This is 48

Zhoen posted a challenge so here's my view of 48 - no kids, no surgeries, no situps. Maybe sucked in a bit, and it was first thing in the morning, if you know what I mean.  Zhoen's point was to "Let those young women know how lovely they are, and to cherish it while they may... And know they can be happy and bulgy." Here is the other side of the same coin: it doesn't matter one iota when it comes to love. I've always been slender, tall and blonde - and alone. A former coworker (very overweight but with an adoring husband) once snipped at me, "I hate you, you're so skinny," to which I said, "Yes, and which one of us is getting laid?" That sent her away happy. But I should have substituted "loved" because one can get laid, if that's what you want. Love is another story. So yes, gals, be happy and healthy, whatever happens to the belly and all the rest. Keep fit because it feels good and eat that cake because it tastes good. And yes, do it for love - of life.

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More navel-gazing (to steal from a commenter at Hoarded Ordinaries). Lorianne has added her belly-licious photo to the collection, and of course go see Mella, the originator, and add your own!

Comments

[tk]

There's a story I heard--true or not--about Gloria Steinem, on her 50th birthday. Reporters were remarking about how wonderful she looked, how she didn't look at all like 50, to which she replied adroitly, "What do you mean? This is what 50 looks like!"

This is what 48 looks like. I am what 51 looks like. That person over there, that is what __ looks like.....

And I say we're all wicked cute!

[leslee]

:-)

I believe that's true about Steinem, except she said it when she was 40. (She went to my alma mater, so I tend to pay attention when I hear about her. Also, she got married for the first time when she was 66.)

[Zhoen]

I am utterly grateful for my life as is. But I know I traded off some autonomy and excitement for that, a whole world of choices lopped off.

There are many kinds of love. Married love is but one.

Very kind of you to give her that gift, though. I'd rather have you for a friend than her, based on just that moment.

[leslee]

Thanks, Zhoen. Whatever path you're on lops off other experiences and choices. The only way I've found to stop comparing myself with others (read: envy) is to think of it like a diversity issue - it's not a lifestyle choice, my particular path's just different.

It occurs to me that these photos remind me of Zelnorm ads! Maybe I should have written "This is 48" right over my gut.

[Dave]

Nice abs. But you should've stuffed your belly button full of lint before taking the picture. I've heard Zhoen has a real fascination for belly-button lint. :)

[Mella]

A perfectly lovely tummy - and a very insightful post. (And, you're right, these belly-baring posts do seem a bit like Zelnorm Ads...)

[joanna]

Good for you, Leslee. You're better than Zelnorm. And while we break stereotypes about looks, let's also break them about how we act: this is how 49 behaves!

[amy]

so beautiful Leslee--your photo & words!

[leslee]

Thanks, Dave. Heh. I haven't been reading Zhoen for long, but there was a recent mention of belly lint, come to think of it...

Thanks, Mella. Look what you inspired!

Joanna: Ha! That's the spirit! I'm lucky to have several older women friends who continue to inspire me with not acting their age, whatever that means. :-)

Thanks, Amy!