Yesterday’s blog post seemed to cause quite a stir with a few commenters. They didn’t get the big picture of the post. Instead, they focused on the minute words about the president—who wasn’t even an integral part of the post. Hatred and anti-Semitism toward Jews was the subject. (In case you haven’t read it: (What Has A Jew Ever Done to
You?)
Now—lets get one thing straight here. This is my blog. And in the time, I’ve been blogging, I’ve managed to keep it fun for the most part.
Don’t make me go all Daffy Duck on you. It’s my blog and I write what I want.
I love and enjoy getting my deeply shallow on. Writing about makeup makes me happy. It is a subject so near and dear to me—especially as I age because I realize that cosmetics are enhancing what was once very visible and now disappearing among the wrinkles.
And yes. You CAN wear highlighter when you are over 60, 50, 70 and older!
And who doesn’t love shiny lips?
And I love sharing new products—and old products and tips of what works and what doesn’t with you.
Come on now! These interchangeable heel shoes by Mestrae–what a fabulous new product!!!
I also love writing about clothing and style. Especially since others have this idea that as we grow older and wiser we should dress in elastic-waisted pants and Velcro sneakers. Not on my watch ladies. Not on my watch.
Let’s wear fancy pants instead!!!
Travel is another subject that I find to be uplifting and entertaining. Especially my misadventures in France with my very proper husband—something of which I am not. I’m not proper.
Three more weeks and we’ll be visiting the namesake street of my husband’s grandfather!
And that’s what it comes down to.
I’ve never pontificated how perfect I am. I’ve never turned my blog into a showcase of “Shop my style” or turned it into a ton of clothing links without a detailed review. Even when I shill my Amazon page you know that I’ll be writing about every product and item I’ll shove in your faces!
Amazon has me hooked on Korean Skincare and Makeup: Shameless Shill
But the other thing I love about this blog is the sense of community that we’ve all become a part of. I think if it more like a neighborhood. We get along. We cry together. We laugh together. We share ideas. We can, for the most part, even disagree with each other. And that’s a great thing because we do it respectfully.
However, I am no pushover. If you come here to tell that I “denigrate” our president. The meaning of denigrate is to disparage or criticize unfairly. I do believe the man in the white house does that at least a dozen times a day when he Tweets.
Do not come to my personal space that I’ve spent time, and a good amount of time to write a heartfelt post to tell me that I am “out of line” on my own blog.
You can tell me I’m out of line or have gone too far by posting a pic of me in my bra (BTW, I did a YouTube video on this bra)..but don’t tell me I’m out of line by defending women, jews and others when the POTUS debases us and encourages hatred. No. Just No!
Here’s the thing—I read quite a few blogs. Some are blogs that I enjoy and at times don’t like what was written but out of respect for the writer, if I really, really disagree I don’t comment. That’s it. I just don’t comment.
If I read your blog and am really offended by what you wrote, I won’t pull a self-righteous Dr. Evil. I’ll just move on and let it slide…………for now.
There have been many, many comments where people have disagreed with me—and in a respectful way. And that’s because this little community is respectful. If you cannot be respectful then don’t click “send” button.
Let’s give a cheer for being respectful–even when it hurts!
And as far as politics go. For those who label me a “Liberal”—you obviously don’t know me and you obviously did not read my post “Don’t Call Me a Liberal”—Allow me to refresh your memory. Don’t Call Me A Liberal–I’m a Humanist!!
And I will not stop writing about my politics. I am not a woman who will sit in a corner and nod my cute little wrinkled head up and down and remain silent. I have voice. And at times that voice goes beyond the makeup, the clothing, the wigs, the humor, the food, the travel and whatever else enters into the empty space between my ears.
If I think people are being treated unfairly, I will say so. I will not stand silent while a man and his cronies in Washington try to take my healthcare away or try to raise the cost because I have a pre-existing condition. I will not shut my yap because I deserve my Social Security when I reach that age. I will not be silenced because of anti-Semitism, or racial hatred.
