I’ll tell you; this pandemic has literally taken a toll on me. And I’m not the only one. We’ve all been affected by life in 2020. The New Year may have garnered hope for one month but from February on it spiraled downhill.
Jobs were lost. Loved ones became fatally ill. Survivors who caught the COVID-19 virus were lucky and some were affected with permanent damage. Working from home became the new normal. Masks are the newest and most-needed accessory.
Forget earrings and lipstick! These days it’s the mask that matters!
We don’t socialize. We don’t go to movies. We don’t go to concerts. Restaurants—the ones that haven’t closed, do mostly take out these days and when patrons do go out for a meal, are seated at a safe distance.
Whether a first-run or a film revival such as watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s on the big screen. It’s gonna be awhile–hopefully! Seriously. There’s nothing like a movie at the theatre!
This pandemic has left me with an 18-pound weight gain that is almost impossible to rid myself of and a depression that is battled every day. I’m so spent by the time I arrive home from work that there is no energy left to do even the simple things—such as a walk around the block or stretching to keep my body limber.
To be honest, this isn’t too far removed from what my gut looks like at the present!
Yes. I am lucky to have a job. I realize that. I work for two women who are wonderful superiors. I just don’t like what I do. There is no creativity. There is no humor or excitement. It is mundane and wearing on me. But still, it’s a paycheck and medical benefits. I cannot complain about that.
Me upon arriving home from the office. Every. Single. Evening.
And I did some deep thinking. Pondering if I should even continue the blog or let it fade into cyber-oblivion.
Do I REALLY want to give up on my blog?
My spirit for writing has been at bay and I’ve felt awful about it. I love writing. I love expressing my thoughts and having those words mean something to people. When I can write with heart, it can touch emotions. And that is important.
And I went back to the past. 2015. To my first blog post. I started a blog to keep my sanity. At the time, the company I worked for closed. It was the second consecutive company I worked for that closed. It wasn’t the best of times for me. And it wasn’t the best of times for others because they were going through many of the things I was going through.
This photo is from my second-ever Blog post: A Great Weekend In Brooklyn and remains my favorite post ever. It was the greatest weekend. All three kids were living in New York. Oona wasn’t in Ohio and Jake wasn’t in Los Angeles. They gifted me and Bonaparte with the best weekend ever! Here it is to enjoy once more! A Great Weekend in Brooklyn
When this blog was young, it was filled with fun stories. Just filled with things I liked, travel, food, clothes and makeup—with a few wigs thrown in. Writing made me happy.
And that is what I need to return to. The blog isn’t meant to garner millions of readers—it’s meant to appeal to those who can relate to a typical woman in her 60’s and what life brings. When I post a photo, it isn’t photoshopped or filtered to high heaven. It’s me. Not a catfish or a phony, touched-up photo. It’s real.
Hello Darling! No photoshop here but I must admit that sunglasses are a great beauty asset! It’s very Breakfast a Tiffany’s!
Nobody is perfect in this lifetime and if anyone tries to persuade you their life is perfect, then they are delusional. Flawed is so much more interesting than perfection. We are all flawed—whether physically, spiritually, emotionally or any other way. We are flawed. And that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Alright. I stand corrected. Mary Poppins is perfectly perfect! But I’m not Mary Poppins!
My life is perfectly flawed. And I would not have it any other way.
It’s also important to showcase aging. Real aging. We don’t get the jobs we should get. We don’t receive the pay we deserve. America’s mature demographic is pretty-much thrown to the wayside in favor of youth, youth, youth.
Enlarged pores, lines, sagging skin, discoloration, dryness…it’s all part of the aging process. It happens!
And proof of the cosmetics and skincare industries showcase that youth with the use of “anti-aging”. I’ve said it a million times. Your anti-age when you stop living. It is pro-age.
Did I decide to continue the blog?
You bet I did! Where else can I go to bitch and complain or vent? Where else can I share tips on makeup and clothing—especially when activewear is the new uniform? Where else can I go to make others chuckle at my mistakes. It’s here!
Seriously. Where else can I go to bitch and whinge and complain? It’s here!!!
Oh. And before I go, please allow me to share a huge Oops that I made yesterday.
Yeah. This is a bigly OOPS!
