I remember being in my teens to my 30’s looking at the people around me and going into a state of self-criticism because they were skinnier, prettier or had stunning wardrobes, great hair and naturally full eyelashes.
There were times when I played copycat and I actually pulled it off for a while until my false eyelashes blocked my vision or something else traumatic happened.
Many of my friends had those ‘70s hair extensions and beehive styles, miniskirts and bikinis. I did do the miniskirts and at least I had good legs and could pull off the knee-high white boots too.
That was my style. The hair extension would have been ridiculous since I had a lot of my own.
Make-up was a thing too. I wore it every day! My favorite shadow was a medium blue with some kind of sheen to it, under-eye liner, etc. Lip gloss or the ugliest white lipstick you ever saw adorned my face at times.
Fast forward to 2025 and I’m on the back side of my 70’s with not a stitch of make-up, clothes covering my legs and batwing arms. I finally let the hair go natural gray and I still have enough of it. That part isn’t so bad.
So where did I go? I must have missed the bus somewhere.
I’m a brand-new older lady, my clothes are loose, and I walk funny and slow. I now understand why Walter Brennan pumped his arms while he walked. It definitely helps to balance.
My legs don’t work as well as they used to so I take a scooter grocery cart and off I go sailing down the isles in all my glory.
When I’m in public, I still look around at others and wonder what they think of me too. The idea that you want to look appealing never leaves you – no matter how old you are.
On the days when I’m cranky and tired but still have to go to the supermarket, I simply don’t care anymore.
Strangely enough it’s a rather free feeling.
