The Old Woman I Will Be
Another birthday.
A big one. 65.
Over the last few weeks, I have been preoccupied with the significance of 65.
Two thirds of my life is behind me. Maybe more. Do I have 30 years left? What if it is only 10?
I’ve wasted a lot of time in 65 years. John Lennon said, “Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.” But have I enjoyed it? It’s gone now… all those hours waiting for boys to call or vegging in front of TV or playing online games or shopping for shit that I hardly ever wear. I can’t get those hours back.
But I want to make the most of whatever time I have left – and to enjoy that time. Maybe that still means television and shopping. But maybe not.
I will soon (not quite yet) be an old woman.
I’ve been asking myself:
What kind of old woman do I want to be?
I’ve haven’t decided, but I know a few things.
For one thing, I always thought it would be a relief to be old, and no longer concerned about my appearance. Not true. I care. I want to always care. How I look on the outside impacts how I feel about myself. This has always been true, and in the past, it was often in a negative way. I never even felt pretty until I turned sixty. But surprisingly I found I liked my sixty-year-old looks. And at 65, I feel quite beautiful. That’s such a lovely feeling. I’m keeping it. I don’t want to look like an old woman trying desperately to be young. But I will be a beautiful old woman, with good hair and makeup and carefully chosen clothes.
I want to be a smart old woman. I’ll stay interested in politics and the environment and literature and the arts. My father suffered from mild dementia late in life, and I recognize that could happen to me too. If it does, I hope people will be as kind to me as they were to my dad. Maybe I will at least be lucky enough to stay smart in something. My father could still follow the football game. If I can still read a book, I will be happy enough.
Some people tell me they look forward to the freedom to be outspoken. But I come from a long line of non-boat rockers. (Or is it boat non-rockers?) Either way, I’m not sure I would be happy as a crotchety old lady. I like being a nice person. I don’t even have a resting bitch-face.
But I do think I will let go of caring so much what other people think of me. I have long been distressed when I find someone doesn’t like me. Even to be disagreed with is tragic to me. But I am well on my way to getting past it. Right now I am working with someone who very obviously dislikes me. And you know what? It doesn’t matter that much. I don’t have to win her over.
I do want, however, to ask for what I want. As a boat non-rocker, I have always had a difficult time expressing my desires. I always do what everyone else wants to do. I’ve acquiesced so long it’s hard to even know what I want. I remember back in 1976 – forty years ago. I was 25 and Dorothy Hamill had charmed the country at the Winter Olympics. I very badly coveted her hairdo. I went to the salon, and the hairdresser said, “How about if I give you a Dorothy Hamill haircut?” And I said, “I don’t know. I’m not sure I’d look good in that style,” and he cut my hair differently. Differently and Badly. What the hell was wrong with me? This guy was offering me exactly what I wanted, and I turned it down? That stupid little incident haunts me. And I have not changed much. I can’t tell my friends what restaurant I want to go to. I can’t tell my boss that I deserve a raise. I can’t tell my husband what I want for my birthday.
I want to hug and kiss everyone more. I’m a very restrained person. I love my family and friends, but it is difficult for me to be openly demonstrative. But these last few months I’ve changed my mind. It’s my puppy. I love to hug him. He loves me to hug him. Shit, if a dog feels that way, imagine human beings. We all need affection. I’m giving it. I was at a family party this weekend, and I went around the house and hugged and kissed everyone there. I kissed my sisters. Do you know how long it has been since I kissed my sisters? I am going to kiss them all the time.
I’ve been writing this blog for 4 1/2 years. If it’s a waste of time, it’s the best waste of time ever. Does it take me away from working more on my second novel? Yes. Writing a novel is so solitary. And I am a solitary person by nature. So I love that. But my blog is social. I write and people respond. It’s like getting hugs back. I need that too.
And about my blog: every year on my birthday, I post a new photo. Unretouched. (Although I’m tempted.) But I want to show people – especially younger people – that being old is not so bad.
In fact it’s pretty good.
![me-2-7-16 r](https://notquiteold.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/me-2-7-16-r.jpg?w=281&h=374)
Me – 65 Today!
P.S. Hubby, I want a new iPhone for my birthday.
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Happy birthday Nancy! I’m sending you a big hug.😊
And your haircut looks terrific!
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Thanks. And naturally, I have a hair appointment today, so my hair of course looks good. It always looks best right before I go.
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Happy birthday!!!!
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Thanks
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You caught my attention with the tribute to growing old and it appears you are doing it with a sense of self. Good reading. Thanks
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Happy Birthday! Many happy returns of the day.:)
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Thank you.
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Happy Birthday Nancy!!! “Hugs” which mean you matter to me and “kisses” which mean I’ve loved having you in my life.
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Thanks Doris… we have a million wonderful memories together!
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Happy Birthday, Nancy! Your words resonate with me.
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Thank you… I believe we can choose who we want to be. As John Lennon also said,”When I went to school they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’.” Me too.
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I hope you have a wonderful day! I am so enjoying your writing – just discovered you about a year ago. And you look mah-velous, darling. Wonderful eyes. Great hair. (and you’re right – why does it go all bouncin’ and behavin’ the day you have a hair appointment? One of the great mysteries of life.)
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Hahaha. Yes, hair looks best when you are about to cut it off. Thanks for the birthday wishes and for finding my blog.
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Great attitude. I was quite surprised when I found out I could choose what my attitude would be. Since then I’ve gone around looking for older women I’d like to be like and doing what they do. I’m getting old disgracefully and I kinda like it…
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Isn’t it nice not caring so much what others think of you?
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P.S. Obviously I can’t copy you – I’m older (a bit). But if I were younger than you, I would. Happy Birthday!
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Oh, I’m not hoping someone will want to be like me, just that they won’t be so afraid of aging.
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Happy birthday! Such a beautiful post. I make a point to hug family and friends every day. Makes us all feel happy so why not?
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I don’t come from a family of huggers. But I’m going to start the tradition.
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Happy Birthday to you! I hope hubby reads your blog and you get that new iPhone! ~Elle
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Nope. But he gave me a new bathrobe, which I can use. I think I will buy my own phone. Why not?
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That way you will get exactly what you want!
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Beautiful! Happy Birthday! In my family, we started hugging after my Dad died. We started saying “I love you” when we said good-bye from visit or phone call. The years have been richer because of it.
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I think that’s when my desire to hug more started — when my dad died. I wished I had hugged him a lot more.
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Are you sure you’re not inside MY head and body? My thoughts exactly!! Love, love, love your posts!!
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Thanks, Linda. I think the desire to look good, speak freely, and get and give lots of hugs is universal.
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Happy Birthday to YOU! P.S. – You’ve got great hair!
