I have had bridges in the same area for decades, and I remember being forced to work as a cocktail waitress for two weeks while waiting on a new bridge. Back then, I was given a terrible temporary structure that fell out randomly and regularly. It was a such an awful experience for at the time but i look back now and think about the pressures that women face every day of their lives.
That photo is brave, like the images of actors scrubbed of makeup, looking like regular people instead of gods and goddesses. Good on ya.
Made me think--my main goal is to not be viewed as someone who needs to be in a "home." When I do something forgetful, or my partner does, we both yell, Don't tell the kids!
The #1 reason elders are uprooted from their homes is that their kids are worried about them. I have informed mine that I don't give a crap if they're worried. That's chump change compared to how devastated I'd be to lose home and autonomy.
In the interests of being autonomous and happily at-home, I dress and groom well and say nothing to them about health stuff.
There's also the mirror thing. I want to look OK to ME so I don't lose my nerve, heading to my 92nd birthday.
well then this speaks for childless cat ladies - no kids to put you in a home and the cat doesn't care as long as you are a warm body. and when you are stone cold, they'll just go look for a sunny corner. and yes, I dress for my own delight. it's costuming. and that's interesting about preserving one's appearance to ward off pity or disrespect... or being put into a home.
I know all about the dental disaster Dance… My last one took a couple years to deal with, and I went around with a big hole in the side of my mouth for about eight months… That aside, I love your story and how you’ve handled this, turning What could’ve limited you socially to something that brought you closer to others well done sistah…. And I would love to hear you talk about the storms that we are about to have to face. Would it be possible for you to put that on your Substack?
Describing EXACTLY (well mostly) me these days... Although not the bridge (or dentures) YET. EXTENSIVE/EXPENSIVE dentist appointments coming up .. SIGH.. This made me smile - especially the photo.
Thank you, Vicki, for your authenticity and candor. I am 56 and can relate to the shifting intrapersonal dynamics of aging while being curious about what the next decades could hold. The consumer solutions of Botox, lotions and potions, etc. merely spackle the mystery. I will pass and see what’s under the hood.
Loving your Substack articles so much
Your smiles are beautiful showing up light hearted brilliant spirit of being gentle and fun humanness -
Thank you
Gorgeous ❤️
i began the story betting that you did not have the guts to post that -3 photo and I was thrilled to be wrong. YOU DID IT !!
I love it and love you for your courage and candor. And, by the way, you look adorable with your hockey smile ! Sending you a big big hug !
I have had bridges in the same area for decades, and I remember being forced to work as a cocktail waitress for two weeks while waiting on a new bridge. Back then, I was given a terrible temporary structure that fell out randomly and regularly. It was a such an awful experience for at the time but i look back now and think about the pressures that women face every day of their lives.
Yes indeed. We have a double internalized sexism/ageism. Women need to look good or they won't get their due... Tips, jobs, mates etc
PS you are beautiful.
I worry about losing my teeth all the time. My dad and I believe all of my grandparents had false teeth so I’m not sure why I even care.
That photo is brave, like the images of actors scrubbed of makeup, looking like regular people instead of gods and goddesses. Good on ya.
Made me think--my main goal is to not be viewed as someone who needs to be in a "home." When I do something forgetful, or my partner does, we both yell, Don't tell the kids!
The #1 reason elders are uprooted from their homes is that their kids are worried about them. I have informed mine that I don't give a crap if they're worried. That's chump change compared to how devastated I'd be to lose home and autonomy.
In the interests of being autonomous and happily at-home, I dress and groom well and say nothing to them about health stuff.
There's also the mirror thing. I want to look OK to ME so I don't lose my nerve, heading to my 92nd birthday.
well then this speaks for childless cat ladies - no kids to put you in a home and the cat doesn't care as long as you are a warm body. and when you are stone cold, they'll just go look for a sunny corner. and yes, I dress for my own delight. it's costuming. and that's interesting about preserving one's appearance to ward off pity or disrespect... or being put into a home.
I know all about the dental disaster Dance… My last one took a couple years to deal with, and I went around with a big hole in the side of my mouth for about eight months… That aside, I love your story and how you’ve handled this, turning What could’ve limited you socially to something that brought you closer to others well done sistah…. And I would love to hear you talk about the storms that we are about to have to face. Would it be possible for you to put that on your Substack?
Much love to you.!!
Diane Sandler
this aligns with my thinking. he's very matter of fact. he calls it the great simplification because life will be much less complex and throughput of materials way less, etc. https://youtu.be/ZA-Vj-DRz8g?list=PLdc087VsWiC5im7eWkCD0t907MbOAftb3
Your glimmers add glimmers to my life. Thank you!
We call that a hockey smile here in Canada. 😊
Describing EXACTLY (well mostly) me these days... Although not the bridge (or dentures) YET. EXTENSIVE/EXPENSIVE dentist appointments coming up .. SIGH.. This made me smile - especially the photo.
Thank you, Vicki, for your authenticity and candor. I am 56 and can relate to the shifting intrapersonal dynamics of aging while being curious about what the next decades could hold. The consumer solutions of Botox, lotions and potions, etc. merely spackle the mystery. I will pass and see what’s under the hood.
i love that. spackle the mystery.