Wednesday 10 September 2008

Middle Aged Mouse

I caught sight of myself in a shop mirror whilst out shopping today. Three words describe my reflection. Middle. Aged. Mouse. What happened? Where did I go? When did I go down that slippery slope to obscurity? I looked almost nondescript. I could easily blend into the crowd. I could even be the background.

I avoid mirrors as much as I can and only briefly look into one to apply a scant make-up each morning. Catching my reflection off-guard was a wake up call for me. I was so shocked by the dowdy image I portrayed that I vow to smarten myself up forthwith!

So here's to an updated, chic, contemporary and smarter version of myself. I certainly don't want to meet that middle aged mouse in the mirror again.

23 comments:

  1. I prescribe retail therapy! bright lipstick, and a cosy warm new jumper for winter in a gorgeous colour. - and that's a very cute mouse by the way...

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  2. I know what you mean - I very rarely look in a mirror and only have a teeny tiny one in the kitchen for emergency glances - and I never remember to put make-up on - so my only real views of myself are in shop windows or the mirrors in friends' houses and I did the same thing as you today - got a real shock at how grey my hair is looking again! I'm only 37 - why am I so grey???? And then there's the fat! I think that's the real reason I don't have any mirrors bigger than 12" square!!!!

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  3. I suspect most of us can identify with this...I certainly can. If I see my reflection out and about I have been known to not even recognise myself. Do I really look like that these days? I'm sure too you'll be more critical than anyone else. Happy day, and no mirrors, ok! D x

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  4. I look in the mirror too and think eeeek and yes we are always more critical of ourselves hee hee my partner switches off when I start ranting on... but as he says everyone is unique and themself so stop beating yourself up,,, he says.. and i think hes right thats referring to us and all special women!!

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  5. Simone, I expect you're being FAR to harsh and even a little unkind to yourself! Go and have some lovely shopping time but don't put yourself down!

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  6. I think we all have days like that! You're certainly not alone.

    I can thoroughly recommend Driftwood's suggestion of retail therapy - it's my personal prescription for most ailments...

    Also, a long walk with my dog usually makes me feel better about all my insecurities...

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  7. Join the club - like it's already been said , we all can have days like this. I see mams at the school in their designer gear, perfect make up , freshly coiffed hair and there's me in my slobs and trainers coat zipped up so you don't see the breakfast stains down my front, hair stuck to my head and I think they must have been up at the crack of dawn or have very neglected kids!!!
    Keep smiling
    lisa x

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  8. HELLO MY DEAR FRIEND,

    IF IT IS OF ANY CONSOLATION, I TOO FEEL THE SAME WAY!
    TWO YEARS AGO, I WAS A SIZE 8/10... BUT AFTER TAKING SOME MEDICATION FOR TWO YEARS, FOR TREATING MY DEPRESSION I`M NOW A SIZE 14 AND I REALLY DON`T LIKE IT!
    AT LEAST IT CURE MY DEPRESSION, NOW, ITS UP TO ME TO START TO MAKE AN EFFORT TO LOOSE THE WEIGHT!
    I WISH IT WAS AS EASY AS THAT!LOL

    IN YOUR CASE A NEW HAIRCUT OR A CHANGE OF MAKE-UP MAY HELP!
    WHEN I`M ON MY "UGLY" DAYS,(NEARLY EVERYDAY) LOL, I LIKE TO PUT MY FAVORITE PERFUMME ON, OR PAINT MY NAILS!
    I JUST FEEL THAT I MADE AN EFFORT FOR DOING IT SO!
    KISSES
    DEBBIE MOSS

    I HOPE I COULD HELP, SOME HOW...!

