Be sure and check out FEISTY SIDE OF FIFTY RADIO –click on the link or the page above to find a celebration of women over fifty and how boomers are revolutionizing what it means to grow older. Give me just fifteen minutes of your time and I’ll give you interviews with women who will inspire you to make significant and positive change in your own life.
The latest posts are listed on the left, or click on categories to find specific entries.
Hello and welcome to “The Feisty Side of Fifty,™” the site that celebrates a truly remarkable generation of women. We first-wave baby boomers, now fifty plus but nowhere near matronly, are rockin’ on and still flaunting our famously bodacious style and spirit.We ladies can be deservedly proud of our shared history and our far-reaching accomplishments. In fact, the determined feminists of our generation drove through legislation that reversed centuries of discrimination and forever altered the roll of being born female in this country. (A rather formidable triumph, I might add!)
And now, although the years have likely morphed us from hippies to just plain hippy, in either case we are living large. No one can doubt our critical mass at this stage of the game!In fact, there are twenty-three million of us boomer gals who have already celebrated our half-century birthdays. Better yet, the hormonal changes of menopause make us saucier and more outspoken than ever before. As we ladies reach our fifties and sixties, we truly come into our own in new and exciting ways.
Invisibility Anyone?
There is, nevertheless, the sad but true fact that the popular culture in this country has a history of ignoring older women. In truth, we might have to fess up to a certain amount of culpability in that regard. Way back in the psychedelic sixties, we boomers essentially created the youth culture and then pridefully played it for all it was worth. Now, this very same focus has turned to bite us on our own burgeoning bottoms. (Yes, we can all remember the famous “generation gap” and probably wince at the “don’t trust anyone over thirty” maxims of our youth.)
So, here we go again!
But boomers are known for spearheading sweeping social reforms, making news, and breaking the mold for what is viewed as the “typical” female experience. And, we gals certainly aren’t about to stop that now. In fact, we won’t stand for being shunted to the margins of society or ignored into our “invisible years.” To the contrary, we are ripe and ready to mount one of our greatest and most important cultural revolutions.
Without a doubt, the art of aging is getting a whole new look and we cheeky hipsters will be leading the charge!So, let’s start digging around in those closets, pulling out our well-worn Birkenstocks (sensible footwear for protests and marching), and hitting the crone circuit. Let’s strut our stuff, raise our voices, and stridently claim the rights and privileges for women on the feisty side of fifty. Say it loud and say it proud: “We are the flaming, female boomers and, world, watch us roar!”
And Roar We Will
This site is dedicated to riding the rollercoaster of aging with information, wit, and even a bit of wisdom thrown in for good measure. So visit frequently to get the latest tips for forever flower children to keep blooming ever more beautifully throughout our years.Here is a forum to share your thoughts, experiences, spirit, and sass:
• How do you plan to become an audacious and obstreperous old broad?
• What ways will you break the age barrier and shine as your maturely magnificent self?
Post your comments and check back often to read articles, stories, and postings from fellow boomer bloggers.
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Stay connected and sign up for my free newsletter here filled with tips for feisty living. I won’t share your name. (At my age, who wants to risk the bad karma?) And, you can cancel at any time. | |
| Showing a bit of attitude with my friends. (I’m the one in the middle.) | ||
Posts
August 19th, 2007 at 10:53 am
Look at these 3 beautiful babes….
What a kick!! You are so innovative.
August 30th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
What a great idea! I’m looking forward to a lot of humor and relevant info.
September 1st, 2007 at 1:17 pm
go girl………..
September 3rd, 2007 at 8:15 am
Happy to celebrate each day!!!
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:16 pm
It’s too late! I already am an audacious and obstreperous old broad. We are not our grandmothers, that’s for sure!
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Too Late, I am already an audacious and obstreperous old broad. Go gal!
September 4th, 2007 at 9:17 am
Having read your writing, I would like to congratulate you on seeing the bright side in the lives of “women over 50″. - As the older population in general is growing rapidly, it is encouraging to see women mature into powerful matriarchs. By being confident and capable in dealing with many facets of llife, they are assuming ever greater roles of benefactors to their families and society at large.
Am looking forward to reading more of your very entertaining stories and support for women at this stage in their lives. Your writing conveys the message that “women, like good wine, can become more valuable over time”.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:25 am
It’s so nice to have a safe haven where I can come when I’m soaked from a hot flash and can’t remember my name. Thanks so much for all the encouraging info!
September 5th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Talk about fun, what an exciting site.
September 5th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Thanks for representing the baby boomers, Mary Eileen, and showing the world just how great we were, I mean are –
You go, girl!
