If I got the opportunity to have a drink and conversation with Clint Eastwood or Tommy Lee Jones or those other formerly hotsie-totsie male celebs, (you know who I’m talking about), the passage of time would have changed them not one bit. Not in my eyes. I would still see them as they were then. The magnetism doesn’t go away. Have you noticed that?
The fire and charisma they exhibited when they were young lions will never go away, in my opinion. When you hear them talk or see them on TV, it’s like THEM from the old days, only better, because of all they’ve been through, learned, mastered, and been humbled by. It’s not about looks. It’s about the inner guy, the cool guy who still harbors that young lion inside, no matter what changes time might carve into the exterior.
That’s how most of us see ourselves, too. We’re surprised when we look in the mirror.
Where did that old broad come from? Is she really me?
We’re proud when an old photo surfaces at a family gathering – something of us from back when we looked bitchin‘. We linger a bit, aware the kids are agog at our then-beauty, wanting them to see us now as we were then.
But like so much else we endure, we have to find it in ourselves to feel proud no matter what. WE know who we were, and layered on top of that is who we have become.
So wear your Boomer Goggles, my friend. You’re even more awesome now than you were back then, even if you’re the only person who sees it.
I have one of those mirrors. Now I see, it was cracked! Excellent POV on this. Thanks for that and the laughs! Love your blog
Thanks, and do stop by again.
This was truly “laughing out loud” funny! BOOMER GOGGLES…that’s bound to drop out of my mouth one day, I’m sure. Two omissions from my perspective would be Robert Redford and Tom Selleck. Thanks for the little “walk down memory lane” AND the laughs!
Oh, good additions to the Cute Boomer gallery, Sue!
very well done. i always love a good before and after shot and those guys look great both ways. i am forever in amazment at this aging process we are going through. and i love the boomer goggles, do they come tinted?
great read lynne.
I learned two things from the first Kindle, how to read faster and to turn out the lights when I shave. In my monthly newspaper column I have yet to replace an eight year old picture the paper is using above a short bio. My spouse calls it my obituary picture.
Lynne, it is amazing about how famous male faces don’t seem to age. I never notice how I have aged either cause I am too busy looking cool (and watching where I step) behind my dark movie star shades! ha ha
Yes, Pat, glad the style is back for the BIG shades, huh!
Ah but there are some faces that appeal to me more as they’ve aged. Can’t think of an example at the moment–now I have a weekend project to come up with at least one example for you! Happy weekend, Lynne.
I look forward to it, Linda!
You are so right! I just came across a current photo of Paul Simon on another blog, and what I saw was the guy who sang “Mrs. Robinson!” Same thing goes for friends from high school who I’ve reconnected with recently. At first I may be surprised by their wrinkles, but within seconds their old faces and mannerisms reappear. I love those Boomer goggles!
Isn’t that the greatest, Sandy? To us, they’ll always be “forever young” as one of them sang.
Nice post! Never thought of it quite this way so it’s good to get your perspective.
Thanks Lynn. Have a great weekend.
I honestly think I look better at 57 than I did at 27. I hate the myth that only men get better looking with age. Although you did pick some cuties.
I did, didn’t I! When my first husband, my son’s father, was in his early 20s he looked like Clint Eastwood. Young of course!
I get what you’re saying Lynne, it’s the spirit and the spark and the courage and the badabadabing that stays! Amen to all of that!
Exactly, Barbara.
Just as long as we don’t “forget” that those signs of aging — wrinkles, grey hairs, etc. — are proof that we’ve LIVED!!!
Amen, Debbie.
When I pass a mirror, I am always shocked to find my mother’s face staring back at me and not the face I wore circa 1988.
I’m not shocked anymore, since I have come to terms with my chin and neck. Truly my inheritance from her, along with tenacity, anxiety, loyalty….the whole package.
No so for me when it comes to Eastwood. I will forever see a grizzled old man talking to a chair. He’s lost his awesomeness for me.
I was hoping nobody remembered that. A definite low point.
Awesome post, Lynne. You really get your point across in a most convincing and entertaining way. Now all I have to do is find my “boomer goggles” and I’ll be on my way 🙂 Thanks for brightening my day!
Have a great weekend, Kathy.
Boomer goggles permanently affixed and ready to gaze upon the world with a rockin’ point of view.
Awesome, Mimijk.