I’ve been working on a proposal for a book based on Friend for the Ride.
My agent, Erzsi Deak, although enthusiastic, thought my proposal needed more glamour and spunk.
“Making menopause HIP is the way to go! 
” Erzsi said.
Menopause? Hip?
I like it!
Then she wrote, “Make everyone want to go through menopause, so they ‘can buy this book!”
I like that even more!
But is menopause hip?
Ask the thousands of women suffering hot flashes, dryness, insomnia, fatigue, and moodiness, and you might be bombarded by frownie faces.
But wait, oh frownie ones.
Menopause is hip in her own way.
We’re wiser.
Hipness point.
We’re bolder.
Another hipness point.
And we’re adventuresome.
Mega hipness points.
I have menopausal friends opening businesses,walking across Scotland, downsizing to funky condos, joining marimba bands, teaching English overseas, studying playwriting, and rescuing houses before the wrecking ball hits. And some, like me, are still pondering their next adventure, but adventure is definitely in the plans.
What about you, oh hip ones?
Any new ventures in your menopausal queue?
Photo: Hip enough to hug a crocodile while on an adventure in South Africa, Erzsi wisely and boldly founded her own agency, Hen and Ink Literary Studio, two years ago. The crocodiles lives at Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm, where you can even hold a wedding. I wonder if the crocodiles are invited to the reception or just the ceremony?
You’ve started a movement! Let’s hear it for our new-found hipness!
Hooray for us! HIP! HIP! HOORAY!
Cool that she’s encouraging and interested. I thought they only did children’s books, guess not.
Hip– not sure– check what’s out there and make yours better.
Erzsi is taking on some adult titles too, but her focus is books for kids and young adults.
Awesome! Love the perspective shift:-D
Thanks!
I like it! You know the idea that if you smile when you’re feeling low that you will feel happier? Sort of fake it ’til you make it? Well, I’m thinking ‘hipness’ during menopause falls into the same thought process. For me, menopause isn’t about thrill seeking. What menopause is for me is time to chill… relax… be cool… Is that hip? Maybe. I don’t feel the drama anymore. I love that.
Anyway, I like the idea. A blogging friend of mine, Gina McNew, is on the same page. I think you might like to see her website – http://itshiptobehot.com/
Keep us posted, Barbara.
Yep chill is hip! Enjoyed Gina’s post. Fun we both wrote about hipness!
great take on what we normally think as a dry time of life (pun intended). Me? I’m mining my teenage angst years and learning more about crossing racial boundaries while pursuing my long-held dream: writing a YA book.
Your book sounds wonderful. I’ve enjoyed so much following the process (and your research) on Facebook.
I am finding a new and interesting combination of more tolerance – as in “live and let live” – combined with more impatience – as in “I’m not putting up with that” A little difficult to explain without examples, but they seem to both be driven by a sense of selfishness and self-centered-ness that is really more about minding my own business and wanting others to mind theirs. Anyone else? I’m going to check out ItsHipToBeHot.
I like your take, Chris. Well put; “a mix of more tolerance and more impatience.” Yup, that’s it.
And yes, ItsHipToBeHot.com is very fun. I know you’ll enjoy Gina’s slant.
Yep. I’ve got that too. A very interesting combination.
Usually menopause coinsides with children being grown and moving on. That gives us freedom to do more of what we want and have been putting off. That freedom as well as “NO PERIODS” makes it a great time of life when we can focus on bringing new fun and excitement into our lives. I do agree with Chris that for me it is a mix of more tolerance and more impatience. I no longer want to do things that I really don’t enjoy and with people who get on my nerves but I have tolerated. More confidence, more wisdom etc. A great time of life!
I’m into time is short too. Seems to be helping me decide what I do and don’t want to do.
My husband has just commented that the hippest thing about me is that I don’t use the word “hip”
and he mentioned that for women my age, it could bring on thoughts of hip replacement or hips too big!
Fortunately I don’t have those problems. I agree with Gail about the freedom…so many options, such liberation from the stress of raising children and the monthly roller-coaster. The intensity of those decades was exciting and invigorating, but I appreciate the calmer state I am in now.
You’re right–they were intense, and empty nest has lots of benefits, although if I don’t hear from my girls for a few days, I do begin to feel a bit lonely for them.
Hip? Absolutely. I have more hips than ever!
But, yes, we all have a fresh creativity now that our brains can switch to other things than raising our kids.
You can do it. Just help us all open up and share! Go for it, Barbara.
Ha! Ha! You’re looking great. You’re the one who keeps needing to buy smaller pants!
Love this! Menopause IS hip. And everyone needs an agent who cradles crocodiles.
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What a great spin on menopause! I love it! And Erzsi’s right; menopause *should* be hip. The world glorifies younger women, but the wise ones who’ve come into their own are the ones who should be honored!
You’re kind to say that!
Great post, Barbara…and I love Erzsi’s advice to make everyone want to go through menopause! I love a ‘can-do’ attitude and I found that it served me well as I went through menopause…sure, there were moments when I was too hot…or too cold…or too something.
But I emerged as a stronger woman and a more confident one. In fact, I just returned from my FIRST-ever international trip…I spoke at the SCBWI conference that was part of the Asian Festival of Children’s Content in Singapore…I met incredible people and attended exceptional sessions…what a blast! Hip hip hooray for menopause. 