Stephanie Dolgoff's Blog, page 28

What really matters

PAULA WROTE: As a petite blonde, I used to enjoy the looks and catcalls from the construction workers etc. Now, at 63 and still blonde and petite, I thank my plastic surgeon when folks say "Darn, you still look good…for your age!" It took nearly dying a couple of months ago to realize that every day on this earth is a blessing no matter HOW I look!

Photo by Johnny Goldstein CC

IT'S A LONG LIFE

DEANNA WROTE: Formerly engaged to a hot Latino… mmmm, yummy.  Seriously, I woke up every morning pinching myself wondering why someone so fabulous would be interested in me! But we broke up and I moved to the states to escape the heartbreak and met my now-husband. 15 yrs on, I reconnected with my former flame to discover that he had still wanted me, but our impending wedding was just too much too soon - all he'd needed was some time.  He's been devastated when I moved away. Wow - nothing...

Donna: THE BLUSH IS STILL ON THE ROSE

DONNA WROTE: I used to be a "main" Bartender at one of the hottest dance clubs (think early 80's now) in the area. Partying, dancing into the wee hours. Then getting up after only a few hours of sleep, and doing it all over again. Yesterday my husband pointed to a rose in our garden, and told me, "See that rose? It's only half as beautiful as you are" !! I'm almost 47 now, 3 kids, mortgage, full time job. All the related stress, and yet time just stopped at his words. That's what it's really ...

Catharine: PAID IN FULL

[image error]

CATHARINE WROTE: I don't think I felt "formerly hot" until….newly 50 and realizing I could reasonably justify any service available on the Derm Spa menu. But most days I still feel HOT…..some version of hot anyway…..driving an expensive car that is paid for 

Martha: POST-FORMERLY

[image error]

MARTHA WROTE: I went through a formerly stage in my 30's.  It had more to do with finding life did not end up the way I planned and being bogged down with responsibility.  I still have my formerly days but now that I am 40 I'm finding people are surprised at my age, I flaunt it. I still get hit on, more people want to hear what I have to say, I'm more sure of myself, my kids love me but think I'm weird (I'm ok with that) and my friends think I'm cool. I'm kinda glad life did not turn out the ...

A perfect pair

Today I found my sole mate (not a typo or a stupid spelling error, although I am above neither.)  At the writer's space where I try to write instead of going on Facebook and blogging here, Jessica, a woman who I'd spoken to a few times, complimented my sandals (which are fabulous, and that's not bragging because it's not like I designed them or anything. They're more electric pink than they appear here.)

I told her where I got them (Dolce Vita) and how much they cost (a hefty but not...

Formerly afraid of birthdays

AMY WROTE: At my 16th Birthday, I was depressed because all the grown ups said this is the best time of your life, so I though it would soon be over and I would become one of them with nothing but dreary drudgery ahead. My 17th was like a wake; but lo and behold, I was never happier. Yet, I thought, "this is it , now I 'm in for it. Nothing but shoulds from now on. Yet that year was even better and now at 72, I have never dreaded another birthday. Each year has been better than the last and t...

Still rockin'

LEANNE WROTE: I'm a "Formerly" follower.  Reporting on 2010 trip to Key West where I poured my slimmed-down frame into chic, expensive clothes and partied up on Duval.  At 51 it was my second year up on stage rockin' with young things at a cover band night club, thoroughly liking it.  Husband remarked of my appearance while strolling on Duval that it was the many glances and check-outs from women regarding my outfits and how I appeared, that caught his notice.  Van MOrrison said,  "All the...

Send me your Formerly!

Hi, all,

I would so adore it if you could send me a picture of yourselves holding up your "Formerly"–example at left. I am doing a promo video for the book and it may be used in that, and most definitely here on the site. You wouldn't be IDed by name, just the pic.

Here are the specs: horizontal, no time/date stamp, and as high res as you can muster (send it to me as an attachment to stephanie@stephaniedolgoff.com). Use white paper and dark ink, and write is as clearly as you can.

Your Formerly ...