Hurray, you’re here!
Welcome to my new blog, Fabulous Over Fifty. It’s designed with women over 50 in mind. I’m writing it to give you a little corner of cyberspace where you can find encouragement, inspiration, and maybe a chuckle or two.
When I was a young girl my great-grandmother said, “I know I’m almost 90, but I still feel like I’m nineteen.” I looked at her wrinkled face, gentle smile, and purple hair (It was supposed to be a soft silver), and thought, “Really? You feel like you’re nineteen?”
I didn’t get it until I found myself squarely in middle age. Now I know what Mama Sissy meant. I may be in my 60s, but I feel like a (somewhat wiser, gentler, more secure, happier) 30-year-old. Maybe as I grow older I’ll feel even younger. By the time I’m in my 90s I’ll feel like a kid again. Sort of a Benjamin Button effect.
We are different and alike
At the heart of Mama Sissy’s sentiment is a key lesson. We are eternal beings. We have souls that were created to live forever and to glorify God as we go. God created a fundamental “Tracey-ness” that exists for a specific purpose. Nobody else can be me. I can’t be anybody else but me.
We each have unique passions, personalities, preferences, and purposes. We’ve had different victories and different struggles. Our laughter and tears are triggered by different sources.
And I LOVE that!
I love YOU and your “You-niqueness.”
My first job after college was working as the feature editor for my hometown newspaper. I’ll never forget interviewing for the position. Boy, was I nervous as I sat in the chief editor’s office and answered his questions. Toward the end of the interview, he asked me where I would get story ideas. I looked out his huge office window that overlooked our city and saw people walking down the sidewalk. “See those people?” I said to him as I gestured toward the window. “Every single one of them has a story.”
Unfolding stories
Each of these women is a dear friend. I’ve known them over thirty years and have watched their stories unfold in beautiful ways. They’ve each known victory, and they’ve each known pain.
And they aren’t my only inspirations! I know so many women who launched brand new ventures after they hit fifty.
I think women over fifty are really just hitting their stride. Their stories richer and more motivating. They’ve been “time tested” and hopefully have a little more humility because of it. (To read more about the day this crew “toured” our town, just click here.)
Collecting your stories
I’ve been busy collecting and telling people’s stories ever since I sat in that editor’s office as a twenty-two-year-old.
I’ve cherished these stories. God has used each one to shape my life.
You may think you don’t have anything interesting, creative, or inspiring to share. You may even go as far as calling yourself boring. But you’d be wrong. The events and experiences that have shaped your life have given you a perspective no one else has.
We are designed for community, and we are all richer when we pool our collective experiences. I hope you will think of this blog as a sort of “salon,” a 21st century version of the gatherings made popular in the 17th century. A place to discuss everything from books, decorating, and fashion to faith, friendship, and family.
Let’s learn together, inspire each other, and share our hearts with transparency and no judgment.
Fabulous Over Fifty is a place where we can encourage each other with our stories.
Just one more thing…
I have written a novel–my first, but not last! Regal House Publishers will publish it Summer 2023. I’m not at the very beginning of this journey–I’ve already written it and found a home for it.
But there’s still a ways to go before I hold it in my hands. I thought you might find the whole process interesting, so I’m going to share snippets about the book, my writing process, and the different stages of production here, too. Click here to read more about it!
I’m going to need your support on this journey of “birthing” a book. I cannot do it without you!
So can I count on you? All suggestions, sharing, and insights are welcome! Just leave a comment.
Linda
You are so inspiring and creative! This is wonderful and I look forward to visiting here more often as well as your book, Tracy!
Blessings!
Linda Burrows
Tracey Buchanan
I appreciate your encouragement, Linda!
Leslie Watkins
I’m so happy that you have begun, sweet friend! I have some photos of you through the years capturing memories that I treasure. Welcome to the blog world!
Tracey Buchanan
Thanks, Leslie!