I posted this picture on twitter. I was pleased that I could tell the gym work was paying off, so I posted. I figure if those of us with curves don’t post, as well, that too many people will keep thinking that only thin women exist. Besides, at 51 I’m pretty pleased that gym work can still make me want to show my ass on line. It was sort of a bit of happy silliness, and then another woman on Twitter said, “That was very brave.”
Brave? It was brave to put up a picture of my ass on line? I thought bravery was running into burning buildings to save people, or putting a gun to your shoulder and defending the constitution of this United States, or holding the hand of someone you love while they go through chemo – all that takes bravery. I really didn’t think my picture went in the same category as things that can win you medals, or give you the stuff of tragedies. But other women echoed the sentiment, and I sort of understood, but not really.
When did body issues become the stuff of medal worthy bravery? When the hell did it become an act of courage to show our bodies unretouched to the world? Then Robin McKinley, another writer, put up a link to a story in the Guardian. It was about Botox celebrating it’s twelfth anniversary, and how common place it had become. The article further stated that one of the reasons Botox is so common and popular is that teenagers are using it so their selfies on line look smooth and ageless. What? I mean, What the Fuck? Teenagers are injecting themselves to look “ageless”? They’re teens for Gods’s sake, how much more ageless do they want to look?
I wear light makeup most of the time, and for photo shoots I wear what my makeup artist puts on me, hairstylist, too, but enough was enough. I took a selfie of myself without any makeup on, my hair in it’s natural fuzz of curl, and I put it up on Twitter. There, done! I got some lovely compliments, and other people echoing my surprise that teenagers should be worried enough to take Botox, or anything else to look smoother. Then I ran into a strange controversy that seems to have come up around the #barefacedbeauty campaign that was originally supposed to help support money going to cancer research, but had also been high jacked by women on both sides of the makeup divide, those who do and those who don’t. Apparently, some anti-makeup women were trying to bully those that wore makeup, telling them they were a selling out the modern feminist movement, or some such nonsense. The movement to raise money for cancer research is still a good cause to support, so if you want to contribute, please do. I thought the issue of some women arguing about makeup at almost a moral question level was just another example of how we, as a group, seem to let differences divide us, rather than letting our common ground unite us.
How about everybody leave everybody else alone? If you want to wear makeup, do. If you don’t want to wear makeup, don’t. Do what makes you happiest. The same goes for curves vs no curves. Be whatever is a healthy weight for your body. Some women struggle to gain weight their whole lives, and other’s struggle to lose, and some people have wonderful genetics that helps them stay at whatever weight they want. Let’s stop the body shaming and just own that women come in all shapes and sizes. No one size, or body type is better than the other, just be healthy, whatever that means for your body.
91 comments
bumaday
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Emily
You’ve always been beautiful Laurell. You’ve always beem an inspiration to me.
Kathryn Jackson
FINALLY! I’ve only been saying it for years! I’m 4’10” tall, so anything over 120 lbs looks like more. Ok, I’m a lot more…it seems to me clothing manufacturers have NO IDEA how to design clothes for normal women. It’s like it’s all based on the “ideal” of those model thin types. Or, they think you can’t be short AND have big boobs. The average woman is size 13. Don’t get me wrong, I applaud women that can wear a size 8, I’m just not one of them! Kudos to you for realizing you don’t have to be a size 3 to be beautiful! I’m a size 18, and I am beautiful. Do I need to lose weight? Yes. Mostly because I’m diabetic, not because I’m ashamed. Thank you for your honesty, and thank you for your writing. There are only a few book series that I like well enough to read again, and yours are on that list!
Myykul
I’ve been working on brevity so let me just say “yummy.”
Sarah
Those pics are awesome Laurell. You always look beautiful, in any picture I have seen of you and that has nothing to do with make up or no make up, it’s because you have an awesome and contagious smile. When you smile you can tell that you are truly happy to be smiling.
