ago. Yes Louise did get in the ocean with us…I believe she may have been 104 at that time! What an inspiring lady and a great family!! Fun time!! So enjoyable to read about them!!
Martha Foss says
Hi Chelsea!
Wow, so great to see you on here! Yes, I think my mom swam with the dolphins and , once again, amazed everyone!! She loves the ocean, and says Salt water cures everything! She says to tell you and your mom hello, as well as I!
Chelsea Shields says
My mom and I met Martha, Kendall, and Louise on a Caribbean cruise several years ago. Yes Louise did get in the ocean with us…I believe she may have been 104 at that time! What an inspiring lady and a great family!! Fun time!! So enjoyable to read about them!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
We spent summers driving up to Alberta, Canada to visit my mom’s relatives, too. What a beautiful family. So uplifting. I am going to start walking faster!!! Loved this post.
Martha Foss says
Dear Mary Ann,
Wow, another thing we have in common, Canadian relatives!! Alberta is wonderful, especially in the summer! So glad you enjoyed the article!
Best,
Martha
Lynda says
Adore this post about Martha and her mother. I truly relate to Martha. I, too, am a fast walker, love blues, have olive skin, like simple styles and have several pashmina scarves. And mostly, I LOVE ironing!! Who knew there was someone out there like me! I call it mindless endeavor. It calms me to iron. Go figure.
Martha Foss says
Dear Lynda!
A soulmate!! I save my ironing up, and then throw on Netflix or a podcast and iron away!! I’ll even iron my pillowcases! So glad you enjoyed the article.
Thanks,
Martha
Lisa Thomson says
Well done, LA CONTESSA! What a wonderful Ageless Style post! Louise is like Wonder Woman. So strong. And Martha equally so and both incredibly beautiful women. Their positivity and big smiles shine through and that is certainly contributes to longevity. Also, the fast walking is awesome lol. Does Louise live on her own still or is she living with you, Martha? How inspiring she is! I’m a B.C. girl, too. Born, raised here just outside of Vancouver. Out where the ferries go (Tsawwassen) is where I grew up. I’m super familiar with a few of the Islands. Hope you make it back soon!!
Martha Foss says
Dear Lisa,
We probably drive right by your street on our way to the ferry. Our beach house is in Parksville. I know the Tsawwassen ferry well!!!
My mom still lives in her own home. She has a woman who lives with her, who fixes her breakfast and a snack and she’s a nurse and works from noon till nine at night. So she gets home around 10. My mom has several caretakers who come in from 1 to 9, and take mom to walk along the ocean, different appointments and things like that. She lives on 5 acres and has several paths in the landscape, that she loves to walk along and look at her roses and things like that. She truly loves where she lives and I believe it contributes to her long life.
I also think that Canadians are hearty stock. So I think you are well on your way to a long life!!
Best,
Martha
Lisa Thomson says
Hi Martha, thank you for your reply. Wow, that is so impressive and wonderful that your mom is able to live independently with help. Yes, we are hearty up here and I can only hope to live like your mom one day. Sounds like you have contributed to her good health as well! Have a great weekend.
p.s. I also love the Parksville area! Have stopped in there many times on our way to Tofino. xo
Sandra Sallin says
I don’t know where to begin. This post was so filled with goodies. Thank goodness I already walk fast. In fact people always complain about that. I so relate to Martha with Seventten and that whole period. She’s just lovely. I have to check out some of her recommendations. Just a joy. Of course her mother is exceptional. I promise to eat healthier. This is was just a lovely post filled with so many goodies. Of course I’m following Martha now. Great job Elizabeth finding such interesting and fabulous women.
Martha Foss says
Dear Sandra,
You certainly made my day!! I, like my mother walk very fast. In fact my husband always says “are you walking with me or ahead of me?” So I’m hoping it contributes to my longevity. My mother has always been a healthy eater, and I also attributed to the fact that she grew up in an era without so many additives.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!!
Thanks, martha
jules says
beautiful and inspiring women
Martha Foss says
Dear jukes,
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!
Martha
Martha Foss says
Dear Jules,
a typo… so sorry!
Martha
Heidi says
Hi Elizabeth,
Well you really did it this time! Such a great post with two beautiful and inspiring women. I love their smiles! They both seem to have it figured out, how to live well and stay healthy and enjoy life to the fullest. Good for them, I love their attitudes and hope to have a very long, healthy life as well! I walk pretty fast, but will pick it up a bit! Trying everyday to remember I have the power, and I can eat well and live long!
Thanks Elizabeth for putting this together and sharing these special women with us!
XO Heidi
Martha Foss says
Dear Heidi,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. My mother has loved all the wonderful comments.
Best,
Martha
PPP says
Ma Chere Contessa,
Martha and her mother Louise are incredible! I can’t believe Louise is 107. It’s inspirational to see that love and support for each other translates into happy and healthy living. No wonder you both look great.
Thanks for sharing your lovely relationship, energy and wonderful attitudes!
PPP
Martha Foss says
Dear PPP,
I have passed along your kind comments to my mother about her being so inspirational! I believe you made her day!
Thanks again,
Martha
debra @ 5th and state says
107?!!?
just adore her. a beautiful family and great interview
Debra
Martha Foss says
Dear Debra,
Thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!