Bonaparte has expressed his concern about my wanting to go vote in person. He sat me down and very pragmatically explained to me that, at 65, I wasn’t exactly in my “Youssss” anymore (“youth” for those not aware of his French accent). He reiterated at how the virus is making a stronger return and that I could be standing in hours to vote—and being docked pay because in this country, we don’t have an important Presidential election as a national holiday. He also brought up the subject of bad weather and le blah, le blah, le blah.
I caved in and told him that I would, in fact, vote by mail. At this juncture I was very excited!
On Friday evening, while enjoying our aperitifs, we filled out the copies of the ballots that were mailed to us—for practice so I would not screw anything up.
Now—the process in Pennsylvania is such that you complete the ballot, place it into a secure envelope in which you sign your name, date the envelope then seal said envelope. Then the secured envelope with the ballot inside is placed into another envelope. And it is either mailed via USPS or placed into a drop box in your local municipality.
This was the dopiest mistake I’ve ever made. In 65 years!!
It’s simple enough. Right?
Um. Wrong! I messed up!
We were at the table, completing our ballots on Saturday morning before driving to the drop box in Norristown.
I thought I did everything correctly until Bonaparte noticed my “secure” envelope, without ballot, sitting on the table while the ballot was sealed in the wrong envelope.
I tore the envelope and basically ruined my mail-in vote. And while the Frenchman was able to place his ballot in the drop box in Norristown, with the smallest line ever, I cried the rest of the day.
It was explained to me that I can go to the Voter Services office to obtain a second ballot, envelope, etc., but I don’t know if it will transpire in time. So, I may have to vote in person after all.
You know, the thing that kills me about all this is at work, I’m so cautious and organized. I have checklists for everything! And when it comes to my personal life, I’m the exact opposite. At work, everything has its place. Don’t ask me where my iPhone charger is at home—it’ll take a tour of every outlet in the house to find it.
And this is the election that really matters. Goodness v. bad. Empathy v. nastiness. I could go on but I won’t.
So, do yourself a favor—it you are doing the mail-in vote, make a checklist and check it not twice but thrice. Don’t do what I did!
I’m off to write another blog post. See ya later!
I would so wear this outfit! I’m off to write another post–about clothes!
I’m thrilled you decided to continue your blog . Your writing is sheerly delightful !
Thank you Patti! XOXOXOXO
I am very, very happy that you have chosen to continue this blog because I LOVE it. Thank you! I know life can suck. Trust me, I too have been through it all – divorce, job loss, natural disaster, cancer, children growing and leaving, etc, etc – AND you are right that it is these experiences that make us richer. If we ate bonbons all day and nothing challenging every happened we would be a bunch of mooks. We are compassionate because we have been through the worst of it – – which brings me to that vote. No matter how hard it becomes now, I know you will get that vote in. Trump has been whining about how he needs PA. No way, PA, kick him out!
I am very much looking forward to hearing more about his royal highness, the coming grandbaby!
Hi MaryEllen! I did my duty to kick that orange pos out of office. Ugh. I cant even look at his filthy puss on the tv. See..I’m so happy now that I am back whinging and bitching! I CAN’T stop the blog-LOL! XOXOXOXO
I was so afraid you were going to say you are so depressed/down that you’re taking a break….TG you will still do your “bitching” and “whining” here!
I have often thought blogging is very therapeutic and gives you a chance to share your woes with others in the same boat. Thanks for your candor and experiences that can help everyone make it through another day.
Hi Tony! You know, you’re right, blogging IS therapeutic. I got off the blogging wagon but Im back on for the ride and navigation! Thank you so much for your support! XOXOXOXO
I’m so glad you continue to blog. One by one I’ve stopped following blogs of over 50 and over 60 women who seem to have nothing to do but buy or be gifted new clothes from sponsors. Sure, it’s nice to see the pretty outfits they create in the staged scenes in beautiful locales, but there’s nothing of substance. I don’t have lots of disposable income to continually purchase new clothes, shoes, or accessories. I haven’t bought a single article of clothing this year, but I have bought about eight pairs of earrings since ear lobs don’t get larger with weight gain!
I’m happy that you have a job with nice supervisors since you are so right that people our age are for the most part thought of as behind the times and useless. And it’s so wonderful that your cataract surgery was such a success and that you are soon going to see Oona.