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Thanks, Donna. Some days my hair is terrible, and some days pretty good. But always – ALWAYS – much better than when I was younger!
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Happy Birthday, I think I want your haircut! not Dorothy Hamill’s!
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Thanks for the birthday wishes… and you’re right – I certainly would want Dorothy Hamill’s hair now!
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Reblogged this on sixty, single and surviving and commented:
Great post on aging!
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Thanks… and thanks for the re-blog!
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A large lot of us Baby Boomers will be turning 65 soon. And this age is a delineation in the sand (for some reason). So giving mindful consideration to who we want to be in these years (that can change us in so many ways) is a thoughtful and proactive exercise. And we can change lots of rules if we bother. Happy birthday!
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Thanks! I think we CAN change… we may not be able to change the whole world, but we can change ourselves! I’m keeping the parts I like, and tossing out the ones I don’t.
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Happy Birthday. You look GREAT! Enjoy the third act of your life – any way you want!
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Thanks. The third act is always where the action is!
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Happy Birthday Nancy!
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Thanks, Deb
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This was wonderful.
I have thought about what I could give up if my brain started to go. Like your father following the game, I hope that I can at least sit around enjoying music.
Congrats on reaching a milestone.
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Music is a good choice!
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I had been living in Mexico and had no idea what the Dorothy Hamill haircut was. My hairdresser when I came back to the States said. “o, you have the perfect hair for this! Let’s do it.” Not knowing what I was getting into, I agreed. Tears. Lots of tears. I had the hair for it but not the face shape.
Happy birthday! Having turned sixty in December I know I how you feel. I was so excited that morning like it was the beginning of something BIG! Permission maybe? A taste of freedom? I am definitely contemplating how to spend the next thirty years-and especially the next ten. Very cognizant that after that things may start to go downhill….
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Yes…. we have the rest of our lives to be old, but maybe only a limited amount of time to be young. Live it up!
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Happy birthday! BTW I love your hair, it looks shorter than it was. Perfect! I wish my hairstylist would say, “Let me make you look like Meg Ryan!” My family isn’t a huggy one but we had a few cases of cancer. Once that happened I hug every one of them every time I see them. It opened the barriers to physical emotion for me. Too bad it needed that. People always say to look at your mother if you want an idea of what you will be/look like when you are older. As I remember, she’s a beauty!
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The problem with bringing in a photo for the hairdresser is that I’m always disappointed, because secretly I really want the FACE too.
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🙂 I was trying a new style which required me to grow my layers out. In the end I realized that it was too severe for me and looked best on young people so I opted to get a few layers cut to soften it. Yep, needed the face.
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Hugs are one of the best feelings on the planet! Such a simple gesture & yet one that is filled with good emotion. Wishing you a wonderful birthday!
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Thanks Lynn… hugs to you too!
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Did you get your new i-phone?
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“Look, I don’t want to wax philosophic, but I will say that if you’re alive you’ve got to flap your arms and legs, you’ve got to jump around a lot, for life is the very opposite of death, and therefore you must at very least think noisy and colorfully, or you’re not alive.” Mel Brooks
Happy Birthday. I like your thinking.
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Thanks. And I love Mel Brooks’ thinking too. And he DOES flap his arms a lot. I’ll try to do that more often.
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Reblogged this on ugiridharaprasad.
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I’m a bit older than you, but this resonated with me. I don’t feel old. I just released my debut novel. I’ve got more books to write. Hair appointments to me are restoration appointments. I’m not naturally gray!
Carol
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65’s not old, is it? “What kind of old woman do I want to be?” What a great question to explore. Although, I’m still in my 50’s, my eldest sister just turned 60 so I know I’m not far behind. Questions, such as the one you pose, do come to mind. BTW – You look good, 65 year old!
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I made some changes to my life at 50 too – it’s not too early (or too late). My favorite quote is from George Eliot (a woman by the way): “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”
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Happy Birthday! Your blog inspires me. Today is my 57-1/2 birthday (but who’s counting) and I realize I am halfway between 55 (which is early retirement age) and 60 (which is squarely retirement age). I’m thinking about some of the same issues as you, and hope I can navigate as gracefully as you!!
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Oh, you don’t have to be graceful at all. Go kicking and screaming if you want, but do what you want!
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I’m right up there with you, in age, and experiencing life through entirely different lenses than just a few years ago. The first time that I was the recipient of an ageist comment was on Halloween 2015, at a party that I didn’t want to attend…
I look forward to reading more of what you write.
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Happy Birthday! You have a terrific attitude. So here’s to another 30.
I HATED that Dorothy Hammil hairdo! i’m sure you looked much better than she did, even if he put a sack over your head!
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I thought she was adorable. I wanted to be adorable. But now, at 65, I think i’m sort of adorable! Maybe I will be totally adorable at 85.
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You are adorable!
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Happy birthday!! Sending comment hugs your way 🙂
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Virtual hugs back.
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Happy birthday!! I love your blog! Sincerely Mari, another woman of 65!:-) from Norway. Looking foreward to your next book!!!
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Thank you ! Norway – wow!
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I love the idea of deciding how you want to be for the remaining 10-30 years. I’m doing some of them, but maybe it’s time to see what else I could stretch into.
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I saw a meme the other day that resonated with me – and it’s a good place to start:
1, Make a list of things that make you happy.
2. Make a list of the things you do every day.
3. Compare the lists.
4. Adjust accordingly.
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Happy birthday!
lots of love from sLOVEnia,
Klara
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Thank you. sLOVEnia must be a sLOVELY place to live!
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Those are good goals for old age. I’ve started to think recently about how many years I may have left. I’m not 60 for another year and a bit but I guess being suddenly widowed does make you think about that. I do know that whether i have ten years or thirty I don’t want to waste them worrying about whether people like me or not or not doing things because I don’t want to tell someone that is what I want.
I hope you had a great birthday.
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It’s difficult to put yourself first – but I am beginning to believe that it’s possible to do that AND still be nice person.
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I think so but it is hard to break the habits of a lifetime isn’t it?
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Happy birthday Nancy! You look FANTASTIC by the way!
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Thank you Minic! You made my day!
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You and your generous books made mine!!
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Are you the person I sent books to because of The Bloggess’ post? If so – it was my great pleasure!
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Yes I was! I was so overwhelmed I went on a search for you! When I received your book I went looking for your blog and FB page. You will never know how much that meant to me.
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Happy birthday. Known you long and well-enough to never ask you to leave the room.
How’s that for a back-hander?
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Thank you from someone you can bear to be in the same room with. I feel the same way!
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oh my gosh! happy happy birthday! what a wonderful post!
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Thanks, Terri!
