However this is precisely what ACWYS is all about. A place for me to articulate the pain and torture of aging. Of living in a body that has betrayed me by having the audacity to show the world where I've been, what I have eaten, how much stress I have endured, the number of years I baked in the sun, where physical exercise is on my list of priorities, and how many pounds I have lost or gained among other secrets that in more youthful years would have gone unnoticed.
The person or persons who refer to these years as "Golden" needs a lobotomy. Women my age talk about the wisdom they've gained and say they wouldn't trade it if given the chance. Then they clam up because wisdom is the only positive thing about aging they can think of.
What good is wisdom when you're standing in front of the mirror under cruel and unusual lighting? Or when you catch a glimpse of yourself in a plate glass window and need a few seconds to recognize who it is?
Are Cher and I the only people honest enough to speak the truth about this special time in life? Come on my Sisters! What say you?
Are Cher and I the only people honest enough to speak the truth about this special time in life? Come on my Sisters! What say you?
I say 2 things: Happy Birthday!!! And you're GORGEOUS, whether because of or despite your life. But you're right -- the "smile lines," the grey hair, the Swiss cheese that my hip is turning into, the memory that is so long gone ... 'tain't fun, this aging crap!!! Of course, we have to consider the alternative since there's no fountain of youth yet ....
ReplyDeleteHappy happy day! I think..... but anyway, I so agree, the knees don't work as they should, the rolls are expanding, and the sags keep a comin'. My son says I'm shrinking, and the gray hairs are many. Those I've earned, and each one stands for something! But hey. As long as I avoid the mirrors, I'm perfect!
ReplyDeleteHauoli La Hanau means "Happy Birthday" in Hawaiian!
ReplyDeleteAloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
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Peggy Lipton!
ReplyDeletejoey Hetherton!
Aloha from Waikiki
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YM... Thank you for the Birthday wishes and words of encouragement! You're right about the alternative, and it's nice to know I'm not alone.
ReplyDeleteLaurie.. I couldn't have said that better myself. I'm a master at avoiding my own reflection, and it works for me about 90% of the time! LOL
Cloudia.. Mahalo for the Hawaiian Birthday greeting. Makes me homesick for Oahu. So glad to have friends like you to remind me it's still there. You are correct about the Icons, Good Job! Keri
Found your blog thru the Over 40's hop and now following.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!
carol
I stopped counting after I hit 40!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
Love your newest stalker..
Kelly
I've Become My Mother
Kelly's Ideas
Amazing Salvation
Happy Birthday! I watch the little kids with so much energy that they remind me of popcorn popping. I have often thought that if I make it to the pearly gates I want to lodge a complaint about providing the young with an excess of energy and then short changing those of us in the mature years. Surely this was an oversight that needs to be corrected.
ReplyDeleteNot a Sista but have to pass on my congratulations. You bring much joy to all of us in blogland in such an honest way. Keep 'em coming.
ReplyDeleteP.S.
ReplyDeleteI have tried to envision what you look like but that's not what I had in mind.
I. THINK. THAT. GETTING. OLDER. S.U.C.K.S!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday. ♥
Natalie, YOU. ARE. VERY. VERY. CORRECT. REGARDING. THIS. MATTER.
ReplyDeleteThanks for chiming in.
Woody, you crack me up
Storykeeper, I love your popcorn metaphore, and you too are correct.
you people are flippin SMART!
kERI
You are, of course, correct! I am new to your blog...I will come back often...I am your newest follower! I found you on bloggers over 40. I am Pinkim! from TrulySimplyPink
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Birthday Keri!!!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great week!!
Meet Me On Monday Blog Hop!
I can certainly agree with all you have said about aging. I love your writing.
ReplyDeleteWell Kerri you are special in my eyes now- it was my daughters birthday, so I go out and throw back a few in her honor, now I will add an extra one for my blog friend- Happy Belated Birthday!
ReplyDeleteI know it sucks but I've always looked up to you and loved you! Young, old, skinny, not so skinny, you've always been amazing to me and the coolest! You're my one and only Auntie KK and I'm crazyboutcha!
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's YOU I've been seeing in the mirror these days...I've been wondering who that old lady is ;)
ReplyDelete