Please keep blogging and just know that even though your readers don’t comment with each one, your efforts and your honesty are enjoyed and very much appreciated!
I’m sure lots of us hope that you continue the blog, Catherine — it’s disarming, and honest, and fun!
Thank you for continuing your blog. I love the realness of it! Life is messy – and I’m so glad we get to see that in others. Perfection is boring. The best characters have wonderful flaws!
Thank you Hope! And you nailed it. Life IS messy and we aren’t perfect! I will happily continue with my realistic and fun mess–like a messy bun!! XOXOXOXOXO
Thank God you’re back on your blog, Catherine. This pandemic is difficult to deal with but having no posts from Catherine is unbearable! Thank you for being so honest to post pictures of the real ‘you’ (no make -up at all), it is reaffirming to see a similar face to my own before the make-up transformation. Regarding your voting ‘faux pas’, when you’re stressed, it’s so easy to make mistakes. It could happen to anyone. Take care and cut yourself some slack. I read quite a few blogs and your’s is my favourite by far!! 😀
Cathe….I am happy you will be continuing to blog. You are so relatable and there aren’t many bloggers who speak to me the way you do in your writings. I don’t know if it’s because you are a NY girl but I see myself in you.
This pandemic has taken a toll on so many of us. I am typically an upbeat, active person but I, at times, find myself feeling so sad. Also, the current political climate is overwhelming on a daily basis. I am trying hard to find joy in something every day and I thank God for my two grandsons who keep me laughing. I am thrilled that you will be going to see Oona shortly. Seeing her growing belly will do you good.
You are a breath of fresh air to many of pro-angers.
Just a simple thank you 🙏
I’m so glad you’re not quitting! I follow many blogs that feature over 50, over 60 women. And all they want you to do is shop for mostly expensive clothes or candles or tea. I mean, come on, I didn’t shop that much when I was working, why would I now?? You are an honest breath of fresh air. I too mis my travels to France, I too have thinning hair, I too have had frights about my hubs and my own battle with/ongoing fear of cancer. It’s good to be human and find out others are too.
Oh and our ballots for mailing are the same as yours! it took me 4-evah to figure it out but it got there. And your vote will too!
Hugs,from Kentucky
I love your blog. Hang in there!!
Thank you Nancy! XOXOXOXO
So so very happy that you decided to continue blogging. You always bring a smile to my face when I read your blog.
Not having read your blog in 2015 I hadn’t read the post about Brooklyn. What an amazing gift from your children. They obviously know you so well to give you such an incredible gift.
Also glad to see you care so deeply about the importance of your vote.
Love you, Catherine!!! Keep on blogging, Sister, we need you!!!
Ditto what everyone said. Your blog is like a letter from an old friend. I’m always interested in what you have to say. So glad you’re keeping with it.
So glad you’re continuing the blog, Cath, I enjoy you tremendously!
I love your blog!!! It is one of the few blogs that I can relate to as a 60+ woman. Please know that I so enjoy your blog; it puts a smile on my face. Plus your fashion sense is awesome! Don’t ever change.
PLEASE PLEASE keep blogging…we need the HONEST reviews you give us…not recommendations because they are sponsored. I can always relate to your posts…I feel like we are friends and would be so sad to lose that…especially now.
Thank you Catherine, love your blog!
Thanks Kathleen! XOXOXOXO
I can feel your pain. I have experienced very bad depression also. It worries a me. Thank goodness I have not gained weight. I did break my wrist during this time and that was. A hard thing since
It was my dominate hand. No crafts!!! Alcohol has been my friend. It not to an excessive amount. Masks are not fun. Whine, Bitcoin h, moan. So glad you are not giving up the blog. I have tried many of the makeup products you write about. If I need a wig some day I know just where to get the info. Thank you.
I’m so glad that you’re going to keep blogging. I was wondering what effect your cataract surgery has had on your work routine.
Ditto to all the other comments!!! But more importantly I NEED those glasses. Any idea where I can get a pair?
Catherine… I’ve been following your blog for over 2 years and this is my first time commenting. I’m your exact age,and have been so encouraged by your blog posts. The realness, humor and honesty have been refreshing and inspiring to me on so many occasions. You may never know the lifeline you’ve given to so many women. This has been a challenging year for everyone,but I often (daily) remind myself that this is only temporary and that I’m not alone in my feelings of isolation and often sadness. Somehow knowing we’re all in this together brings comfort and often reminds me to reach out and encourage someone else who is in the same boat as all of us. Though we will probably never meet in person I want to simply say – THANK YOU for taking time to share your life with such honesty. You’ve been a difference in my life!
