"I admit that when my Medicare card arrived in the mail, I stood at the mailbox and reread my name a couple of times. I was astounded that the card was really for me."
The Southern Side Eye!!! I laughed out loud (if you know, you know). I also really love how Grandma and her "cronies" gave the funeral play by play. Life in a small town indeed! Can't wait to read the book!
Ms. Wilson's entire interview slowly wrapped itself around my DNA and gave me the warm, soulful hug I needed. Thank you so much for this. And here's to red lipstick!💄
This was beautiful and just what I needed to read at 60 years old and three days. It made me feel like I could breathe again somehow -- something I know I haven't been doing much of these last few weeks.
This was so great! Love this bit about funerals which reminds me if the thought passes “should I go to that funeral?” Go! : “They grieved for the loss of another human being, sang a song, and maybe even shed a few tears. As an adult, I’ve come to understand the importance of family and community as we bear witness to our own inescapable mortality. “
So much to love and admire in this piece! It sounds like an ideal retirement plan in every way. May your days be full of what you love, and may every blank page meet you with a warm smile
A fabulous interview, set of remarks. I also love the conservative work wardrobe versus the hats worn off the job. I'm forwarding this interview to many in my born in 1957 cohort!
Every once in a while, these questionnaires remind me I have doppelgangers all over the world! Brenda, I'm also 66, one of seven children, a Capricorn woman from the American South who loved plaid bell bottoms and wouldn't turn down a trip to India if I were on my death bed. I, too, could not believe it when my Medicare card arrived in the mail. Wait, what?!
I loved this piece! I am also a 66-year-old childless African American Capricorn who writes but can't cook. We should start a club...or at least party somewhere warm every January!
i just loved this. so many rich snapshots of her life! i cracked up at the visual of her putting on lipstick before rolling out the garbage and the side eye was chef's kiss. i got to hear bits of her book, "red door scripture" last year and she's such a terrific writer. when her book gets published, i'll be the first to cheer.
This interview brings me joy, Brenda! I love your verve for life, red shoes, books, travel, and big hats. And the Polaroids—your outfits remind me of how my sisters and I dressed alike in the early 70s. Classic. The matching gloves! Regarding other's perceptions of a child-free life, you write, “My accomplishments as a person don’t seem to interest them.” Yes, this. Child-free here too. I'm rolling my eyes. Good luck with your book. Somehow I don't think you'll let the blank page intimidate you.
I so loved reading this....there were so many one liners that resonated - the desire to write in an unfiltered voice and the side eye just to name a few. What an interesting person she is and I hope one day to read her novels.
Wonderful. I related to much of what you wrote, Brenda. Also single and childless, also have no problem going places alone. And I too wear what I please. Your stories are memorable. Thank you for sharing them.
"In my 50's, I wore a two-piece swimsuit on vacation with my mother and older sister. To say they were displeased is an understatement. We are a good Southern family and can express righteous indignation without speaking one word. My mother is the queen of side-eye."
A very good friend from South Carolina (from years ago) knew just how to do this. It was priceless.
You sound like an attractive friend. Your fashion sense is spot-on trend Nd you look like you could have been a model in your younger years! Can’t wait to hear your stories - hopefully you’ll publish them here. Keep on keepin on!!
This was great. The side eye from her mother made me laugh out loud. Can't wait to read Brenda's books.
Same here, Deirdre! My mother was a master of side eye as well.
The Southern Side Eye!!! I laughed out loud (if you know, you know). I also really love how Grandma and her "cronies" gave the funeral play by play. Life in a small town indeed! Can't wait to read the book!
Ms. Wilson's entire interview slowly wrapped itself around my DNA and gave me the warm, soulful hug I needed. Thank you so much for this. And here's to red lipstick!💄
💄❤️
This was beautiful and just what I needed to read at 60 years old and three days. It made me feel like I could breathe again somehow -- something I know I haven't been doing much of these last few weeks.
Happy birthday!
This was so great! Love this bit about funerals which reminds me if the thought passes “should I go to that funeral?” Go! : “They grieved for the loss of another human being, sang a song, and maybe even shed a few tears. As an adult, I’ve come to understand the importance of family and community as we bear witness to our own inescapable mortality. “
So much to love and admire in this piece! It sounds like an ideal retirement plan in every way. May your days be full of what you love, and may every blank page meet you with a warm smile
What a delightful wish:
“ may every blank page meet you with a warm smile”
Had to send this to a writer friend.
Many thanks! 🌺
Well done, Brenda, and I, too, will buy your novel. I didn't start writing until I was 72, a year after I retired, a few months into the pandemic.
#Stories by Janus on Substack.
Note to self: start practicing my side eye.
A fabulous interview, set of remarks. I also love the conservative work wardrobe versus the hats worn off the job. I'm forwarding this interview to many in my born in 1957 cohort!
Every once in a while, these questionnaires remind me I have doppelgangers all over the world! Brenda, I'm also 66, one of seven children, a Capricorn woman from the American South who loved plaid bell bottoms and wouldn't turn down a trip to India if I were on my death bed. I, too, could not believe it when my Medicare card arrived in the mail. Wait, what?!
It was a weird sensation—like how could this possible?
I loved this piece! I am also a 66-year-old childless African American Capricorn who writes but can't cook. We should start a club...or at least party somewhere warm every January!
Yes, we need a club!
Gosh I LOVE the photos! Esp 1973. Couple of sharp girls! You have consistently good taste. Even the ‘extra’ big hat is elegant.
(I love red shoes too)
💐
i just loved this. so many rich snapshots of her life! i cracked up at the visual of her putting on lipstick before rolling out the garbage and the side eye was chef's kiss. i got to hear bits of her book, "red door scripture" last year and she's such a terrific writer. when her book gets published, i'll be the first to cheer.
This interview brings me joy, Brenda! I love your verve for life, red shoes, books, travel, and big hats. And the Polaroids—your outfits remind me of how my sisters and I dressed alike in the early 70s. Classic. The matching gloves! Regarding other's perceptions of a child-free life, you write, “My accomplishments as a person don’t seem to interest them.” Yes, this. Child-free here too. I'm rolling my eyes. Good luck with your book. Somehow I don't think you'll let the blank page intimidate you.
I so loved reading this....there were so many one liners that resonated - the desire to write in an unfiltered voice and the side eye just to name a few. What an interesting person she is and I hope one day to read her novels.
Wonderful. I related to much of what you wrote, Brenda. Also single and childless, also have no problem going places alone. And I too wear what I please. Your stories are memorable. Thank you for sharing them.
Oh my gosh, I laughed so hard at this:
"In my 50's, I wore a two-piece swimsuit on vacation with my mother and older sister. To say they were displeased is an understatement. We are a good Southern family and can express righteous indignation without speaking one word. My mother is the queen of side-eye."
A very good friend from South Carolina (from years ago) knew just how to do this. It was priceless.
You sound like an attractive friend. Your fashion sense is spot-on trend Nd you look like you could have been a model in your younger years! Can’t wait to hear your stories - hopefully you’ll publish them here. Keep on keepin on!!