September 6th, 2007 at 7:52 am
Thank for all your research
and good advice to stay
active and involved with life!
September 6th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
WOWEE! terrific! refreshing! KEEP IT COMIN’……
September 6th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
It is a wonderful feeling to know you are not alone. Very uplifting!
September 6th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
The women in the picture sure don’t look like they are over 50 - looking good girls!
Go Mary Eileen- this is a great idea with a great future.
September 9th, 2007 at 9:10 am
I have always appreciated women and my experience and affiliation is also somewhat north of 50. My question is, are men wanted here? While the 60’s failed to live up to my hopes and expectations, many of us men did manage to grow up supporting equal pay, promotion and yes gratification. You are funny and often wise, but I am nervous to tread where not wanted. What’s the dope? Are crabby but not dim fellow travelers wanted?
September 10th, 2007 at 6:59 am
Thank you all for your great comments! It’s exciting to hear from so many over fifty and feisty friends.
And a special note to Bob: Of course, we ladies welcome the male viewpoint. We may be estrogen depleted, growing our own whiskers, and pretty crabby ourselves. But, hey, that makes us all the more lovable! Just hope you won’t be the Lone Ranger so feel free to invite a couple of your buddies to tread along with you.
September 10th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Being well over 50, wish someone would have thought of this 10 years ago. Thanks for what you are doing.
September 10th, 2007 at 8:09 pm
Makes me feel happy and proud all at once.
What’s is the deal with the billy goat chin
hair anyway? All we need a 10X mag mirror
and a tweezer to stay fabulous. And fabulous
we are!!!!
September 10th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
I love this site’s “bit of attitude”. Looking
forward to roaring with my fellow sisters!
September 11th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Reading Bob’s comments was very refreshing. Since the ladies over 50 do not live in a “female only club”, the view from the other side of the hormonal fence could be entertaining and educational.
September 12th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Write on, girl! Hopefully your words will
help other women appreciate the wisdom that
comes from menopause - even if the physical
trade-offs seem so unfair! I’d love to have my
figure back but sure do appreciate the woman
I’ve become in my fifties! And I appreciate
all of my Feisty Side of Fifty sisters as well!
September 13th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
I’m way past 50, however I must be on the right track!! I’m sure not my mother or grandmother. Good luck on your writing, you are right on, “Life begins at 50″!
September 17th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
From one feisty 50ish woman to another, this
is great fun and “hot” information!
October 4th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Feisty Side of Fifty - I love that!!!
And we don’t have to be invisible after 50 if we all take that same feisty spirit our generation had when we were young and use it in all of life. Too many have settled for less than they should. I was more invisible in my 30s than I am now because I sat up one day and refused to sit in the corner any longer.
October 5th, 2007 at 8:39 am
The Fiesty Side of Fifty! Oh yea, I love it too! Just stopping by to meet you and reading your post on Kathy’s site. You definitely need to be a member of my Baby Boomer Diva Web of Fame, honey!
October 7th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Hey, there. Feisty sounds good. Right now I’m 49. Soon enough I’ll be a member of your tribe…
October 9th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
From one Diva to another - great to meet you!
October 9th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Hehehe…I am LOVIN’ your attitude, Woman!
Welcome to the Baby Boomer Divas!
October 10th, 2007 at 10:03 am
It is truly a wonderful thing to know there are so many of us being confident and feisty!
October 10th, 2007 at 10:11 am
Great website!
October 11th, 2007 at 1:13 am
G’day Eileen,
Just came from my email and noticed the latest Addition to our Divas! WELCOME!
Look forward to knowing you better`
Cheers from Sydney, Australia
Debbie
October 11th, 2007 at 11:44 am
Your wisdom, attitude and actions are very inspirational.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:47 am
Mary Eileen, This is GREAT!!! I had no idea you
were involved in such a fabulous forum!
I definitely will sign up for your newsletter
and make this site a favorite to visit often.
You hit the nail on the head - saucier and
outspoken!!! That would be me!
October 16th, 2007 at 8:21 am
Love your comments! Cyberspace can be a blast with so many feisty friends, both old and new, along for the ride. Keep ‘em coming!
October 20th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Success on your JFKU workshop on October 27, 2007. The women will leave with so much information to support their changes in life. Your enthusiasm is good medicine!
October 24th, 2007 at 4:18 am
“We are baby boomers
Hear us roar
in numbers too big too ignore
and we know too much to go back and pretend!…..
Your commentary is very well said, Diva Eileen!