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Happy Birthday! You are both beautiful and inspiring!
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Thank you so much. I’m not sure I’m much of either, but I do try to be entertaining.
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You are totally gorgeous!! Love your honesty and beautiful words. Xx
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Thank you so much. There are some days when I feel gorgeous, and I save that feeling for the days that I don’t.
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Thank you so much. Some days I do feel gorgeous, and I save that feeling for the days that I don’t.
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Looking good there and I can tell you that in many ways life gets better after 65. Hang in, dance, sing don’t worry what the neighbours, or the guy in the car next to you at the lights, think. Enjoy yourself.
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I don’t sing (except to myself and the dog) – but I dance every chance I get.
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Nancy, you look great! I’m not too far behind so its always inspiring seeing a lovely, smart, blogging woman in her 60’s. Keep it up. You’ve just begun!
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Thanks. I feel better (and in some ways younger) than I did 10 years ago. Wouldn’t it be great if I feel even better 10 years from now? I’m hoping so.
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I just found your blog. I love your attitude! If there was ever a post that defined ‘aging gracefully’ for me, it is yours. I’m a firm believer that how we look on the outside impacts how we feel on the inside and how others see us as well. And in my experience, those “seniors” – must older than you! – that are congenial and ask for what they want nicely, do well by caregivers. Those that are crotchety and demanding tend to be shunned, making them even more crotchety. Happy birthday!
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Thank you so much for your kind words. I worked for ten years at a program for the elderly. We learned there that a nice young person becomes a nice old person, and we have to try to be nicer and nicer people as we age.
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Happy Birthday! Your words are inspiring.
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thanks
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What a beautiful blog this is… And a beautiful person writing it too… Wish you a beautiful birthday… Big hug!
Please do visit my blog too;I’d love to know what you think of my articles 🙂
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thank you
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Happy Birthday Nancy ! loved your article ! Btw, have you read “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay ?
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You are the third person to mention that book to me. I think it is a sign that I should read it – and I will! Thanks.
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Happy future. I hope you turn out just the way you want to be !! 🙂
Super post.
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thanks
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What a lovely post.
Happy Birthday. You look really beautiful and I love your hair in the pic.
Best Regards from Nairobi, Kenya.
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Thank you. My hairdresser is a dream come true!
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You seem like a pretty fabulous boat non-rocker to me. Rock on you. It’s inspiring to see inside 65. Thank you.
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Thanks, Angela
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Happy Birthday. Mine is on the 15th and I will be turning 50. This is my first time visiting your blog, but I think I will like it. So you have a new follower! There. Now you have a tiny little birthday gift from a stranger 🙂
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That’s a terrific little gift! My 50th was a great birthday, because I really started thinking about my life and what changes I might want to make – and I made them! Those big birthdays can make you FOCUS!
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Reblogged this on oshriradhekrishnabole.
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thanks for the reblog
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Happy 65th Birthday! You shine with radiance and you inspire me in so many ways with what you’ve just penned down. And yes! I hope when I’m 65, I can think so clearly and lovingly like you! Just like any other birthdays, it only happens once. I hope you had a great one! PS. You’re beautiful!
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Thanks for your kind words. Not every day is going to be a good day… I just try to appreciate all the good moments.
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Happy birthday! You’re at the same age as my parents. Fortunately, you aren’t worry much about earnings and healthcare as my parents must do in Vietnam. However, it is said that”never too late to do anything”. I wish you a good health and have much happiness in your life.
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It’s true that I have had much good fortune. Thanks for your kind wishes.
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What a well written article. You’re fierce and 65 years young!
Also, fabulous hair 😀
P.S. Hope you got that iPhone 😀
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Thanks for the kind words.Did not get the iPhone because I didn’t ask my husband until it was too late – but I think I will buy it as a present to myself.
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There is a great poem about exact same topic. And lady said that she will do a tricks, smoking cigar, sitting on the rocking chair and drinking whiskey, dress crazy and throwing some stones in the window to the unloved neighbours cause no one will think that she could possibly ‘ve done it.
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My Great-Aunt once wore a feather boa to a wedding. That’s the kind of old lady I want to be.
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Hello, I’m new to WordPress and just finding my way about….I came across your blog by chance and have really enjoyed reading it. I am in my mid forties, and aging ‘well’ is something I think about quite a lot! This post was perfect for me, as we seem similar in our outlook…so thank you! I look forward to reading more….
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Have a blessed 65th!!!
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A very Happy Birthday to you!!
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The depth in your words explaining the reality of life in simple words. Makes you a master of words.
I am glad i came across this post, where i enjoy the opportunity to send you hugs and kisses back !!
Love and light .
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Nice
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This is so eloquently composed! Glad I discovered your blog. Happy birthday and you look lovely by the way… More years to come!!!
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thanks you
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It’s really such a beautiful post….wish you a very happy birthday
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You do look pretty!!
It’s the 1st time I read one of your entries… I am 29… But I hope to look as pretty as you do at 65 and have that vision towards life
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Don’t wait until you are 65. Know that you are pretty today!
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Ma’am, you sure are aging beautifully. A very happy birthday. Thanks for such positive view of life. Very inspiring.
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I really needed to read this!
Thank you for such a beautiful post! I hope you got that iPhone 🙂
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Thanks… I didn’t get the phone, but it’s my own fault, since i didn’t ask for it. But I will buy it for myself!
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Happy birthday! 😀
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From one who just turned 60 and thought of it as such hump / bump in my life – I just experienced a feeling of 16 again. Ain’t life grand.
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My mother is 92… she says she feels (on the inside) exactly the same as when she was 30.
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Hey Hott Stuff, who wants to have a resting B*tch face anyways? You are hilarious, beautiful, vibrant and fun. Happy 65th and beyond! ❤ MJ
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Thanks Emjay. It has occurred to me however, that perhaps I have a RBF and I don’t even know it. But I would bet that if I have one, my husband has seen it!
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Hi I am Annie from Australia,
I am trying to blog well, but failing , although I do have 1 follower. I was advised to read other peoples blogs, leave a comment and they would be my friend for life. So I have been reading and reading and not a single blog tickled my fancy. Not until I found your blogsite, Yay!!! I couldn’t wait to read your next blog, they are all funny and I love them. I have no idea how you would find me, because I would love to be pen pals…hope you have an awesome 65th birthday, Cheers from Annie on the Gold Coast in Australia
🌞 🌴 🌊
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Thank you so much, and hang in there with your blogging. Keep commenting on other blogs too… you will make connections that way. I found when I started blogging that it was very helpful to follow other blogs from people who were also just starting out – we supported each other, and are still friends.