Thank you Bobbie! You made me tear up-I didn’t have time to get a tissue so I used my arm (good thing the husband didn’t see that or he would be disgusted at my slob ways). We ARE in this together and together we shall continue! XOXOXOXOXO
I use to say I feel like a different person from 15 years ago (menopause, parents passed away, kids grown, etc), but now I’m a different person from just the past 8 months with the pandemic, civil unrest, hurricanes, fires, and the political climate. Thanks for continuing to write. I enjoy the reading and the connection to you, like we’ve been friends from high school. But not to be selfish, I also understand how coming home exhausted at the end of the day and only wanting to jump into comfortable clothes and chill. Don’t ever feel obligated to write, I’ll be grateful for any content you wish to share. Take care and relax. Xoxo
I’ve been following Atypical 60 for quite a few years now and I feel as if I know you personally. Events in my life have been shared with you as you have shared your joys and sorrows with us all. You inspire me to keep on keepin’ on and I’m so grateful to you for that…You can look forward to many years of me hanging in there with you for as long as you feel inspired to write.
Liz. As a fellow elder (see what you taught me), I’m happy to have your friendship! Thank you so much! XOXOXOXO
I hope we can teach our fello pro-angers that they are elders, not “elderly”…❤️💚
I love your blog. You are a breath of fresh air. I love your honesty about aging and especially enjoyed reading about your cataract surgery since I was scheduled to have this done after you. I believe you are an inspiration to older women.
Oh my goddess..girlfriend when I don’t see a post from you I worry then check Insta for an update. At least that’s a bit less time consuming for you. Keep up your blog it might help with your depressed state but if you still are feeling down…use those health benefits you work so hard for and call the doc. IMPORTANT ok? You are so funny and so real…not ‘I have to pee’ posing in your ‘gifted’ bags…you know THAT pose….you source those puppies on line then put in the work of spiffing them up…talking about those Coach’s Gucci’s etc that you have rehabbed…now that’s the kind of blogger I want to follow! Don’t you find it ironic that these 60+ bloggers are pushing the cashmere and Lo bags and Hermés scarves to women who are retired and might not have the finances nor inclination to fill their boudoirs with more ‘stuff’…frankly I would rather have a good laugh or read about a lovely trip or great dinner or see a beautiful grandchild.! Call me Ima Crone……but this pandemic, this year has been a shit show on so many levels I feel your pain, we all feel it! One thing about 2020 it invited everyone of us to the party, no body was left out.
Keep on blogging, you’re good at it ( honestly not everyone has the knack…) stay well…
We love you.
Momcat
Thanks, Momcat! I always feel you’re reading my mind with your comments!
Cathe, love to read you, youtube you, and instagram you. You are down to earth, and so human. Ladies please vote…we all need a BREAK.
