Whatever Happened to Aging Gracefully

In anticipation of an upcoming trip, I decided that I needed something appropriate to wear while visiting the churches in Italy.  I haven't purchased any clothes in well over a year and decided it was time.  What a shock to my system.  I knew I was gaining weight when my dad was dying but he was my priority and taking care of myself wasn't something I was thinking about.  But seeing myself in the awful lighting with full length 3 way mirrors reflecting me from every angle was horrifying.  Had I really gained that much weight? - a trip to my scales upon arriving home confirmed it.  I knew I'd let myself go but this couldn't be.  Had I really aged that much?  A good look in the mirror for the first time in years confirmed that yes I had.  Where had all those spots and wrinkles come from.  Why was my face looking so puffy?  When did everything start sagging so much? 

Truth be told I haven't been taking care of myself for years.  There was always someone else to take care of.  But now after this thorough self-examination I have to admit that something must be done.  I'm in my mid-fifties and hoping it's not too late.  The irony of it all is that I'd promised myself that I would make my fifties the best time of my life and really focus on taking care of myself.  I lost 25 lbs. without much effort - then my mother died before my 51st birthday and the nightmare began.  I've been steadily gaining weight ever since then.  While I've read that stress can really age a woman, I'm can confirm that this is a fact as I'm looking in the mirror at living proof.  So as soon as I return from my upcoming trip serious new lifestyle changes are going to be kicked into gear and self-discipline will be needed.  

In the meantime, I'm looking for older inspiration.

 

 

 

 

 

A Rich Fantasy Life

Sometimes while working on the budget I wish I was rich.  Today I will indulge that fantasy. 

I would dress in beautiful clothes and go power shopping with my chauffeur. 

Meet my elegant friends for lunch.

Then head home to my elegant chateau...

which is spotlessly clean of course.

and enjoy an afternoon riding through the pastoral bridal trails on my estate.

Return for a nap before dinner.

Sit down for a wonderful meal with my family prepared by our personal chef and staff.

Relax after dinner with a nightcap.

Then retire to my beautiful boudoir for a peaceful nights sleep.

There are actually people who get to live like this.  Not me unfortunately, so its back to reality, budget restraints, work, cleaning and deciding what to make for dinner - again.  SIGH.

Images: 1/4/5. Tumblr, 2. Image of Inès de La Fressange - unknown, 3/4. Designer Michael Smith, 6. Four Seasons, Milan, 7. Ralph Lauren, 8. House Beautiful