FOCUS ON SLEEVES
Do I have your attention? Good!!! How cute are these walls? My photographer in Dallas (So Then They Say) scouts out the best places to shoot. We were in the Design District and I thought I had seen everything over there, but she took me to this location, and I loved it! You want to know the strangest thing? Every single time we shoot, the wind is ferocious! Did you know that Dallas is windier than Chicago? Truth! I am having a moment with bell sleeves or any sleeve that makes a statement right now. I think they give a top, that would be “okay” cute…some pizazz! I think this type sleeve will have it’s moment this Fall too. Personally, I wish it would never leave! This top is sold out, but I found others (below) that I really like. I just chose black ones for now, but don’t worry because I will be talking about them again.
I am back in Nashville, after keeping the grand babies and the mini spa vacation I had with five other blogger friends (which I will post about in a few weeks). We didn’t talk about blogging all that much, but blogging is why we  all became friends. I don’t want to sound like a “Debby Downer” because I did choose to start this blog, but blogging is a really lonely business. I call it a business, because it is one. It’s just a lonely one! I love getting together with other women who understand what it is like. It’s hard coming up with things to say each time I write a post, and for me doing a post takes a really long time. The younger girls can do it quickly, but I (most all of you will relate) didn’t grow up using a computer. It is like learning a new language, and I was very slow learning Spanish in High School!  There is so much to learn, and I swear things change all of the time. I am VERY challenged!!!
The other thing that is so strange to me, is Snapchat and Instagram stories. Do you all do either one of them? I have done a few snaps and very few stories on Instagram. The reason is, that I don’t really think anyone cares too much about what I am doing and it doesn’t feel very authentic for me (and honestly I feel too old to do it). That being said, I know it’s another way for brands to get their name out there, and bloggers are the ones to do it. I guess what I am trying to say, is that I may start to do it a little bit more (maybe!). If you all have Snapchat, my handle is themiddlepage. Send me a message! Would love to see how you all are doing it. My instagram is @themiddlepageblog
I guess I needed to sort of vent today. I love writing this blog, but it is a lot of work and I really put the pressure on myself. When I get comments or emails, it really does make it all worth it! So thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this blog!!!
Photos: Mary Summers Hafner
Top (sold out, similar above)// Rag & Bone Jeans // Chanel Flats (similar above) // Dior So Real Sunglasses // Bag (vintage, but similar)
Courtney Bier
August 15, 2016 @ 9:09 am
You are the cutest!
Blan Ventress
August 15, 2016 @ 9:13 am
I read your blog and I love it and I also do love to read about what you are doing! So please keep it up!
Suzi
August 15, 2016 @ 10:02 am
Cathy, I am so happy I found your blog. (Nordstrom anniversary sale had many benefits!). To find a lifestyle blog by someone not 30 yrs old has been an inspiration and has helped me snap out of my fashion rut. (I also follow some of those amazing 30 yr olds!). I too need to investigate Instagram if only to keep up with my grandchildren, the irony of course is they will probably be my teacher. Thank you and please know you are appreciated. Keep it up.
Marty Kennedy
August 15, 2016 @ 10:32 am
I look forward to reading your blog ever time it arrives. Thanks, Marty
Tanya Foster
August 15, 2016 @ 11:10 am
LOVE this look on you Cathy!
xoxo-
Tanya
Diana kotecki
August 15, 2016 @ 11:35 am
I love reading your blog every day. You are so darn cute and it is fun to see what you put together. I am a 58 year old woman and I always need inspiration with my fashion sense. I totally get what you are saying about the computer issues. I’m always so proud when I master something new.
Pam
August 15, 2016 @ 12:20 pm
I love reading your blog and love your style. I am sure it is a challenge to come with things to write about but there are so few women my age (54) who have blogs that I can relate to. Just doing the everyday things like keeping grand kids and being with family and friends is awesome to hear about. Keep it up! You are great at it!
deborah bowker
August 15, 2016 @ 12:53 pm
I love your blog and I have that blouse.You look great in it.The biggest reasons I like your blog are that I like your fashion sense and you seem like a genuinely nice person.
Debbie
Sheryl
August 15, 2016 @ 12:59 pm
Love reading your posts every time I get one in my inbox, it makes me feel like you still live here in Dallas!! Also love the “Attention” photo, very cute and probably one of the best I have seen!! Keep it up, even though I know it is hard work. You are doing great. Miss you! XX
Paula
August 15, 2016 @ 3:39 pm
I can relate. I have a food blog that used to be so much fun but has lost interest for me in the last year. Just doesn’t seem very important although I sure do enjoy the checks that continue to come in.
Re: Instagram and Snapchat….I feel the same way. Can’t imagine that anyone would find my everyday life worth reading about. Furthermore, there is the privacy issue. I’ve noticed many of my younger friends and family members seem to have few boundaries when it comes to the pictures and stories they share. I’m always taken aback when my own friends ask me about certain parts of my life and when I ask them how they knew about it, they say they saw pictures on Facebook put there by other people. Yikes!
Jayne
August 15, 2016 @ 5:49 pm
I can imagine how hard it is writing so often but please know that you reach a very far and wide audience. I am in New Zealand and love seeing all of your different looks. Even though we are in the opposite season, it gives me ideas of what will be coming up. Thanks so much!
