November/December 2017

There's a new man in my life
by Michele Duke
I
’m so excited I can hardly
sleep. The most wonderful
thing has happened to me.
At the age of 58 I’ve discovered
the real meaning of life. And
things will never be the same
again. No, I haven’t started
watching Strictly. I’ve become a
grandmother. It’s amazing, isn’t
it? Don’t know why I didn’t do
it years ago.
My friends who got here before
me had suggested they had
something a bit special in
their lives. Suddenly they were
unavailable for girl’s nights
out. They had to be available
at the drop of a hat “just in
case I’m needed”. Weekends
were reserved for “the new
person in my life”. It was worse
than having your best friend
get a new lover! Now I get it.
I know you more experienced
grandparents are rolling your
eyes as you studiously avoid
picking up the phone to yet
another request for emergency
babysitting. No doubt there will
be highs and lows but, right at
this moment, my joy is totally
unstoppable.
Have you noticed how
grandmothers are now
very “in”? Everyone’s at it.
Grandchildren are the new
“must have” accessories.
Gorgeous models and
actresses are all over the
glossies with their two
generations. The emphasis is
very much on how young and
attractive the grandmother is,
rather than the baby’s dimples.
The words glamorous and
grandmother are put together
constantly. This is a totally new
phenomenon. We are the first
generation of “glam grans”,
youthful, active, and influential.
The pressure is now on to look
good at all ages. No more
settling back by the fire with
your knitting and a pack of
digestives. Now it’s all pilates
and climbing Katmandu. The
era of twin-sets and perms
disappeared years ago, but
this new world of super-grans
is very new. I’m embracing it.
Rather than allowing the mantle
of “grandparent” to age me, I’m
pushing back the boundaries
and refusing to be defined by a
label (and don’t get me started
on what I should be called – it’s
the question everyone asks!).
I’ve started a new dance class
– contemporary, not ballroom.
I’m enrolling in a new language
course – in Milan. I’ve bought
a new coat in bright pink. I’m
experimenting with new makeup.
I’m making my diet even
more healthy. I’m upping my
game to make my business
more successful. I want my
grandchildren to be proud of
me, to see me as a woman of
style and substance who loves
life and lives it to the full. Bring
on the next one!
I am Michèle Duke and I help
women look and feel fabulous.
Come along to one of my
beauty and health workshops
or a personal fashion styling
session to learn how to look
your best. They’re free, informal
and lots of fun. Check out the
What’s On section or call me
on 07801 621310 for more
details. Visit my website at
www.micheleduke.co.uk for
more tips and ideas.
Short Breaks (door to door transfer)
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limited pick-up points apply
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Treat your feet for the festive season !
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z
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4* Hallmark Hotel Irvine, Ayrshire
+ overnight hotels
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Warner’s Lakeside Coastal Village
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