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8. The Word Is Out!

© Judi S. Kaminishi

Something strange and amazing seems to be happening and it's not in my imagination. All these months I've been writing about the aging process and how truly wondrous it is, but I am often met with resistance by various musty old timers with minds sealed tighter than a self sealing zip lock Baggie. This week, however, army recruits have been sent out to help my cause.

A few articles ago, in my article titled "I Dare You," I suggested a "stretching" exercise by taking some nude photos of one's self. Needless to say I encountered much tittering and "you've got to be kidding" comments from many acquaintances. HAH!

Check out the February 14, 2000 issue of "People" magazine, pages 60 to 63. The article is titled "Nudes Fit to Print." Eleven women between the ages of 45 to 66, all from a British social club, posed in the buff for a 2000 calendar to raise money for Britain's Leukemia Research Fund. To date 88,000 calendars have been sold earning some $500,000. Plans are being made to market the calendar here in the U.S.

All insisted that there be no air brushing or retouching. Most agreed that the experience has left them feeling better about themselves. Very impressive indeed. I think no further comment be made here.... but the article did help me keep a smile on my face for days.

The second treasure of validation is an article a friend shared with me from the "New York Observer." It is titled "The Women Over 50 I'd Really Like To..." by George Gurley, the January 31, 2000 issue. One can find this article on the web by simply typing in any of the keywords here mentioned. Mr. Gurley's article is the first I've read that fully expounds the merits for appreciating older women over their younger counterparts. The title is pretty descriptive of what the contents are.

While the article may state all obvious and known facts, it definitely helps to make such information more common knowledge. Plus, one can never hear or read plaudits enough.

Of course I know I haven't been all alone in my attitudes and perceptions regarding being older and feeling better, but I have always definitely felt a small part of a small minority.... even amongst my own friends. I can't tell you how thrilling it is each time others share the same sentiments.

The calendar of nude older women not wanting to be airbrushed brings up another area of concern... one which I've been putting off for as long as possible. This area of concern is regarding plastic surgery and or any other excessive techniques that go against nature. Residing in Southern California, the heart of the entertainment industry, one is almost ridiculed for not having plastic surgery performed at the first signs of aging. I will get into this topic in greater depth at a later time, but for now, my mood is still too lighthearted and I do not wish to get myself all worked up just yet. It is an area that gets me very excited.

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