LMP member spotlight: Sally Engelfried
“I finished my Bachelor’s degree when I was 44, became a librarian when I was 50, published my first book when I was 59, and got my first tattoo this year, for my 62nd birthday! I think a lot of us worry we’re too old to start something new, but why not pursue what you’re interested in, no matter what your age?”
Very happy to be introducing you to this month’s spotlight LMP member, Sally. Sally and I have connected over our love of books and I pleasantly discovered that Sally is an author herself. I immediately purchased her first children’s book, Learning to Fall, and can’t wait to start reading it in the evenings to my son Sebby.
Sally is such an inspiration to her adult daughters (who now practice Pilates too) and to us all! Reminding us that you can continue to learn, live and have new adventures no matter what stage of life you are at.
I think we all need to see a photo of that tattoo in the LMP community please Sally hehe.
Read on for more words of wisdom from Sally as well her daily homemade granola recipe, her favourite LMP classes and what she’s currently reading.
Where are you based?
I live in Oakland, California, USA, with my husband David, cats Biscuit and Lucky, and dog Ivy. Our adult daughters Ellie and Neva live across the bay in San Francisco and visit frequently.
How did you discover Pilates?
I had been wanting to try it for a while and finally did during the pandemic. I found a few online options that were very intense and didn’t motivate me at all—when someone shouts, “Go, go, go!” I tend to stop! Then I discovered your YouTube channel and tried the very first 24 Days of Pilates. Your gentle encouragement and humor, along with your lovely aesthetics, were a perfect combination for me, and the timing was good: it was right when you started your own channel, so I subscribed. It’s become a necessary part of my life!
What’s your favourite class on the LMP platform?
So far this year I have done Nourishing and Soothing Mat #316 several times—we need a lot of soothing here in the US right now! For a stronger class, the New Year Class – Essential Pilates #382 flow is wonderful.
Do you have a daily non-negotiable or self-care habit?
Yes! I start every day the same way. First, I sit on my mat for about five minutes, drink a bit of coffee, and look out the window, no phone or book allowed! Then I do Pilates. It helps me set myself up for the day. If I don’t do it I feel off, so I always do it.
And for the important stuff - what is your favourite food or do you have a favourite recipe you’d like to share with us?
Another thing I do practically every day (I love my routines!): eat granola for breakfast. I find the store brands too sugary, so I altered an online recipe (less sugar, more nuts, more cinnamon), and as soon as I start to run low I make another batch. I usually eat it with a banana and oat milk, but it's great sprinkled on yogurt or a smoothie bowl too.
SALLY’S GRANOLA Preheat oven to 300. Line a baking tin with parchment paper. Combine:4 cups rolled oats1 cup nuts, your choice (almonds or cashews are my favorites)1 cup pecans1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon cinnamon1 teaspoon vanilla Stir to mix. Then add: 1/2 cup olive oil3/4 cup maple syrup (I use a little less—you can also substitute honey) Stir until thoroughly mixed. Measure 1 cup golden raisins but don’t add yet. Pour mixture in cookie tin, distributing evenly. Bake for 40 minutes. Flip granola and sprinkle raisins on top. Bake for another 20 minutes. Voilà! Delicious granola!Are you working on anything at the moment, personally or professionally?
I’m writing another children's novel, something very different from my first one. It’s a fantasy that takes place in 1900, about a girl who has some special abilities that put her in danger so she leaves her small mountain town and travels through California, first with a medicine show, then with some outlaws. I don’t know if it will sell, but it’s very fun to write!
Are you reading anything at the moment?
I just finished The Wedding People by Allison Espach. It starts off with a very dark premise but turns into a surprisingly funny and insightful story. Next up is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s new novel, Dream Count. I love her past work and was lucky enough to see her at an author appearance recently, so I’m very excited to dive into it!
Do you have any advice that has impacted you and wish to share?
Yes, from my dad, which is surprising because we weren't that close. When I was in my 30s, I told him I wanted to finish college but I felt too old. He said, "In five years you'll just be older." That simple statement really hit home. I finished my Bachelor's degree when I was 44, became a librarian when I was 50, published my first book when I was 59, and got my first tattoo this year, for my 62nd birthday! I think a lot of us worry we’re too old to start something new, but why not pursue what you’re interested in, no matter what your age?
Thank you so much to Sally for taking the time to chat with us. We are so honoured and grateful to have you as a LMP member and know you will inspire many of us. Check out previous Member Spotlights here…
January LMP member spotlight: Dhruvisha Patel