Sheila’s party made me want to share something that I’ve been working out in my mind for a while now. Who is this person staring back at me in the mirror?
It’s been creeping up on me for a while…first the funny Maxine emails about sagging body parts, raging hormones, and waning concentration began arriving in my inbox. I let my subscription to Cosmopolitan lapse, because I couldn’t relate to the articles. My metabolism, always a friend in the past, began to betray me. Then last June Sunshine got married….full of the promise of new trails to blaze and fresh experiences to be had…things that were in the past for me. Firstborn had one of those pivotal birthdays that end in a zero. And it hit me…square in the middle of my wrinkly little forehead and right between my saggy little eyes. I’m one of those people…..part of the past and not the future…..
I began to avoid mirrors. I botoxxed (yes, it does hurt and no, I did not think it was worth the cost or pain) and I flirted with having my eyes “done”. I brooded over squandered opportunities and lamented unfulfilled dreams. Frankly, I threw myself a grand pity party….for just a little while.
But a little time, the example of women I admire, and a lot of praying helped me get out of my funk…brought me back to gratitude. I seldom listen to the radio in my car, but I heard this song by Martina McBride on the way home today…..I think it was just for me…..and for the girls in all of us. Martina says we’re all the same from one to ninety nine. So, I think I’ll keep “wishing on shooting stars, loving without holding back, and dreaming with everything I have….we’re beautiful the way we are….This one’s for the girls”. Thanks for reminding me Martina.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the strong gracious women I know, especially those in Blogland……this one’s for the girls. Click here to join Sheila at Notesongs for some real bathroom beauty snapping!
Hi Susan!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures all contain lovely ladies. Isn't it fun being a BSSer?
Thanks for being so candid with your feelings. In two weeks I'm having a very big "over-the-hill birthday!" It's better than the alternative!
ReplyDeleteKatherine
Hi Susan! Oh, darling, you're gorgeous! Your daughter is gorgeous. Thank you so much for snapping for me and joining my party and I do hope my party was good therapy! :)
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Okay, next time get brave and move the camera to the side so we can see you! Have a happy mother's day.
ReplyDeleteYou cheated! I wanted to put that camera right in front of my face, but I didn't. Now, I can't go look at my blog! You are so cute, and wow! look at thaat cute little body. I have reason to have all of those feelings you described, but you don't! Getting older sure isn't fun though. This was such an inspiring take on the party. I guess we all have those feelings. However, the last photo of myself that I liked was in 2nd grade, so the getting older doesn't bother me as much as looking at picture and seeing what I REALLY look like (I'm much nicer looking in my head!) laurie
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day! I wrestled with this one too! It's tough getting older but a joy when you count only the laugh lines! Love that song by Martina too! From what I can see, you still look pretty gorgeous to me! :))
ReplyDeleteNo fair Susan! You look that cute and still get botox? But, I so understand your feelings. My lovely 20 year old daughter reminds me every day of it. My thing, I look in the mirror and see my Mom! Now, that is sooo weird.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Cindy
Susan I love this! Oh...have I ever been here. It was a tough place for me to be in, and I never dreamed it would be. I always thought I would just accept it with no problem. At 54, I feel this is truly the best I've been in spirit, but body, not so much. lol I remember reading the quote 'As you age the beauty goes inward' and I do believe that this is true.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
hugs
That's a great post. Very insightful ... my mom (in her mid-80's) never felt a day different inside. Lately, the outside feels a bit different, but it's like Charles Swindoll says ... it's all in the attitude! :) Great photos and post. Thanks, Jenn
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Susan!
ReplyDeleteYou look great!
I've listened to that song many many times. I LOVE IT TOO! I'm comfortable in my skin at 54, but I know exactly how you feel Susan. I haven't done botox, and I would contemplate doing my eyes... but not yet. My mom is 91, no meds, has her own apt. and feels good. I have a long way to go : )
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's day you beautiful thing you.
Love Claudie
xoxoxo
I think you look pretty snazzy, Susan! And you look mighty young to have a daughter who has a birthday ending in O. You look like sisters!
ReplyDeleteHappy Diva Day...
XO,
Sheila (who was considering botox till you said it hurt! :-)
Dear Susan,
ReplyDeleteThough I've not met you before, I so relate to your heartfelt words. As I approach the last birthday I will have in my 60's, I've gone through similar emotions AND my first born turns 50 this year!!!! Where oh where does time go? I love your NOW attitude and I'm wishing you a wonderful Mother's Day.
