Midlife Mom

Navigating the teen years… and beyond
About Rebecca Haynes

Archive for September, 2011

Want to be a cover model?

Friday, September 16, 2011 by:Rebecca Haynes
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I’m middle-aged and proud of it!

Aren’t you? And wouldn’t you like to be on the cover of HealthyLife magazine? As we wind up our second year of publication, we are looking for next year’s cover models — specifically, women who are Fairfield County residents in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

Entering is easy. Just send me your name, the town you live in, your age, and a short essay (100 words) that describes how you live a healthy life. A couple of pictures — one that shows you doing an activity you love and another that’s a nice close-up — are also requested. Simply e-mail everything to me, editor of the magazine, at rhaynes@hearstmediact.com.

We aren’t looking for professional models. We’re looking for every day women who feel good about themselves and would love a day of pampering and being the center of attention.

The day of the cover shoot starts out with a hair and makeup appointment at a great area salon. Then we’re off to the shoot — which we plan at great spots all around the county — where our photographer will make you laugh, feel great and at the same time, get awesome pictures of you.

Doesn’t this sound like fun? Wouldn’t you love to be the center of attention and the talk of your neighborhood? What are you waiting for? Send us your application! Hurry, deadline is Sept. 30.

Vacation for 3

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 by:Rebecca Haynes
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We recently got a reminder of what it’s like to be a family of three — something we haven’t really experienced in more than 20 years, since our second child was born.

A vacation to the West Coast included myself, my husband and 23-year-old C, our oldest. Because of the timing (trip was prompted by a wedding invite), our middle son was back at college and our daughter stayed home (at a friend’s house) for the start of high school and the fall season athletic practices she was required to attend in the days leading up to school’s start.

So the three of us had eight days together to have fun with family members we don’t often see and then explore part of the country we’d never experienced. It was great! Of course, it would have been nice to have the whole family together, but the dynamic with just the three of us was relaxed and easy. No arguments or grouchiness or fights over the hotel bathroom or where we should have dinner.

C had a good time and was happy to visit the places, have the experiences and see the sights that will now sit in his memory bank. We hiked in the Redwood National Forest, drove along the northern California coast and then into the Western Cascades, making our way to Crater Lake, where we hiked up a nearby mountain for a spectacular view. Then it was back through the mountains to Route 101 and the northern Oregon coast. Our trip ended after an exploration of the city of Portland.

It may very well be the last vacation we take with C, since he is looking to move on and start his own life and memories — minus his parents. I’m happy to have these trip memories for myself!

Remember your first concert?

Monday, September 12, 2011 by:Rebecca Haynes
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Our daughter recently attended her first concert. I know she had a good time — she wore the wristband that was her ticket in for a couple of weeks afterward. Everywhere she went it was a conversation starter.

She came home excited that she’d gotten her ticket autographed by members of the band and got her picture taken with one of them after the show, when the musicians left the building to head to their bus.

Concerts are such a blast and make wonderful memories. I remember my first concert, although I can’t put my finger on the date with certainty. I think it was the summer of ’69 and I was 8 years old. My dad took me to a beautiful outdoor concert pavilion where we sat on the lawn to see Peter, Paul and Mary.

I was a big fan. It was after they’d released their “Peter, Paul and Mommy” album of kids’ songs and I practically wore out the record I played it so much. Plus, it was the days of AM radio and I knew all the words to “Leaving On A Jet Plane,” “Too Much of Nothing” and “I Dig Rock and Roll Music” among other of their adults songs. Of course, as an 8-year-old I remember being shocked when either Peter or Paul (sorry, don’t remember which one) swore on stage when he didn’t think the sound was right.

My dad recounts what it was like getting out of the parking lot after the show was over (a several hour process). I had fallen asleep in the back of the station wagon so to other drivers, it appeared as though he was a man by himself who did not look like other concert-goers, i.e. no long hair, beard or “hippie” type clothing.

Needless to say, he says he got some dirty looks. But he created a memory for me that I’ll never forget.

I think K’s first concert will be something she’ll always remember. And I hope it’s the first of many she will enjoy.