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Maybe I am too much late to wish you happy 65th! 😛
Very happy birthday ma’am, have a happy life 🙂 🙂
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Happy birthday. All the love x
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Beautiful!
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Thanks, SY
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You sound awesome, and of course beautiful! Your post is inspiring, and I want your outlook when I am 65. And the fact that you know what RBF makes you not old at all. I just learned what it was a few weeks ago and felt very uninformed until then. Ha! Hugs and happy birthday to you, a boat non-rocker. Hope you get the iPhone.
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Hahaha… I always feel that once I learn the “latest” phrase or trend, it must mean that it’s already on its way out!
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Reblogged this on example89159.wordgress.org and commented:
PhanThuHa
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Thanks for the reblog.
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Wow! You are beautiful. Love the post. I can also relate.
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Thanks!
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I can see that you are talking with an iphone…
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I understand paying so little regard to what you want that eventually you don’t even know for sure what it is anymore. I have found that if I listen to my heart carefully, I can feel it either pull something or someone toward me, or push it away. But it is subtle and I’ve had to learn to pay attention, instead of disregard as unimportant. For some reason, girls/women are taught that what they want doesn’t matter and that we should take what we get. That is just wrong.
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i do get pleasure by making others happy. So that part of being a people-pleaser is nice. But I really need to make sure I am making myself happy too.
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Ya u look pretty..
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Happy Birthday! You are such a beautiful person and your writing reflects it too! I’m glad I stumbled onto your blog. Much love! ❤
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Thank you so much. Love to you too!
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I love it. I can relate. I am not quite as mature as you, but have many of the same feelings. There is more life behind us than in front and I want to make the most of it. (Go get yourself a new iPhone…heck with hubby! if he cares about you, he won’t mind. He will be glad for you.) As you can see, I am a boat rocker. I only get one life. Love and birthday blessings.
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Thanks. I’m not sure I can ever be a boat-rocker, but I can certainly buy a phone!
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i wish i could buy u a iphone 6 🙂 by the way HBD beautiful lady…. :*
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Happy birthday. You have a great point here. Don’t be afraid to be old but be afraid to think you are to old to do great things. By Cheap VPS
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I love this. As a fellow “boat non-rocker,” I relate. I just turned 40 this year. Milestone birthdays offer the gift of reflecting on where we are and where we want to be. Your plan inspires me. Thank you for sharing, Kara
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Thanks. Forty was a big one for me too. I love those milestone birthdays. They make you take action!
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Happy birthday.i just reading it.its good knowing ourselves first n finding beauty inside us.it was interesting.
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Sorry i meant i just loved reading it.
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I too have hit the same decade and feel as you do. Wasted time or not? I think age makes us that much more aware. I’ve enjoyed reading this! Thanks.
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Great post and happy birthday!
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Yes happy birthday hope youyr hubby got you your new iPhone, just came along youyr bloig streange really I’m not even 40 years old and juyst wrote a blog on teenagerhood and the recent dillemas and relating to your bloig at 65 years old this is exactly what I’m trying to say to professionals involved with my kids ‘life has a long term single mum’ you mean stopped from finding a hubby or even a boyfriend since giving birth who hgas that right? No one actually ! Like yourself thinking of the future my life, the life I hgad before motherhood only eerrr it seems left juyst a single women after all of this.
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Of course your kids come first… just make sure you have a place in line too!
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wonderful. Thanks a lot 🙂
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khirayyschay@gmail
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Congratulations and Happy birthday!! You look gorgeous!!!!
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Beautiful..
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Happy birthday Nancy.Your words are so inspiring and yeah I love your hair..*hugs*
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Thanks… my hairdresser is a dream come true!
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Happy slightly belated birthday Nancy. Your words meant a lot to me, as I worry often about how I will feel as I age. You are beautiful both inside and out. I hope you enjoyed your day.
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A little comfort in here words
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Happy Birthday, now time for that vacation http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3reatg_vacation-cat_travel
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Ma’am, you have a flair and i seriously think you should write more. I like your writing style and it’s inspirational too
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https://thelighteningandthefire.wordpress.com/2015/06/29/dear-soul-mate/
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Hi Nancy enjoyed reading ur blog and u look beautiful!!!
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Everyone says Happy Birthday 😀 Happy Birthday from me too … 😀
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Lovely demonstrated and happy belated birthday mam.
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Lovely, lovely post. Thank you, and Happy Birthday.
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Happy b-day
congrats
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Amazing post
made me shed a tear
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Thank you so much!
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No need to thank me I just loved your post!!!
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Happy birthday. Enjoy being 65 because it’s as good as being a young woman 🙂
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It sure is! (at least on the inside!)
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🙂
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How wonderful is this post – happy birthday. Did you know that hugging lowers the blood pressure of the hugee? Especially in women apparently. It’s your gift to those you hug!
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I did not know that. But I am learning that hugging feels very good indeed.
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Happy Happy Belated Birthday, Nancy! I loved reading this post. Sending you huge hugs. And being old is most definitely not bad at all. I can’t wait to have as much wisdom as you have at your age. 🙂
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Thanks for your kind words.
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This is a great post, and I love it! It is so true: getting older is hard, sometimes, and speaking what we want is even harder , but it is all in our perspective and what we choose to do with it. Grow old gracefully, that has become my motto. Now, if I can just build up the courage to be forthright in my restaurant desires and birthday wishes, we’ll be doing good! LOL. Happy belated Birthday! I hope this is your best one yet!! 🙂
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You are so right! Be graceful – but not too meek!
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Check out my new blog!! Any advice would be great!! https://ournewbeginning.wordpress.com/
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I have just found your blog for the first time. Thank you for the inspiring and uplifting post. I recognised a lot of things in your description that could apply to me. Must learn to speak up and say ‘No’ more often! Happy Birthday, you look great!
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Wonderful…really enjoyed this and have tweeted it on to others…thank you
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Thanks for your tweet! Glad you enjoyed the post.
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You’re amazing!!!! 💕
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That’s such a beautiful text, a refreshing post! I am pleased for finding your blog today and having your feelings shared with me. God bless you and give you a great b-day!
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Happy birthday, gorgeous!
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Happy Birthday! Congrats on all you
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All your accomplishments in life!!! ***
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Thank you for a such a beautifully written piece. It was inspiring for me to read right now and reminded me at such a crucial time – the present moment – to embrace each and every beautiful stage this life has to offer. I believe that maybe one day we might just be able to look back at it all and see the beautiful blessings in each and every moment. I honour you and all the women who are growing older with grace, beauty and an appreciation for it all. Cheers.
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Thanks for your kind words.
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You’re truly like an inspiration for staying young from inside 🙂 keep going, live long ma’am 😇😇
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Buon compleanno! I loved your post. As a 40-something woman I wish to be a 65 years old (young) lady like you!
