Monday Musings on Muppet Brows and Midlife Adjustments
I’m currently sporting a bright red nose…not from festive cheer or too much wine, but thanks to a new combo treatment my dermatologist prescribed for a few actinic keratoses on my nose and cheek. It’s a mix of Calcipotriol and 5-Fluorouracil, which sounds like something you’d need goggles to handle, but apparently, it’s quite effective.
The idea is to stir up a bit of controlled chaos, irritate the area just enough to get rid of the precancerous cells. She told me to expect a visible reaction around days seven to ten. Well, it’s day six and so far… nothing much . Not a flake, not a flare, not even a respectable blotch.
Anyway, I’m trying to be patient, drink water, and not Google things I’ll regret. If this does eventually turn into a full facial fireworks show, I’ll be the one wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a polite smile at the grocery store, hoping no one asks if I’ve taken up boxing.
Bowen Therapy
At Pilates last week, a woman on the Reformer next to me mentioned she was doing Bowen therapy to help with stiffness and alignment. I hadn’t heard of it, but apparently it involves light, rolling movements across the fascia. The idea is that these tiny nudges tell your nervous system to settle down and realign things. No pressure or twisting and no dramatic stretches. The practitioner even leaves the room for a few minutes between moves to let your body “process.”
It’s all very subtle, and the therapist told me not to expect to feel any change for four days. Well, it’s day seven and there’s nothing to report.
To be fair, it wasn’t unpleasant. I lay still in a quiet room for 45 minutes while someone gently touched my back. My Oura ring actually thought I took a nap. I have another session today, so I’ll give it one more try before I decide if it’s therapy or just an oddly soothing pause in my week. Have any of you tried Bowen therapy?
Bone Density
Last week, I had my bone density test and my husband had his Reclast infusion, which felt like a very adult double-header. I’ve known for a while that I need to add more weight-bearing exercise into my routine, but knowing and doing are not the same thing.
I walk, I stretch, I go to Pilates, but I also spend a lot of time sitting…writing, reading, knitting, and thinking about exercising. So I’ve finally decided to hire a personal trainer. Not for anything dramatic. I just want someone to show me what to do, make sure I’m doing it correctly, and help keep me accountable. Left to my own devices, I’ll find a dozen “important” things to do before lifting a dumbbell. Laundry suddenly feels urgent when weights are calling.
This feels like a realistic next step and just one more way to take care of the body I’ve got and keep it strong enough to do the things I care about.
Giving Up The Dream
Sometimes giving up brings an unexpected win.
About ten years ago, I saw a woman wearing the most beautiful sunglasses. I asked her the brand, found them online, and ordered them right away. At the time, I was determined to make contact lenses work—mostly so I could wear stylish sunglasses like these without having to squint through prescription lenses.
But my dry eyes had other plans. The contacts became painful and eventually impossible to wear. When I finally gave up on them, I tucked the sunglasses into a drawer and forgot all about them.
A few months ago, I rediscovered them while searching for something else. I had my prescription put in, and now I wear them all the time. Letting go of contacts felt like a loss at first, but finding those sunglasses again made it feel like something had quietly come full circle.
Style Shift
Lately, I’ve noticed my style shifting again. Not in a dramatic, throw-everything-out kind of way…just a quiet pull toward shapes that feel more modern and sculptural. Clean lines, unusual proportions, and the kind of details that make you stop and take a second look.
I’ve worn classic pieces for years. They’re reliable, and I still reach for them. But lately I’ve been craving a little more personality. Perhaps something that feels creative or artistic, yet still wearable.
Some of my old standbys are starting to feel a little too predictable. A few newer finds have me thinking, “Well, that’s interesting… do I dare?” And usually, I do. Because honestly, if not now, when?
I’m not turning eccentric, but I’m open to flirting with it. Just enough to keep things interesting. You will see it here first :).
Brow Woes
And while we’re on the subject of things that used to work…my eyebrows have entered a whole new, depressing chapter.
Every pencil and powder I’ve used for years is suddenly too dark, too warm, or way too harsh. What used to give me soft, natural definition now leaves me looking like a cross between Groucho Marx and a Muppet with something to say.
The problem isn’t the makeup. It’s the brows themselves. They’re fading to white, not gray, and thinning out faster than I can adjust. The same products that once blended in quietly now look like I used a black Sharpie to draw them on.
