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Donna Druchunas's avatar

This is so great. I’m so with you.

Monica Hebert's avatar

cool! I sorta imagined you would be. I am spending this day mapping out the mechanics of hosting a sort of BOLD OL BROADS CIRCLE here on substack

Elizabeth H. Cottrell's avatar

Bravo! The role that incredible actress Kathy Bates plays in the TV series Matlock is such a great example of this terrific post. As is Kathy Bates herself.

Do you know about the Inkspirations group on Substack? Writers 60+ - great community.

Monica Hebert's avatar

Yes. I’m aware. Thank you. I’m thoroughly enjoying Kathy Bates in Matlock.

Sue Reid's avatar

I am a grandmother, 66 this year, and I qualify for state pension this year. I never feel old though. Not sure how I am supposed to feel but old isn’t it.

Monica Hebert's avatar

I'm 69. And I do receive social security which is far from being enough! I'm sorta glad about that, because you see it's forced me to NOT retire. Unlike many of my generation that I interact with - either online or in person - I am not flitting about, traveling, taking care of grands, I am busy working. Making a living. And ya know what, the benefits far out weigh that benefit of nothing to do. Feeling old simply does not fit into my life- at all. I suppose that is why I was rather stunned when I heard that I was being referred to as that ol lady. I know the young woman who made the comment, she is far from being an evolved human and not capable of seeing beyond her youth at this time in her life. I can give her grace and continue living boldly, loudly and with out any apology. And certainly I don't think there is any supposed feeling, other than what the ridiculous media chooses to portray. And they are slowly catching on that they might just be wrong. Thank Gawd!

Beth Wright's avatar

Ok. This is a pretty great post. It twangs my pea-pickin’ crone heart. You given us a beautiful photo of you has well. THAT’S the dame that would leave lipstick on the china coffee cup.

Monica Hebert's avatar

LOL I found this rummaging through my photo files. I am thinking I'm gonna get a haircut and dye it red- again!

Beth Wright's avatar

We’re so fortunate we realize we can shape-shift on a whim.

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Feb 15, 2025
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Monica Hebert's avatar

What a sweet story! If I had any regrets, it would be that I did play it safe while I was younger. Living with my own authenticity is simply wonderful. I only wish I'd known it sooner.

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Feb 15, 2025
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Monica Hebert's avatar

BRAVO! I wasn't that evolved in my own being to recognize it that early in life. That is just fabulous, from my perspective.

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Feb 15, 2025
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Monica Hebert's avatar

Oh yes, I have kids. Mine are much older, my girls are 48 and 41. Neither of them give a flip about what others think. They learned to NOT care bc they saw their mom - the preacher's wife- living with daily heartbreak bc she cared to much what others think. I recall my own sister begging me to stop it. It's like it was in my DNA, I didn't see what ever one else around me saw. Sadly it took me being on the brink of homelessness to get my own attention. I finally realized nobody was coming to my rescue and least of all those people I tried in vain to please. Now ya couldn't pay me to care! LOL