MAE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m so glad to be replying to you. For some ungodly reason your comment got lost in my back pages! Yeah. It’s been tough but after reassessing everything, I realized that this blog is more than a blog for me. It’s therapeutic and gives me a chance to just be real! Don’t even get me started on the women our age who are traipsing around Instagram in the ridiculousness of the luxury items and telling everyone to go on “like to know it”. It’s an exercise in vulgarity! I stopped following quite a few of them. I just can’t deal with phony. And not everyone is in that elusive one percent! WTF? No way am I spending a ton of money on a freaking poncho or wrap or whatever it is they shill! I love you too girlfriend! XOXOXOXO
I found you when I was searching for information on wearing wigs! Little did I know that a ‘friendship’ of sorts was being formed! I am a 66 year old ( young) wife, mother of five and grandmother of 22! I live in the Midwest ….in the country….so your life is a window that allows me a view of a different life! But…though different, we have many similarities! Just want you to know that I look forward to each of your posts and everyone makes me smile! Love how real you are and say what you think and feel! Stay safe…stay strong…and don’t change! You are a breath of fresh air…especially during these crazy times! DRS❤️
Hi Donna! And thank you so much! Hey–it’s a great thing to be different yet similar-it awakens us in so many ways! XOXOXOXO
Keep up blogging, fellow blogger! I don’t have much time to write (or read) meaningful articles these days. Life and work are too busy, but I miss it. Yes, writing, and reaching out to like-minded folk, our readers, does help in times like these. I hope you continue blogging for a long time. I promise to do the same. Take care of yourself Cathe. Bisous from Paris. Véronique (France with Véro)
Salut Veronique! Yes. I am going to keep blogging. Writing soothes me. It’s just been such a weird year. Our Paris trip for next month has been cancelled but my husband is somewhat relieved due to the new curfews. Instead, I’ll be visiting my daughter so that’s a great thing. Paris agrees so much with you and I love living vicariously through your little video clips! They make me happy! Thanks so much for your support! XOXOXOXO
Hi. I’m soooo relieve to read that you will carry on blogging. Like so many comments above, I really value your thoughts, opinions, funny comments and recommendations from time to time. You really have a gift for communication. Please take care though and we will be patient if you can’t write as frequently or as much. I’m one of your UK readers but follow your travails in the US with interest. I hope you can vote ok – every one is needed! If only we had a chance to kick our lot out! All the very best to you and your family xx
Your blogs are so sincere, fun and down to earth!! I honestly love everything you do!! You are an amazing woman!!!
I’m so pleased you posted but so sorry you are having such a rough time, to be honest it’s understandable isn’t it – you think over your last year… you’ve been through the mill. I’m really happy you are going to keep blogging – but that’s probably self interest as I enjoy your blog so much partly for your humour and partly for your honesty. But anyway what about you? I hope that you can get help/support to get you through this – depression, stress, anxiety are not the thing where you get a badge for heroics and silently suffering take any help offered, take medication or counselling or whatever works… I’m currently on medication due to a work place issue earlier this year that brought things to a head, it made me realise it’s not one thing that tips us over, and oftentimes your inner grit and stoicism has got you into this place. So be selfish and do whatever you need to do – lots of us enjoy your blog, but ignore the need to post if you are not up to it – you will come through this, but be selfish and listen to your needs first. If you ever need a place to talk I’m happy to have a video or messenger talk – you can get me through Facebook links.
As for 16 pounds – pfft that’s nothing 😉
Hi Juliet1 LOL_It’s now 18 pounds! But seriously, you hit the nail on so many things right now. This past year has been a doozey. I thought a lot about my brother this year. I really miss him and I spend most of the year angry that my brother is gone and that thing in the white house still breathes. Bonaparte’s Aunt, Daniele, has been gone for five years so this month has been a bit dicey too. And work–I can’t even. I live for 5 PM each day I’m there. And I have to be selfish and I’m selfishly going to be very happy spending time writing! Thank you so much Juliet! XOXOXOXO
I am so glad you are continuing – I enjoy reading your blog so much! I completely understand the job frustration – you are way to creative and have way too much to offer to be stuck in a job that doesn’t make use of those talents. I also get the paycheck and insurance though and THAT is A LOT. I’m quite good at giving unsolicited advice, so here it is: you have to start a wig fitting/advising service – seriously, you need to be a wig concierge. You know your stuff, you are so good at it and you could help so many women find their way! It is so overwhelming and I would pay a fee to have a Zoom consultation with someone like you who knows their stuff! I’ll be your first client!
xo,
Kellyann
Love your blog and your style!
I’m so glad you decided to continue writing. I love to read your blog, It’s always very enjoyable. Your discussion of employment for women our age helped me to decide to hang in until age 66 to retire. Social security is meager but maybe you could capitalize on your talent for writing and supplement your social security income with income generated virtually. Older demographic women is an untapped resource. I know there are some great ideas out there, (I just don’t have any), I’m not terribly creative but I am a worker bee, it would be nice to come up with a plan that would be lucrative and helpful to women or people in our demographic. I do know that of all the blogs/vlogs that target our age group you’re the only one that’s humorous.
