46 Comments
Apr 26, 2023Liked by Sari Botton

Oh boy, yes, right there with you. I wouldn't go back to any other age. I wouldn't go back to yesterday. This is so simple, this age, so much crap left in the road behind. Great , Beverly.

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I remember loving Riding In Cars With Boys, though it feels like a lifetime ago-- before marriage and kids and divorce, when, in retrospect, I was still just a baby, though I didn't know it at the time. I suspect that's one of the greatest gifts of getting older for me, finally being clear on how much I don't know and feeling curious and inspired instead of ashamed.

This interview, though, made me think of my own mother (now 82), who bussed from D.C. to Upstate to visit me and arrived (twice!) having fallen similarly, looking like someone beat her with a stick. Nope. She just tripped because she was carrying bags from state to state in her mid- to late-70s. It was alarming, and for several years I insisted on going down to D.C. to retrieve her if she wanted to visit to spare my own anxiety, but I don't have time for that these days and I've realized it's made her feel infantilized, which isn't fair. So, I've conceded the point and she's bussing up to see us in early June. If she arrives intact but a little bruised I will tell myself the same thing happened to Beverly Donofrio so chill out and let her be.

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Apr 26, 2023Liked by Sari Botton

I love the questionnaire and this one was tops

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Apr 26, 2023Liked by Sari Botton

A great read about someone I know I’d enjoy spending time with. Well done!

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God, I love this article. Like Ms. Donofrio, the older I get, the more I love getting old, and, as a youngster over 70, there is no age to which I wish I could return.

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I love this interview! Now I want to go back and re-read her work, which meant so much to me growing up. Also, Michelle Shocked! I really enjoyed this.

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Apr 26, 2023Liked by Sari Botton

I adore these interviews. Thank you!

Quote from Oldster Substack writer that I love…

What do you like about being your age?

I’m not so ruled by fear and angst. When the bedevilings begin a round of torture—usually at 3 in the morning, which isn’t called the hour of the wolf for nothing— I breathe deep to give them a little air, and then I say, “Okay, I heard you. Now you can go.” And they do go away, sooner and sooner. I used to think that you could solve problems by worrying about them. Worry is nothing but a waste of energy. To this drama queen, drama has become uninteresting.

I resonated with this immensely

I am not interested in the drama. That does not mean I don’t care about helping people with the issues they are having; I just don’t care about the drama and constant retelling of the story on repeat. That is drudgery to me.

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Yes, yes, yes to all the above, Bev! Except for one little item... Everyone has to believe in something. I believe in cake. Any day, any time. XXX

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Apr 26, 2023Liked by Sari Botton

Brava, dear Bev! And now I know why your skin looks so awesome. Keep dancing.

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You have so many notable points. Giving in doesn't work, going along helps, and standing up makes it fit. Thanks!

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Apr 26, 2023Liked by Sari Botton

Wow this one is a winner in every respect. And with respect I say ‘Hats off!’ to Beverly...what a great attitude and lovely life, I say...knowing I could never haul wood at 90 (but furiously checking Google for ‘dance classes near me’).

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I just come away with this word: STRONG. Love it

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Apr 26, 2023Liked by Sari Botton

Bev, I love the way you describe being older. I am a year from retiring and I can't wait for the next phase of my life. Getting old is an honor and getting to enjoy it is a blessing! PS I saw you once at Woodstock Bookfest, but sadly, didn't get a chance to talk with you. Great seeing this here and knowing you are well and happy!

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Apr 26, 2023Liked by Sari Botton

I too used to go around saying When I grow up I want to be an old lady! I had forgotten about that fantastic Michelle Shocked song. Gonna listen to it now😊

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Can a man be a “hag?” I want one of those shirts! :)

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Such a joyful way to begin my day! Thanks, Sari and Beverly.

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