FOREVER ME...

It is challenging to be a woman of certain age in this industry. Not just the cliche, there are no roles for the women over the age of 40. We know that story but more importantly where do you fit in? I love the new Lane Bryant campaign " I'm No Angel"..very clever but still all the model s look to be in thier early 20's. If you are going to push the envelope..PUSH IT! Its definitely a step forward but lets keep moving that block. People are now living till thier 80's and beyond, you can just continue to focus on 1/5 of people's lives.  I am enjoy inter generational  friendships and fortunate enough(so far)  to not be put on dung heap of "discarded" or that quiet killer "legend". I often feel, there is a way I am supposed to be living my life or a manner I should be assuming, that I just have no interest in. 
        Am I being a perpetual Peter Pan, defying the norm or both and is that so wrong.? I see so many posts of women showing off their post baby body,  pushing gender norms and I think if they can, why cant I? People strive to grow old gracefully..but why? Who is being  impressed, what do I care if I make others uncomfortable because I choose my own path. While I am not the fan of Madge( Madonna) that I once was when I was younger because she proved to be a coward during the G.W Bush Jr reign in  this country, I respect that fact she refuses to just go away quietly into the night. You don't need to obscure the opportunity for someone younger but  really ...that would and could  never happen. You cant be that 21 yr old but that 21 yr. old can't be you either. I personally enjoy dancing, hanging out all night, being flirty and just being me. I worry about the day someone says, "your too grown for that",  or how will I react , the day I am not noticed or taken seriously ..being smirked at for being "cute".  I have shared with my sister, who are age defyers I can emulate in this area? There is Patricia Field.. but since I am not a fabulous queen..when would ever cross paths?  Again, just a bunch of thoughts that run through my head but I do believe age is the new frontier. How to defy societal norms but embrace the realities and   yet  continue to blaze a path forward. My perception this is further complicated by  gender, economics and of course race.  My desire is 25 years from now, I have a similar post but where I have created a whole new vista for others to follow.  #women #youth #imnoangel #aging #defy #blackwomen  #actors #blackactors #beauty