Another Trip Around the Sun: Thoughts on Turning 68
I’ve never been coy about disclosing my age. Nor have I dreaded any age-related milestones. To me, every year marked is a victory. Today I’m celebrating (quietly) my 68th orbit around the sun on this unique and fragile spaceship Earth.
My sizes: Cardigan – XS, Shell – Medium, Pants – Petite 8
(Here’s a similar bag at a fraction of the price!)
While there are certainly some challenges to aging (hello, creaky joints, osteoporosis, hearing loss, sleep challenges), there have been some pleasant surprises too. So if I may be a bit self-indulgent today, I’m going to share a few of them.
Self-acceptance and well-being
It’s taken me until my late 60’s, but I’m content with my body and my looks. I’ve achieved the state of being bien dans sa peau (comfortable in one’s own skin) that I’ve long aspired to. I’ve been able to let go of the obsession with trying to be thinner that has dogged me for most of my life. Shifting my focus over the last few years toward strength, health, endurance, maintaining lean body mass and functional fitness has played a big part.
I’ve always been a feminist, but have been re-examining style through a feminist lens: why we feel we have to be smaller and how power structures inform our perceptions of what “looks good” or not. I’ve expanded my perception of what’s “flattering” beyond that which makes us look thinner/younger/prettier to incorporate what feels expressive of one’s personality, inner self, and values. The more my inner and outer selves feel aligned, the more confident I feel in my style.
(No, I’m not wearing white socks, just have very pale skin on my feet 😂)
I was raised to be a people-pleaser and to value others’ time, feelings, and opinions over my own. The mildest criticism could throw me into a spiral of self-doubt. Over the past decade or so, I’ve been chipping away at that, and taking back my own power. That doesn’t mean not listening to and considering different opinions, but rather not assuming others are always right and I’m always wrong. And remembering that criticism says more about the other person than it does about me.
And while I don’t suffer fools (or telemarketers), I do my best to practice kindness whenever possible. There’s too little of it in the world, still.
What are some of the pleasant surprises you’ve found as you’ve made more trips around the sun?
Outfit notes
I love pairing bright colors and leopard print! The cardigan is from Me+Em, and is 100% cotton. The fabric is soft but substantial. It’s also available in Navy and Tan. The leopard shell is from J.Crew, and I’ve been wearing it quite a bit lately. (Also the matching cardigan; they look great together or separately.)
The barrel-leg pants appear lighter here than they are IRL. (I couldn’t get the color right without the entire image looking too dark.) These are available in a bunch of colors in Regular and Petite sizes. I think they run a little small and went up a size. Use code SUSAN15 for 15% off!
I’ve had that Loewe bag for a couple of years and still love it. (I can’t believe how much it’s gone up in price since I bought mine, though!) This one has a similar look at a much more budget-friendly price.
Slightly off-topic
There’s a lot going on in the world right now, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. While I think it’s important to stay informed and not bury my head in the sand, I also need a space to focus on what brings me joy, and builds community. So I will continue to write about style, color, travel, and lifestyle here. I’ll save my thoughts on other topics for other venues.
IF you are interested* in reading more about current events from people who can present and distill them far more cogently than I, here are some writers whose newsletters I’ve been following: (*and if not, please ignore)
- Heather Cox Richardson is an historian who sends a daily recap of the day’s news with historical context.
- Rebecca Solnit is an amazing writer on a plethora of topics (and the woman who coined the term “mansplaining”)
- Paul Krugman is a Nobel prize winning economist whom I’ve followed for some time. While some of his content is too wonky and in-the-weeds for me, I have learned a lot about economics from reading his columns over the years.
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
Thank you Susan, for your suggestions of people to read and follow. Two I already do.
Thanks for the links to keep current from other sources than what I read.
Loved your post! And thank you for the excellent recommendations on current event writers.
Happy birthday, Susan! And thanks for your perspective and wisdom.
Brava! Happy birthday!
Happy birthday, Susan! Your growth and healthy attitude are gifts for this next year and beyond.
