The Loft: Butches and Femmes in their 40s, 50s and over.

[Isadora]

Now that I am almost 57, I get softer instead of tougher, I cry more, I hurt deeply, everything is closer to my skin.

I don't recover as fast and any set back is a chasm rather then a crack in the sidewalk. I am more sorry for my mistakes.

I see some things clearer and am less tolerant and more stubborn in some ways. I am less patient with fools, know-it-alls, liars and bullies. I am more patient with people that I love and respect.

I smile from the inside out when happy and cry. I cry from the inside out when hurt. I remember as my Grandparents aged they cried more...at everything...Goddess help me...

I still go out. A lot. I have a full schedule. I drink less but I still enjoy a very active social life. I am taking better care of my health. It may take my hips and knees a couple days to recover but I can still salsa and rumba with hip swaying joy!

I am still a night owl, I still get by on 6 hours of sleep but I love taking short naps in the afternoon. I love the nightlife....