October 28th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
I’m 49 (not quite 50 yet) and have been sort of waiting for this time in my life. Not so much the age, but the feeling of being ready to try some things I never had time to do before. I’m a writer. New to the game, but, hope to turn it into something with longevity. I’m ready to try.
November 1st, 2007 at 8:42 am
LOVED your workshop and all the materials you
provided…including the very special napkins!!
You (and all the ladies who attended) have
reinforced my belief that women our age are
wise and have much to contribute.
Thanks for a great day!
December 21st, 2007 at 12:08 pm
I was so getting tired of being a part of the “invisible” age and gender group.I thought all hope was lost. I now see that I am not alone and there are others to communicate with. Yayyyyyy!
For the first time in many months I feel like I am still a viable,and skilled woman, worthy of all things.
January 17th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Go, girls!
–Kathleen, a boomer like you (kayoungblog)
January 19th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I’m looking forward to your newsletter!
Diva Betty Lynch
http://www.mycountrykitchen.wordpress.com
January 19th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
I got a tiara for my birthday (with a magic wand, lol) and immediately wore it out to lunch with 5 other friends with a red feather boa as an accent.
I would never have had the nerve to do this in my younger years! I love the freedom that I have granted myself as I realized I am old enough to do what I want and not care what others think of me!
It’s probably a good thing, however, that I do not have a teenage daughter as this would most likely have embarrassed her to death, lol!
Terri, aka PopArtDiva, The Martini Diva, The DIVA of TINY FOODS ,The Normal Challenged Artist, The DIVA of DIVAVILLE
January 20th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Hi Mary Eileen:
Yes, I’m feisty, fifty plus and loving every minute of it. We will give old age a BAD name! Never felt better, never felt stronger.
All the best
Jacqueline
http://www.fearlessfifties.com
January 29th, 2008 at 1:00 am
G’day Eileen,
You have a wonderful and uplifting blog along with your attitude!
Wanted to personally say ‘thanks’, for just being you…hope I look this good at 50!
Love your baby boomer diva sister,
Debbie
February 1st, 2008 at 8:26 am
Just stopping by this feisty blog to give a feisty big thanks to Eileen, for signing my guestbook! God bless you mate, you are a true-blue champ!
Love Debbie
February 1st, 2008 at 6:51 pm
You are right on target, Eileen. We are changing the attitudes toward older women, because there are a fair number of us who are actively working at it. Blogs like yours helps to empower other Boomer women to step out and be noticed. Good for you!
Pam
February 2nd, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Being invisible has never been an issue with me - being a Normal Challenged Artist™, I tend to be naturally audacious! Being older just gives me more freedom to do so!
February 4th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Rock on for sure! Delicious article!
February 7th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I’m loving this time of my life. It’s exciting having
new freedoms and even the challenges are do-able.
As long as I keep the enthusiasm of my youth, I think
I’m doing just fine! By the way, keep being feisty - it works!
February 9th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Hi Mary, Guess what? You’ve just been tagged. Head over to my blog at http://www.vickimtaylor.com/blogs and find out what it all means. big hugs!
February 11th, 2008 at 1:29 am
G’day Eileen…
Love to you feisty lady!
Debbie
February 11th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
I got your name from a friend after discussing the movie “let’s face it” women discussing their relationship to their faces as we age. Cool movie. I love the idea of your site and am looking forward to more inspiring words of wisdom and opportunities to celebrate the journey. p.s. I’m a Mary Eileen too!
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:27 am
Onward!!!
This is great!
February 24th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Nice picture, and like the “About”, “celebrating 50 and better”, if “better” means older than 50, than your talkin’ ’bout me
February 29th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Like your style! I too write for women in midlife. We rule!
March 8th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Mature? Who wants to be Mature? I want to be like the rest of you and be feisty, fifty + and fabulous!
Stay young… and then some.
Heidi Richards Mooney, Publisher & Editor in chief
WE Magazine for Women
March 12th, 2008 at 10:22 am
I just posted a link to your blog on my PopArtDiva newsletter!! It is sent out to my subscribers and it will be online for a month! Enjoy the hits!
March 27th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Invisibility; It is real.
My husband and I, yes men over 50 are invisible too, were at a 30 something party and we were the oldest there. Some were cordial to us but then moved on to their peers and others just ignored us. It is something to get used to that is for sure!
March 30th, 2008 at 10:52 am
After all we’re in “middle-essence”!
Enjoy! And rattle a few chains :)=
April 5th, 2008 at 6:00 am
This made me smile — and I’m glad you reminded me of how we thought we were “all that” as we watch another generation think they are “even more all that” — I’m loving learning from them! And I love it when they take a breath and want to learn from me.