I turned 70 in January. My gift to myself is that I’m not going to do anything my heart doesn’t want to do. (Fortunately, my heart wants many positive and useful things.) But if my heart tells me that I don’t want to do this but am being talked into it, it’s a gentle but firm “no.” My intent is to spend my time doing things I love. (O.K., I’ll still go grocery shopping, but you get the intent!)
We share a birthday! (I’m 71.) I always appreciate your writing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about your life journey.
Happy birthday Susan. As a 1957 baby, I will turn 68 in September. I loved what you wrote about feeling good in your skin. That is hard-won, isn’t it, growing up when we did. On the one hand, we had a outdoor childhood with freedoms, but the “being seen and not heard” and people pleasing was part of my young years also. I’m still working on the kindness piece! Thank you for your words.
Happy Birthday Susan. Thank you for bringing us these excellent postings!
Happy Birthday! Have long enjoyed your sharing of your love of family, fashion, travel and your heritage. Today’s post gives me much to think about and many thanks for sharing your life journey and information about folks commenting on current events. And speaking of journeys – have you ever considered leading a trip with a small group of folks to Paris and or London? Your travel photos, diaries, and trip planning ideas are wonderful and inspiring!
Happy Birthday. Your birthday post was inspired. Thank you
Susan, HAPPY 68th BIRTHDAY! Celebrate in style. Eat the cake and ice cream to mark your 68th time around the sun. I turned 70 in December 2024. I’ve been reexamining many of the same things you talk about in your post. I suppose reevaluating one’s life is natural since we realize that physical life lasts only for a certain amount of time.
I agree with you that self acceptance is a key to living your best life. I was also concerned what people thought of me. I am turning 75 this year and I want to enjoy what is left of my life. I have gotten off most social media and that helps me feel much better.
Feeling comfortable in your own skin is wonderful!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday!
And thanks for sharing your personal journey of acceptance, change and finding joy, I think many of us “of a certain age” can relate.
Happy Birthday Susan. I will be 73 next month and can attest to everything you have said in this post. I am working on always trying for clothing that flatters and moving toward clothing I love wearing.
Thank you for the links for important current events analysis. I already read two of them and they are accurate and helpful. I would also like to suggest a substack site called The Contrarian. I have the free version and they send me pertinent articles twice a day.
Happy Birthday!!
Thank you for bring clothes & colors to wear for different colors. I am a fan!!
Happy Birthday to you, Susan! Your sentiments on self acceptance gained through experience resonate with me as well. Hoping your next year will be abundant with small joys and good health.
Becky
Happy Birthday and best wishes for a year of joy, travel, and community!
Your post is such a breath of fresh air! I can relate that, at 65, I no longer view “flattering” as synonymous with “thinner”. I also find as I age that comfort is just as important to me as style. No more three inch heels, waists that pinch, or fabrics that itch. I gravitate towards strong and compassionate women who are not afraid of style but also are not fans of fast fashion. Which is probably why I enjoy your posts so much!
I love the writers you suggested. It’s difficult to read the news these days but I want to stay informed. I also find reading anything (including fiction) helps settle my brain.
Congratulations and wishing you blessings on your upcoming orbit around the sun!
Self-acceptance-such a wonderful gift to yourself. Wishing you a very happy birthday.
Happy birthday Susan I enjoy your post so much. I am not anywhere like you in size. 5’10inches no curves but somehow your suggestions and style work for me beautifully. .thank you. Have a wonderful day. I just celebrated my 94th birthday
I wish you a very Happy Birthday! I so appreciate the wisdom that you have gained with aging. I am 73 and share many of your understandings. Thank you for your fashion guidance & your life attitude.
Happy Birthday, Susan!! Have you seen Annie Lamott’s WaPo columns on aging?
Quite funny and true. I’ve a couple years on you, and yes, things do start to happen to us. Enjoy the ride!