America is a Melting pot. A stew, if you will, that is made up of the following ingredients. Jews. Irish. Italians. Arabs. Chinese. Japanese. Africans. Creoles. Spaniards. Latin Americans. Brits. Welsh. French. German. And too many ethnic groups to even name. We have assimilated. Some more than others. We all need inclusion. We all need to be treated equally.
All rolled up into one and you have the American Flag!
A couple of commenters stated that I hurt them with the words I used against the president. Wait. You’re a woman and your ok with the fact he calls other women “fat”, “horse face” and speaks publicly about his conquests and calling them by the genitalia? That’ ok to you? It’s acceptable to you to listen to a man speak of how he would date his own daughter? And you find me offensive? Your views toward your own womankind are more hurtful than any words I can muster up!
You know, I could never quite wrap my head around the thought that there are women who do not support women and the proof of women who support a man and a party who think women are second-class citizens is unacceptable for me. There is no difference between these men and those in third world countries—their views on women are the same.
So that’s about it.
I have some new makeup I’ll be writing about and am waiting for new hair.
I’m awaiting for another Justine. She’s such a great head o’ hair and I’ll tell you all about her. Again!
I’m back on a diet for the fifteenth time since August and stressed out as ever. The Fall/Winter wardrobe is in full swing. I forgot to get Halloween candy and ended up going this morning to just about nothing left of which I have already eaten 8 Kit Kat bars and one Peanut Butter Cup. The diet is going very well!
I’m so moved. A few Trick-or-Treaters told me I had GREAT candy! Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!!!
So, have a great Halloween evening and that’s about it.
I just wanted to call a Spade a Spade.
And I wanted to thank all of you who enjoy everything I write about—even my political rants because I ain’t stopping!
Well said! Everything – perfect.
Thanks Juliet!!! XOXOXOXO
okay, don’t thank those of us who don’t agree with EVERYTHING – LMAO!
I love your blog and not just because I mostly agree with your politics, but because you write with such refreshing honesty and with positivity! Please continue doing “you”! And thank you!
Thank you Marysue. I will and I will!!!! XOXOXOXO
Cathe…..I support and agree with what you completely. If there is someone who doesn’t agree with you, then they should just move on and not feel the need to get personal. But, sadly that’s where this country is at at this point. Thank you for such a refreshing blog for women “of a certain age” who enjoy trying to look our best with makeup, stylish clothing and “beautiful hair”.
Hi Toni! Thank you so much! Unfortunately, not everyone “got” that post! Yeah. I definitely feel that if I disagree with a post and I can’t be respectful in my comments, I shut up and move on! XOXOXOXOXO
Bravo, Catherine! You make me proud to be. A follower. Your post yesterday was one of your very best. I keep thinking about those images which brought tears to my eyes.
Hi Martha! Thank you. I almost didn’t do the post this evening but I dunno. I had to let it all out! Yeah–believe it or not, I’m very proud of yesterday’s post too. Anti-Semitism needs to be addressed because it is a subject that is often swept under the carpet. Thank you!! XOXOXOXO
WOW! I am truly impressed! Well said 👍
Thanks Linda! We need to be our own proponents every now and then;LOL!! XOXOXO
Yay You go girl.
My momma always said if you don’t have something nice to say then don’t say anything at all.
This IS your blog, I’ve never thought you rude or offensive.
BTW I enjoy the make up, shoes, wigs & clothing posts. Reading your blog is like we’re hanging out the kitchen drinking coffee together. You know girlfriends. There’s nothing wrong with showing your new bra to your girls especially when it’s as pretty as that one. LOL
Thanks Becca! Right??? My mother said the same thing–especially on a public forum!! Its the same thing with Facebook–I’ll never go onto to someone’s page that I know and start trashing them. I leave that for my own page–LOL! My thing is, you come here to fight welll……………………..I’m gonna fight! We have a great group here and it is like sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee. I think rudeness is just the new normal these days. BTW, I bought new makeup that I’ll be writing about!! XOXOXOXO
Thank you for everything you said, in the last post and this one!
