Fabulous Over 40: Meet Rose

Fabulous Over 40 Studio Portrait of Rose by Julie Hood Photography

Age 68

About You:

Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m proud of the fact that I am coming into my own. And it feels damn good!

What was one of the happiest moments of your life so far?
The happiest moment of my life was the birth of my son.

Looking back on your life, what’s a lesson you’ve learned that has stayed with you?
I had to learn to do more listening and less talking. I learned a lot about people and myself doing this.

When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?
I felt most confident when I hit my 60s. The 60s were an eye-opening time. I started a second career at an elementary school as a teacher’s aide. At first, I was a fish out of water, as time went by, I realized, “I’m good at this!”

What is your favorite trait about yourself?
I’m not a quitter; I’m going to keep myself in the game!

Your Thoughts on Aging:

Are there any myths you would like to bust about being over 40, 50, 60 or 70?
That they are just myths! I call it growing up, being more confident and loving life!

How has turning 40, 50, 60 or 70 changed your outlook on life?
I don’t feel so uptight about things. After experiencing things several times, I’m like okay, I handled it once I can handle it again.

How do you embrace the changes that come with getting older?
Nothing in life stays the same. Friends come and go, relationships evolve, family relationships change. By embracing these things, I have found are all a part of aging.

What are some of the things you enjoy now that you might not have appreciated in the past?
I now enjoy God’s creations. Sunsets at the beach, the forests, the mountains and people. I took these for granted when I was younger.

Future Aspirations:

What’s one thing on your bucket list that you’re determined to accomplish and what’s your favorite thing you’ve checked off?
I would like to go to Fatima, Portugal and visit the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Doing the photo shoot. Now I know how hard a model’s job is.

What does it mean to you to live fully at this stage of life?
To live life at its fullest means to be happy. At this stage in my life, happiness is the most precious thing.

What is your favorite quote or motto that inspires you?
Karma is a bitch! And karma will always come for you!

What is the one piece of advice you would give your 20 something self?
Slow down, Mija. Enjoy your baby, talk to your Mom and Dad more. Listen to them and the advice they give you.

Finding Joy:

What’s something that always makes you laugh, no matter how many times you hear or see it?
I have a video of my son imitating me playing dominoes. Every time I see him, I laugh so hard until tears fall from my eyes.

What are you passionate about? What brings you joy?
I am passionate about family. They are my everything. I am also passionate about my students. Seeing them every day makes me feel so good.

Your Fabulous Over 40 Portrait Experience:

What made you decide to participate in the Fabulous Over 40 Portrait Experience?
When I was in my 20s, I used to have pictures of me taken by a photographer. When I saw the opportunity to have my picture taken in a photoshoot, I thought it would be fun. So I did it.

How did the photoshoot make you feel during and after the session?
The photo shoot was so much fun! I felt good about myself, especially after the hair and makeup, that was a treat! After, I have always wanted to do a photo shoot, a professional one, and this shoot was exactly what I needed to do.

How did this portrait experience change the way you see yourself?
I now see myself as an accomplished woman. Another saying I feel sums it up is: “You’ve come a long way, Baby!”