HCR is amazing!!
thanks so much and happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Susan! I hope you have a wonderful day. You have given me the push to try barrel pants and I love them. I bought a pair from Everlane and they have become one of my favorites- thank you! I did not know of Rebecca Solnit so I will definitely check her out. I look forward to your posts everyday as I’m sure many others do!
Happiest of birthdays, to 120! What wise words, your definition of flattering! I’ll say it more bluntly (because that’s how I roll): my era of living my life to please men is over (I was never very good at it) and I am now in my era of living to please me! (As a Gen-Xer I am wont to say eff all of that bs!) I must mention how much I adore the tomato red on you! I have always loved leopard with brights, especially red.
Thank you always for your style inspiration and your gentle suggestions on how to stay informed.
Ooh! And Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Susan! Thank you for sharing all of your gifts with us.
Happy Birthday Susan! I always enjoy reading your posts and style tips. Thank you for what you do and also for the list of current event columns.
Happy birthday!
You inspire me.
Fondly, Kathy
You are just two weeks younger than I am!
Thanks for the reading recommendations. Enjoy your birthday!
Happiest of birthdays my dear friend! And I also read Heather Cox Richardson-scares and enlightens me. Hope to see you up this way soon.
Please continue “to write about style, color, travel, and lifestyle here!”
No current events distilled by you or others, please.
Reading this blog is a brief escape from what’s going on in our world right now. I don’t need a reminder when I come to your blog.
Thank you Susan, for the excellent recommendations and wonderful reflections. I too will turn 68 later this year, and have gone through many of the transitions and discoveries that you have. I don’t comment most of the time, but I do so enjoy perusing your posts, they are now definitely little bright spots of joy and escape. Thank you. I hope this year brings you many lovely discoveries, joy and peace. Cheers!
Hi Susan, and happy happy birthday! I’m right behind you turning 62 this year. Woo hoo! One of the things I’ve noticed through my travels is how skincare products here in the states are all labeled ‘anti- aging this anti aging that. I’ve even seen advertisments ‘to help you pay for your cosmetic procedures!!’ In Europe skin care products are separated by concern ie. suncare, oily, dry etc. You see a beautiful woman walking down the street and she turns around and is 80+ No procedures, no injections just elegance and class. That’s how I want to be when I grow up. 🙂 Love from NYC
Happiest Birthday Susan. You’re such an admirable person in so many ways. xo
Happy Birthday! As the French say ” à sante et cent ans” !!
Happy Birthday, Susan! Wishing you a wonderful day and I hope the upcoming year brings many joys and much happiness. I loved reading about the inspiring wisdom you’ve found while getting older! I’m often amazed to be 63; I simply forget that I’m not much younger, until I look in the mirror . Love HCR and Rebecca Solnit; will check out Paul Krugman. Thanks for bringing a smile to my inbox each day AND for helping me find my best colors!!
Happy Birthday Susan! If I may add to your list of suggestions – Joyce Vance has a substack, very good about the law. And The Bulwark has many articles and contributors, plus podcasts.
Bon Anniversaire! Hope you have a wonderful year filled with good health, love, laughter and some travel. Many thanks for your inspiring blog posts.
Happy Birthday Susan. I appreciate you more than I can say
Happy Birthday, Susan!
Happy birthday, lovely Susan! I’ve been following your style journey for quite a few years now, and it has been amazing and inspiring to see you step into your true style and own your unique beauty. You’ve always looked chic and attractive, but now you are radiant. You project confidence and individuality, and that’s no small thing in a world where women of a certain age are encouraged to fade into invisibility.
Wishing you a very happy birthday. You look fabulous!
Happy, Happy Birthday, Susan! I will turn 69 this year and appreciate your insights and fashion advice (especially for us petites). Have a great day.
Happy Day and a huge thanks for all that you do. I love HCR and will check out the others- also love your outfit today! I also bought the Loewe bag years ago and am astounded at the price now- they weren’t cool back then. The bag still looks new, great quality. I bought similar Mary janes last year, wore them constantly and will pull them out again now that boot season is over. Love your comments on aging. I am 70 and still working on the thinness image- have spent way too much energy thinking about my weight.
