The first tool I ever fell in love with was a Smith Corona manual typewriter--yes, I'm "that old." Fortunately, I found a lucrative way to make a living as an advertising copywriter since I lacked Joyce Carol Oates's melancholy. It was while writing for a retail client that I became intimately familiar with middle age fashion and developed a dread that I'd end up in Alfred Dunner elasticized waist skirts and bow-tie blouses. Thank God my 27 year-old daughter lets me steal  her clothes! 

I've been a single mom for 20 years which may explain why my offspring wants to go into social work to help emotionally disturbed kids. I live with a grey haired male cat with a severe attitude problem and major territory issues--like, how different is that from a husband???--but can proudly say I own a piece of real estate (okay, so it's a corner of a multi-unit apartment conversion), and I have a real toolbox that includes a Craftsmen drill and about a zillion drillbits. I have no idea what they're for.

At 53, I'm on what I like to call my "third career incarnation" as a marketing director for a nonprofit, but still feel like there at least two or three more hats I'd like to try on (bestselling author, Martha Stewart replacement, Keith Urban's personal assistant???). Seriously....I felt boggled through my forties but so far, the fifties are turning out to be surprisingly vibrant. Maybe it's all the medications I suddenly need. I started a blog (Blooming in Midlife) so that I could make sense out of a middle age experience my mother never prepared me (or us) for. Here's what I've learned so far: squeeze the most from everyday, even if it embarrasses your family; eat want makes you happy, not what makes you thin; and stock up on a really good vaginal remoisturizer.