When we look into the mirror, what do we see? Do we see our nose, eyes, mouth, forehead, cheeks, neck, chin, teeth and hair? Or do we see a happy face? Do we see a wrinkle, hint of a jowl, thinning hair and droopy eyelids? Or do we see a happy face?

When we look into the mirror, do we see our arms, legs, breasts, tummy, thighs, tush and hips? Or do we see a happy body? Do we see flab, folds, droopiness, cellulite, stretch marks and puckers? Or do we see a happy body?

When we look into the mirror, do we see negativity, neglect and nervousness? Or do we see purpose, potential and personality?

A close FOFriend told me today: “I’m not beautiful.  I’m slightly above average looking.”  Despite what she sees in the mirror, she is one of the most confident, sexy  and content women I know.

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

At 64, I sometimes think, “Geri, you’re in the last quarter of your life.” While this isn’t the most uplifting thought of my day, I realize it’s a completely meaningless and self-centered notion when I read about a woman dying at 61, seven years after being diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. Such is the case with Laura Ziskin, a successful Hollywood producer, whose credits include Pretty Woman, Spider-Man and What About Bob?

Laura Ziskin

A self-made woman in a cut-throat industry, Laura leaves behind a daughter, husband, two brothers, a sister and her mother.

It is always chilling to think about how our lives can change in an instant, as it undoubtedly did for Laura when she got the ghastly news at 54.  Here I am, at 64, and I haven’t been diagnosed with anything life threatening. How lucky am I ?

My heart goes out to Laura’s family. Many of her movies gave us a great deal of joy and laughter. Executive producer of Pretty Woman when she was only 40, she had this to say: “I didn’t want a movie whose message would be that some nice guy will come along and give you nice clothes and lots of money and make you happy.” That’s why she demanded an ending to the movie in which Vivian and Edward completely change each other, according to her obit in today’s New York Times.

I hope Laura found joy and laughter during her last years and that she also found comfort in thinking about the legacies she was leaving behind.

I remember seeing Angela Lansbury in 1967, when she was starring in the Broadway musical Mame. The role showcased her singing, dancing, and comedic timing, all of which were captivating. I have been a fan ever since. When Angela walked onto the stage at the Tony Awards ceremony last night, she looked stunning. I loved her elegantly styled silver hair and her classy outfit. Her face looked spectacular and her body is as shapely as ever. Angela is going to be 86 in October.  Bravo! Bravo!  

Angela Lansbury with Lily Rabe and Judith Light

I couldn’t help overhearing the thirty something woman, on her cell phone, who was sitting next to me at an outdoor cafe.  ”Our parents worry about us when we’re children. When we become adults, we worry about our parents,” she astutely told the person at the other end.

“Matt is concerned about you. He knows there’s not much he can do to change the situation, but he wants you to be happy,” she continued.  I assumed the woman was talking to one of her in laws, especially because Matt had been talking to the person first and had handed her the phone and abruptly left the table. While she talked, Matt was pensively  looking into the river that fronted the cafe.

When the conversation ended, the young woman asked if I’d watch her bag a moment and she went to join Matt near the water. Then talked quietly for a couple of minutes, then returned to the table to finish their pastries and coffee.

I thought about the parents at the other end of the call, about how lucky they are to have such a sensible daughter-in-law. Whatever problems they’re experiencing, I hope they find comfort from her and their son.  The young woman was right. We do change roles with our parents at some point. It’s the natural progression of life. The idea makes me a bit melancholy but it also gives me solace.