Page 108 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2026 - Online Magazine

SENIOR RESOURCES

A Happiness

PLAYLIST

by Marita Tedder

his cancer and recovery. He tell a bit about why that song was
decides that he wants a fresh start chosen. Then they create a playlist
and moves them, against Nell’s containing each song.
wishes, to Willowbrook—a village
in England. Nell connects with Here’s where I got inspired.
Maryam who, with her husband, Recently, I was on girl trip to San
owns the general store on the Antonio with two friends, Amy and
corner of Nell’s neighborhood. Melanie, and my sister—who is also
There she meets three mature my friend. I’m not even sure how,
women “who are determined to but we got to talking about music.
love to read novels. I read blast through their later years with Aware of my Best-Life Project, Amy
about one a week. I specifically style and naughtiness.” These new suggested a song she thought I’d like:
Ilike those that lean toward friends, Beryl, Winnie, and Anthea, “Living My Best Life” by Ben Rector.
family drama, with strong female are central in all four of Celia’s novels She pulled it up and played it for us.
characters, more than romance—I set in Willowbrook. Through these Yes, it was perfect! I commented that
don’t mind if there is romance in new friends, she also meets Rev it reminded me of a song by Andy
there, though I prefer that it is not Bev—the local vicar. There are more Grammer: “Good To Be Alive.” I
the whole story. I especially like characters, but these are the main then began to think of a few other
novels where the main characters ones who fit into what struck me. feel-good songs I liked: “Cover Me in
are mature women like me. I also Rev Bev holds many classes at the Sunshine” by Pink and “Pocketful of
really appreciate writing that makes church, but she’s wanting to do one Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield.
me think about my own life in an that is more introspective. She, Nell, You can’t have a “happy” playlist
instructive or philosophical way and and Maryam end up brainstorming without “Happy” by Pharrel
makes me highlight sections to go together to create the “Reasons Williams. I decided to ask AI to make
back and review later. for Happiness” group. In their me a playlist based on these five
Though, I do enjoy a classic beach planning session, Nell, an aspiring songs—a playlist that would lift my
mood.
read too. writer, crafts the mission statement/
promotional piece for the group: In Living the Good Life, the group
There are not too many of these “Have you found that elusive key to created a playlist of songs that would
books out there. Two of my favorite happiness in your life? If not, why lift their mood. I was so excited about
authors who meet all of these not? Join us for our weekly quest this, I created a playlist with all of
conditions are Maddie Please and for contentment. Even if you don’t their songs—plus, my five. I listen to
Claire Cook. discover your Holy Grail, the cake it frequently and add more as I think
and biscuits will be sure to make the
In the midst of reading Living the effort worthwhile.” of them.
Good Life by Celia Anderson, I was so I encourage you to create your own
inspired by it, I decided to write an They design a six-week program and mood-lifting playlist. Here’s the
article on a key idea. 12 people come to the first meeting— “Happiness Gang’s” playlist. You
during which Rev Bev instructs them
The main story line is around Nell. to share “one piece of music that could start with these (and mine) and
Her three children are grown and means something special to you and add your own songs and then delete
out of the house. Her husband has lifts your mood.” They share and those that don’t move you.
cut back his workload following

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