“Vibrant and smiling and wise” — what a beautiful descriptor. Who could ask for more?
I was never a raving beauty, not even in the flower of my youth, so I bring a very tough-minded attitude to the mirror nowadays. Neat and clean — and smiling, yes — and that will do. For women who are lovely, like you, the wrinkles and creases of time can be more difficult.
By the way, I have often thought (but not yet written about) another significant relationship of age to youth, and that is being an Aunt. Not written about, not talked about, and yet — I think of notable aunts I have known. (Not my own, friends of mine, or aunts in history, as Jane Austen). The love and dedication and patience and encouragement they brought to their nieces and/or nephews shone in the same way as grandmotherhood can shine, and were of profound importance to the young ones.
Just a thought for now —