Looking Good -- Period!!

If I can challenge old ideas about aging, I will feel more and more invigorated.

I want to represent this new way. I want to be a new version of the 70-year-old woman.

                                                                                                       *Jamie Lee Curtis


Finally, I have had the 21st Century experience of Videotelephony…

While L., residing in LA, and I frequently speak, this is the first time in 20-plus years that we see one another through Facetime on my IPod Touch.   L. tells me:  “You look good – you’re marriage material.”  My response:  “Yes, I look good for a 72 year old woman.”  Fu_k that!!!

How is it as we age and receive such a compliment we qualify it because of age?  Receiving such compliments at 40, 50 – even 60, my response “thank you” -- no qualifier.

Recently, I read two mysteries each referring to the "old woman witness."  In one mystery she remained nameless.  While in the other, she had a name but as the detective is struggling to remember what she looks like, the narrator states: “…no one pays much attention to old women.”  (Both mysteries written by women...)

At 72, I am an old woman and identify with these descriptives.   Despite having lots of energy, feeling I have more to contribute than ever, feeling I look good -- once out in the world I take on the negative imaging of the 'old woman' and my internalized ageism continues to fester.

I recently purchased red eyeglass frames that get noticed daily:  “Love your glasses and how your  lipstick matches.” While many may find this shallow – I once again love being noticed -- even if just for my glasses. 

Back to the beginning, should I ever receive another compliment on my appearance –  I hope to respond with “thank you” -- with no qualifier about age!

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*https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/

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