Ha...I am getting old and I can't smile very much in my photos (well at least not with my mouth open!!!). I realized I am definetly old because the bifocals hide the bags under my eyes!! YIKERS DUDE!! At least I can laugh about it.....I have to wear big glasses toooooo because I can't read mags, or computers with the tiny ones!!! I will start looking like Nancy Reagan when she wears her huge glasses. BUT this is fun girl...and it is hard to take a picture in the mirror!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, and did I tell you I can't spell.....guess I didn't have to tell you, did I?
ReplyDeleteDid you botox your whole body,or what? You look great! I know what you mean, though. For all the girls...
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day!
Yvonne
I needed this- been going through all that myself lately. And I must say I feel better seeing how adorable you look- I have that same green top! Fabulous (and timely) post
ReplyDeletexoxo Pattie
I loved this post! I don't know what you are talking about though-you are STUNNING!!!!! Your daughter is very lucky to have inherited your genes!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and Happy Mothers day!
Natasha.
Your daughter looks so beautiful in her wedding dress, I'm sure she takes after you. Martina's song is a wonderful one. I think there is beauty at all stages of life. The key is enjoying each one.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Dawn
Good morning Susan girl you are too cute...May you have a GREAT Mother's day and remember age is a state of mind ha ha!! Of course the wrinkle I have say differ...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
ReplyDeleteYou know what? I am going through the exact same thing, and blogging has helped me find a little bit of myself - very strange but true!! Well, not that I'm completely sure of myself ever but I'm getting there and closer to finding my way that's for sure!!
ReplyDeleteYou look young and slim and pretty, thanks for sharing your picture!
Have a great Mother's day.
XO
Heidi - Heart and Home
Good afternoon...I agree! Your daughter made a lovely bride...and I'll bet you did too.
ReplyDeleteI want to make you feel better...so how would you like to do this at 73! I'll be 74 in October and I no longer worry about wrinkles...I worry about waking up in the morning! At least you still have your hair color and your cute little figure! I am on the downhill slide..and the slope is getting steeper. You are lovely...cute as can be! When you feel more secure you will flash us your beautiful and confident smile and I will smile with you!! Please believe me because I am OLD and SMART! lol
Love and hugs,
Mona
You both of beautiful ladies inside and out, it starts within.
ReplyDeleteHappy snappin'
Oh Susan, you look great! I just celebrated by 6th decade birthday, ouch! Thanks for joining the giveaway....Christine
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed this post - I can relate! :) Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteGlenda
Wonderful post Susan and one I can relate to.
ReplyDeleteWhen the 11's started appearing, I was seriously thinking of Botox, but have been too scared.
You and your daughter are very beautiful and I loved looking at your photos.
We are all beautiful the way we are and I think we should be happy.
Happy Mothers Day
Hugs
Carolyn
I am 63 almost 64 and do not care deeply about the loss of youth. I care more about my loss of freedom. I am the caretaker of my husband who is now 80. He has dementia of the Alzheimer type and parkinson symptoms and I deal with much. I loved the man he was and now am trying to let myself love the one he has become. I cannot leave him much as he cannot be trusted to make good decisions. He was a roughneck for years in the oilfield and I was a very independent wife. Now my chain is short! I love your blog as we all come to the realization that we must appreciate what we have. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteStopped in to say Happy Mother's day....hope it is filled with family, love, and laughter ~ Susan
ReplyDeleteSusan, I hope you are out of that funk!
ReplyDeleteHave a brownie!
Happy Mother's Day!!
What a wonderful post,,, I have had all the same feelings as you did,,,,,I love the photos,, and your are so gorgeous,, and your daughter is beautiful too......
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day'
Hugs;
Alaura
Susan, I think you look FANTASTIC & your BEAUTIFUL daughter takes after you, big time! GREAT shots, especially the bridal one where you're helping her. So sentimental & sweet!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're having a wonderful Mothers Day!
fondly,
Rett
Great photos! Lovely daughter. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI agree with one of the comments above 'it's all in attitude'. The menopause is rearing it's ugly head for me but I keep in mind the 'when I'm an old woman' poem, which should become our mantra: http://www.luvzbluez.com/purple.html
ReplyDeletexx
I laughed at your post about Botox. I went to the dermatologist and she wanted to put filler around my laugh lines. I said I would think about it and research it first. She swore it does not hurt. So while I am paying my bill there is a gal next to me with two ice packs on her cheeks and I ask her if she had filler. She said yes and proceeds to tell me it only hurts for a week. Needless to say I never went back! Guess Botox hurts too so I will be walking around with many wrinkles this summer!
ReplyDelete