by Michelle N. Broughton

Created on: July 09, 2008

I am sixty years old and I am free and I am beautiful! Free, after all these years, to be the person I always wanted.

For the first time in my life, I don't wear makeup. Each morning I look in the mirror and count those wonderful wrinkles. The ones around the eyes came from laughter and tears, but mostly laughter. I cherish them. The mouth that turns down at the corners if left to its own devices, has a large crease on either side. These, too, are from laughter and good times. Aren't they gorgeous?

Oh, look, my salt and pepper hair, leaning more toward salt, has a gray hair for every problem in my life. Those problems solved through interaction with my best half, my husband, made us both stronger, deepened our love and rounded out otherwise dull lives.

My hazel eyes still sparkle when I think of our past lives, but they absolutely shine when I think of the days yet to come.

Our son and his beautiful wife along with our daughter add so much to our lives. They give me reason to smile and laugh often.

Contrary to television commercials, laughter is the older woman's best cosmetic and it is free. Used often, it brightens her complexion, draws attention to her best feature - her personality. It draws family and friends closer and adds light to her household.

Taking the time to sing every day in my fabulously off-key voice draws my family into my arms. Oddly enough, they enjoy it and declare I grow more lovely with each happy note.

Walking and riding my low-rider tricycle adds a healthy glow with which no rouge can compete. I really don't think it's the exercise within itself, but meeting my neighbors during my trips through the neighborhood and striking up new acquaintances that sooth any wrinkles of worry.

Not having a body for today's swimsuits, I've made a 1920's version. It brings giggles, stares and conversation when I hit the beach. I add a special hitch to my gitalong to enhance the skirted top. It sways provocatively over the knee length pantaloons. Instead of the traditional blacks of the period, I choose vertical stripes of brilliant colors. Never have I had so much fun swimming and sunning. Along with its conversational bent, it protects against the sun's rays. Since making mine, three neighbors have put in orders for suits. I think my next project should be portable changing tents for the beach.

True beauty comes with the knowledge that I no longer bow to fashion, or worry about what bosses and neighbors think. I walk straighter and taller knowing I have only

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