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Hugs to you on your birthday Nancy! Your thoughts really resonated with me.
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Having read what you have written, you are NOT an old woman!
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I most certainly am NOT. Not yet, anyway.
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Oh how I can relate! I’ll be 52 in May, and for the first time ever I (a) feel good about my graying hair, (b) feel really good about who I am, and (c) I’m beginning to be interested in who I will become from this point on. I used to think growing older would be the worst thing that would ever happen to me. Now I know it’s the best.
Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks. I like being the age I am. But I confess – I am taking care of that gray hair!
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You’re gorgeous! Great big hugs to you! And, of course, the happiest of birthdays!
I know what you mean about wishing to not care about looks. My chemo drugs have made what little hair I haven’t lost, turn silver. I’m in my early 40s, but I look 80. 😦 I wish I didn’t care, but it bothers me.![:/](https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/wpcom-smileys/uneasy.svg)
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I have a friend who went through chemo. She told me that losing her hair was such an indignity…. wasn’t cancer enough? I understand. Take care and feel as beautiful as you can.
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Very inspirational post, thank you for taking the time to write it and happy 🎂 birthday
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For this woman who just had a significant birthday and has spent a great deal of time in thought about my life, I thank you for your post. I have gone through much of what you have in learning to accept myself physically and I, too, am learning to ask for what I want. What a luxurious freedom it is! Best to you, you lovely lady on the inside and outside! 🙂
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Luxurious Freedom – what a perfect way to describe it!
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🙂 Thank you!
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Hey Nancy! I’m just twenty and I’m already worried about aging. So worried that I’ve stopped celebrating my birthdays. But you make aging sound so good. I want to be just like you; blogging, getting my hair done ,writing!
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OMG – Don’t stop counting birthdays at 20. Life gets SO MUCH BETTER!
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Reblogged this on Ponderings of a Victim that Survived and commented:
Beautifully said!!!
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Thanks for the reblog
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Happy Belated Birthday
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Happy Birthday, Nancy! We adore you! xxx
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Hello Nancy,
I don’t know you in fact today is the first time I read your blog, I have to stay I would consider myself lucky if I looked as gorgeous as you do now and as inspiring as you are when I am 65!
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Thanks!
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Aww I Love this!
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The end was superb, and yes you’re still young and beautiful.
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Thanks for the kind words
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amazing, and happy birthday
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Reblogged this on CuriousMae and commented:
This is so beautiful and inspirational. Forgive me, but it doesn’t even sound like someone “old” wrote it! Age is relative, and this woman is plenty young to me. I aspire to have her point of view someday.
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Thanks for the reblog! And you’re right – someone old did not write this – someone 65 did!
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Your hair is terrific and your writing reflects a complex & very beautiful soul! :]
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My hairdresser is fast becoming my best friend! Thanks for the kind words.
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I absolutely loved this post, from the John Lennon quote to the analysis of life to the motivational decisions that would inspire anyone. You ARE beautiful and I’m sure you always have been! Thank you for an absolutely wonderful read, and I hope you had an even more wonderful birthday!
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Thanks! John Lennon is my favorite. Here’s one from him I love: “When I was five years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the question, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”
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Ur an amazing beautiful person,,,,ur getting hugs just for being you!!!!!!
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Hpy b’day:-) n your writting amazing ………
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Happy 65! That’s an awesome post.. Though it’s only when you mention you’re age does one become aware. I, for one, can’t believe you’re 65! You’ve the enthusiasm of a youth! 🙂 cheers!
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I meant enthusiasm of a ‘youngster’!!!
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Thanks! I feel like a youngster! (except for those days when I feel 65.)
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Beautifully written by a beautiful woman! Happy Birthday!
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What a lovely post. And yes, you are beautiful outside as well
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Love this so much! Happy birthday, and you can from the pic that you feel beautiful, you shine. 🙂
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Thank you – you’re sweet!
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Happy birthday!
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Happy birthday !!!! 🙂
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Just fabulous-a celebration of self never comes too late!!
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Thanks… I should have started celebrating a lot earlier. You should do so too!
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This is a wonderful post! Love it! Your style of writing is so smooth, made me want to read more.
And I hope I look as beautiful as you do when I reach 65. Happy belated birthday!! 🙂
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Thank you for the compliments – both on my writing and my looks! I love both kinds, so you made my day!
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Happy late birthday! I am 17 years old and I really enjoyed reading this, it has inspired me to love myself more and to not waste precious time 🙂
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Good for you! If I could tell my 17-year-old self anything – it would be “You are much more beautiful than you think you are!” Go for it!
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*HUGS* and cheers to “I don’t even have a resting bitch face”!! Kudos to you!
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Thanks! I like my happy face!
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I love your post. Remember you are still a fox to older men no matter how old you are. You’ve heard this before I am sure, you are as old as you think you are. On my 75th birthday I openly declared on my blog and Facebook page that I had finally reached middle age. Keep on blogging, it is good for the soul.
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You reminded me of a nice memory. There were a bunch of old guys that hung around at the post office in town. When my mother would go in, they would say, “Oh there’s that beautiful girl again!” She was well over fifty!!!
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I just started a blog and your title caught my eye! What a beautiful read! Thank you, and Happy Birthday!
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Have fun blogging! I have loved every minute!
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Happy birthday! I loved this post and found myself smiling from beginning to end. Beautiful sentiments.
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Thanks. I love it so much when something I write makes someone smile or laugh. What could be better than causing happiness?
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Happy birthday! You look great!!
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I really liked reading your thoughts! Thanks for the insight on life.
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Beautiful!
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Beautiful. Thank you and Happy birthday!
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Great article. Really strange, as I was thinking about this other day. How I’d like to be when I hit 60. just like you, I want to be youthful but not mutton dressed up as lamb. That I should accept my age or aging with grace and know that I am attractive and that a point comes when the opposite sex don’t regard me in a certain way, anymore.
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It is amazingly freeing to feel beautiful without worrying about your sex appeal!
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Well Happy Belated Birthday! I turn 60 in April..and most of what you wrote is me. I’ve been thinking about becoming old too, though I hadn’t thought (and why I don’t know) about what I WANT TO BE as an old person. Both my parents died at 75, so since then (2004) I’ve been very aware of how short life can be. Now 75 doesn’t seem that far away, and what if that’s all I get. Exactly. What if that’s all I get. What do I want to do with this time? I retired in June so now the question gets real. What will I do with this time?
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It’s worth thinking about…
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Happy birthday! I’m so glad I found your blog – I love the way you write, and you remind me of the actress Helen Mirren !