April 5th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Eileen - more posts, more posts! I love what you write so I need more posts!!!!!
April 26th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I just found your site and read your most recent Apr. 22 blog. Good stuff. I am 50, a three time survivor of cancer, married for 22 years, and my son is 17. I have been through some major changes just recently and your advice that we all come out on the other side of tough times stronger and wiser is so true. I also am trying to empower my 50 plus peers with a new product. I re-invented the hand held fan for the modern woman. If you feel like checking it out it’s http://www.flashinfannye.com
Keep up the great blogging.
Julie
April 30th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
You looked great on the tv interview! LOL - are you feisty? “ask my husband” - Roflol!
The PopArtDiva
May 18th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Wonderful site and great information!
May 31st, 2008 at 2:32 pm
cool site, keep it going!
June 16th, 2008 at 12:25 am
Lol… This is almost like you’re reading our minds!:) We’re a group for 50+ women, http://www.womenetcetera.com, who chat a lot, laugh a lot and have fun! We share tips, advice, laughs and lend an ear when its needed.. Do join us! We NEED people like you!!!:)
June 20th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Well…these are great questions…but I really don’t think of myself as an old broad (I’m 57)… i much prefer the term feisty bitch
I will shine and break the age barrier in my own small way, by “admitting” my age when people assume I’m 10 yrs younger. As Gloria Steinem once said, “This is what 50 looks like.” And that’s exactly how I answer their disbelief 
July 11th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
i think it very refreshing that you as you are, am im a guy that’s about 7 years over fifty… for what it’’s worht
July 12th, 2008 at 11:16 am
I couldn’t agree more!
July 29th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Forties are the new thirties, Fifties are the new forties….we just keep getting younger and younger.
August 4th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Most of us are happy to be 50+, but how do we change the cultural perception that it’s downhill from here?
August 9th, 2008 at 4:48 am
Just dropping in to say hello..and let you know finally my book will be released in two weeks….Hope you are doing great…carol stanley
August 9th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Wow! You all are a powerful inspiration. I agree ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!!! Keep up the great difference making work of making us all feel focused, fantastic and FEISTY
August 20th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Stand up for who I know myself to be and embrace frienship!
August 30th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
I just found this site, and it looks like FUN and FEISTY FEMALES exist everywhere! I plan to bookmark this page, and check back often!
Thanks,
September 12th, 2008 at 9:33 am
I love your website. I had never blogged or
commented until Sarah Palin was nominated VP
Candidate, but she absolutely energized me to pay attention to and get involved in politics.
I am starting my career over at 52 and I love seeing women
who are strong, feisty and full of life after
50 (I think younger men like that too!)
My physical goal is to surf again. I surfed as
a teen and in my early twenties in San Diego
and Hawaii and I’m determined to get on a board
again!
September 25th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Love the new banner and look to your site! It is so great to have you in the wild and wonderful web of baby boomer women. Rock on!
September 27th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Wonderful, beautiful, vibrant!!!
Way to go to Eileen and her artist friend, Pop Art Diva!!
Love,
Sally
September 27th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Your site has come alive! I agree with Sally—the colors are vibrant and PopArtDiva’s work is wonderful!
September 28th, 2008 at 10:49 am
What a great website! Love your message.
Women’s power increases with age. It’s important that we use it.
Warmly,
Judith
October 4th, 2008 at 4:32 am
Just dropping in to say hello and enjoy your content. THis is one of my favorite sites..So keep it going…
October 4th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
October 4, 2008
This blogsite is so informative and fun! It helps me to remember to ‘be visible’ where ever I am, with family, workings, playing! Best, Tricia
October 5th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Exciting site - what a role model you are!Good and interesting information and I appreciate your enthusiasm and good energy.
October 5th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
good article thank you
October 5th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
What a fun site! At the wonderful age of 52 (almost 53) this is quite enlightening to know there is a website just for me and my over 50 friends. Peggy was wonderful. She is a very good friend who inspires me everytime I see her, when we talk, walk and just hang out. Thank you for the great words of wisdom, Peg. I am very excited to be a part of this way cool website and will be sending to all my “feisty over 50″ friends.
thank you!
BJ
October 6th, 2008 at 1:36 am
The new art work looks fantastic. And, as usual, so many good articles.
October 6th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Love your banner and more importantly, what you stand for. Hurray for us!
Blessings,
Charlotte
October 6th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Love the new look of your website and as always, your interesting articles. Good info and fun to read!