Leah–you are most welcome!!! XOXOXOXO
I just found your blog yesterday from Jody’s Blog and read your blog post and was immediately captivated and subscribed on Facebook. I can’t have anything else go to email – it’s busting! I love your view point! I’m so frustrated with so many and I can see we will get along great.BTW you look great and don’t need a diet but that’s on each of us. Please keep calling a spade a spade
Hi Maggie! Thank you so much! I’m thrilled that you enjoy!!! Thank you again!!! XOXOXOXOX
You go girl….right on ……right on….right on👍🏻
Hey Jane! We shall overcome! I won’t take kindly to anyone who comes on to my blog to bash. I take kindly to respect but not personal bashings! XOXOXOXO
Thank you, Catherine.
Hi Anne! And thank YOU!!! XOXOXOXO
Catherine, I’m with you all the way!! Wow, a visual of all those flags and all that they represent, love it!! Also, check out Willie Nelson (You Tube) on Jimmy Kimmel from last night. You’ll love it! Especially, the second song he performs. I’ve watch it twice and I feel so good, love him!!
Okay, it’s wine time with tootsie roll chaser, lol…
Happy Halloween!!
Hi Renee! OMG. I can’t stop singing that Willie Nelson song. It’s greatness!!!!!! Thank you for letting me know about that!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXO
I’m Sooo happy you watched it!!! Gotta love Willie!!!
Well said Cath.
Thanks Anna!!! XOXOXO
Hi Catherine! It’s Nancy from Phoenix again–I read every day but don’t comment often. I do, however, appreciate your chutzpah, your candor, your pro-aging philosophy (I’m almost your exact same age) and your make-up and wig reviews. And of course, most importantly, I share your views on he-who-shall-not-be-named currently residing in the WH. If only POTUS was Michael Douglas in the film The American President. Or even Kevin Kline in Dave. Or, don’t I wish–Jeb Bartlett in the holy West Wing. But no. I keep hoping I’ll wake up and find that November 2016 was a sad, sick dream.
Just writing to say Sister, keep it up! I know you could go all medieval on POTUS, because his daily presence is just too too OTT. But you are restrained and classy. And if other folks can’t deal, don’t visits the blog again.
Slay, Queen, and hopefully the electorate will wise up and rise up and start to fix things next week! Stay cool, Cath.
Hi Nancy and thank you for your words of support! It’s true. I go OTT at home and then my husband turns the TV off because he can’t bear the sound of my screeching. I won’t write on my blog what I say IRL and the point is—the blog was about anti-Semitism–and NOT that thing in the white house. He was just a small blib and I honestly feel that some of these people are bots. I do believe those Trumpsters are the ones who cross the line!! XOXOXOXO
It’s your blog. Write on!
Thank ya KB. Write on and forward march!!! XOXOXOXO
I thought what you said was purrrfectly fine I had no issues. My issue right now is my water heater blew today after putting in a new well yesterday. Now that is something to bitch about!
Toodles
Debe. You are a million percent correct. That IS something to bitch about. Ouch!! Hope it got fixed!!! XOXOXOXO
I love your blog and that you stand for what you believe..keep being you and ignore those that will always find something to complain about…you are fabulous and such a fun girlfriend! 😘
Thanks Girlfriend!!! But Sharon–you proved a great point. No matter what–some people will always find something to complain about–it never fails!!!! Thank you!! XOXOXOXO
Hi, Catherine, love you, love your blog!!! Write on, sister!!!
Thank you Kelly!!! XOXOXOXO
Amen!
LOL Thanks Leslie! A to the wo-men!!! XOXOXOXO
Just yes to both posts. And, thank you for using your voice and influencer platform for the greater good.
Thanks Kris! And remember, anything I shill–I’ve used!! LOL!! XOXOXOXO
You were very gracious when I said I don’t like jeans with holes in them!
LOL!!! Thanks Jean. That’s because I know that not everyone likes jeans with holes in them!! You’re great!!! XOXOXOXOX
Good.For.You! You tell ‘em!! I appreciate and respect everything you wrote- especially your post about hatred.