What a great blog post, and I whole heartedly agree. Everyone just be themselves. People should never have to explain why they don’t fit into a cookie cutter idea because there shouldn’t be any cookie cutter ideas! We really need the people in the entertainment/modelling/hollywood etc. industries to really understand this and show the world that any shape/size is acceptable since that is where a lot of our role models come from.
Thanks for the great post, I will be passing it on to those I think will benefit from reading it!
Kenneth May
You are beautiful just the way you are !!!!!
Heidi May
First, congratulations Laurel your ass looks amazing at 51. Second, its good to see that women of all ages are starting to realize that they are a “somebody” in this crazy place called the world. It took me a long time to understand that I am beautiful, not because someone else told me (yes that is nice and gives me warm fuzzies) but because I started to look at what I liked instead of what I didn’t. Thank you for reminding us just for a moment that its ok to be happy inside our own skin.
Michelle
I am so grateful that I grew up in a Latin/Bahamian community where strong women owned their sexuality as well as their minds. We’re raised to embrace our curves; sometimes we even let men embrace them 😉 …Health of course is another slippery little sucker.
Kirsty
You are an amazing woman. Most people who try and talk about the topics you have raised, fail to be a mutual party in regards to both sides and you nailed it! This blogged made me respect you even more than I already did, your attitude and writing is inspirational and I thank you for it.
Samara Kent
I was going something intelligent but for whatever reason my words have escaped me this morning. Not enough coffee I suppose. That being said, you look amazing for your age and and your ass looks great!
As for the botox thing, I have a sister in-law who just turned 30. She went on this huge rant about wrinkles and getting old, blah blah blah…. what happened to aging gracefully? She said, “There is no graceful way for some of us.” Seriously? Is it so hard to accept life as its supposed to hsppen? What are we teaching our kids that they think they need to be ageless? Honestly, I plan on dying as naturally as I came into this world. Perhaps not as naked but definitely old, aged and worn. I want my hard times as well as my good times to show on my face. I earned every single one of those wrinkles and scars. I plan on carrying them proudly and naturally. 😉
Heather Langley
im going through some of the worst things in my life and Mrs. Hamiltons books have always been the only thing to get me through. but unfortunaltey iv lost everything i own between a tornado and flood damage and my x destroying everything i own and for some reason since i live n so much physical pain and its hard for me to get around and i have no support system i have turned to the public library for help in being able to either read her books or listen to the audio books and they either dont have them or the libraries that do dont want to share. im lost without the books. and on top of it my body is falling apart iv never wieghed this much in my life. u look great laurell. keep up the great work. im very happy for u n ur family
Lisa Callicott
Dear Heather,
It sounds as though you are going through a very difficult time. I understand. I have been where you are.
Laurell is a strong writer who is able to paint a picture that makes escape into the world she has created very easy and alluring. -I know, I have spent my time escaping to that world as well. It is good to have an escape, to take a little break from what you are dealing with to just download and find your breath again. I am glad you found her books.
With that being said, I want to commend you for offering that information so freely. What it says to me, is that perhaps you are looking for a means of change and hope. You can have both. Most important right now is to be vocal, but darlin’ be vocal in the right venues. Fortunately for you, because I so enjoy Laurell Hamilton, I joined her site and get updates on post. -because I am a very good person for networking to help you find the things you need.
Lets start with what you lost in the two traumas you recently suffered…
there are two places I can offer you that I know from personal experience will in fact help you. The first is THE AMERICAN RED CROSS, and the second is VOLENTEERS OF AMERICA. If you need other resources’ please contact me. My name is Lisa. My email is lmcallicott@msn.com. I can offer other types of resources’ as well. My heart feels for you dear. Stay in prayer. keep positive people about you and make your game plan for change. It can happen. you are in my prayers.
Lisa
Jason
This post was very nice and what you said has been bouncing around in my brain along with some thoughts of my own about identity and who we think we are and why we act certain ways. One of the best things you do I think is be yourself in what ever situation you find yourself in. I recently retired from 23 years in the military which is more than half of my life, so now I am struggling with who I am before I was ‘military Jason’, before that I was ‘country boy Jason’ from Missouri, but now I find I have lived more places and have taken on characteristics of those places such as ‘Florida Jason’ (where I live now). There is also that internal life such as ‘Sci-Fi/Fantasy Jason’ or the ‘I wish I was brave enough to Jason’. Sometimes I feel like a chameleon and I am not sure who I really am any more, oh and ‘Christian Jason’ can’t forget that one really struggling with that one since my daughter has come out as poly(or is it the one where you have no particular gender preference who you love). Anyway back to body issues.