Thank you Jeanne! Hey. I always try to make everyone smile and laugh. Humor, especially lately, is surely needed. And I’m quite flummoxed as to why our demographic is just so ignored and yet, difficult to tap into! But I’ll keep trying! XOXOXOXO
Don’t feel too bad. I have been going through the same ‘blogging blahs’ myself until I read your blog! Hurray! I’m inspired once again and I thanks you:)
Hi Sheryl! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Isn’t it wonderful how we can support and inspire each other!?? thank YOU!! XOXOXO
I am so glad you have decided to continue. Like all the rest, I love your honest and down to earth writing and thoughts. I do not have the means to purchase the things pushed by a lot of the other bloggers and yet still love the makeup and fashion ideas. Your honest opinions are refreshing and fun to follow along with and I hope to do so for a long time. Your posts about the reclaiming of the purses are so great with such good ideas for all of us. I could go on and on, but honestly just happy to hear you will continue for all of our sanity. Even though I am from just north of you in Canada, I feel so very frustrated with the political mayhem right now. Fingers crossed that your vote will be the one. Curl up with Chippy and a blanket and warm drink and know that we are with you.
Thank you so much Diane! Isn’t it amazing some of the ridiculousness some blogs offer? I mean–I don’t have $1,00 to spend on a sweater and if I did, I still wouldn’t spend that money! Most of us can’t afford those luxuries but we can do just as good! And that’s my jam!! XOXOXOXO
I am so relieved that you are going to keep bloggin’! Catherine, you make it real, you give me comfort, and yes, you prove one can be sexy after 60!
Thanks Peggy! Hell yes!!!! We can be sexy and fun and loveable after 60! XOXOXOXOX
I was wondering the other day where your posts are! So glad you are continuing. I made a mistake on my ballot envelope also but it was fixable. I liked the comment about your blog being real. I also get tired of the free clothes and unrealistic blogs. You are real and I feel like we could be great friends!
Oh Peggy! You were lucky to correct your ballot envelope! I just finished a blog post about that error and I think you’ll get a good chuckle Those unrealistic blogs drive me nuts too! It’s really weird! XOXOXOXO
So glad you are continuing to blog. You have lots of stories yet to tell.
I have also put on a few pounds during this pandemic. Let’s try and get out there for a short walk each day – it does wonders for our mental health, too.
Oh Barbara. I’ll tell you, I think I’m going to try to go back to a weekly weight loss post. It is the only way I can be accountable! XOXOXOXO
Oh Catherine, thank you a million times for sticking with us. You are the “real deal” and your realism and honesty is exactly what we need now. I wish we could do for you what you do for us, but perhaps knowing how much we need you helps? I hope so. And besides, we want to go through Oona’s pregnancy and the birth of that gorgeous boy alongside you so I am doubly glad you are continuing! No one else makes me laugh, and cry, as much as you do. THANK YOU xx
Thanks so much Judy! Hey–honesty and transparency are so important to me-sometimes it can be frustrating because I see others on social media who have been able to turn themselves into a business but I thinkthey lose sight of reality. I want to stay normal and honest and real! And Oh…I can’t wait to fly out to Cincinnati in a couple of weeks! I’ll be taking lots of pics of my cute little Oona’s belly! XOXOXOXOXO
I agree with all the comments above. So glad you’ve decided to continue writing and regaling us with your stories. Things that happen to you also happen to us, but in your posts you manage to put a twist on them, leaving me often in stitches!
2020 which brought the pandemic with its restrictions to our doorstep, is not a fun year for anyone.
Here in Paris we’re again partially restricted with curfew from 9pm to 6am.
Theatres and Movie theatres have to cancel their (late) night performance so that people can be home by 9pm.
Restaurants open at 6:30pm now, shocking time for the French, I know 😉 so to not lose all the business. Dessert is takeaway – because, you know, the French like to take their sweet time savouring their meal in good company and a good bottle of wine. There is just not enough time to finish la mousse au chocolat, Tarte Tatin or crème brûlée before 8:30 or 8:45 pm, depending how far away you live from the restaurant .
Please continue with your blog posts, they are a window to the outside world in a time when no one is able to travel abroad. I really, really miss that.
Any new recipes you’ve tried?
Any trips to the seaside? Pictures, please.
Anything that captured your interest on Netflix?
Any festive decorations up yet? I need someone to motivate me. Please motivate me!
Oh, and Chippy, what’s he been up to? 🐶
Hugs!
