Friday, October 9, 2009

Reading and Modeling Past Age 50

I just finished reading a very good book last night.  For those that know me, I don't sit and just read during the day.  I have too many other things going on and I'm not real good at just sitting.  I read every night, though.  As I've aged, I don't fall asleep easily. I took a Tylenol PM every night for a couple of years, but I  quit taking it about six months ago because I thought it was making me too drowsy the next morning, so I have taken up reading in bed before I go to sleep.  A book sits right next to my bed with my little reading light attached and I read until my eyes just won't stay open.  The book I just finished last night was "Lost In The Forest" by Sue Miller.

I thought it was very well written.  The story was good, but almost secondary to the writing style and the way Sue Miller has of putting words together.  She's an excellent story teller.  The story is about a young teenage girl whose parents are divorced and her stepfather whom she was very close to was just killed.  The struggles then that she goes through in her teen years as she searches for a father figure and falls prey to an older, married man.  She eventually falls back into a father/daughter relationship with her real, biological father. 

The book I'm starting tonight is "Me & Emma" by Elizabeth Flock.  I believe it came out in 2006, but it was recommended to me recently by a good friend.


Now an update on the fashion show last night.  The turnout was good, but I've clearly decided that I'm not going to model for it anymore.  It just was not fun and exciting like it used to be.  The clothes were nice and I suffered through doing my hair and make-up, which I just don't like fussing over any more, and I looked good enough, but I'm just done with it.  Been There, Done That.  As my cousin said to me today, "If it's not fun anymore, it's time to move on and quit doing it.  Life is too short".  I agree with that thinking totally.  I'll find some other way to support and contribute to the good cause.  In this case it was for our local Free Health Clinic. 
At age 50, two years ago, I started saying "no" to a lot of things that I used to say "yes" to out of a feeling of obligation, guilt, not wanting to hurt someone's feelings, what have you.  I have thankfully learned that I don't have to do anything I don't want to do.  Don't get me wrong, if it's something I need to do for any of my family or a loved one, and somebody really needs my help, I will do whatever I can.  But these charity, volunteer things, I can pick and choose to do, or not do, whatever I want.
I love being 52, I truly do!  Such a liberation.  For any woman under 50 and dreading the thought of aging, DON'T.  Stay healthy and age gracefully.  Life gets better.  We should be proud of each and every wrinkle, sag and bag, not ashamed of them.  We've earned them. 

12 comments:

Theresa said...

I am with you, Sister! I am 55 and sakes alive! I feel wonderful. These are truly the best days of my life. I retired 7 years ago and life is just beginning. I don't read much. I buy books but just am too busy to sit still. I have a routine at bedtime and reading isn't in it. I watch a little news and then off to lala land! Have a blessed weekend. Fashion show isn't my thing either:)

SquirrelQueen said...

That sounds like a good book, maybe one of these days I will get caught up on my reading and give it a look.
You have a great attitude on aging.

Laura said...

It is a liberating time isn't it? many times I just want to be at home , or I'll occasionally go to TJ Maxx. It doesn't sound overly exciting, but I love it.

This was a great post-

Laura

Melissa Miller said...

The book sounds great Nina! I always read before bed as well. I'll look for it on Amazon.

I knew you must be a model! You are so pretty! I understand feeling guilty and saying "yes" too often. As women we are always trying to please and help others for sure.

Thank you for your kind visit. It's always good to hear from you.

Many Blessings, ~Melissa :)

DJan said...

I'm just the opposite, Nina. I can't seem to stay awake in the evenings and fall asleep long before I intend to. I do read during the day because if I try to just read at night I'll never finish anything. I'm reading Isabel Allende's book right now, "Daughter of Fortune." I'll look for the one you just finished, since I'm always looking for a good read. Try "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova, a really great read.

Valerie said...

Hi, I'm not sure how I found you but I'm glad I did. Your blog is lovely. I too read in bed as an aid to sleeping. I must chase up the book you just finished, although I admit I have never read anything by Sue Miller.

Snooty Primadona said...

I'm with you all the way sista! I joke around a lot about hating this aging process, but at 56, I really am happier than I've ever been in my life.

Lately, my biggest problem is falling asleep in the computer chair, at the computer. I wake up to find myself in the oddest positions, LOL!

I think it was around 50 that I finally learned to shape my mouth in such a way as to say "No" repeatedly. I used to be the one everyone called to be on this committee or that Board, or whatever. Can't I just write a check or something?!?!?

nomadcraftsetc said...

Reading is a great way to calm the mind and eyes before bed! Off to check out that book, sounds interesting! Thanks for sharing!

Rae said...

I am going to look for these books. I am always wanting good book recommendations. These should be good ones.

Lisa said...

You're an inspiration, Nina. And an intriguing blogger. I'm glad I stumbled upon your blog and look forward to reading more.

I, too, read to fall asleep (sometimes more quickly than I'd hoped!). And I agree with you on the aging, as well. I would never want to be a young 'un again!

Lillian Robinson said...

Amen sister! Recently, while talking with Hubby's nephew, I admitted to being one of those women that grocery shopped in very high heels. I loved it then.

Now I grumble about having to put on socks in the winter and put up my favorite sandals. It's great to be over 50!

Keri said...

Geez... isn't anybody hating the aging process like I am? Am I all alone in my suffering? Oh well. I shall be sure to come here more often where optimism seems to be alive and well.

keri
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