LORETTA & PATRIOT LEDGER'S “Juicy Living, Juicy Aging”  CONTEST*

Tell us what makes you “juicy” and you could be my guest for the February 21st taping of my new PBS television show!!

We start aging when we are born, but how we age is often about the choices we make around our physical, mental and spiritual well being. In order to “live juicy” we must take charge of our lives and learn to develop habits that make us feel vital and energetic.  Many of us are influenced and encouraged by individuals who have been there for us. My grandmother Francesca was one of my greatest advocates and teachers as well as my mother who encouraged my interest in reading, the arts and the passion I have for my work. She also was a great model for tenacity and perseverance.

I know so many of you have similar stories about your own juicy living habits or maybe about others who inspire you to be your most succulent self! I love a good story and I’d love to hear from you all!

• The Grand Prize Winner will receive 4 complimentary VIP tickets to Loretta’s upcoming PBS special being taped live on Feb 21, 2009 at the Duxbury performing Arts Center in Duxbury, MA. Tickets will include a post show wrap party with Loretta, as well as a pre-show back stage tour.

Our Juicy Living Juicy Aging Contest winner was Jean Martin with her entry: "My Sister Lily"

You may be thinking you know people who are like this too. But Lily is really special.  What comes easily to others doesn't always come easily to Lily. You see, Lily was born 38 years ago with cerebral palsy. It affected the right side of her body. When she was a baby, the doctors said that she would never stand unassisted. Lily pulled herself up in her crib with her left arm. They said she would never walk. She walked, and ran too. Lily's whole life has been about what she can do, not what she can't do.

Lily works. She loves her job. She works at the driving range on a golf course. She takes a long bus ride there and back.  A reliable and much-loved employee, Lily puts a smile on the face of everyone who works and plays there.

Lily golfs. She swings her clubs with her left arm, since her right arm and hand are paralyzed. She has many tutors and a devoted caddy. Anyone who plays golf knows how easy it is to get discouraged. Not Lily. Last year she won a Silver Medal at the Special Olympics.

Lily knits. She has worked out a way to knit with one hand. Her very first creation, a scarf, is going to be her present to me for my 49th birthday, February 22. What a Juicy gift!

Lily walks. She is up early in the morning walking the dog. She doesn't drive, so she walks to the store and the post office and the bank. She walks for miles for all kinds of good causes, too.

Lily volunteers. She is active in her local Lions Club. She wraps hundreds of gifts for the needy every Christmas for her church. She offers her time at the CP Center, working with children. She helps the blind on their bowling night.

Lily loves her family. She is devoted to her husband David and to her mother-in-law Camilla, and to her mother Livia, her three sisters, and her six nieces and nephews. There is nothing she wouldn't do for them.

 And there is nothing I wouldn't do for her. Lily has taught me to be brave, to be positive, to be active, to stay connected to people, and to have fun. Life is about the choices you make, and Lily's example of choosing to say "yes" to life inspires me to be my very Juiciest self! 

                                                      Stay tuned for pictures from the show and some more Juicy Living stories.

*Loretta and her Juicy Team will review entries. Finalists will be chosen and one grand prize winner will be selected.  By submitting their entries, the winners agree by accepting a prize, to allow their names, town and essays to be used for any lawful purpose, including promotional materials. No purchase necessary.