Irene:

Well, let's start with your name and age and then give you a short history of you and your life and where you're from, and you know, just what you do and all that good stuff.

Lynn:

So my name is Lynn, and I am 61 years old. I was born in New Jersey, and I have lived on the West Coast for about eight years. And then back to the east coast. I'm the youngest girl of 12 siblings. And I enjoy large family gatherings, probably because I grew up in a large family. My faith and my family are very important to me. And I enjoy spending time with my church family. And with my daughter and her beautiful family. Currently, of course, I reside in Virginia now. And I hope to have a retirement place by the water because water is my therapy.

Irene:

So you're a mom and a grandma. What advice would you would you give to yourself as a young mother?

Lynn:

So I was thinking about this. I was blessed to have my grandmother, my mother-in-law, and older relatives to help us with our daughter. So the advice I would give to myself is to cherish your family, and the memories that you make, because memories moments are fleeting, but those memories endure lifetimes.

Irene:

When in your life have you felt the most confident and why?

Lynn:

So I was definitely more confident in my 20s - there wasn't anything that I felt I could not accomplish. I didn't second guess it – I’d just go for it. However, after 35, I realized what was really important to achieve, and I began to focus on that. And so once I began to build up that security, I became more confident about what I could accomplish. And I wouldn't just go after everything, I was very specific and analytical about things before I trudged on.

Irene:

So what kinds of things were those?  What did you grow to understand was more important?

Lynn:

Well, my social life… I used to be very social and go out a lot. And I realized that there were more important things than to be outside all the time socializing. And, you know, I know a lot of people, and they're really into the social media. And, you know, I've got to the point now where

I don't really need to know the latest program or the latest son. But there was a time when that was very important to me.

Irene:

So what made you decide to participate in the 50 Over 50 and Fabulous Beauty Photography Project, because, you know, you just told me a little while ago, that your daughter was surprised that you were doing this.

Lynn:

I thought being a part of something that celebrates over 50, at a time when there's so much going on in our world, that it takes the spotlight off of the sadness, and it allows happy agendas to step up front, in a world that does focus a lot on young and younger. But there is so much more that I believe that over 50 people do and can contribute to that I think people overlook. So I think that this can give a glimpse of what's to come for those who are approaching 50.

Irene:

What do you think they have to look forward to?

Lynn:

You know, it's really hard to describe, but it's just more of a sense of freedom in your choices and your decision making.  Wisdom gives you a lot of guidance, so you don't have to second guess yourself a lot. You know, because you've already probably experienced it, did it or you heard about it.  And being comfortable with yourself. I think that we do go through a stage where - and that could be different for everybody - you're not very comfortable with yourself. You need to try to change yourself or you're trying to mimic someone else… you're still looking for yourself. But after 50, you're so comfortable with yourself. You don't have to change. And that may not be for everybody, but it works for me.

Irene:

So what excites you most about the 50 Over 50 & Fabulous Beauty Photography Project?

Lynn:

For me, stepping out and doing something like this, because as I said before, my daughter was shocked because it's not something that I do. I mean, if you look at my house, you see I’ve got pictures of everybody else in here. But you rarely will find a picture of me because I just don't do stuff like that. It's not that I'm one of these camera shy people. I just like to see the spotlight on others. So what excites me about this project is that I think I'm spotlighting me.

Irene:

Yeah, absolutely. Well, I'm so glad to have you as part of the project.  For any of you who are watching this video, you should know that I first photographed Lynn something like 4 years ago when her son-in- law gifted Lynn and her daughter a Mother's Day family portrait gift.  So let's see… now have any of your ambitions changed since turning 50?

Lynn:

So a little fact about me - a lot of people felt like I wasn't settled, because I've lived on the West Coast. And even when I was on the West Coast, I lived in Northern California, Southern California, Oregon… And then on the East Coast, New York, New Jersey, DC, Maryland, Virginia, Philadelphia… And some people would actually write my address in pencil, because it was changing a lot. And so as far as like, wanting to see different places, or going different places, that's changed for me, because I've done it. And so for right now, I've been in Virginia for over 25 years, which is, you know, the longest that I've been in any place.  I'm settled in my career, I'm good, I’m not searching for it.  I found it.  I love the nonprofit work that I do. I love having the opportunity to write and to help other people, not just in their talent development, but just also just being able to help people in general, because that's always been a dream of mine.  And so now to have an opportunity to do that every day at work… okay, check, check, check that box.

