Unvarnished
Finally. I’ve been lying about my age since my early 30’s. People would ask and I would reply, “Oh, I’m 42.” Â Lying up works, friends. It typically took a few minutes before people would realize that I was exaggerating. Some actually believed the ruse: “You look amazing for 42.” Yes, yes I did.
But all my fibbing has finally caught up to me. 42. Â This is me today. Basically unvarnished, save for a touch of mascara. I especially love the state of my hair in this photo, because those flyaways are with me always. This is how I really look. I’m rocking the thrift store plaid and yes, that’s cleavage. (the only upside to being 30 odd lbs over weight). Glamourous? No. Sexy? Hells yeah. I feel sexy because I’m discovering that sexy is a state of mind. I’m choosing it. (I think you should choose it too, because you can, you know!)
Here’s the thing, I’m not without faults. I do want to drop some lbs. I did it last year and then was undone by my grief over this house. So, I’d like to reclaim that victory. My skin isn’t what it used to be, but that’s just a really good excuse to splurge on moisturizer and pamper myself more. Â And let’s face it, I creak when I walk and I have a closet full of pretty shoes I’ll never wear again. However, other than the usual complaints (Um, what, food allergies?!?) I’m happy with me. Comfortable in my own skin. Â The stuff I need to work on is just that, not the definition of who I am. And certainly not the only description of me!
So, if you ask me how old I am, I’ll own up to it today. I’m 42. Which seems like a perfect number.
You are a beautiful 42, no matter what your calendar age is. <3
Thank you so much, Xi… You are such a bright spot in my life!!
I don’t see 42. I will always see 20. I love you and Happy Birthday!
Love, love you for that.
You are gorgeous! Happy Birthday.
(I think there is freedom in aging. I’m 50 and 30 pounds over weight, but am happier and feel better about myself now, than I ever have.)
I think you’re on to something… and I was looking at your photos of your birthday party and YOU look amazing!! Thank you for the well wishes.
You are the youngest looking 42 I know! Gorgeous girl 🙂
Much love to you, Sweets! (thank you for the kind words and a REAL comment on the old blog. Heh.
You are gorgeous! And you look damn good for 42! (Which is the magic number – the secret to life, the universe, and everything.) I hope I look as good nine little years from now….
Happy birthday, love!
Thank you, Miss Carly! And I’m sure you’ll be amazing at 42, because you’re absolutely stunning both inside and out now! As for the number, 42 is simply perfection!
You are amazing at 42–beautiful, strong and vibrant. As well as talented!!
Thank you, Margaret!!
Happy Birthday you big liar!
I used to do the same thing until finally one time, someone accused me of lying – downward and I don’t mean downward like on the bed…downward like taking off a few years.
Yeah, I can see that happening for me, so this seems like a really good time to stop. 😀 And thank you. As for being a big liar… UM, HELLO MS IT’S 75 DEGREES OUTSIDE.
You are making 42 look good! I like fly away hair, a few extra pounds and creaky bones…that means a human lives in that body not a robot. Anyone can be a robot but it takes skill to master those special qualities! Happy Birthday!
Thank you so much, Linda! That means a lot to me!!
Happy Birthday!Beautiful!
Thank you, Nancy!!