I was born one hundred and three years ago far, far away from where I am today. I was born on a line between Poland and Russia. The line kept moving and no one was ever sure if they were in Poland or Russia. So I just say far, far away.
Everyone always asks me what I did to live so long. You don’t put numbers in a hat and get the winning ticket. You just keep waking up everyday and add it on to your total. Everyone says it is my booming voice and that perhaps I scare my demons away. Perhaps I do. I just want to make sure you all know I am coming through, so I lift my voice and clear the way.
I was told by an old woman, perhaps my grandmother, I am not sure, to clasp your hands over your head so that your hands and arms make an arch. Be certain that you make this arch often. As you stand and live under this arch, this is where you get all of God’s graces. If you question anything, or want guidance, clasp your hands and make the arch and listen. It is like having a ready-made house of worship following you all the days of your life.
I never married, so no children. I have a niece and two nephews. I had a brother and two sisters. I had a lot of friends long ago and have many new ones now. I walk everywhere around the building, but stay close enough to see the way back.
Do not forget to say good morning all morning to everyone you see. Then good afternoon as often as you can, and good evening is my favorite. It sounds so elegant and uplifting. When I get to say, good morning, good afternoon, and good evening, I have lived another day.
You want me to give you a formula for a long life, well, let me see, I can only tell you to do what you think is good for you. I notice at mealtimes people have so many restrictions on their food, so how can I tell you what to eat? Everyone has a hand of pills, so how can I tell you what pill to take and which not. Some people at various ages can walk long distances. I can’t now and never could, so I can’t tell you how much to walk. I know I can tell you to keep moving.
I think what has saved me many a time is the arch built with my own two hands and living under the good graces of God. Clasp your hands, put your arms into the air and live!
Sheilaclapkin's Blog; 
Jan 01, 2015 @ 21:42:06
I just love reading and hearing words from wonderful people who have lived a long great life . My aunt is 101 and it is inspiring to be in her presence and just listen. Amazing. Thank you for sharing Miss Anne’s words.
Jan 03, 2015 @ 12:59:17
Oh how wonderful to hear about your 101 aunt. Tell me more about her. Will you be able to interview her. Look at the wonderful genetics you have!!!
Jan 04, 2015 @ 18:08:10
Making that circle, arch, with both hands very tall! Thanks for your continual inspirations! B
Jan 05, 2015 @ 14:13:48
I love to make the arch each day a number of times. It is rewarding mentally and physically. Keep arching!
Sheila
Jan 05, 2015 @ 04:32:16
Beautiful! So inspiring!! My Mom was 3 months shy of her 100th bday when she died and had been an amazing woman, mother, companion and help mate to my Dad, a community leader and caregiver to her mother. Unfortunately, the last years she suffered strokes and was not her effervescent self, but always sweet and loving. Thanks,Sheila, for evoking these memories! You’re terrific!
Jan 05, 2015 @ 13:23:42
Marsha, We certainly missed seeing you this morning. Thank you for reading and com;meeting on his blog. It is meaningful
to have had such a dynamic woman as your mother. Wonderful for the whole family. Now I know why you are so dynamic and such a strong leader.
Memories do seem o rule these days!
Love,
Sheila
Jan 05, 2015 @ 20:24:14
This post is lovely. Miss Anne sounds like a really special person. I like the idea of the arch.
Jan 09, 2015 @ 15:41:00
Sheryl,
I do the arch each time it crosses my mind. My upper body core is truly improving. It makes me feel younger and the arch offers me some peace.
Thinking of you and looking forward to the new blog.
Love,
Sheila
Jan 11, 2015 @ 19:05:29
So inspiring, these words of wisdom move me.
Jan 12, 2015 @ 08:51:37
A pleasure to hear that words move you. They move me, too.
Love to you and yours.