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Wow! What a compliment – she is wonderful – intelligent, funny, beautiful… and sexy!
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Your post made me smile. You are such great energy, i wish I could hug you right now. 🙂
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Oh and of course Happy Birthday!
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Tremendous message in your words. You made my day, I turn 56 in a week. Hugs to you!😊
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Enjoy your birthday… there’s lots of great things to come for both of us.
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Happy birthday (a little late) Nancy! You look terrific as always, 65 is scary, 2.5 years away for me, I am so happy to have you as a role model. Hope you get your iPhone! Dale
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Yes, it is pretty scary.. but good too. The big birthdays encourage you to reflect on your life.
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Happy Birthday! A big hug 😊
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Reblogged this on sherryleveck2 and commented:
Read Demented by Sherry Levesque. I too am in my 60’s and enjoy every moment of it. Whether I have 10 seconds or 30 years, I am going to enjoy every moment of it.
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Thanks for the reblog
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Happy Birthday!
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Wow,I love this….you really have succeeded in making old age look extremely interesting…I know we’ll all get there someday…
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What surprised me the most is how quickly I got there
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Loool.are u for real? Yea,sometimes,we really do wonder aw we got to d age we are in now….I just clocked 27 last month&I keep wondering if I’m actually that age? I even ask myself,if my parents are sure of my real date of birth..hahahahaha.
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Am a new blogger… Nothing much to boast off as a blogger hehe… But I saw somewhere that I should comment below some other people’s post so that I will be noticed and will get some views and likes…. And I was searching what will I select… And here I got yours….. Now after I read everything…. I feel like I should comment something here ; not for a like sake…. But just to wish you hbd and… To tell you that none of your hours in earth are not wasted….. Everything is a new experience …. And I know after reading this that all what I did till yesterday was previously done by some ppl around the globe hehe…. Hugs and kisses from someone who follows you…. And BTW… Your eyes are soo attractive hehe
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When you first start blogging, it really does help to read other blogs and comment. It may help others discover your blog – but also because there is a terrific community out there that it is amazing to be part of.
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Reblogged this on talktodiana and commented:
I love this post, especially since my impending birthday reminds me that I’m getting older. But really. Who cares. Nancy who didn’t even pretty until she was 60 has some great thoughts on getting older. Check it out, I bet you’ll love this post too!
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Thank you so much for the kind words and the reblog!
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My pleasure!
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Nancy, you are absolutely gorgeous and I love this post! ❤
Diana xo
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Oh thank you!
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I just love being older. I feel totally free of constraints and expectations. I don’t have to impress anyone or make a living. I don’t need or want much, so money isn’t an issue. I wear old shoes, comfortable clothes, and get up and go to bed when I want. I feel like a kid again.
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It’s funny… part of me still wants to impress people. But another part of me doesn’t really care any more whether they are.
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Thanks for the post. I have always worried of how I would look when I am old…. Well, every day is a beautiful day now….I am going to start the tradition to hug everyone too. Thanks.
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We can all use more hugs.
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I love your story, my mama died at 65 after a 2 year battle of cancer and busting her ass the remainder of her life to raise her children. I wish you good health, a long life and many many more blogs.
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Thank you so much. I realize how lucky I am just to be here. And how lucky I am to still have my mother, who’s 92. Even now, at 65 myself I don’t know how I will live without her. I wish you a happy future which will include sweet memories of your mama.
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Great ! Greetings from Germany 👍
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You ROCK, Nancy! People who ROCK are ageless – at least I think so. No matter the number of years, your beauty shines 😉
Jodi
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Thanks! I hope to always ROCK… at least a little.
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What a wonderful read, thanks for sharing! Happy Birthday.
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Love this
Have the best birthday x
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Happy birthday to one cool lady X
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This couldn’t have been written any more beautifully than you did. You look stunning!! And like it’s said, you’re never too old to do what your heart wants you to, to make you happy! And it’s never too late to feel that and start working on it! Age is just a number, you’ve started feeling beautiful now, and that part of your life has just begun. I needed to read this post, Thank you for writing. And wishing you all the happiness and a happy belated birthday 🙂
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My absolutely favorite quote (and my motto) is from George Eliot (who was a woman by the way): “It’s never too late to be what you might have been,” That one line has helped to nspired me to keep going and keep learning – it’s one reason why I wrote my first novel at age 60.
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Wow, and I still don’t have half the strength and courage to do things that I love. This is so inspiring to hear and I’ll keep this in my mind for the rest of my life. I want to start being happy, and let go off people who don’t let me be. But its not easy, and I don’t feel good these days but I’ll start working on me, to be the better person I was born to be and I’ll let the dead leaves fall off my tree, just like Rumi had said 🙂
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You are an amazing,loving n a very caring person….I love the way you have embraced life with so much affection!happy birthday n you look amazing…sending hugs n kisses on your way!
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Hugs back to you – thanks!
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What a wonderful and inspiring article! At the age of almost 57 I am in a mid life hair crisis. I don’t know what to do with it, and although I want it shorter (it is collar bone length), I don’t want an “old lady” haircut. I have a son and a daughter who are 17 and 16 and I need to look reasonably “trendy”, but I want to look classy too, so I have no idea at all how i should have my hair cut. I was thinking a shoulder length layered bob with a fringe, and it looks so pretty on you that I am pretty sure that’s the way I will go. I am a new blogger and although I’ve always loved to write I haven’t really found my niche. I hope my blogging days will be as long as yours have been. All the very best to you, and a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY! xxx
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Thanks…. I think a bob with some layering is very youthful without looking like you are trying too hard to be young. It’s a balancing act!
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This is true, I know I didn’t have to worry as much about my appearance when I was younger, anything goes when you’re young!
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What s wonderful post. I wish I knew you. You sound so comfortable in your own skin. Go girl!
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Mostly comfortable. We all have our bad days!
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One big hug from me to you hub..you are beautiful!!
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Happy Birthday! I just found your wonderful blog via it’s mention by Diana on her site. I’ll be back. This post resonates with me.
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Thanks, and thanks again to Diana for the reblog.
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I missed this, but then I didn’t. So very very very Happy Belated Birthday. This was wonderful to read. Yes, hugs and kisses are very important. Kindness too, though I can’t imagine anyone being unkind to you. You are lovely, the picture proves it. We should all be just as you are, kind, lovely and comfortable in our own skin at 65. I wish for you at least another thirty years.
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Thanks Val! I find overall that most people are kind. Some are just a little more tired than others. I am hoping for another 30. I think it will be interesting to be really old. My mom says she doesn’t even recognize herself in the mirror anymore.