As military I had to work out and hated it because it took ours of my day away from my family, with my body type I had to hit the gym hard to meet the standards. I have not worked out like that in over a year and not at all in at least the last six months, mainly because of an injury but I haven’t sought treatment for it either so I should not be using it as a excuse. So I guess there is a ‘work out Jason’ somewhere but I haven’t pulled him out in a while. So now I have put on 15 pounds because I like to eat and my wife likes to cook which she is very good at.
So I struggle and I don’t have to worry about make up; but I have been trying out longer hair but what style? I have reverted back to one kinda like I used to have in the eighties a more feathered back style, my wife says I look a little like Christopher Walken, LOL, it must be the high forehead. So now I worry when I say I was prior military are they judging my haircut? I hope not because ‘Veteran Jason’ is still a work in progress. Then there is the future me, who do I want to be?
“This I am today, that I will be tomorrow.” Is an old quote I am not sure from where but I used to put that inside my locker. All that is needed is to determine the ‘that’ you wished to be and books have helped me determine that all my long life, some like the David Weber Honor Harrington series help me to be more military, while ‘The Deed of Pasknerrion’ teaches me again about courage, and Anita Blake helps me face life with love first and maybe help me to change in a good way for those I care about need me too.
Denise Dunnahoo
You go girl….Rock On
Amber
You have always been my idol. Your the reason why I want to be an author, and have influence how I view myself. This just makes you even more amazing :).
Tim N
Well spoken Laurell! =) It’s telling of where our culture has gotten to when superficialities become objects of passionate discourse! Meanwhile the events which truly affect us and have bearing on our lives are easily ignored with so much “else” to distract us, and as you mentioned, divide us–and keep us from recognizing our potential collective power. Meanwhile mainstream “news” feeds us little more than what the companies that own them (or pay their bills) want us to hear. Chris Hedges wrote a book called “Empire of Illusion- the end of literacy and the triumph of spectacle” in which he at one point considers the popularity of “reality shows” and how it’s now hip to be the star. To be watched by “Big Brother” is no longer a nightmare but a validating experience, he says. Perhaps if this is so then the issue of wearing makeup truly IS important? Perhaps it could be the career breaker that changes everything.. thoroughly & viscerally, in the tiny little dramas of our lives? I’m just laughing now! By the way my wife and I agree that your ass is wonderful, and neither of us would kick you out of bed should we be fortunate enough to find you there! As for make up, I personally prefer the taste of sweat to the taste of paint. You?
Mick
I gotta say, that is one nice ass you got there. Congrats on the results.
Lisa Callicott
Lord love a duck, you are too funny!
You know there are three things a woman is never satisfied with: Her weight, her boobs, and her hair… You hear it time and time again. I am 42. I like my weight, boobs and hair. I like me for me -if someone else doesn’t, I don’t let it rent space in my head, it is their problem -not mine. I don’t have time for simple minded people.
Keep doing what you do. In 2012, both of my parents died of cancer, so any attempt to raise money for cancer research is cool by me.
You look great laurel. I don’t do the gym anymore, but I do walk the beach often and I am eating healthier and taking other steps improve my lifestyle. I hope God graces me with a body like yours at 51. I had no idea you were older than me! I thought we were about the same age.
I have truly enjoyed your books and getting to know both you and your characters.
Thanks,
Your friend and fan,
Lisa M. Callicott
David Addison
Laurell, I have followed your work ever since I was introduced to it by accident back around 2000 and I have to say in all honesty that out of all of the pictures I have ever seen of you, this one, with no makeup, is by far one of, if not THE most beautiful shots of you I have seen. Absolutely gorgeous. Keep up the good work, but always make sure that it is what YOU want. My wife and I would love to meet you someday as we all have much in common, *chuckles*, but we are not that lucky. In any case, love the pics!