Thanks Maureen! XOXOXOXO
You go girl! I’m a Canadian fan (proud liberal as are 85percent of Cdn) of your blog. Canadians are mystified as to why Americans don’t have universal healthcare. I have had it all of my life and have NEVER had to worry about healthcare bill. In 2014 I had a medical crisis and was in the hospital for over a month. My American friends immediately ask about the cost. What cost???? Was reply! My husband had to pay for parking to visit me. And please none of this nonsense that our care is not good. I was in a new hospital with topnotch staff and hospital equipment. Don’t let the Republicans hoodwink you to thinking you can’t have healthcare for all. It is lovely. Take Care
Hey Jan. Yeah. My husband is completely flummoxed over our healthcare. It’s atrocious. Every single person in these United States needs healthcare and we should have had a universal plan years ago! Instead the politicians and lobbyists gave carte blanche to the insurance and pharmaceutical companies. White collar thieves!!! XOXOXOXO
I enjoy coming here to read you precisely because you call a spade a spade. I know we have big differences (for example, I’m a Queer woman), BUT I just know we would get along if we had a cuppa together, & I value the integrity with which you run this community, your blog content, and your Humanist politics- please don’t change! From Down Under, GG ❤
Hey GG! Nah–we’re not that much different. Straight/Queer–we’re alI women and need to support each other. It’s the haters who make others believe we’re different!! XOXOXOXOX
Oh that is so true! Good on you Catherine- your attitude rocks 💪🏼❤
I applaud, agree with and second every single word. If you and others don’t keep on saying how you feel and what is wrong then we are lost. This is your personal domain, we are here as your guests, and those who don’t like what you say or stand for, then-bye bye!
Hi Judy! Exactly! And if someone feels that strongly, then they should be writing their own blog! Since when can’t a woman have a thought about politics. It’s insane. It really is, too many women allow men to be the alpha dog. I’m the alpha bitch! XOXOXOXO
High five to you Catherine!
*jumps up to give Angelin a high five back* XOXOXOXOXO
Yes, absolutely Catherine, High Five to you! You say what you want – it’s your blog – and actually how could you not say what you did. We have to have more tolerance and more understanding. I write a lot about our ridiculous Brexit on My Other Blog https://myotherblog.bn9.co.uk and my stance is a lot about the whys and hows of that vote. But my writing of that and your writing of this recent atrocity is about stopping those small steps to fascism. You go girl and do your bit – I love you writing about this as much as any post on eye shadow and clothes. More power to you and women like you, Catherine.
With love xxx
Hi Penny. More women need to have a voice. I’ll tell you, I love reading about the fun stuff but so many women bloggers–especially women bloggers our age, are so effing superficial and only concentrate on the links to shopping. They do not want to get political because they don’t want to lose followers. I can’t even. I left a “fierce” facebook because of that. I have no patience for women with no substance or guts!! XOXOXOXO
Catherine, I liked your blog about hatred… Ellie Cohen
Thank you Ellie!!! XOXOXOX
Hear hear Cathe! I really enjoy your intelligent, thoughtful posts on politics and respect your right to air your views on your blog. It’s like I said yesterday, nowadays people seem to have lost the ability to respectfully agree to disagree. I’ve read many a blog which contained views that I considered horse shit, but of of respect for the writer I usually refrain from leaving a comment or disagree in a polite manner.
The reason that I love your blog is precisely that you do call a spade a spade!
Btw, just seen Barbra Streisand on national tv here in the UK “denigrating” the POTUS!
Hey Fiona. OMG. I’ve read blogs like that to, and I just don’t finish reading. I refuse to add comments that are disrespectful to the writer. Period. Ohhhhhhhhhhh I would have loved to see “Baw-bra” denigrating the thing!!!! XOXOXOXO
Pingback: Calling a Spade a Spade. Let Me Make Myself Clear… | Atypical 60 – International Badass Activists
You tell ‘em, Cathe! 👍🏻
Thanks Turner! You know I do!! OXOXOXO
You are absolutely right woman!
