I’ve just returned from five days in Florida, visiting two dear friends, Joyce and Jean. These women were also my co-authors for the two books we wrote about life after 50. For that reason, our journey of friendship has been life-altering. I brought with me another friend, Judy, who came with me to visit several years ago, not long after her husband died. The first trip was a revelation for her, in that she could experience joy again.
The four of us did what we do best: We laughed. I’m not sure if we are actually as clever as we believe ourselves to be. But it doesn’t really matter. We laughed through our days, until we exhausted ourselves. We probably laughed all night in our sleep.
I brought a video with me, Advanced Style. It was made by Ari Seth Cohen, a brilliant photographer who started by photographing ultra-stylish New Yorkers as they went about their business on the streets of the city. Soon, Cohen’s focus became the older women he saw, the ones aged 50-100+. These women are astonishing. They costume, for all the world to see. They are gorgeous, stylish, irreverent, and fearless. They have now become minor celebrities and several are in advertising campaigns for major companies.
In anticipation of seeing the film, we went to a large thrift shop and bought what we would wear to view the film. Our goal was to find the most awful clothes we could. The store provided an endless variety of choices. We spent hours on the hunt, attracting the attention of everyone around us. It’s what we live for, when we are together.
Back at Jean’s, we had a fashion show, expertly directed by Joyce’s niece Marlena, who is a professional stage manager in Chicago. After the show, Mar judged us on style, creativity, personality, and how well we answered the world peace question, which is an integral part of all beauty contests. The winner (Joyce) was declared by Mar and strenuously objected to by us, on the basis of nepotism.
The show, itself, was an eye opener. Three of us, without realizing it, chose personas that stretched the limits of who we believe ourselves to be. We became more fearless and outspoken. Jean, naturally the most outspoken and fearless of us all, became the Church Lady. I’m sure there is probably some deep meaning to all this, but we were laughing too hard to pay attention.
We watched the film. We discussed. We fell into our beds, having reluctantly changed from our costumes into into our pajamas. We spent the next days shopping, having breakfast on the beach, buying and wearing silly sunglasses to wear at Joyce’s birthday dinner, walking the beach, playing board games (Sequence and Catchphrase), seeing the film Selma (fabulous–go see it), flirting and conversing with exotic parrots, making a dreadful video of ourselves, and laughing about anything and everything.
I come away from these visits having been nourished in ways I never imagined, with needs satisfied that I never knew I had. In the end, I suppose that is the essence of friendship.
*****
I invite you to become part of the Guerrilla Aging community. Be a guest poster. Add your voice (funny or serious) about whatever subject moves you at this time in your life. I’ve loved all of the pieces people have sent me, and I look forward to receiving more. If you have a blog, you can send a piece already written for that. It’s a great way to promote your blog. Send your pieces to lifeintheboomerlane@gmail.com. Many thanks! –Renee
ARoyzle
January 16, 2015
Absolutely yummy!
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 17, 2015
Thanks (and clever).
ARoyzle
January 16, 2015
Reblogged this on Wiseacre Way and commented:
This guest post from one of my favorite bloggers gets at the heart of many things wonderful about older women, friendship, laughter and style.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 17, 2015
Thanks for the reblog!
Jerry
January 16, 2015
Guerrilla is rather a euphemism here. Clearly, you are unrepentant law breakers and should be cited for; Dressing without due care and attention, Dressing with uncorrected defective eyesight or refusing to submit to a test, Exceeding good taste limits, Dressing without due consideration for other pedestrians, and I suspect Causing embarrassment through careless dressing when unfit through drink. Have you no shame?
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 17, 2015
No. And thanks for noticing.
btg5885
January 16, 2015
Looks like fun was had by all. Well done.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 17, 2015
Thanks, BTG. It was a blast.
charrie11
January 16, 2015
Reblogged this on Senior Moments & Quality Living.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 17, 2015
Thanks for the reblog!
wendykarasin
January 16, 2015
It is the essence of friendship, but it’s more. It’s life affirming, and lightening (as in, made lighter), it uses muscles in new ways (laughter does) and it’s curative. We women can do that, and be that, for each other!. Great post!
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 17, 2015
Thanks, Wendy. Each gathering is a gift, plain and simple.
Kate Crimmins
January 16, 2015
And this is exactly why we need girlfriends. They are so much cheaper than therapy! You should tell us which one is Joyce (in the picture) so we know which outfit won the contest.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 17, 2015
Joyce has the red shawl/scarf/schmata. In the end, she shared the top honor with Judy (in the fetching hat.)
Donna from MyOBT
January 16, 2015
I absolutely love this post! It sounds a great deal like the ridiculous movie nights I spend with my besties. So glad we’re not the only silly ones!
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 17, 2015
I and happy you can relate. I hope there are women all over the planet who share such ridiculous and life-affirming energy with friends.
Donna from MyOBT
January 17, 2015
I hope so, too!
Alyssa Cannon
January 16, 2015
Excellent piece! I love the laughter and friendship aspect. It has taken me 40
yrs to find these kinds of friendships and I am still not done! Thank you!
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 17, 2015
Thanks, Alyssa! xxoo
theblogwoman
January 16, 2015
Wonderful read – reminds me of my good friends, my mother and her dearest pals.
A woman with good friends is a rich woman.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 17, 2015
Well said.
maggie
January 16, 2015
I have the pleasure of living near Jean and Joyce… and was renourished this morning! Missed seeing you, Renee!! xo
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 17, 2015
Next time, Maggie!
Lorna's Voice
January 16, 2015
I can see your personalities shining through. What fun you must have had! That’s the way to live. You’re an inspiration to all of us aging wild women! 🙂 I’d love to do a guest piece for your blog sometime, Renee.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 17, 2015
Thanks, Lorna, and I’d love to have you. Just send the piece to me.
valentinelogar
January 17, 2015
I am uncertain which I love more, you or the glimpse of Advanced Style. I will have to think about this.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 18, 2015
I’m honored, Valentine! You can share the love. Unless, of course, the category is “Going Out in Public.” For that, I might give the Advanced Style women a tad more love.
anicaribeiro
January 17, 2015
beautiful these ladies
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 18, 2015
Thanks you, and thanks for visiting Life in the Boomer Lane.
aninha ribeiro
January 18, 2015
for nothing and loved the saite after all I am Brazilian and I love what you guys post on Life in the Boomer Lane.