Judye Briggs
Honestly, I don’t care what you look like. I’m going blind, and while that was of interest in my 20’s and 30’s, no more. You are a superior intellect, an entertaining writer, a creative lady, and that’s what matters to me. I struggle to find your audiobooks, and when I am successful, I revel in your
talent. Thank you.
Magaly Guerrero
I flaunt my sexy bits because I work hard for them. And like you, I happen to be very proud of what Nature (and a lot of exercise) has given me. Also, I’m a bit full of myself… an Aries thing, I’m sure, and that’s okay, too. 🙂
It is sad that some people feel that showing themselves to the world exactly how the are, and being damn proud of it, would take bravery. Very, very sad….
Now, I’m off to dance and do calisthenics for one hours and 13 minutes. I’m hoping that if I keep it up, my behind will stand as proud as yours when I turned 51-years-young.
Magaly Guerrero
…and will also try not to torture myself over the extra “s” in “hours,” lol!
Andreea
I love your courage!
Raymond Fairweather
As a 51 yo male who is madly in love with his 38 yo girlfriend , who wears very little makeup and has a great ass, very natural. I applaud all ladies it’s your body be happy in it. Just be in it. If working out makes you happy then do that, if sweatpants and Ben &jerrys makes you happy do that. But be honest with yourself. That is the key. Ok so be honest and real with yourself. That’s the key. You have to answer only to one person any guesses who that is? Yes it is yourself. I know my girl has secret fears she will never tell me but the one thing she never has to fear is me judging her. If she’s happy that’s what matters. We love each other so that’s what matters. Love your books! Haha, and love your looks.
cary
I would do anything in the world to sleep next to that ass! It comes with beauty, smarts inner security and did I mention that ass!
Yours truly: Casanova
Tara
I am very happy that someone else is OK with just being themselves instead of the made up version we like to show to the public. Botox for teens !!! What are these parents thinking? I have a 14 year old daughter and there is no way I would allow her to do something like that. I think it is already hard enough for teens to accept themselves the way they were made. Let’s not add more to the mix so that it’s harder for them to grow up with a health self asteem. Thank you for being who you are and not being afraid to stand up and say “this who I am …like me or don’t I don’t care”
Karen Wiggins
51?! U have a nice ass. #nohomo
David Duncan
I can do nothing but agree with you completely. When will the people of this planet realize, true beauty doesn’t come from make-up and botox? Where are we as a society when a teen age girl gets depressed because she can’t imitate the false perfection she sees in her magazine? Personally (call me a dork, I know) but, I prefer a woman that doesn’t wear make- up. Someone who is kind hearted with natural beauty from the inside is far more important. The fact that children have an impression of what they think beauty is, hammered in them from such a young age from media and everyday life is one of many problems this world is facing. You are beautiful, with or without make-up.
But these are just my opinions.take em or leave em.
Jess
O.O wow you have an amazing ass!! I wish my ass looked half as good as yours!!
amber
Well I just live the pics, I love to go without make up whenever I can unless I break out just a bit of touch up on those spots and bam back to being my beautiful self. Big events like weddings or a date with my man I will put some eyeshadow and chapstick on. I have no make up pics on Facebook that I have taken and some where my friends have taken them, ugh when someone else takes the pic I get self conscious but as humans we are like that sometimes. I think its just awesome that you posted your awesome butt online I dont think its courageous or bravery that made you do it, I think you were just being your self and wanted to show us how proud you are. Well im proud too. I live seeing your pics, your books are an inspiration as well keep on the good work.
Travice
I don’t wear makeup because I don’t want to set that standard. I don’t have an opinion one way or another about people who do wear it. I do think some wear too much but it’s not my business. If you have the patience to apply it every day then do so. I don’t. Lol. The same goes for my hair. I look completely different with my hair styled and makeup on but I don’t like the time it takes to do it right so I only do it on occasion.
