I’ve always objected to the “invisibility” complaint because it fails to be precise enough: we become “invisible” to the exact type of people whose interest should not be valued at all. But in the case of assassins I’ll buy that, if the victims are deserving.
Meanwhile I’m perfectly content to no longer be harassed as I walk down the street, or fail to engage the interest of men who’d only value me for as long as my skin stays young.
I lived in DC the past 10 years and made it a point to observe people while riding the Metro (subway) to and from work. Two hours per day, 5-6 days/week, for 10 years. Because I'm in my 60s, I was invisible in doing so. The things I saw and learned! Invisibility was my superpower, for a very long time.
I am 59 and have enjoyed slow disappearance for some time and as my husband is now secure in my invisibility, I start my journey of writing what I was going through when I was just physically visible. Then too I was not just a body.
Now I write substack openly, I am writing memoir cleverly and sending flash for publication in magazines hopefully. This truly gives me strength if taken with Centrum Silver.
Fantastic read. At 72 years old, I do my best each day to share the advantages of being somewhat invisible. I say somewhat, because I am known to be quite vocal. That being said, I find I am able to move freely, taking in all the beauty this world provides for me. And yes, that includes appreciating people watching, why just yesterday, a lean young man, bare chested pedaled past me, of course not noticing me as I took in his well developed six pack, defined calf muscles, and the sun capturing sweat dripping down his back, Yes, as an older woman and admittedly as an artist, can enjoy such beauty, gratefully and innocently. Now that you've opened the door to assassins... who knows where my mind will wander. I do remember Arsenic and Old Lace .
I loved this and fully agree and although I have a while to go before 50, now I cannot wait! BRB, going to practise womenly things in readiness for my half century *draws sword*
I’ve always thought the best assassins are the kind who raise no one’s alertness levels. If you are young and seductive- they are distracted by you, but I have always pictured heads of state and crime bosses being taken out by a middle aged housekeeper or cook or employee. Someone they take for granted, are not ogling and does not look like they could handle weaponry. Someone who can clean up the mess well if there is one, knows all the security codes, passwords, etc. Reliable, boring and efficient at their job- who meanwhile has the keys to the kingdom and patience to stick to the long game if necessary. It’s not as glamorous but it’s more deadly- a middle aged ghost who can disappear and reappear somewhere else. The best spies are the ones who hide right under your nose for years, passing on information while living a very unBond like lifestyle.
For a number of years I’ve thought how I’m the perfect get away driver now. Sounds like a great book, ripe for Hollywood, or a Netflix limited series. Helen Mirren. Streep. Dame Judi. Franny McDormand. Viola. Kathy Bates. Sandra Oh. Dianne Weist.
I’ve been joking for while that someone should make a Golden Girls meets Killing Eve type show with an unassuming, charming older woman assassin character. 👵🏼
A fan of romantic fiction, I was feeling the same way about that genre. Where are women like me?! So I'm writing one myself where the romantic interest is a 60 yo. I'll stop being a woman never. Despite what society might try to tell me.
Exactly: it’s up to us to write about women like us. I’m doing the same. Writing Bc about being a broke 50-something caregiving for an elderly parent and losing earning power with every passing year but still being subversive and creative.
I’ve always objected to the “invisibility” complaint because it fails to be precise enough: we become “invisible” to the exact type of people whose interest should not be valued at all. But in the case of assassins I’ll buy that, if the victims are deserving.
Meanwhile I’m perfectly content to no longer be harassed as I walk down the street, or fail to engage the interest of men who’d only value me for as long as my skin stays young.
I lived in DC the past 10 years and made it a point to observe people while riding the Metro (subway) to and from work. Two hours per day, 5-6 days/week, for 10 years. Because I'm in my 60s, I was invisible in doing so. The things I saw and learned! Invisibility was my superpower, for a very long time.
I am 59 and have enjoyed slow disappearance for some time and as my husband is now secure in my invisibility, I start my journey of writing what I was going through when I was just physically visible. Then too I was not just a body.
Now I write substack openly, I am writing memoir cleverly and sending flash for publication in magazines hopefully. This truly gives me strength if taken with Centrum Silver.
Fantastic read. At 72 years old, I do my best each day to share the advantages of being somewhat invisible. I say somewhat, because I am known to be quite vocal. That being said, I find I am able to move freely, taking in all the beauty this world provides for me. And yes, that includes appreciating people watching, why just yesterday, a lean young man, bare chested pedaled past me, of course not noticing me as I took in his well developed six pack, defined calf muscles, and the sun capturing sweat dripping down his back, Yes, as an older woman and admittedly as an artist, can enjoy such beauty, gratefully and innocently. Now that you've opened the door to assassins... who knows where my mind will wander. I do remember Arsenic and Old Lace .
I loved this and fully agree and although I have a while to go before 50, now I cannot wait! BRB, going to practise womenly things in readiness for my half century *draws sword*
As an introvert in her forties, I find the prospect of invisibility very attractive. Not because I want to fight (or commit) crime though, lol!
I’ve always thought the best assassins are the kind who raise no one’s alertness levels. If you are young and seductive- they are distracted by you, but I have always pictured heads of state and crime bosses being taken out by a middle aged housekeeper or cook or employee. Someone they take for granted, are not ogling and does not look like they could handle weaponry. Someone who can clean up the mess well if there is one, knows all the security codes, passwords, etc. Reliable, boring and efficient at their job- who meanwhile has the keys to the kingdom and patience to stick to the long game if necessary. It’s not as glamorous but it’s more deadly- a middle aged ghost who can disappear and reappear somewhere else. The best spies are the ones who hide right under your nose for years, passing on information while living a very unBond like lifestyle.
Betty White. Perfect cover.
For a number of years I’ve thought how I’m the perfect get away driver now. Sounds like a great book, ripe for Hollywood, or a Netflix limited series. Helen Mirren. Streep. Dame Judi. Franny McDormand. Viola. Kathy Bates. Sandra Oh. Dianne Weist.
I’ve been joking for while that someone should make a Golden Girls meets Killing Eve type show with an unassuming, charming older woman assassin character. 👵🏼
Was just thinking about this as I watched Aunt Lydia in the Handmaids Tale. Spot on!
Agreed!!!
A fan of romantic fiction, I was feeling the same way about that genre. Where are women like me?! So I'm writing one myself where the romantic interest is a 60 yo. I'll stop being a woman never. Despite what society might try to tell me.
Exactly: it’s up to us to write about women like us. I’m doing the same. Writing Bc about being a broke 50-something caregiving for an elderly parent and losing earning power with every passing year but still being subversive and creative.