Time Warp Tuesday: The Holidays? Already?

Middle-aged couple in the midst of holy-crap-the-holidays-are-here cleaning.

Posting this photo is a biggie for me. No makeup, no sunglasses, no cap. Just me and hubs in the middle of a much-needed marathon cleaning session. I never edit to remove wrinkles, etc., but then again I don't often deliberately display myself not at my . . . I was going to say best, but what I really mean is prettiest.

Not that I'm going to start posting no-makeup selfies all the time, but this seemed like a personal growth thing to do.

Kids and grandkids--this is what 50ish looks like without plastic surgery or Botox or hair transplants. It's what people who (praise the universe) have more important things to spend money on than trying to hold on to the look of youth (except for the hair color, I totally think that's an important thing to spend money on. I know. I contradict myself.) look like.

The busyness is sometimes dizzying right now, but it is many good things. I will report in greater detail later, but one of them has something to do with a story that may be the book that I've thought I might have in me . . .

                                                 Jenny and the PITA Moms:
a story of love, friendship, perseverance, hope and (just the right amount of) craziness


This is a story that has a beginning and end, and even a title, but the middle is waiting to be written.

I know it’s unusual to begin with the end, even more so when the end hasn’t actually happened, but this journey is so unlikely already that I think that’s how I must start; with a vision of where we will go, of a dream that drove reality. Even so, this end is not the finale—this is one of those tales that will continue after the last page has been turned and maybe even after the principal players have left this Earth. 

It is October in Clearwater Beach, Florida and we look out over an ocean that started at the shoreline a crystalline aqua then deepened to a blue so like that of the sky that the horizon line is almost imperceptible. The Florida breeze, famous for its silky warmth, tousles our hair and adds to the sense of wonder and magic palpable to even passers-by. The iPod playlist invites dancing and so we do—to Abba’s Super Trooper, to Sara Bareilles’ Brave and to Katy Perry’s Roar; a coterie of middle-aged women and the girl who brought us together-on this night of answered prayers we dance ourselves dizzy; we are sated with joy.

 

Be sure to visit Brightside Susan  and Spokalulu for more traditional Time Warp Tuesday posts. 

 

 

Comments

[Karen (formerly kcinnova)]

Oh, how I will love to read the rest of this story and know it is true!

I love this pic of you with your hubby.♥

I posted a TWT last week but am working every single day this week just to keep up with everything, so I'll just refer you back to this (now with pictures from the camera I left behind in the rental car):

http://spokalulu.wordpress.com/2013/11/11/twt-visiting-my-dad/

[Gail]

You may not be at your "pretty-EST", but you are still pretty! 50ish is not bad at all.

[Green Girl in Wisconsin]

You look fabulous--HAPPY, and that's the key to looking beautiful.

[Cassi]

The happiness shining through makes you look beautiful. Plus, what a great shot with your hubby!

[lanes]

Happy > fake any day … though I completely support your stance on hair dye!

I can't wait til the middle of that story gets written, so that everyone can get to the happy ending!

[Smalltown Me]

You two are so cute!

[Jen]

Jenn, you are beautiful, makeup or no makeup. If you are writing a book, I would like to purchase the advance copy please. Also, I really hope you get SB to design the cover artwork.

[Jocelyn]

I always think people look their best without make-up and primping, etc. A natural look lets good health shine through, lets happiness shine through, lets confidence shine through.

Well cleaned, lady.

[Slow Panic]

i love love love this photo of you! you two look so happy.

[Busy Bee Suz]

The story is sounding great…I want more!! You are awesome…with or without makeup.
XO

[Brightside-Susan]

Love the photo - I am 10 years older and must warn you things do go south much more quickly as time goes on...enjoy your 50's!!

[gary rith]

HA! Holidays...wow...for you that might mean a lot of trips to the airport, with family coming and going :)

[amy]

love this... And love that you color your hair... We all contradict ourselves :) Makes us human!

[momtaxijulie]

I think you look great just as you are! I have to say I agree on the hair color. When I see a woman my age (everyone is turning 40 this year) with a full head of gray hair I'm shocked!

[shrink on the couch]

Want to hear more about the source of joy. And yes, I get it. The power of a make-up free selfie. Nice move.