Where wrinkles are admired, tolerated, and required

It’s the fifth annual Beauty of a Woman Blogfest hosted by August McLaughlin. This year, I offer a meditation in pictures on something women have a big problem with, on our faces and sometimes other parts of our bodies.

Be sure to stop by the fest to read the posts and possibly win some prizes! But first, please continue reading mine. It’s short on words and long on pictures if you’re feeling verbally challenged.

Wrinkles are acceptable on many living creatures

ELEPHANTS – By Aaron Logan via Wikimedia Commons

SHAR PEIS – By Dave from New York via Wikimedia Commons

TORTOISES – By Adrian Pingstone Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

AGING MALE ACTORS – Michael Keaton in Spotlight.

Even some inanimate objects are fine when wrinkly

UNMADE BEDS – By maxronnersjo via Wikimedia Commons

One living thing is not culturally acceptable in a wrinkled state

OLDER WOMEN’S FACES – Via Wikimedia Commons

One part of our human anatomy absolutely must be wrinkled

This reinforces the old “beauty comes from within” adage. It turns out that these numerous wrinkles or folds are one of the human brain’s distinguishing characteristics. Mice, for example, have smooth brain surfaces. Now when I look in the mirror and notice the crow’s feet and crazed crackles on my cheeks I will think Hooray! Now my exterior matches my interior.

In case you are young and interested in preserving your smooth, elastic skin, here are some things you should avoid. Alas, in my youth, I slathered on the baby oil and sat in the noonday sun. And smoked.

Or I could just blame my mother.

Five years of beauty

This is the fifth year I have participated in August McLaughlin’s Beauty of a Woman Blogfest. I am honored to have the opportunity to write on a topic I might not otherwise consider, but which always causes me to reflect deeply. My posts from previous years:

• 2015: The beauty of embracing your opposite
• 2014: Three beauties and a redefinition
• 2013: I want to be like Carol Winfield even when I’m dead
• 2012: Tribute to a different kind of beauty