Things are getting more and more eccentric at Casa de la Swain. Changing styles in my textile work, falling in love again with painting and photography...and then there is the ever illusive quest for continuing creativity through working with Eric Maisel. Still on the road teaching, posting now at the Ragged Cloth Cafe and taking the pledge to keep handmaiden up to date.

Friday, November 11, 2005

Who's That Girl?



Today I am twice as old as this girl. This is one of my head shots from when I was acting. I miss this girl in some ways; glad she is gone in other ways.
Now you know why my hair is short...talk about your big hair. It is short not for lack of hair but for way too much hair.

So I guess this is a milestone. I was born on 11/11 1949 (which I consider 1950, I mean it is so close) at 5:24 in the afternoon which totals to 11 and today I am 56 which also totals to 11......must go buy a lottery ticket immediately.

I look at this picture and remember what a golden year this was...working in theatre, living with one of the great loves of my life (shock!horror! don't tell Ronnie), we were both actors so you know that one was doomed. I already had three sons and was supporting them myself......and I love how all that made me who I am today.

When one of my ex daughters in law saw this picture her reply was:" You were so beautiful." Implication...you aren't now. Maybe that is part of the reason she is an ex daughter in law...heh, heh. But hey, everyone is beautiful at that age. The key is learning to love the way you are no matter what age you are. I can attest that all the insecurities hidden in this picture are long gone and that's a very positive thing. My life is less chaotic (that might be an overstatment) so let's just say chaotic in a controlled way. I feel much more in tune and in charge of my destiny, whatever that is......and all the boys are grown and married to wonderful women.....except for Thom , who is married to law school at the moment.

While I miss this girl on occasion, I am glad she has made it this far and look forward to seeing where she is going next. You've come along way, baby, and still have a long way to go.



















15 comments:

Jen said...

Youth is always beautiful. I get that too. People act so shocked when they see old pictures, I could be insulted if I were thin-skinned.
You have a lot to be proud of. Remember how hard it was to be that young? I'm kind of glad that's all over. It's great that you celebrate who you are now. Happy, happy Birthday! Jen

Val said...

Hope you are having a really happy birthday and lots of fun! You have now reached the elegant stage in life! Youth is fine but its character that counts! Enjoy!

Val

Terry Grant said...

Each birthday is a reminder of the life you have lived and are living and the wisdom you have gained and the love that surrounds you--seems like you have all in good measure--reasons aplenty to celebrate!

Happy birthday, Gabrielle!

Karoda said...

Happy birthday and heres to celebrating the day you were born and changed the course of the universe!

Olenka said...

Happy Birthday, Gabrielle! Thank you for sharing your life in such a grand and creative way. Wishing you much joy and success! Big hug, Olenka

Deb R said...

Wow, yes, that's a LOT of hair! What fun to see a photo of you from years ago!

Happy Birthday...hope it's wonderful.

And yes, go buy a lottery ticket! And shoes. :-)

Teri said...

Happy Birthday! You know that life begins at 50, and you just get better the older you are! Have a fun Birthday!!

Gerrie said...

Happy birthday to a beautiful woman, at qqny age! When I left Tahoe, I had the highest bid on your pillow. Judy says I have to call in Tuesday to see where the bidding is. This is not fair!!! They should have two separate auctions.

Gerrie said...

I am really tired - that was supposed to be any age!!

Rayna said...

Happy birthday, dear Gabrielle. sometime, when we get together again, I will tell you how I felt when I was half my age (older than you, and also a Scorp). You are one of the lucky beautiful ones. Although, at least nobody can say to me "you were soooo beautiful then." I hate like hell being as old as I am but oh,well.
We scorpios have to stick together -- at least we are 'interesting'. And that ain't all bad.
R.

jenclair said...

What a great post! Have a wonderful birthday thinking of all that you have accomplished.

Debra Dixon said...

Happy Birthday! Just think how much more you know than that girl in the picture! that's empowering in a very positive way! Hoorah!

Sonji Hunt said...

I think you are more beautiful now because you have a defined personality that shines through. That lovely young thing could have been anyone. Only the SHOCK of PINK could be GABRIELLE!

Happy Birthday!!!

Sharon said...

Happy Birthday G... I read your blog with interest - it's both thoughtful and inspiring... I love the work that you do and the tenacity in which you do it...

I think we all look back at our youthful photos and sigh... But often those photos 'hide' the true being... I believe as we get older we come to a more mellow place - a deeper understanding about our selves and who we are/ what our place is in the world...Whilst I have stacks of things I want to achieve still I believe I also have a more contented outlook on them... Whether they evolve from dreams to realities is anyone's guess... But that is all part of the fun...

PaMdora said...

Happy Birthday Gabrielle! We're only one day apart. I like being a scorpio too, think it's the best sign there is.

Interesting discussion about beauty and age. I've been thinking alot about this the past year, that maybe we've only been conditioned to think youth is beautiful by the constant barrage of youthful images from the media. So much time, energy and money is spent on making youth look beautiful -- if the same were spent on aged people, they would look good too. You know what I mean? Have you seen really good photographs of older people.

I especially think this when I look out into my yard. There are so many ancient trees that are gorgeous. The trees have a stature and beauty this is uncontested by young saplings that are really pretty dull. Maybe this appreciation of beauty is more natural and untampered by what society is forcing on us.
Whew! Where did that all come from??

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