Hair is a signifier for women at any age! Like Emma, I also grew up believing that you had to cut your hair short when you grew up and became a mother. It felt so rebellious to keep my long hair in my early thirties, when my son was born, like the older version of shaving my head when I was 16. Now it's long and streaked with gray, and I wouldn't change a thing.
Totally! Seeing another woman with long hair streaked with gray makes me instantly want to be her friend. We are a gang that is part Susan Sontag, part Rogue from The X-Men.
My first comment on Oldster though I've been reading forever! I related to Emma's earnest commitment to getting a tattoo at 46, especially from Charlotte's Web, that gorgeous timeless genius book. I'm 46. Is it *my time*? Also: my mom worked in a library; my college work-study gig was shelving books at a library (my boss was my aunt). A life's arc through books: you're my people. Love Oldster. Thank you!
Love that essay, Sari. Thank you for the link! I got chills of recognition reading about disappearing oneself as an editor / ghostwriter. Item on to-do list: find a tattoo doula.
Aw, I'm honored it was my interview that got you to comment! And YES it's time for that tattoo! My daughter is turning 18 on Sunday, and for her birthday she asked if she could get a tattoo. She is convinced she won't regret her choice (Ferdinand the Bull, a la Elliott Smith's tattoo) and perhaps she won't. She's unlike me in so many ways. She definitely doesn't fear judgement from her future self.
Right after I submitted this interview to Sari, I was reading my students a book that took place during WWI, and a student raised his hand and asked if I was alive during that war. Mind you, this was AFTER we had done the math on the white board and figured out that WWI was more than a hundred years ago. When I said no, I missed that one, another student chimed in, "But you were alive for World War II, right?"
Yup, I'd guess my inner age is right around 28, too! Grateful for my inner mirror. And also grateful that I learned a few things about life and love in the years since.
"Flax" is actually a clothing line; interestingly, it was founded by my former in-laws' close friends the Engelhearts (they also founded Cafe Gratitude in San Francisco and LA). Flax clothing is HORRIBLE - it consists of shapeless linen schmattas that make every person look like they were stuffed in a burlap sack. At one time, Flax was popular among aging hippies in Ithaca, and even today, you can still see some of these fashion abominations in the flesh.
I never knew the Cafe Gratitude connection! But it definitely tracks, as the kids say. (I've been to the one in LA.) Also, hi, and thank you for remembering!
Interesting points! And I love the ending. My wife also detests surprise parties and taught me long ago to never, ever consider throwing her one. So far I have obeyed.
Great name, Emma. And great interview. Even though you’re a young sprout, your words spoke volumes to me. Smiles and nods all the way. Little sister under my skin!
As a woman of 53, I have to say, no, we are not young sprouts. We sre fully middle-aged, menopausal (or at least peri) and facing increasing ageism in our youth-obsessed culture. A young sprout is in her 30s. In our 50s, we have lived way too long to be called this by anyone.
I love this interview SO much - it spoke to me in so many ways and am in awe of Emma's outlook and approach to work and aging. Love it.
Glad to hear!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Janet!
Hair is a signifier for women at any age! Like Emma, I also grew up believing that you had to cut your hair short when you grew up and became a mother. It felt so rebellious to keep my long hair in my early thirties, when my son was born, like the older version of shaving my head when I was 16. Now it's long and streaked with gray, and I wouldn't change a thing.
Totally! Seeing another woman with long hair streaked with gray makes me instantly want to be her friend. We are a gang that is part Susan Sontag, part Rogue from The X-Men.
100%!! Instant friends.
My first comment on Oldster though I've been reading forever! I related to Emma's earnest commitment to getting a tattoo at 46, especially from Charlotte's Web, that gorgeous timeless genius book. I'm 46. Is it *my time*? Also: my mom worked in a library; my college work-study gig was shelving books at a library (my boss was my aunt). A life's arc through books: you're my people. Love Oldster. Thank you!
Glad you took the plunge, and even gladder to hear you love Oldster. <3 I was 47 when I got my first of now 5 tattoos! See: https://lithub.com/its-never-too-late-for-your-first-tattoo/
Love that essay, Sari. Thank you for the link! I got chills of recognition reading about disappearing oneself as an editor / ghostwriter. Item on to-do list: find a tattoo doula.
Yes!! The world needs more tattoulas. Good luck. And glad you enjoyed the essay. <3
I love it too! Now that I've had my first tattoo, I have plans for many more.
💕💕💕
Aw, I'm honored it was my interview that got you to comment! And YES it's time for that tattoo! My daughter is turning 18 on Sunday, and for her birthday she asked if she could get a tattoo. She is convinced she won't regret her choice (Ferdinand the Bull, a la Elliott Smith's tattoo) and perhaps she won't. She's unlike me in so many ways. She definitely doesn't fear judgement from her future self.
Right after I submitted this interview to Sari, I was reading my students a book that took place during WWI, and a student raised his hand and asked if I was alive during that war. Mind you, this was AFTER we had done the math on the white board and figured out that WWI was more than a hundred years ago. When I said no, I missed that one, another student chimed in, "But you were alive for World War II, right?"
😂👵🏽
There's the inner age and for me that is still 28...except I've learned a few things I didn't know then.
Yup, I'd guess my inner age is right around 28, too! Grateful for my inner mirror. And also grateful that I learned a few things about life and love in the years since.
That’s the best career change I’ve ever heard of! Well done you!
Thank you! My parents agree with you 100%!
I remember Em and Lo! She's so gorgeous.
"Flax" is actually a clothing line; interestingly, it was founded by my former in-laws' close friends the Engelhearts (they also founded Cafe Gratitude in San Francisco and LA). Flax clothing is HORRIBLE - it consists of shapeless linen schmattas that make every person look like they were stuffed in a burlap sack. At one time, Flax was popular among aging hippies in Ithaca, and even today, you can still see some of these fashion abominations in the flesh.
I never knew the Cafe Gratitude connection! But it definitely tracks, as the kids say. (I've been to the one in LA.) Also, hi, and thank you for remembering!
This is lovely.
loved this one!
Thanks, Amelia!
HAA! I’ve been wearing flax for 30 years and I’m 42!😂😂
Loved this one!
I bet you rock it!
And I bet those overalls are fabulous ❤️
Interesting points! And I love the ending. My wife also detests surprise parties and taught me long ago to never, ever consider throwing her one. So far I have obeyed.
It's the foundation of a good marriage!
Thank you Emma and Sari! What great answers to the questionnaire! So inspiring.
Thanks so much for reading, Diane! (And that's my mom's name. 🥰)
My goodness, I could not love this woman more! Thanks to both of you :)
Aw, thanks Erika!
Great name, Emma. And great interview. Even though you’re a young sprout, your words spoke volumes to me. Smiles and nods all the way. Little sister under my skin!
Thanks for calling me a young sprout! I love the Oldster crew.
As a woman of 53, I have to say, no, we are not young sprouts. We sre fully middle-aged, menopausal (or at least peri) and facing increasing ageism in our youth-obsessed culture. A young sprout is in her 30s. In our 50s, we have lived way too long to be called this by anyone.
Humor and irony were at play there… I was making a joke…