40 Until 40

I'm counting down the 40 days until I turn 40,

and today is day one.

I've eagerly anticipated turning 40 for as long as I can remember.

Ever since I was a child, 

my heroines have always been elegant and sophisticated

with a decided air about them.

Women who knew their minds,

were decisive and sure.

I admired their confidence.

I think a woman just starts being 

truly beautiful at 40.

She's set in who she is,

no longer experimenting or trying to please everyone else.

I love the delicate lines that appear on the face,

the more hollow neck and collar bone areas.

The graceful hands.

Eyes that sparkle with wisdom and knowledge.

All of the ladies I've looked up to have increased in loveliness after age 40.

My mom.  

Benazir Bhutto, one of the ladies I most admire in the world.

Audrey Hepburn 

(more beautiful as she worked with UNICEP than in her younger years, to me.)  

Elizabeth Dole. Sophia Loren. Jane Fonda. Oprah Winfrey.

And many ladies over 40 who are not famous but are so very lovely to me!

40 days until 40...

to me this is where life begins to happen!