Thank ya Nancy!!! XOXOXOXO
The mood in our country (USA) is so nasty, and the anonymity of the internet is ripe for the nasty people to say….well….nasty and mean things. Your blog IS your blog. If someone disagrees, just move along. I applaud your guts to say what you feel and believe. The right to express your opinion is one of the things that makes America great!
Oh yeah…………..everyone please VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Gayle. Oh yes. The mood here is also dark and somber. And the filth of the president has allowed others to believe they can bully and say what they want on other’s turf. It’s a stunning example of how one man can cause an entire group of people to behave like animals. He’s the zookeeper. XOXOXOXOXO
Your post yesterday was perfect and thought provoking. I hope you do more of those. I continue to try to wrap my head around the idea that we have this person in the Oval Office. It’s unreal. It’s also shocking to me that any woman can support his antics. He could definitely do some things to change the tone of hate in this country, but he refuses. I likes to keep his “base” riled up. Trump thrives on chaos. I guess it’s quite telling when I, a lifelong Democrat, look back to the days when George W. Bush was in the White House. At least he wasn’t vile!! Trump and his Regime are evil and inhumane. They’d have to do something respectable for me to respect them.
Those people who came in to blast you for writing about hate in America – completely out of line. Of course, one of them couldn’t resist commenting on this post, too. Seems to be stalking you, I think. It’s your blog. If they don’t like what you are saying, they shouldn’t instigate an argument. But you see, they are just taking a page from Trump’s book – attack dog! Civility is lacking on the Internet. People haven’t learned to moderate themselves. You see it everywhere.
Anyway, kudos to you. I fear for the direction our country has gone and is going, and hope with all my heart that we can turn things around.
Thank you VavaYou bring up great points! Trump is a Nationalist–just like Hitler. Period. But the thing is, he stirs the pot and then sits back because it’s all about him. He riles up the masses who live in shacks and who make meager wages and these people who support him–Trump doesn’t give two shits about them. All he cares about is his power, his naughty thoughts about his daughter and money. For him.
And that post from Tuesday was about anti-semitism and a few commenters (probably bots) took it upon themselves to make it about Trump. It’s a sick cycle. I honestly do not know how ANY woman can support that filth. He has no moral code and it’s disgusting. Oh I could go on!!! XOXOXOXOXOX
Catherine, you are truly an inspiration–beautiful, funny, smart and courageous! Thank you.
Thank you so much Nancy!!!!!! XOXOXOXO
YES!! Finally someone who will speak out publicly about the lack of civility and human kindness in the White House…but most of all, an imperfect person who doesn’t claim otherwise. Keep up the wonderful work!
Hi Lynn! Thank you. And lack of civility and human kindness, along with a lack of empathy should NOT be the new normal and yet it is. I can’t wrap my head around this–what do children think–that’s its ok to bully and lie because the president does it? Not on my watch. I’ll never respect that filth and filth is what he and his cronie members of congress are and I hope they all get voted out! XOXOXOXOXO
Hi Catherine
I’ve been following you for about a year now…..and am always delighted when a new post appears in my inbox.Your blog is always a joy to read ….funny, informative and most importantly honest to who you are .Your reaction to the nay sayers and criticisms is perfect and had me whooping in agreement !! Everyone has a right to their opinion and many of us are not brave enough or do not have an opportunity to express them . As a blogger you open yourself up and give something of your real self every time you post. That in itself is a brave place to put yourself . Well done you for your heartfelt ,sincere writing……keep doing what you do ….your “community” needs you !!! xx
Helen=–thank you so much for your encouraging and kind words. Right now they mean an awful lot to me. I am grateful!! XOXOXOXO
BRAVO! best blog to date 🙂
Thank you El!!! XOOXOXOXOXO
Brava! Thanks for sticking up for those of us who maintain that it is possible to feel and speak passionately without being somehow disloyal to your country, when those whose job it is to support that country and its constitution are, in the eyes of many, working to undermine it. I never doubted that you would continue, and I am glad to hear you say so!
Marsha–thank you for bringing that up! I LOVE my America and want her back. My husband immigrated here because HE loves America. America gave him opportunities he could not achieve in France. I want the loving and welcoming and kind America back–not the one Trump has made…………….XOXOXOXO
This is why this blog I love your blog! I just couldn’t agree more with everything you said!