Since GrandeBrow used to work like a charm, I’m starting to wonder if my thyroid is the issue, because if that’s off, no serum is going to help. I’ve decided to switch to RevitaBrow anyway, just in case there are still a few willing follicles left to encourage.
That’s the theme this week: subtle changes in skin, brows, fascia, and style. Nothing dramatic, just a quiet reminder that what used to work doesn’t always keep working. It’s not a crisis. It’s just midlife doing its thing.
Are you noticing any shifts lately, too?
Comments on two things:
I have seen you like those Eileen Fisher booties. I even tried them on at a Nordstrom Rack. I just can’t see paying that much for basically a sweater with a sole.
Eyebrows – mine are rather thick and light colored, but definitely there. My daughter, who knows more about beauty than I ever will, said I don’t need to get them waxed. Half of one eyebrow doesn’t grow hair because I had a chicken pox there when in the second grade. When I think about it, I put on blonde eyebrow pencil, brush it in and I think they are looking about as good as they ever have, but I am not a great judge.
That perfectly points out the personal in our style. Comfort is of primary importance for my feet these days, so stretchy knits that give rather than bind, make my feet happy. The price of an item is also determined by the fabric and manufacturing sustainabily, the designer, and style. I don’t assume leather makes footwear more valuable and I gravitate to interesting shapes.
Jennifer, how about hiking? Nothing too strenuous — but even a few miles on pretty level ground will give you some good cardio, plus it’s a weight-bearing exercise. Mood-boosting, too — has kept me grounded during some wacky times.
I do like walking but I’m not sure about true hiking.
I’ve had to use Fluorouracil on several occasions and I’m using it in four different places right now, including my nose. I will look like the walking wounded after 4 weeks of treatment. But my skin will be as smooth as a baby’s butt afterwards. It does work.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Jennifer, I have to recommend dermabrasion and a tattooing combination for your brows. It is the single most wonderful thing I did for myself this year and I am thrilled with the results. I feel like every morning when I wake up my face is still there, it hasn’t disappeared into my pillow during the night. With very little effort depending on my mood, my face looks put together. If I want a little more definition or color I can easily add a little brow powder or pencil. It’s Wonderful!!
Janet
Wow, that sounds great!
Your post resonated with me deeply. I appreciate your musings so much. I love how relatable you are.
I’m 71, and although I’ve had RA for 40 years, the last few have been particularly challenging.
I’ve had setbacks after pickleball (fractured patella and my husband a ruptured Achilles), a pinched nerve in my neck from Pilates reformer class (despite decades of Pilates), rotator cuff surgery unrelated to exercise, and getting injections this Friday for a herniated disc. Oh and plantar fascia tear.
Yet if you saw me, I look the picture of health, as you do. It’s humbling.
I have not tried Bowen therapy but I’m very curious as I have long standing pain issues.
I did hire a personal trainer and loved it but ultimately decided I know my body best and set up a home gym in our basement. I can roll out of bed and head to the basement and follow an online strength training session and be done in the time it would take me to drive to the gym and back.
I had to give up contact lenses years ago. I love your glasses!
Style shift: I’m finally giving up the dream of being in the body I was 5 yrs ago. What worked then no longer works. My middle has its own mind. I probably need to donate those sizes and accept where I am (not overweight, just shifting!)
I want to be modern but don’t want to chase trends. It feels too costume-y to me. I love classic style and it’s a delicate balance. My style icons are those who would look elegant if dropped into 2025 (Jackie, Caroline Bissette, Audrey Hepburn….etc). Just add a touch of edge. I haven’t quite found it yet but I’m working on it!
Thank you so much for sharing Jan. Your comment speaks to so many of us. I put a whole bag together to donate today, including bags I’ve moved on from and clothes that just frustrate me.
Good for you. Life is too short to be frustrated daily.
I’m over it and ready to tackle my quarantined wardrobe in the bins in my basement. If my body magically reduces its middle, I’ll just shop! Ha!
All the issues you have written about today ring true for me as well. Thank you for your comments.
Hello,
I just have to say those sun glasses are adorable!! well done-
As I’ve gotten older, I have noticed my eyebrows have faded away. And now they are becoming thinner as well. I have to pencil mine in every day.
It’s always something, right?