Happy Birthday! I am still adjusting to the reality that I will be 85 in May but am still myself…same opinionated person I was at 20 but like you, less eager to please others ahead of myself. I became aware of beauty in fashion as a 5-year-old who coveted a classmate’s ankle-strap, patent- leather shoes in kindergarten. I have never looked back. I was at one time an art student and I think I transferred all of my passion for color and texture and style to what I wear. I am not Iris Apfel and I do not have her taste or her courage but I think she was spectacular. It seems to me that we can use ourselves as canvases and can display our artistic interests in how and what we wear. I don’t think I ever stand out sartorially but have always loved sequins and been afraid to wear them. This year, I bought a sequined jacket and decided that if I don’t wear sequins now, when will I wear them? So I am trying to break out of the fear of being obvious in a crowd and wear what really pleases me. Age has given me this….
Very Happy Birthday. Love your style and will look into your suggestions for news from alternative sources. Thank you for all your posts.
Happy birthday!! Mine was two days ago–turned 55. Been following you for at least 15 years… probably more. I remember when you were struggling to find your style groove and (you felt you) had too much black in your wardrobe. How far you’ve come–you definitely seem much more content “in your skin.” I, too, feel happier now than when I was younger, despite the insanity of the world. Thank you for the welcome respite from craziness. I appreciate you.
Happy Birthday Susan! You look great! It’s been fun and informative watching you change from black to color (I went right along with you!). May you live long and prosper!
Happy Birthday! Add Robert Reich to your list as well as Anand Giridharadas, “The Ink”, both on Substack for balanced, vetted insights into what’s going on in our country at the moment. It’s all so distressing and shameful.
Happy Birthday Susan! Sending wishes for good health & happiness ❤️ Cheryl
Happy birthday! I’ve been following you for quite a few years. Always enjoy your posts.
Happy Birthday, Susan! I’ll be turning 77 soon and I found myself nodding in agreement to your people-pleasing comments as well as your perspectives on aging and being comfortable in one’s own skin and with one’s own abilities. I so enjoyed meeting you last May for my color analysis. Here’s to many more trips around the sun and your ever-present joie de vivre.
Happy Birthday Susan! Wishing you health, happiness and much success in the year ahead. Thank you for the links to current event writers, I’ll be checking them out.
Happy Birthday!
I think I’m a better me from reading and learning from you. Thank you for all you do!
Here’s one more site that offers current info. Kottke.org
Suz from Vancouver
Happy Birthday Susan! I’m about 6 weeks older than you, and also have always been a feminist, so we have that in common (along with our love for fashion). I am a lot taller than you, though! I think I started being fascinated by clothes when I got my first Barbie doll, around 1962….remember back then what beautifully designed and constructed clothes those dolls had? No cheap polyester and velcro, but nice fabrics and working zipper closures!
I hope for a good and fulfilling year for you. You’ve been through a lot of life changes recently; I’m guessing it’s been both daunting and exciting to figure out what comes next. Two things I appreciate about you: your blog has been a bright spot of fashion and travel for me for several years now, and while you don’t discuss current events here, I’ve been noticing that we follow or “like” many of the same posts on Instagram so I feel a kindred spirit in that important way, in these fraught times!
Susan!
Thank you so much for the newsletter recommendations. I am a huge fan of HCR and look forward to reading Solnit and Krugman.
Thank you for all you bring to the world,
Kelly
Happy Birthday Susan! I just want to echo what so many others have already said! There are definite pluses to getting older, and doing what you can to be true to yourself (and not what our culture/society wants or expects) is truly liberating. I just wish my younger self could understand how incidental some of the things I used to worry about are.
Happy Birthday! I’ve been following your blog for several years now and have found it very helpful. I even took my daughter who lives in London for a color analysis with your mentors over there, can’t remember the name just now, maybe Red Leopard? Anyway, many happy returns on the upcoming trip around the sun.