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Happy Birthday! Diana at Talk to Diana — lead me here. I’m glad she did. I am a couple of years behind you so it’s great to read of someone embracing their ‘old’ with such grace it feels all new again!
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Thanks for finding me. I hope I can keep a bit of grace and dignity as I grow old – with just a bit of feisty!
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I love this!
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Happy birthday Nancy! I just happen to open WordPress after 8yrs and then your entry caught my attention. I enjoyed reading it, I kind of relate with it.
Here’s a hug and kisses on both cheeks. Stay healthy and beautiful 🙂
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65 looks great
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Happy Birthday and you are beautiful. Thanks for this post! I just had my 43rd bd and I am struggling with this whole aging thing. But I am writing a lot something I wish I had given more tine to. Big hugs to you!!
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43 is just the beginning of finding yourself!
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I agree and its becoming a beautiful journey!
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Beautiful post
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Happy birthday Nancy! This post has touched me a lot. I have been thinking about my life recently actually and your post gave me a lot of inspiration.
That thought of having wasted time is torturing. I hate to even think about it. But your post made me feel that it’s okay to think about such nasty things at times. They can’t feel that way forever.
Much love,
Noor
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We all waste time, Noor. But remember that you are like a cat who naps half the day… you are just storing up energy for when it really counts!
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Thanks a lot Nancy! I took a screen capture of your comment. I know I will need to remind myself of that again. Thanks a lot 💜
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Just popped over from Diana’s blog to say hi, so Hi, I am not old don’t have time to be old and hell I am only 53 and that isn’t old, just saying
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Hey Nancy…A very Happy birthday!!
I am just 14 and I loved your blog! I am so darn happy to have found you here☺
You’re beautiful!!
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I think you may be my youngest reader! Welcome!
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Thanks! So being a new blogger, need your valuable suggestions on my scribblings. Please go through them😊
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I just popped over and took a look! Your site is visually very appealing, and that’s really important. I also like that you keep your posts short. Readers like a short concise piece. If you do want to write something longer, try to keep it under 1,000 words – and 600 is really optimum. One suggestion – after you write something, read it to yourself aloud. Does it sound like you? Don’t worry so much about fancy words – just make sure it sounds like you. Being authentic (in anything) is the key to success.
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Thanks a lot!! Your suggestions mean a lot to me! Will surely be adding more soon, keeping in mind all the points. 🙂
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I enjoyed this immensely. Learning to be braver and therefore happier. Babysteps. Daily. Dog snuggles are the absolute best medicine to start do-overs and just recharge. I look very much forward to reading more from you. Hope your birthday was rejuvenating! Virtual hugs from Namibia.
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Thank you… My dog is cuddling with me right now – bumping my elbow and making it hard to type. But I wouldn’t have it any other way!
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I love it when they do that! You just have to laugh and try to type one handed!
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I love this post! Thanks so much for this refreshing perspective on aging 🙂
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Though this phase of life is pretty far for me but i connected with it so easily…it was a wonderful piece of your work…simply loved it.. Moat of us are so very worried of what others think of us…and its so good to know that probably one day this would cause no effect on us. Nd belated happy birthday 🙂
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I think I will always care A LITTLE what people think – but it’s really liberating to know that it doesn’t really matter very much.
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62, here! With all the learning I have gleamed through my time, I can say now that for my mind set; I am Wise…. Who would have thought there was a really good reason to listen to my elders:I am so happy and to me ,happiness is the cornerstone of eternity.* Mrs. Bodine
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I so agree. To paraphrase John Lennon – What do I want to be when I grow up? Happy.
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Nice!
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Honest, positive, interesting! I look forward to reading more of your journey. Womenlivinglifeafter5o.com
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Very nice post.
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Reblogged this on The GUNDERSTONE review and commented:
I hate the terms “growing old gracefully” or “getting older”… I am not 65 nor a woman but I am “getting older” and feel some of this sentiment.
Hmmm… like I said, I hate those terms… perhaps I’ll come up with a better phrase.
In the meantime – this is a #MustRead (whether you are a boy or a girl) 😉
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Thank you for the re-blog
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You are beautiful!! I totally get just doing what everyone else wants to, although, I’m 32 years old, and I do really well not doing that anymore. I think my boys have taught me a thing or two about that… Great writing and thanks for sharing!
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Thank you so much. We can all take a lesson from kids when it comes to asking for what you want. When do we lose that straightforward honesty?
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Happy Birthday. So glad I found you. Love having someone who is aging along with me (I turned 60 this year) Due to a chronic illness, I have had to embrace a more “natural” living lifestyle, without chemicals in my food or on my body…8 years ago I had to stop coloring my hair. My beautiful lady clariol, Reba red hair, was gone and I have face growing older every time I look in the mirror. I am not allowed to get permanent make up, Botox, collagen, etc as some of my 50 year old friends do. I am becoming aware of my friends turning 60 and the negative feelings they have about becoming old, but what exactly is old? Your article describes so much of how I feel. My new mantra this year was, (with my illness I’m happy to BE alive) I probably have 20 years give or take on this planet. I’m going to spend it with people/things that give me joy. Thanks so much for your blog, I love your insite to this stage of our lives…
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Gray hair can be lovely too, as long as you embrace it. No botox, collagen, or plastic surgery for me either – but that’s my choice and I can’t say what’s right for others.
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Some amazing words I have something to lookforward in life such an inspirational woman. Sending lots of love and best wishes for your belated birthday ♡♡♡
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I love this post! Thank you for writing it. I have recently figured out that I am not living a life I love and I’m changing that now.
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Thanks! I believe with all my heart that we can change – at any age!
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I loved it. Happy Birthday Beautiful. I have been thinking about aging a lot lately. I will turn 55 in two days. I feel like my life is changing for the better. I feeling differently about stuff, people and their opinions. I’m opening my heart to different things and I want to be nicer. Thanks for the good read.
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Good for you!
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This post made me smile. I’m going to kiss my sister more. 😊
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It feels amazing. Kiss her a lot!
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Thanks for your sharing! I am one of the younger women whom you have encouraged!
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Don’t wait as long as I did. Feel pretty now!
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Love this, absolutely amazing piece of literature xx
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Thank you so much for such kind words
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What a great post. I want to be at 34 the kind of woman you want to be at 65. The idea of still finding myself in 30 years is exciting and terrifying all at the same time but your post makes be head off to bed hopeful.
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We are constantly discovering and re-discovering ourselves. And it is as much of an adventure at 65 as at 34. So enjoy every minute!
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Happy belated Birthday to you ma.
Came across your blog on WordPress and I love the appearance so I’ve change my own blog to have the same look. I may still change my mind.
Enjoy your new age and be verrry happy.
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Just popped over there. It looks nice!
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Am happy to hear that. Thank you.