Irene:

And, you know, you told me that when I originally photographed you four years ago, you were kind of semi-retired at that point. And I guess you came out of retirement to work in the nonprofit world. And that must be an amazing feeling.

Lynn:

It is. It's incredible. Because ambitions are different than dreams. When I was younger, I had a dream to be in a place where I was helping people. And I forgot about that dream until this opportunity came, and it’s like, oh, wow, I'm really doing this. So it's good.

Irene:

Well, are there any myths that you would like to bust about the over 50s?

Lynn:

I was trying to think about that question, Irene. What myths do we have abpit over 50? Maybe that you slow down after 50? That might be what people say. Yeah, that's a myth. No, I don't think you slow down. I think as a matter of fact, you do more, but you're kind of more specific. You're not just doing anything. You're targeting it. Yeah. You're aggressive. You're more on point.

Irene:

Do you think that people who are 50+ are underrepresented in advertising?

Lynn:

So you know, it's kind of hard because I don't look at a lot of advertising. But when I do, I do see younger and younger… Millennials… Generation X… represented.  I think we're starting to represent more people that are older. And that's good. You know, one thing when I came to this area, this was interesting. All the news reporters I noticed were older. When I was in California, that was not the case. They were all younger. And I didn't realize til I came to this area, I was like, oh, wow, look at that, and how great that looks to see somebody with a little gray in their temples reporting the news. I wasn't even close to that age, but I've always liked to see diversity in age, gender, and cultures.  So I think we could do better. But let's say it's gotten a whole lot better than it used to be.

Irene:

What would you like other younger women to know about being 50+?

Lynn:

50+ is something to look forward to. I think that the journey gets sweeter.  I think that it becomes better after 50 and it's not something to be afraid of. Embrace it. I think I shared with you before that I met a woman over 70 who's a bodybuilder.  Her energy was incredible. She has more energy than a lot of 20 year olds.  She was bouncing all over the place. But I felt what was different about her was that not only was she in great shape, but I felt what was really great about her was her confidence and her energy and her liveliness.  Some people have body images that they're trying to achieve.  This woman - she's fit - there were some wrinkles here and there - she didn't care. And the thing is, she looks fabulous. So I think it's [50+] something to look forward to. And as long as you enjoy it, it'll just be really sweet.

Irene:

Well, thank you so much. That is very inspirational. So I can't wait to see you for your 50 Over 50 & Fabulous photography session!

After the 50 Over 50 & Fabulous Beauty Photography Session:

Irene:

Well, now you've received your images. What are you going to do with them?

Lynn:

So I posted one on Facebook. And I haven't had a picture posted on Facebook in about four years. So I put it up there and got a lot of comments. beautiful, gorgeous, wow… so I looked at the pictures again.  And I was like, wow, the pictures do look beautiful. They are awesome.  And I was just really happy to hear so many positive responses, and from some people I haven't heard from in a long time. So that's one thing. And then I know that I am going to, of course, give one to my daughter and family. And then of course, I've already put some up in my house. And it's just like, Okay, this is just the beginning. I want to do other things [with the pictures]. I haven't fully decided yet. I feel like I'm taking baby steps. But I do plan on not just keeping them in a corner!

And I'm still like, Wow, I can't believe I did this.  My inner introverted self is saying, You really did do this. Yeah, I really did do it. It's a good memory… stepping out of your comfort zone and facing your fears.

Irene:

Well, the next thing will be our exhibit sometime next year, and you'll see yourself large on the wall. That will be quite the experience for you.

Lynn:

It definitely will be. I've told my family about it. And I'm like, so will you come? And they said, yeah, that'd be exciting. I'm looking forward to it. I really am.

Irene:

So was participating in the 50 over 50 and Fabulous Beauty Photography Project worth it?

Lynn:

Yeah, it was.  And I just feel like it is something that is going to reap many benefits going forward.

Irene:

Well, thank you for being part of it. You know, when you reached out, having photographed you before and having photographed your daughter and her family several times, I was really excited that you wanted to be a part of this. So thank you.