Happy Birthday Susan! Your post today was especially inspirational. I, along with my two best friends, turned 78 recently. I am grateful for everyday. To think that I enjoy, with my husband of 54 years, living in a downsized home in an active retirement community is something I did not envision in my twenties. We garden, we walk the neighborhood, we meet with friends weekly. we still worry about “our kids and grandkids”, but my goodness we are still here! My wish is that this nation will still allow for EVERY ONE OF US to pursue their dreams and to enjoy life, no matter their age.
Happy birthday! You are the first blogger I followed and the first post I read. Many thanks!
p.s. You also inspired me to get a color analysis. This autumn is cheering you on!
Happy Birthday Susan
Happy birthday !
Thanks for sharing your journey of becoming comfortable in your own skin. I just turned 69 and feel like I’m finally truly enjoying being and looking like me – it’s such a gift !
Happy Birthday! I always look forward to your posts! Thank you for the recommended newsletters.
Bon anniversaire! Thank you for your thoughtful posts-always a joy to read.
Happy birthday dear Susan!
I appreciate you doing what inspires you. I always enjoy reading your posts. Thank you very much for adding suggested reads. I really appreciate the knowledge.
Happy birthday, Susan! I love your blog and look forward to seeing it in my inbox first thing in the morning! I started following you shortly before you started on your color journey and it’s been fun following along. I recently started following HCR and have learned so much from her as she relates current events to events in history.
Wishing you a very happy birthday and a great year ahead of you.
Happy birthday, Susan! Sixty-eight never looked better on anyone. I just turned 67 a couple of weeks ago. I’ve always felt that age is just a number, and I’m proud of the 67 years of life experience I’ve accumulated – some good, some I would rather have avoided but experience nonetheless.
You look fantastic and your joie de vivre is an inspiration to all. Enjoy your special day!
“Another trip around the sun”: love that phrase! It is a gift to make that trip, and I try not to take that for granted. I’ve never understood the desire to hide one’s age, but like aspiring to thinness and other beauty traps it really is another way of making women feel small and unseen. Enjoy your day, and thanks for the reading suggestions. They are all excellent sources of truth, something else that is needed in these challenging times, along with finding joy in simple things like fashion and travel.
Hello Susan. I have been reading and enjoying your newsletter for a while now, after “discovering” it, due to Jennifer Connolly’s recommendation. Today, after reading your very inspirational words, I feel I must finally share with you how much I admire you and trust your guidance. I am going to remember what you wrote and try to follow your example. With much gratitude and love, Diana
Happy birthday from Australia Susan, I have been around the sun one more time than you and share the same thoughts as you on ageing this year I’m trying to be a bit more gentle with myself.
Happy Birthday Susan! You bring such joy to my “inbox”
Blessings on your day!
Happy Birthday Susan!
I always enjoy reading what you have to say.
Thank you for sharing xx
Thank you Susan, and happy birthday!
Happy Birthday!!!
Have a wonderful birthday, Susan!
Thank you for the “off topic” suggestions — useful!
Happy Birthday!! You have created a community where kindred souls can connect and boy do we need that now. You are an amazing and wise woman. Like Heather Cox Richardson, I know I can count on you to bring the clarity needed to keep moving forward. Looking forward to our next rotation around the sun.
Happy birthday, Susan! I can relate to the things you have struggled with – so many are universal to women, it seems. I am thankful that you and other bloggers have helped me define/refine my style and express it in what I wear. Getting dressed is now much more fun and feels more authentic, and I am much more discerning about purchases.
Hi Susan how do I turn off getting all the responses from your site?
Hi Gena, I’ve unsubscribed you from comments.
Oops! Kindly unsubscribe me from individual responses, as well. Merci!
Done! 😉
Happy Birthday, Susan! I admire your writing as much as your fantastic style – and hope your new year brings much happiness!
