Do you find yourself surprised and a little indignant when you discover that you’ve entered a new age bracket? I do. And it’s not just on surveys, either. I’ve noticed that the automated settings on exercise machines now have me aged out. It’s as if I’m being given the not-so-gentle suggestion to step off, call my doctor and get her permission before attempting to turn on the machine. All of this surprises me, too, since most days I still feel like I’m 30! Ok, I’ll admit I have noticed a few signs of middle age…like wearing self-prescribed readers over my contacts, not being sure young people are speaking English when they describe what they do for a living, and, having a hot flash now and then. All in all, though, I’m perfectly content to have achieved that “women of a certain age” status. Along with the battle scars comes a sense of perspective and humor – and I wouldn’t trade that for the world.

My latest illustration for women of a certain age…

Almost seemed to draw itself. It’s a bit of me, a bit of my mom, and a bit of all of my BFFs who are walking the path of their fabulosity. I even had the foresight (I took off my glasses so I could see up close) to photograph a few steps of the process.

Here I am adding the skin tones with my Daniel Smith watercolors:

Women of a certain age illustration in progress, by Joana Miranda

And here is the illustration as it neared completion:

Adding the watercolor to the ocean in my newest Still Fabulous illustration

I loved the outcome so much that I decided to turn it into a greeting card –

Because while we women of a certain age are certainly techno savvy, we also know that reaching out via snail mail is still fabulous (and just plain good for the soul!)

Comments

    • Joana says:

      Thank you, dearie! They’re jumping for joy of course. I’ll jump for joy if we’re able to return back to normal by the time bathing suit season rolls around.

      xox – Joana

  2. Mm says:

    Oh my. This is not you, is it? How long has it been since I’ve seen you in person, for real??? Ah well, I love you wrinkles and all…

    • Joana says:

      Hi Meh-meh,
      No, it’s not really ME, but I might have to resort to an old lady bathing suit this summer if I run out of motivation to exercise indoors. 😉 I love you!
      J

  3. Helena Ribeiro de Castro says:

    Thank you, Dear cousin. I love your cartoons, indeed. But also your reflections about!! Cheers, Helena

    • Joana says:

      Muito obrigada, prima! And thank you for continuing to cheer me on. 🙂 Espero que tudo esta bem com a Helena. We’re pretty much in stay-at-home mode here in New York City, but are otherwise healthy. Muitos beijinhos da Joana

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