Debbie Santibanez
August 15, 2016 @ 5:56 pm
Love you’re blog! Computer issues. I’m 56 still trying to learn this stuff And I’m a lousy typest . Im thinking about doing a blog. You give me hope. Thank u.
Wendy McDowell
August 15, 2016 @ 6:01 pm
You ROCK everything you wear!!! So cute!
1010ParkPlace
August 15, 2016 @ 6:14 pm
This is a fabulous blouse and look… on you, and for all of us! Thank you! I know what you mean about finding something that resonates with us, not just the women who read our blog. It’s not always easy or popular, but we must be true to who we are. Brava! Brenda
Pat
August 15, 2016 @ 8:35 pm
Now I know where A’ s “high kick” comes from!! ?? like the blouses.
Carmen
August 15, 2016 @ 8:56 pm
Personally I don’t understand SnapChat…. I like the good old fashioned blog. I never thought about it being lonely, but it makes sense. You have many friends out here though. Hugs.
Marysue folkerts
August 16, 2016 @ 8:55 am
Cathy thank you for writing your blog! I don’t know if I have commented before or not, but I look forward and read every new post! It is great to see a peer and check out new finds you introduce to your readers! Thank you again! ?
Jeila
August 16, 2016 @ 9:18 am
I love reading your blog too! So keep up the good work???
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:35 pm
Thank you my luv!!! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:36 pm
Thank you so much for commenting Marysue! I am so happy to know that you do look forward to them! I am so grateful for my readers! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:37 pm
Hey Carmen! I feel the same way! Could be our age! Blogging is pretty lonely, and that’s why I love getting together with other bloggers! I have made such great friends through it! Thank you so much for reading! I appreciate you!!! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:38 pm
Hahahaha!!! Thanks!!! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:38 pm
Thank you Brenda! You are such a wonderful cheerleader! Kisses to you!!! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:38 pm
You are the sweetest! Thank you so much Wendy!!! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:40 pm
Hi Debbie! Thank you so much, and I am right there with you! It’s tough at this age! I would love to encourage you to start your blog…what do you have to lose? If it is something you want to do, do it!!! If you ever need help, I would love to talk! Thank you for reading my blog! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:42 pm
Oh my gosh Jayne! Thank you for reading all the way from New Zealand! I am dying to visit by the way!!! Thank you for commenting, and I am so thankful for you! Let me know if I can ever show something you are wondering about!!! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:46 pm
Hi Paula! What is your blog? I would love to look at it!!! I feel the same way you do about the Snapchat and Instagram stories. There is a privacy issue, I agree. It’s a strange world that we can know where and what people are doing from social media. I feel creepy sometimes, that I know so much about people I don’t really know that well. I wonder if it will just get worse?
Anyway…thank you for reading and please send me your blog info. Looking for women to feature on my blog! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:47 pm
Awww! Thank you honey! Thank you for being such a supportive friend! Can’t wait to see you soon! Miss you and love you!
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:51 pm
Hi Deborah! I appreciate your kind words! I am so glad you have the blouse! It’s great, isn’t it? I have been thinking about your comment this week (about seeming that I am a genuinely nice person). I read the comments as they come in, but like to sit down and respond all at once. Anyway…I honesty hope and pray that I am what you describe. At the end of the day…that is what I hope I am remembered for. Did I make everyone feel good and treat them with kindness. I hope that is what people say and will say! Thank you, because I really have thought about that all week! Thank you for reading and commenting! I am so thankful for my readers…you!!! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:51 pm
Sorry…I should have called you Debbie! 🙂
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:53 pm
Pam…thank you for commenting and saying such nice things! I am always worried that I don’t share enough, or share too much. I just need to be me! I am going to start introducing you all to more bloggers in their 50’s. You are going to be blown away how many are out there!!! Thank you so much for reading! I am thankful for you!!! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:57 pm
Hi Diana! Thank you so much for such kind words! I completely understand where you are coming from. It’s hard to know what to wear sometimes, because society can make us feel like we have to wear “older” looking clothes. Sometimes I totally question whether I should wear something or not. I am sure you are doing fine!!! Now computer issues are another story! If I could punch this thing and think it would help, I would! Hang in there, and keep learning! We don’t need to be left behind, and I am proud of you for trying!!! I am so grateful for you!!! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:57 pm
Thank you my dear sweet friend! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 3:58 pm
Awww, thank you so much Marty! I hope you are doing well! Thank you so much for reading!!! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 4:34 pm
HI Suzi! Thank you so much…I am glad you did too! Wasn’t the Nordstrom sale insane! I am so glad you found the blog! We are all in this together, and fashion should really be fun and not so serious! I would encourage you to get on Instagram just for the fact, that you can keep up with kids and grandkids. If my kids don’t answer the phone, I check Instagram! And…my grandchildren have their own Instagram accounts! Thank you so much for commenting! I appreciate you!!! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 4:46 pm
Hi Blan! Thank you so much for your sweet comments! I am so glad, and thank you for the encouragement! I am grateful for you! xoxo
Cathy Williamson
August 17, 2016 @ 4:46 pm
You are!!! xoxo