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I love this post. Honest, thought provoking and inspiring. Thanks 🙂
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Thanks, Typewritergirl!
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Wow,you truly are beautiful!Both inside and out.Cherish every moment,age and day of your life because they all count!I can’t say how you inspired me by this and I hope to be as beautiful and open-minded as you when I will grow up!
So much love!
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Every age we are is filled with discovering ourselves! Be brave and enjoy!
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Awesome written you lovely lady. You don’t look like a old lady though….Your mind is still young which is less expected from the world.
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I loved your writing and your topic!
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I love how you look forward to and make plans for your life to come.
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comment #387? problem is, whatever i’ll say, ITs been said, better, already. so, wah-da-hey: i recently calculated that i’m 2/3 of a century. it’s been a few months since i’ve been considering (not “obsessing” nor pre-occupied) by a new (for me) consideration. we all should? need? probably should, anyway, have goals — and i’m thinking about DYING WELL. one-upping practically everybody and undergoing an excellent death. but i’m not doing anything to hasten that … well, i could stay off the highway and perhaps i should eat more healthily, etc. but the occasional feet-up-on-the-rail smokin’ a good stogie sippin’ bourbon is LIVING, i’ll tell them!
your post reminded me of a couple more things, and one is rude, but funny. “time not wasted”: the Nick Nolte character in the movie A Walk In The Woods complained that he spent half his life drunk and chasing women, and the other half he wasted.
impending alzheimer’s? a lot of the time i think THAT has already begun, but, basically, so what. like you said, stay mentally active. i do plan and have already started “reading more” (i’d slowed almost to a standstill for many years ’til recently. (took me over two years to read Pynchon’s Against the Day). and continue to marvel and let the manic wash over me when viewing the sun rays poking thru’ the clouds highlighting a distant cliff. and the two (m/f) bald eagles perched side-by-side by their nest as i drove by this a.m.
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I had never heard or seen that quote from A Walk in the Woods… it made my day! Thanks!
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Great post. I am about half your age, but what you’ve said resonated with me too. And hugs to you! 🙂
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Thank you… hugs back.
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Some truly beautiful words, loved reading through it. 🙂
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Thank you so much.
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I have also just started my blog, and I would absolutely love it if you checked it out!
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I popped over there. Your blog is visually very appealing – which is so important to draw your reader in. Nice sweet short posts – a great start.
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what a lovely post! Happy Belated Birthday! I remember how I wanted a Dorothy Hamill hair cut and even though being shy I asked for it and the hairdresser did a wonderful job. I sported that haircut for as long as I could! There is so much that I related to in your post, just wanted to pop over and share what I felt after reading it. Blessings!
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Thanks so much for your kind words…. and I hope your Hamill cut was just gorgeous!
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It was and I still think back 42 years of how it made me feel, memories! lol
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You’re absolutely fabulous. In looks and words. True beauty. Very inspiring. Xx
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Happy birthday! From roumania!
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I just discover the blog, and I like very much you re article. The age doesn t matter only the spirit.
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Thank you so much!
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And you look amazing. I wanna be like you someday.
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Thank you for wonderful thoughts and for being an inspiration. I’m a new blogger, nearing 55, and like you, growing into myself now and feeling better than I ever have, more beautiful and confident as an adult. Happy Birthday!
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Happy Birthday! i have found your blog on wordpress as I have started a vintage blog to celebrate turning 60 this February. There is a definate feeling of freedom to just enjoy being yourself with being 60 and i hope this goes on growing with each passing year. Thank you for a very interesting post.
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Thanks. Freeing is definitely the right word. It takes so much less energy to stop trying so hard to fit in.
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Ok, this is absolutely beautiful … I’m 40 years old and the one thing that I’ve finally figured out about wisdom is that we should listen intently to those who’ve lived what we may one day live. It’s quite the strange feeling, thinking back on life and wondering if we’ve enjoyed it enough. It seems limited to our individual memories and even those with good memories are probably miss-remembering, I agree – it’s best to focus on today. Thanks to your post, I’m going to kiss my wife, daughters, aunts and even my dad … often! One more time — beautiful post, thank you for sharing something so intimate, it made my evening.
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Thank you so much for the kind words. Go kiss and hug everyone you love, and even a few people that you only just like a little.
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I just made my grandmother read this and guess what? she asked my grandfather to buy her an iPhone too.Haha:)
Belated Happy Birthday BTW.
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Happy (belated) birthday! I love this post! At 43 and not in the best of health, I often wonder how much time I have left and made a decision about a year ago to start living the life I wanted to live. The start doing the things that make me happy, traveling and writing being among my top 2. I hide from cameras all the time these days and hope to be as bold as you some day. You look great! Keep doing what you’re doing! I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog 🙂
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Thanks for sharing, and happy belated birthday!!
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Great attitude.
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Just wonderful. I turned 50 this year. I’m okay with it, really, but still wonder of some things. Love the post!
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I am so Happy u came across your blog and this post. Although I am only 49 years old I feel the same way as you. I also I am not an affectionate person not even to my kids, which I regret. I do have a testing bitchy face which I dislike.
But I am going to change and I am. Going to enjoy living life and not caring what others might or might hit think about me.
Thank you, thank you .
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Hello 🙂
We would love to feature ‘The Old Woman I Will Be’ on Kindness Blog with links back to you.
Would that be OK? No problems if not 🙂
Best, Mike.
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Glad you like the piece. Yes, of course you can re-blog.
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Thank you so much 🙂
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Hi Nancy, thank you again 🙂 We’ve just gone ‘live’… http://kindnessblog.com/2016/04/01/the-old-woman-i-will-be-by-nancy-roman/
Warm regards, Mike.
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Thanks! It looks terrific
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I loved your post.
And I agree with many things you said.
And I remember Dorothy Hamill..;) I did get a haircut like her and wore it that way for awhile, till the hairdressers forgot.
My family was different. No love was ever expressed there. Maybe that’s why I wonder about myself. I’m not mean, I like people. But I am not a social butterfly.
I used to dye my hair till the last few years. I decided I had earned those grey hairs.
I enjoyed your post! 🙂
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Happy birthday …i really loved your words “i dont want to look like a desperate old woman trying to look young but an old woman who is beautiful” …for me i have barely reached a quater of my life but i already feel the beauty awaiting when al be your age….i love your work once again “Happy birthday”hubby better get you the i phone girl….you aint getting younger…♥♥
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Well Nancy, your site portrays the person you’d want to be: in the contemporary usage of the word, you and it are cool! I am 75 years of age and discovered blogging five short months ago. Like you, it’s become a big part of my social life, allowing me a fleeting glimpse of beautiful people like you.
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