October 7th, 2008 at 6:05 am
Just found you today! Wonderful site and posts and so glad to sign up to RSS feed. Feels like home already!
October 7th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Right on sister!
Bear((( )))
October 8th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Dear cyber friends and friends in the flesh,
Thanks for all the encouraging comments regarding Feisty’s new look. Yes, she had a big makeover and I love it myself. Since our generation of women is beyond colorful, the site needed to reflect our tie-dyed exuberance and our unfettered “feisty power.”
Please keep the comments coming. I appreciate each one of your suggestions, ideas, and remarks. We boomer women are a special breed and it’s great to connect and share our good vibrations over the Internet. At our tender age, we’ve got a lot to say-so watch out cyberspace!
October 9th, 2008 at 8:27 am
ME [mary eileen]. Be encouraged by all of your “oldish” fiesty supporters out here. You help each of us do more than hold down the fort. You’re a refreshing light in dark ages.
October 9th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I love the website and all the work you have put into it. I can’t wait for the book to be published and for all the visitors to this site to know about it. Thanks for all the work you do for us feisty women. And I’m not only over 50, I’m now over 60!! Still feisty!
October 9th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
What a refreshing website. Not only informative but a nice place to “hang out”…keep up the good work!
October 10th, 2008 at 5:46 am
Eileen,
I love your new website look, and all the supportive content! I’m far over 50, but with your leadership and encouragement, and the support of folks everywhere, materializing out of thin air, I have confidence and energy and authenticity.
Keep up the great work!
“Winnie Wartso”
October 10th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I am not going down without a fight.
I am womam. hear me roar!!!
Bear((( )))
October 10th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
I love being on the FEISTY SIDE OF FIFTY. Thank you for celebrating FIFTY. We are FEISTY WOMEN ON THE FIESTY SIDE OF FIFTY and loving life.
October 13th, 2008 at 11:07 am
The past is prologue, and this is the time for BBWs to decide what their legacy will be. Thanks for encouraging us to get busy and make this a better world–these old arthritic knees of ours can still take us the distance and let’s vow to do some good before its too late. Keep prodding us–we’ve got many miles to go before we sleep.
WF
October 16th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I know I’m intelligent, but I didn’t discover my true self until I reached my 40s. Now, in almost a month, I’ll be 50, and I feel great, don’t look my age, am proud of my childen, and am starting the best years of my life.
What a great site you have, and I’m looking forward to seeing it and visiting often……………..:)
October 17th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I’m not yet over 50, but I work with a lot of fabulous women over 50 and they constantly impress, inspire and energize me. Makes me really look forward to getting older!
I thought this crowd might get a kick out of a recent blog post one of these great women just wrote — What’s Up With Single Men My Age. You can find it here — http://prime.peta.org/2008/10/whats-with-single-men-my-age.
Thanks again for the fun blog. I have bookmarked it!
November 6th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
FAB blog! Hope to read more soon!
November 15th, 2008 at 3:27 am
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in our own way and on our own terms. Boomer Yearbook is the social network designed by and
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November 17th, 2008 at 9:11 am
It is about time we got some recognition! When I turned fifty I bought an untrained Arabian horse, helped train her, and now ride her in the 36 - 54 classes. In addition, I started a new business with another fifty-something year old woman. I feel good, don’t think I look too bad, and enjoy life!
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I decided that I am going to learn how to play the guitar at 70. By then my hubby will really know the guitar and we can jam together.
December 14th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Men and women have asked me, as the Editor of NowWhatJobs.net, exactly what motivated me to write my book and, subsequently, to start my website? Here’s my response.
December 23rd, 2008 at 5:28 am
I am so excited about this site! My daughter is 21 and beautiful and stylish and can wear my jeans from back in the day. But…I am not my daughter. I am an awesome old broad! I LOVE that!!! I am also not my college girlfriend who never had kids, did Jazzercise all her life and has now discovered botox and looks 40. But I am jealous.
December 25th, 2008 at 8:42 am
The site has changed since I was last here, and wow, looks unreal! Like I keep telling people, you just CAN’T keep a good woman down, and this site is pure proof!
I am 2 years shy of 50 and love knowing I have this place to fall back on lol
Love Debbie xx
December 31st, 2008 at 7:43 am
Sign me up. I’m all about enjoying the ride on the fifties train.
I have friends that are already planning their funerals. Catch me on
leftyfityblogspot,com
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:02 am
Melanie-I so want to know ” How do you plan to become an audacious and obstreperous old broad?” Lol, I’m hitting the big 50 next year.
Love this blog, thanks!