Happy Birthday, Susan! May you receive the desires of your heart. I’ve been following you for nearly 10 years and it has been heartening to watch your style transformation. Thanks so much for the amazing content that you consistently provide. I also follow a couple of the writers you noted and several others.
Happy 68th trip around the sun! Finding one’s true inner self is quite the journey but well worth it. Wishing you many more trips!
A very happy birthday to you, Susan. Thank you for your kindness and your insights over these years.
I love this, Susan! I am very grateful to be here with very few aches or pains. The beauty of being 70 is, as you said, the wisdom and self-acceptance that comes along with it. Happy Birthday! I hope you had a great day!
From Leonardo Da Vinci to John Muir to E.M. Forster, we know that “everything connects to everything else.” Even fashion 😉 I appreciate your commentary on whatever you wish to include — it makes you a more complete person — so I will miss your thoughts on “other” topics.
First, Happy Birthday!
Second – Thank-you for acknowledging how difficult things are at this moment in time. I’m a Canadian with Ukranian roots living in the US. My head is literally spinning – I never imagined we’d be here. Like you, I’m limiting my exposure, but Heather Cox Richardson is my faithful sherpa for the steep daily climb. I also appreciate Paul Krugman very much.
All the best to you in the coming year.
Happy Birthday – hope this next year is your best yet!
Happy birthday!!!! And cheers to learning to be comfortable in your own skin! It is hard as women as we are bombarded constantly on what we should change/look like.
I also love Heather Cox Richardson. Jessica Yellin is also fantastic.
Here’s to many more trips around the sun!
Happy, Happy Birthday, Susan!!
My 69th revolution around the sun is in 2 days. I will celebrate by treating myself to a lovely sweater in my winter palette. Learning my colors from you has changed the way I walk in the world: with more confidence as myself.
Your talent and your writings offer color and community to many.
Thank you for all you do, Karen
Happy birthday!
Your blog post is especially meaningful to me today. Particularly the part about the self acceptance of your body at age 68. I am 65, and have always been fitness focused and very active. Then in January I got COVID, followed by flu A, and followed by a stubborn sinus infection. I’m recovering slowly. The exercise I used to be able to do is in the past. I’m building up slowly. But your wise words made me think carefully; you focus on health and strength, not weight. I’m inspired by your words and your style.
I’ve never reached out to a stranger on instagram, but I think you should know how your words impacted me today.
Thank you,
-annette
Bon anniversaire, Susan!!!
I’ve been following you for years, you could say we’ve grown old together! I celebrated my 74th on 2/20, and found turning 70 felt like a slam to my psyche. I’m trying hard to turn that around, and your post today has been helpful.
Enjoy your birthday, fellow Pisces. ♓️
Happy birthday to you! Wonderful post, so much truth, and it’s very appreciated, as I’m turning 68 in April. And thank you for the newsletter recs.
Happy Birthday Susan. I have been following your blog for several years now and I think since your Red Leopard experience, your look is younger and more vibrant. I second the suggestion, you host a travel group to Paris, your knowledge of the city and shops would be invaluable. Plus we get to meet you in person. As for the latest turmoil, I think of Bette Davis, in ‘All about Eve’, ‘buckle up, we are in for a bumpy ride’.
Happy Birthday! I wish you a wonderful year ahead! Your post was full of wisdom. My color analysis with you had a huge impact on me. Thank you for all you do. I follow HCR and am adding the other two you recommended. Thank you and enjoy your year!
Happy Birthday Susan! I loved your wise words today accepting yourself and working on your wellbeing, physical strength and the confidence to voice your opinions. One of the “pleasant surprises “ I have found through following your blog is that it is OK – and not frivolous – to love fashion! I am turning 70 in June and, as a retiree, I have many interests and responsibilities to fill my days, but fashion (and travel) are my particular pleasures. I always find some inspirational tips from your blog. I am also a petite and enjoy your edgy and colourful style. Thanks so much for your hard work!
Happy Birthday Susan! Been following your blog for probably 10 years now. Thank you for all you do! Love this post.