Best,
Martha
Barbara Spain says
My new lifestyle coach is… the fabulous Louise! She literally sparkles!
I’m so glad Martha mentioned that she shopped at Bullocks and Buffums! I did too! I miss the stylish glamour that those department stores had on display way back when. And lunch at the Bullocks Tea Room was a favorite too!
LA CONTESSA says
I WORKED FOR BULLOCKS WILSHIRE IN FASHION ISLAND MANY MOONS AGO…………..when I went to ORANGE COAST COLLEGE for FASHION MERCHANDISING!!!
THAT was another time………….
LOVE LOVE LOVE that LOUISE IS YOUR NEW LIFE COACH!
MAYBE THAT SHOULD BE LOUISE’s NEW JOB!!!!
MARTHA???!!!!
TIPS FROM YOUR MOTHER……….A BLOG is in your future!!!
XXX
Martha Foss says
Dear Barbara ,
My mom says, sign her up!! She is happy to add lifestyle coach to her resume!! So glad you enjoyed the post!! In college , I worked at Bullocks . I was in the women’s dress department, specifically, Marissa Christiana knits!! Do you remember those? I bought several, with my discount, as they were expensive! So fun to think back to the department stores , in those days!
Best,
Martha
Barbara Spain says
Yes, I do remember those lovely Marissa Christiana knits! I remember spending many wonderful hours perusing the dress racks at Bullocks Pasadena. You certainly did use your Bullocks employee discount wisely!
Barbara
D. A. Squires says
This is the perfect Mother’s Day post… so inspirational and motivating (I will walk more and faster!!) Louise reminds me of a wonderful New England author, Gladys Taber, She has the same smiling eyes and personality… and Martha reminds me of Doris Day, with her infectious smile and warmth (and Seventeen Magazine : ) These are spectacular women, thank you for sharing their inspiring lifestyles…so memorable and meaningful. I will be rereading this post…. just lovely. XO
LA CONTESSA says
YOU ARE SPOT ON D.A!!!!
MARTHA IS OUR OWN DORIS DAY!!!!!
ABSOLUTLEY!!!
XXX
Martha Foss says
Dear Ms. Squires,
I am reading my mom these comments, and she is thrilled to be compared to Gladys Taber. I myself, am flattered by your comparison to me, of Doris Day! I have gotten that a lot, especially on the airplane. A lot of people have said my smile is like hers!
Thank you for making our day!
Martha and Louise
Hilda Smith says
I really enjoyed reading about Martha and her MUM Louise. What amazing skin Louise has and what energy! Truly inspirational. Thanks for introducing them to us xxx
LA CONTESSA says
WELCOME!
THAT might be something you want to do with YOUR DAUGHTER………..maybe about routines or skincare?!!!
XXX
Martha Foss says
Dear Hilda,
I too, admire my moms skin!! Even more amazing, when you think she was out in the sun a lot and of course never wore sunscreen in those days!!
Thank you for your kind words!
Best, Martha
Mumbai says
Great idea to interview mother and daughter, Louise is a paradigm how you can age clever, happy, in style and last but not least healthy.
Please find more M/D’s.
LA CONTESSA says
I PROMISE TO TRY!
I thought it was a FUN IDEA ALSO!
WISH MY MOTHER WERE STILL HERE AS SOME OF HER ANSWERS WOULD BE VERY FUN!
THANK YOU MUMBAI!
XXX
Martha Foss says
Dear Elizabeth… maybe you can do one of these every year on Mother’s Day! That’s a great idea!
Xo
Martha
LA CONTESSA says
IT IS!
I WILL DO MY BEST EVEN A COUPLE TIMES A YEAR WOULD BE FUN!
NOW TO FIND THE LADIES!!!
XXX
Martha Foss says
Dear Mumbai,
Thanks for your kind words. I passed them on to my mother.
Best, Martha
Robin says
Absolutely wonderful interview with Martha and her mother, Louise. They are both truly inspirational.
Thanks Elizabeth.
Martha Foss says
Dear Robin,
I am so glad you enjoyed the post! I’m am passing the comments along to my mom!
Thank you
Martha
Tracy Bilello says
What a lovely Mother and Daughter!! Both beautiful!! Enjoyed every word, Elizabeth!! xo
LA CONTESSA says
THANKS TRACY!!
THANKS FOR CHIMING IN!
LOVELY TO HEAR FROM YOU!
XXX
Juliet says
Martha and Louise! Aren’t they wonderful! I’ve followed Martha on Instagram for a while … she’s a delight. So fun to learn more about her … and her mother. What a peach she is … and she’s seen so much. Imagine living through not one, but two pandemics. Martha has my dream career … I wanted to be a flight attendant and came so close. And, she’s still flying … fabulous! I adore this series, Contessa. And, now I’m off to see who Cindy’s featured! xo
Martha Foss says
Dear Juliet,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I enjoy your IG and your blogs a lot, so it’s so nice to hear from you!! A Bay Area meeting is definitely in order!!
Best,
Martha
Ms. Mary says
Another FABULOUS post. And, ANOTHER victim from ORANGE, CA! How funny! I apreciate how much time and thought goes into these entries- both from you and from your subjects. Thanks for all you do!
PS- Sorry for this late comment- I am spending so much time in the garden now I don’t get to the blogs as quick as in the Winter.