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:

And here is the illustration as it neared completion:

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!)
Oh, I love the jumping fish! The rest of it, too.
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
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…
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
Thank you, Dear cousin. I love your cartoons, indeed. But also your reflections about!! Cheers, Helena
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