Happy birthday! I love your blog. I always get inspired. Yes to Heather Cox Richardson. I’ll check out the others!
Happy Birthday! I follow them too! Thank you for speaking up! I love your posts and your style!
Happy birthday! I really look forward to your posts and I’ve appreciated your style evolution.
I’m 62 and am so happy to be in this decade! My mother didn’t live past her early 50s so more years have felt like a gift. One of the things I like about this time in my life is my ability to be both kinder (grace costs me nothing) and also increasingly direct. It’s really ok if someone doesn’t like me.
I also follow those folks you referenced and have two more recommendations for news and commentary that feels bearable:
1) Robert Hubbell (on Substack) – like the wise family member who is also soothing
2) Jessica Craven (on Substack) – Chop Wood, Carry Water – things you can to do make the world a better place.
Let us be well-dressed while we’re saving our democracy.
Hah! Anne, I love that–“Let us be well-dressed while we’re saving our democracy.” Mais bien sur! And great recommendations, many thanks. xx
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Week
I wish you a belated happy birthday and thank you for the wisdom of your 68 trips around the sun.
Thank you for sharing the link to Rebecca Solnit and especially “This is really hard…”
I have cut off most of my US services and internet browsing, not because I want to, but because it seems like the only way to have agency over circumstances that are beyond my control. I’m controlling my shopping choices because that is also agency. I struggle to sleep at night or fall asleep only to jolt awake in the middle of the darkness. I don’t have nightmares. I have realities. The coming crisis is my reality.
As I wander through the sleep-deprived days, fear has turned to anger. Anger has turned to resolve. I shed no tears, although that would be appropriate under the circumstances. If I can’t cry, will I lose my ability to feel?
I decide that I will plant sunflowers, as I have done every spring since 2022. Perhaps this will be the year when I turn into the brave woman who threw seeds and cursed at soldiers. It’s a situation I never imagined possible. Now people talk about her again.
Maybe I’ll get a few nights of sleep. I still won’t cry. I can’t. I’m not sure what comes next. I can choose to be kind. I can choose to be present. I can choose to bear witness. I can choose to be the secret guardian of the books that bore witness to similar times in history, and books that were banned — the books with paper pages that I’m buying before ideas are taken away.
Happy Birthday a little late. I love your posts and thank you for sharing the current events writers!
I am just catching up on my email. Happy belated birthday! I always enjoy your feed and am happy to read that you are reaching your stride. What a gift it is to age in such a positive manner.
Thank you for keeping politics and world happenings from your wonderful musings. There is enough of it everywhere and I understand that. I am trying to think positive thoughts and have decided to unfollow those who have gotten away from the topics that drew me to them. Susan, keep up the good work! You are very much appreciated and I wish you continued success and a good year.
Happy birthday! I’m a year behind you (in June). We have like reading tastes.
First, you are a smart cookie. Second, you look great and for the last few (10?) years I’ve followed you online I think you have always looked great. Third, I share your ambition to participate in the painful human conversation we’re having right now about what it means to be a civilized human being while also finding daily joy and fulfillment in the lives we’re fortunate to have been gifted with. Fourth, at age 79, widowed 7 years ago and remarried 3 months ago (for the third time) I would like to say that this phase of life is shockingly interesting to me. I think of it as the next-to-last phase (or maybe the next-to-next-to-last phase). There are simply things it’s impossible to glimpse until one is this age. There’s no need previewing any of it to younger folks—they’ll appreciate more when they’re this age if they get this far. I currently view this whole thing (life) as surprising. I have no idea how to make sense of it, other than to accept it as a huge and fascinating puzzle. One day it will end, which seems rather wasteful, given all the hard work we have put into it. Looking back, it seems like there should be a better operator’s manual available to us than I have found or the “discovery method” which is pretty much what I have relied on. IMHO, the standard authoritative texts fail to elucidate much. “It’s a mystery” is my current assessment. Next year’s or next decade’s assessment may be different.