No, I met my role model in the Emergency Room And she'll have to remain a vision for your imagination only, due to a little federal law called HIPAA. She shares at least one attribute of the lovely Ms. Dench and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Those beautiful facial lines. Laugh lines speak to me of a life well lived. Also neckline wrinkles and lines that bracket lips with a gentle curve say to me "I have breathed fresh air, and sunshine. I have played with children outdoors, picnicked on blankets, walked hand in hand with a loved one, (or someone who needed my attention). I have laughed, and cried, and been real." Facial lines, to me, are a road map that leads to the soul of the person. Or perhaps...a road map to a person with soul. And heart. Botox perfection holds no attraction to me. Glacial perfection is just that...glacial. And who wants to reside in cold ice? No, I'll prefer faces with freckles, wrinkles, and small scars that hint at stories of sunny places, childhood injuries, and family history. That's a good thing, because with MY family background, I'd better resign myself to a face with all that plus middle aged chin sprouts!
I may never see my new role model again, but she left an impression. We met very late at night. And she was in pain. And as are most people in the ER who are in pain, she hadn't dressed to impress. No, she came as she was when she fell at home, suffering a broken hip. Her white hair was sleep tousled, her face was pale and clean with a faint scent of her nighttime cold cream. And as I gently examined her, and asked questions, I was surprised to see 10 shiny hot pink nails. A perfect manicure. I turned and said "I love your nails. I think you must be a fashion plate." And her lovely face broke into a grin, bringing to life 80+ years of life-line, laugh-line, soul-lined beauty as she said, "Oh, you bet!"
So, yes...I aspire to be 80+, living alone in my own home, with family that check on me nightly, and painting my nails with bright polish.
Although, I must admit...unlike my new role model, I may curse like a sailor if I break a hip...
I think your two other choices are also very role model worthy. Having just watched "Skyfall" I am impressed with Judi Dench yet again. As her character fought workplace age-ism, practiced tactical strategy, and shot a gun, going out in a blaze of grace and glory, I am leaning toward her. When I look at her life, I see someone who has persisted, despite aging, despite Hollywood emphasis on youth and plastic surgery, despite losing her beloved husband, and despite her encroaching blindness. She's a real person, and I bet she has gorgeous appointed nails. Mother Theresa is another wonderful choice....but celibacy is just not my thing!
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