Hi Charlotte!! Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXO
Well said and honestly I agree with you – if you asked what people thought, if they agreed with you or not then sure, bring it on but do so respectfully. However, if you are sharing your thoughts then that’s a different story – there’s no need to comment if you have nothing nice to say. I swear some people are just looking for a fight – on the freaking internet! Clearly we all love your candor, your wit, and your honesty you go, girl!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you Kellyann!!! I honestly think people are looking for an argument as well. There’s no point in being argumentative. I love a great and respectful debate but for those looking for an arguement or wanting snark. No……… XOXOXOXOXO
Ahh I’m glad to find you (back) Catherine. I was wondering why so were so “mild” these last months, sometimes too politically correct (in my opinion).
Here it the blog I like most, for your opinion, for your enthusiasm, for your capacity to be moved, angry or happy about something, like every women at each age should be. I like that, whatever happen, you just do not ACCEPT and say it. No lamb in you lol (not to say that other women are) and it is good also to mean that, even if women have wrinkle, they still have brain and can think by themselves. I might be too vehement but eh, again I am french and I especially value the possibility to have my own opinion, thank you very much.
Yes this is your blog and I do not think you were insulting in your previous blog post.
Anyway, again, I’ll be more than happy to meet you in paris when you come. Please then send me an email if you have time and if you are willing to meet me too.
Can i just say…I. LOVE. YOU.
Preach it, sister! I adore you and your voice and your refusal to back down. But I am going to offer one criticism…but I think you may actually like my critique! It is simply this…I despise the idea that America is a melting pot! When we speak of melting pots, I picture fondue where all of the lovely ingredients meld into one giant unidentifiable blob of goo…albeit delicious goo, but nondescript with zero interesting qualities that are apparent to the eye. I much prefer the idea that America is more like vegetable soup…where each separate ingredient remains in tact and identifiable for all of its beautiful characteristics. The vibrant shade of orange of your carrots, the fun little shapes of peas and corn, the hearty quality of potatoes. Without melding together into a blob of boring sameness, the components of vegetable soup bring their perfectly unique qualities together to create a perfect harmony of flavor and nutrition. All the while remaining true to themselves and standing out among the crowd of produce. I want to live in vegetable soup not melted in a pot!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
And I commented on your previous post, but it seems to have disappeared into internet abyss (I even posted it twice). But that post, my friend, was beautiful and eloquent and heartbreaking and spoke volumes about the world we live. Unfortunately, it is just that…the world we live in. It is filled with darkness and light, good and evil, for all of time this battle has been going on and I suspect it will go on forever as such. And while the two can exist in the world together, they cannot exist in the same place at the same time together. Darkness will snuff out light just as light will snuff out darkness…so just keep shining your light! It’s all we can do sometimes.
Hugs to you,
Shelbee
I’m just back from a break and catching up on your blog. As a Jew I am appalled and heartbroken by the events of last week in Pittsburgh and think that your post was just brilliant and heartfelt and I thank you for it. Antisemitism is a problem here in the UK and our synagogues and schools all have security, albeit not armed. Not a good state of affairs.
This blog is yours for you to say what you want and not a platform for readers to be disrespectful to you and your views. If they don’t like or agree with them they can stop reading. After all why would you want to follow a blog of someone with whom you disagree so vehemently.
When “he” says or does something unbelievable or shocking I always look for your comments, but you have been amazingly restrained for a long time. Thank you for speaking out now. I agree with everything you have said.
Continue in your usual vein. Your blogs are always interesting and well written, and if you want to comment on politics feel free.
Have a good trip to Paris. I look forward to hearing all about it.
Susan D
I agree, hatred happens when people don’t see the big picture. Nothing is ever accomplished without mutual respect. Why is this so difficult?? Please don’t stop sharing your stories, your memories, your recipes, your travel adventures, your expertise or your opinions with us Cathy. You are a beautiful person with a beautiful family, and we are lucky to know you through your blog. Peace to all 💕