Wait a second. Are people giving you shit over your definition of “Oldster”? Jeez. One of the reasons these interviews are so powerful is that they wobble through different life phases, which provides perspective on all of them. Plus our definition of “old” varies as we ourselves age. Yesterday’s old (“I can’t believe I’m fifty!”) is tomorrow’s wistful glance back in time (“I can’t believe we were all still living together as a family back then!”) Meanwhile, one of the many things I loved about this particular oldster was her confident expressions of style as a kid. She’s queer as hell, if you define “queer” as determined to be authentic no matter what anybody thinks. And a hat made from the driver’s ed manual is the definition of that. You go, juvenile Meg. You’ll become an awesome “oldster.”
Well said, Peter! These days most people get what I'm doing with the term "oldster," but every now and then, someone slips through the cracks and gives me a hard time. Thus the disclaimer at the top...
I believe Substack offers a "get the f off my mailing list" option. Seems like a good time to mash that button. People who say "I'm not old" should die immediately, to be less troublesome to the rest of us who are aging gracefully and appreciatively.
I too am a GenX and it’s mind boggling to reflect on how Stranger Danger and Officer Friendly campaigns shaped my life and set me up for deep rooted misconceptions that blind sided me. Great! posting 🧡
I mean, I am also 52 and thanks for calling me a "kid," lol, but I think it's all relative. In our culture, as a middle-aged woman, I certainly do not feel like a YOUNGSTER. People who are 25 or even 35 think I'm a relic. That said, I have a grandmother who is nearly 104 years old (undeniably very old). To her, YOU would be a mere kid!
So much to think about here--the stranger danger vs. reality of most harm coming from our own families or others we know (or think we know) and that lyric. Wow. Too bad it was cut. It really says a lot...... congrats on the book!
💘💘”It has given me clarity and confidence. It has taken away the ability to get up after long periods sitting without feeling sore.” And congrats on your book!!!!📕
“I know what I’m doing, but I’m also constantly growing, changing, and questioning. I like feeling skilled and capable, and trusting myself to take thoughtful risks.”
Gosh I just love this!
When I was still in grade school, I wanted to be an “expert” in something. It was a safe level of respect; a key to the club, a vetting and qualification for the safety of a ‘protected class’. Insulation? Capitulation?
I did eventually achieve that level of effective service to my community in a couple of categories and it has been very satisfying.
So much good stuff in this questionnaire! So rich in wisdom. 💐
I just want to deeply thank you and your colleagues for the profound work that you do. Being subjected to violence is only the beginning; the abuse echoes over and over for decades.
This is so great, and loved the milestones list. I am childless with a husband, and so much of our social life has felt like other people’s milestones.
Wait a second. Are people giving you shit over your definition of “Oldster”? Jeez. One of the reasons these interviews are so powerful is that they wobble through different life phases, which provides perspective on all of them. Plus our definition of “old” varies as we ourselves age. Yesterday’s old (“I can’t believe I’m fifty!”) is tomorrow’s wistful glance back in time (“I can’t believe we were all still living together as a family back then!”) Meanwhile, one of the many things I loved about this particular oldster was her confident expressions of style as a kid. She’s queer as hell, if you define “queer” as determined to be authentic no matter what anybody thinks. And a hat made from the driver’s ed manual is the definition of that. You go, juvenile Meg. You’ll become an awesome “oldster.”
Well said, Peter! These days most people get what I'm doing with the term "oldster," but every now and then, someone slips through the cracks and gives me a hard time. Thus the disclaimer at the top...
I believe Substack offers a "get the f off my mailing list" option. Seems like a good time to mash that button. People who say "I'm not old" should die immediately, to be less troublesome to the rest of us who are aging gracefully and appreciatively.
Really loved this one-thank you!
I too am a GenX and it’s mind boggling to reflect on how Stranger Danger and Officer Friendly campaigns shaped my life and set me up for deep rooted misconceptions that blind sided me. Great! posting 🧡
It is such a defining experience. More so now that I'm in my 50s.
Wait till you hit 80! You’re still a kid! Long way to go till “old”!
Ahem: https://oldster.substack.com/p/q-who-qualifies-as-an-oldster-a-everyone
I mean, I am also 52 and thanks for calling me a "kid," lol, but I think it's all relative. In our culture, as a middle-aged woman, I certainly do not feel like a YOUNGSTER. People who are 25 or even 35 think I'm a relic. That said, I have a grandmother who is nearly 104 years old (undeniably very old). To her, YOU would be a mere kid!
So much to think about here--the stranger danger vs. reality of most harm coming from our own families or others we know (or think we know) and that lyric. Wow. Too bad it was cut. It really says a lot...... congrats on the book!
Another wonderful interview 🙌🏾
I love them all but this one's especially good!
💘💘”It has given me clarity and confidence. It has taken away the ability to get up after long periods sitting without feeling sore.” And congrats on your book!!!!📕
I love all of these but this might be my favourite yet!
Really great. I could have written the birthday passage!
“I know what I’m doing, but I’m also constantly growing, changing, and questioning. I like feeling skilled and capable, and trusting myself to take thoughtful risks.”
Gosh I just love this!
When I was still in grade school, I wanted to be an “expert” in something. It was a safe level of respect; a key to the club, a vetting and qualification for the safety of a ‘protected class’. Insulation? Capitulation?
I did eventually achieve that level of effective service to my community in a couple of categories and it has been very satisfying.
So much good stuff in this questionnaire! So rich in wisdom. 💐
I just want to deeply thank you and your colleagues for the profound work that you do. Being subjected to violence is only the beginning; the abuse echoes over and over for decades.
“You can’t ever get enough of a thing you don’t need.” Been there and happily no longer.
This is so great, and loved the milestones list. I am childless with a husband, and so much of our social life has felt like other people’s milestones.
I’m in a similar position!
My spouse rocks!! Thank you for this wonderful piece!
Heeeey… I’m sure you are a big part of this blossoming/fruition/clarity/ manifestation!
Better together
Loved this interview--thank you Meg Stone. I'm looking forward to reading your book!
Absolutely fascinating concept for a book -- sounds like a must-read! Enjoyed "meeting" Meg Stone.
Simply brilliant want to get your book too, congratulations.