Wednesday 3 February 2010

My Dorian Gray moment


One of the things that I love about Josie's weekly writing workshop is that it ensures that I write up my blog regularly. It also introduces me to new blogs and this week I found a very funny one which is well worth following because the post I read had me in stitches and has inspired this one...

I turned 40 last year and unlike turning 30 it was not a cause for great celebration as to me it was a very real sign that I could now be classed by that dreaded term: middle aged. It was only reading some magazines more recently in which the common thought is that 50 is the new 40 that I was able to breathe a sigh of relief. Does that mean I can claim I am really 30 and just like the hobbits have ended my youth and am starting my journey into adulthood?

If only it were that simple. In terms of radio I cannot remember the last time I listened to radio 1. There is loads that I like on radio 4 and more often than not you will find me flipping between Heart and Magic105.4. So what does that make me?

As for wearing what's ultra trendy and cheap because it is only supposed to last one season, I have not been able to do that for a very long time. I now feel like my Mum in that I buy fewer items but of a higher quality. Yet I say to myself that with a body that has survived two natural births this is an inevitable development.

I know I cannot escape my age when I look in the mirror. Hitting 40 has led to an increase in the number of wrinkles - those on the forehead are much deeper now, they only disappear with soft focus on my camera. I am also beginning to see those fine lines around the mouth appear. This is not helped by the fact that with two young children I do not have time for a daily care regime. Add to that the fact that I do not like drinking water and that we live in a very dry house and it starts to make sense.

On Sunday however, I had to face a real horror. My husband claimed he saw three hairs on my chin when he was up close and personal. One of my lasting memories is of my Gran's beard and how bristly her chin felt when we embraced! Does that fate await me too?

In other words age is hardest to ignore in its physical form. Inwardly I feel like the Dorian Gray who everyone knew, outwardly I look like the picture in the attic!!

Well perhaps the picture above is a bit of an exaggeration...!

3 comments:

  1. Love it and thanks for the link. I've got a mole on the side of my face that I've had to pluck a single hair out of for years, I dread the day I become unable and it just grows really long and thick and scares my grandchildren.

    xx

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  2. I think the picture is pretty much like looking in the mirror for me today! At 41 I fear I'm soon to be sporting a goatee. I've decided facial threading is the answer - if not to eternal life - to eternal youth at the very least. It doesnt really hurt. Much! ;-p

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  3. I prefer to think of the facial hair as 'peachy fuzz' although in the wrong light it can look more Teenwolf... the ageing process is life's great irony isn't it? We just don't appreciate it until it's shrivelling up. That said, there's still plenty more life in this old dog and I'm sure the same is true of you Kate!

    Two words: Gillette Fusion (that'll guarantee the bristly effect that Gran had!)

    Px

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