Hang in there-
Hi Jennifer-
So happy to see that you thought of hiring a personal trainer! For that exact reason, last year (at age 71) I finally signed up for a package deal of 10 sessions with a female trainer who enjoyed working with seniors. My aim was to end up with a written weekly plan/template, specific and effective, that would cover everything necessary for me in terms of both weights-based exercises and cardio, but also highly customized and realistic (because I’m picky in my likes and dislikes, and also my schedule varies). It worked!—I now have had a doable and satisfying plan for over a year that involves the gym, hand weights that we have at home, and jogs/walks outdoors. Now and then I might tweak it a little bit, but it is still basically what we came up with last year.
So I hope you will find success as well!
That sounds perfect!
Try. Grey for your brows. I use benefit but there are others. Good luck🥰
I also use Anastasia brow definer in taupe. I was using a darker color, but going into Sephora the makeup counter suggested the taupe color. My brows are brown with more and more grays coming in. They look much better, also I use the Anastasia clear gel over to set in place. Thanks for sharing. I love all your tips and ideas.
Good for you for getting a personal trainer. I have done pilates for 15 years, and absolutely love it. I just started working with a trainer , and am learning how to lift correctly, and how to work around my issues( arthritis in my thumbs etc) She pushes me the right amount with out me getting injured. It is so easy in the weight room to see your improvement. I have noticed that I am much stronger in pilates due to weight training.
Hi Jennifer. Love your Monday posts. I’m wondering how your husband did with his Reclast infusion and if he had any side effects. My Endocrinologist prescribed the Reclast infusion for me after taking alendronate (Fosamax) for 4 yrs. After researching it, I’ve been a little hesitant to do it.
He had a very strong reaction with tremendous body aches and pains. His Dr says it happens to about 30% of the people who get it. He would not repeat it and the Dr agrees.
Hi Jennifer,
I, too, really enjoy your blog. It’s so nice to see someone, who is around my age, look so stylish. You not only give us ideas for clothing but great “life” advice.
Could you tell me what sweater you have on in your picture? I love the color and it looks so pretty with the white blouse.
It’s linked below the photo. Eileen Fisher on sale!
Terrific column as always.
To Mira… if you don’t want to tape your eyebrows to retrain their direction, try men’s mustache wax. My eyebrows are wiry since they turned white and the wax is strong enough to redirect them.
Great tip!
I use the same drug combo for my actinic keratosis and it really does work. The level of response is based on how damaged your skin is. I use it in the winter when the sun isn’t as extreme (I live in Atlanta so that is practically never). Good luck with it!
The areas are getting a bit flaky but nothing much. I wonder if I didn’t use enough?
Hi Jennifer,
Your quips are better than a therapy session. This thread reminds me of an interview of actress Andie McDowell by Katie Couric.
She was being encouraged to dye her wild grey locks to look younger, but said she refused. She wanted to experience every phase of life, not go back or try to hang on to a phase that has passed. She was excited to see what lies ahead, the good and the bad. I like her attitude. It’s an adventure for sure!
As always, loved your post today. Always thoughtful and interesting. The brow topic hit home with me. I have one “normal” one then the other is shorter and now has a section sprouting up and towards the nose! Quite an effort to get it to cooperate! Something you recommended, Kosas AirBrow, is helping. And something always sounds better than doing the weight training I need but you’ve inspired me again!
Yay!!
I lost my brows in menopause – I have NOTHING so I pencil them in using Anastasia in chocolate (brunette).
Very interested in doing a closet purge but unsure how to approach it. I moved things over when I wore them to see what I actually wore, but some of that was seasonal and now doesn’t really apply as weather turned colder. I think having less would make me enjoy my clothes more!
How did you find a personal trainer, and what was the criteria to know if you found someone you mesh with? I don’t respond well to drill sergeants! LOL.
I’ve just requested one at our gym. Not sure who they’ll refer to me but I don’t do well with drill sergeant either. At all! So I’ll see what happens.
I agree about the thinning mostly white eyebrows. Maybe it is because we were blonde before we turned white and silver on our heads. But I am older than you are at 80. Wait until you get here! I’m still petite and mostly slim as long as I don’t tuck my shirts in. That darn waistline issue as we age! I still like to look cute and stylish in my jeans and tees. Today I have gone really wild and put a pale grey plaid check flannel shirt on over my grey jeans and tee because it is 49 degrees outside and cloudy today. Have a great day everyone!
A personal trainer to get a person going and be sure you are performing the exercises correctly is the best way to spend money for your health, including mental well being! I have found that it will pay off quicker and last longer than the piece of cake/chocolate I always want!! Go for it! (Even just a few sessions)