Thaks B! Yeah. I’m continuing. It’s weird but I had to assess so many things. Mostly why my job affects how I feel when I get home. I think a lot of it rides on the fact that corporate America refuses to give people my age decent career opportunities. Ageism is a filthy thing. Writing the blog always makes me feel better and gets me into a better state! LOL! I’m here and not going anywhere! XOXOXO
Catherine, you are the best! I love reading your blog and am thrilled each time I see a new one. We will all get through this. Your humor makes it easier!
Thank you Barb! I just finished a post about my voting experience–I think you’ll get a good chuckle! XOXOXOXO
Thank God you decided to continue writing your blog! Your blog was where I discovered you and was so enthralled by our similarities and your great story telling skills, quirkiness, sense of humor(I could go on and on), that I went all the way back to the beginning and read each and every entry voraciously! It was like reading my thoughts and it awakened in me a desire to live my life authentically. Growing up in a large Catholic family with five sisters and three brothers, sometimes the pressure to conform can be weighty. I would not wear my wigs or get dolled up in front of them for fear my brother would snatch it from my head at a family gathering. When I read in your blog that you expressed this very same fear, I realized something. I can wear makeup, wigs, where whatever I love, have whatever political opinions I feel and to hell whatever judgement, sidelong glances or eye rolls may come my way. Since discovering you, I have become more direct in my conversation, she’d over 30 pounds, won an over 65 category for wig modeling, lifted a weighty depression and feel that if some people consider self care vain, then call me vain, I call it healthy! So long story short, much love and respect to you dear atheist, I am no longer invisible or silent!❤️❤️❤️
Joan. I love you girl! XOXOXOXOXOX
Love you, too! My typo in last sentence should say dear “Cathe”, not dear “atheist” Missed the Capital C and it autocorrected incorrectly to “atheist”. Yikes!
You can see that we’re all with you and would be so unhappy if you quit your blog. You’re always fun. So keep at it. OMG you have to vote. I’m so worried about the election. So please know that every vote counts. They should really make voting day a holiday. Glad you’re back at it. These are tough times to stay positive, forget that just staying is hard. So I’m with you Cath!
Hi Sandy! Yes. I’ve decided to keep going because I love this blog and the people and everything about it. My time management skills need a bit of a refresh though. I VOTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank God. I tell you I voted like my life depended on it because it does. This is so important! I only hope the end result is the one we hope for! XOXOXOXO
I agree with all the sentiments you’ve received since your last post- I so enjoy reading your blog and hearing your perspective on family/food/fashion! You’ve connected with so many of us who found your space in the virtual world – happy to hear you will continue the blog😘
Thanks Rachael! I’m very happy too! XOXOXOXOXO
I hope you keep going, although I totally understand the pressure it can place on you. I’d be happier with shorter posts if you felt that would be less difficult. As long as I keep ‘hearing’ from you, I’d be delighted.
Hi KB! You wanna hear something funny? I was all set to work on a post about what to wear while losing pandemic weight gain. Then after the debacle with my vote-by-mail, I thought I would write a SHORT POST about the debacle. I did–but it ended up not being short! LOL-I have too much of a big mouth for a short post! XOXOXOXOXO
I agree with all that’s been said as to why we love your blog. If you need a break, take a break – short only – ha ha. We’d miss you if you stopped blogging
Hi Bonnie! And thank you! I took that break and I’m refreshed! I’m writing a list of ideas for future posts! XOXOXOXO
keep on blogging , please !!!!!!! mon amie d’Amérique !!!
Merci Nathalie! Mercie and bisou! XOXOXOXO
Please keep blogging.
I was one of your first followers way back then – I am from Tasmania and since then you have made friends from all over the world.
I second Momcat’s comments and hope you realise how much many of us enjoy reading about your life.
Loved the clothes,cooking, travel and Chippy!
Very warm wishes, Anne.
Hi Anne! It’s so weird because I gave a good read to my first blog posts and realized that there is no way I’m stopping. Sometimes life gets in the way but my blog will always be something I have! Thank you so much for sticking with me and continuing to stick with me! XOXOXOXOX
Hi! So happy you decided to continue to blog!
On a separated (but related) topic, have you seen Wayne Goss latest video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QknQzzYarSE
Much love,
Francesca
Hi Francesca!
Thank you so much! And thank you for that link. I LOVE WAYNE GOSS!! And I’m surprised that video passed me by. I just left a long comment on it! XOXOXOXOXO