It’s officially Dec. 23, 2017 (New York time), so it’s my birthday. I’m now halfway to …
Holy shit!
I remember the surprise party we had for my father’s 50th birthday like it was yesterday, but it was in 1989. I had recently turned 21 and I thought, “Wow, this age is a lifetime away for me.”
1989. My sister on the left, Dad in the middle, and me on the right.
I mentioned that thought last December to my longtime hair guru Keith Carpenter, who said, “Well, a lifetime has passed.” And I was like …
Shout-out to Keith for always knowing how to make me feel better!
The Bea Arthur gif above reminds me that her Golden Girls co-star, Rue McClanahan, was only 51 when she started playing a Florida retiree on that show.
Seriously, though, my attitude about age and life in general is weirdly in sync with that of 87-year-old jazz musician Sonny Rollins. The iconic saxophone player — who has played his last note due to health issues — did an interview with New York Magazine in which he reflected upon the meaning of it all. I could quote so much of his wisdom but I’ll just highlight this one that ends the story:
“I’m still trying to make amends for some of my early life when I did a lot of ignorant things. But hey, that’s what life is: You mess up, and you try to become aware.”
I’ll have more to say in my next YouTube video, in which I will also reveal my closet full of age-defying tricks!
Nah, I’m kidding: Those tricks are top secret. I will have a new video on Wednesday though. If you haven’t already subscribed to my YouTube channel, do it now, so you don’t miss out.
So it appears we will continue to know each other through yet another decade! Let me say you are my bench mark of the chic urban woman who’s 2 years older than me 🙂 As my dear friend said to me a few days ago when I lamented how shitty I’m looking/feeling on account of the world’s most stressful reno with a splash of chronic pain: aging is an honour. So feel honoured and eat all of the Cadbury chocolate. Here’s to 50 more years of you ending up in the paper with crazy, gorgeous designer outfits. My very, very best, Kxo
I’m so glad we met all these blogging years ago. Wishing you good health in 2018!