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  9. There is a lot to be said for middle aged mice..!! They are cute and fluffy and my cat likes them!
    Not wishing to make light of your feelings in any way Simone.. I know exactly how you feel. I am becoming almost reclusive these days as I fear I look more and more like a bag lady.. and we are not talking Prada or Gucci!
    I am sure you are your worst enemy.. I know that I am..
    Sympathy from a middle aged, frumpy and a little bit saggy friend!
    Michele xx

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  10. I'm another who can identify with your post - which was great by the way - I only have one mirror in the bathroom, so when I see myself full length in a window or mirror in a shop it is quite a shock to the system. Also when I see photos with me on them I think who is that grey haired person? I tend to wear black and grey quite a lot too with the occasion plum or lilac as I don't have confidence in wearing colours like red anymore.

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  11. Chin up Simone – I only possess a ‘head & shoulders’ mirror, partly because I can’t afford to buy another one at the moment and partly (and probably more important) so that I can’t see my bum and hips …. and there’s plenty to be seen believe me!!! I must start a diet practically every other day and it lasts until the goodies trolley comes around at work and then I cave in. Dieting is sooooo much harder the older you get. But I do intend cracking it eventually – I’ve done it before, so I SHALL do it again.

    Light one of your lovely ‘Yankee’ candles and put your feet up with a glass (or a bottle if you prefer)of wine - hic :0)

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  12. OMG I've done the same thing. Catching my reflection in a mirror or window reflection thinking who is that old lady...OMG it's ME!! I try to keep myself presentable, hair combed and styled and makeup. And I think that I am an attractive "Old Lady"! Or at least I hope so.

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  13. Oh how I hate those shop mirrors! I tend to look in the mirror in the morning when cleaning my teeth and putting on a bit of lippy and thereafter only if there's an emergency! Take care, I'm taking comfort from the fact that the light fades a little in Autumn!
    Kimx

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  14. That middle-aged mouse looks pretty damn cute to me. I hate catching glimpses of myself too, especially in the M&S mirrors! x

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  15. Hi Simone, add me to the list....it is good to know that we are not alone! I hate mirrors - I always look so fed-up, even when I am not!
    At least have something interesting to talk about ? and share the sames loves.
    I must confess, I was going to blog about this....I was so fed up a couple of days ago, I went shopping alone...not a good idea...and I went a little reckless and had a spend-up...new shoes, dress and parfume - I came home very very happy...I dare not look at my bank account, just hope there is enough left to pay the mortgage! which has just gone up by £280......ggggrrrrrrCXXX

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  16. Where did i go... i look in mirrors as i walk past shops and never recognise the woman looking back.
    I look at my daughter and see myself years ago.. so young and alive, happy and innocent and then i remember i have lived a good life and have been lucky to have met a lovely man and had three children and was pretty once.
    Life moves on but if you don't look in these mirrors you feel just the same as you did when you were 18.
    So do as i do look the other way.xxx

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  17. I'd blame it on a dodgy mirror if I were you. In my head I am still 17. I prefer not to challenge this image with glimpses of reality.

    But you should definitely go shopping too, just in case another unexpected mirror should jump out at you.

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  18. You're not alone Simone! I've had a very dim bathroom for years..and when M installed 3 new halogen globes..I almost scared myself to death aaagh..don't turn them on now!!
    I suggest a trip to the hairdressers..that always makes me feel better :D
    Thanks for your sweet words last week..feeling much better now thanks Gx

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  19. super cute mouse... Yep middle aged, nondescript, I know the feeling only to well... I posted a picture of mself, full view and now so want to remove it... Its just not who I am on the inside...

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  20. I know what you mean.
    When did I stop caring about wearing my socks above my trainers?
    Clare

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  21. I`m asking to all the Bloggers to support our dear FRIEND Mandy!
    Please do come over, and DO LEAVE A COMMENT!

    Kisses
    Debbie Moss

    Thanks so much for your SUPPORT!

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  22. I'm always surprised when I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror, is that middle aged woman really me?

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  23. I still think Im 21. No mirrors or good lighting always helps! (Does for me anyway) Hee Hee

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