Sean
As a guy I have to say in all honesty I have for years thought women are stone cold crazy. I mean all the body shaming discussions, make up debates, curvy debates, and every other debate in between….I just find them so crazy and ridiculous. The female body is I think the most beauitful thing on this planet. Part of that beauty is from the plethora of differences there are in the female form. Big, small, busty, petite, curvy, athletic, black, white, freckled, martian, etc. Why people, especially women themselves, spend so much time trying to qualify and quantity what is actually considered beautiful is just beyond me. All forms are beautiful. Why try and be like someone else? Be unique and embrace your own personalized beauty I say. But I am a guy so what do I know lol.
Karen Wiggins
Well said Sean
Marti Belt
Seriously, if my ass looked that good, I’d post pics of it too!
Coralee
You make a wonderful point and I think every woman should read this and think espically the younger ones of today’s society
Savanna
I agree.
Pansy Petal
You are one of my heroes! You look amazing! You are an inspiration to the curvy, mature woman! You are HOT! Gives hope to us over 50’s. Not only that, you write fantastic stories about strong kick ass women! You go girl! Love you!
Jeannie
I have always thought you were beautiful and talented and now seeing you au naturel you are even more so. I love your writing…whether it is Anita or Merry or even more so lately just snippets of your life. You are just an all around awesome and beautiful woman!
Sheila Duhon
You look great. I’m just starting an exercise program and hope I’ll be seeing results soon. Looking forward to the next book on Merry. I’m an addict for Anita and Merry series. Keep going strong and be healthy.
Melinda
I believe that no matter what a woman looks like on the outside, she is a Goddess. Women need to start thinking of themselves in this way.
raeblue
Thank you so much for this, its all about the courage to love oneself no matter what. Egotistical shit heads try to tell us we need to be one thing or another. I live most days with little to no makeup. And btw I hope my ass looks that great at forty!
Kim Reshetar
I think your pics look great! Even your ass !!! Lol…nothing wrong with showing off your hard work. Love love your books!!! Waiting for next Anita book ,! !!! When???
Blu
Laurell, you look lovely! I must say that I am now motivated to hit the gym. I keep procrastinating but it is time to get my ass in gear! 🙂
Craig Davenport
Good on you Ms. Hamilton, you should be proud of your gym work as well as your natural beauty. As a LEO I have had women partners in the past and your character Ms. Blake is awesome. I would hit the streets with her anyday.
John
You are completely and utterly beautiful. Both face and butt. 🙂 Love your bravery.
Balinda Peacock
If I had a nice backside I guarantee I would take a pic and post it very happily
Laurel
Very well said! Great points! Oh and You Go Girl!
Jennifer
Thank you for saying here what so many of us feel. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and we should be supporting one another to be as healthy as we can be. The clothes and make up are just window dressings. Be genuine, helpful and kind and your beauty will radiate from the inside out.
But that is a terrific selfie and butt shot. Good reminder why I make sure I know squat.
Lisa Dollins-Barriner
You go, girl. I will be fifty this June myself. I don’t look nearly as good as you do. You do what You have to do for your happiness. I’m still struggling with body image, and pro’lly will ’til the day I die. So, I salute you!
Morgan DuLac
Laurell,
You’re an inspiration! You’ve put your life online and are not afraid to tell people with negative comments to fuck off. I admire that so much!
Tamara
Keep up the great work Laurell!! You are a true inspiration to women!!! 🙂 total respect!!! P.S can’t wait for Merry to come back!! ❤️
April
I have been reading your Anita Blake series wince I was 15, and I have always loved what a strong female role model she was for me at that time. I have to say that she has actually effected me strongly in my life and in going through some of the more rough points.
You are as much a role model for me now as she has been. I’ve always stood behind being respectful and compassionate to all women – really, all people – no matter what their choices, looks, etc. I admire you openness and frankness about your life and your opinions and beliefs and the strength it takes to be that way.
Lori Parker
My first step in accepting the post-stroke weight gain was thanks to Anita. In one of the first ten books, you write that she’s a size 14, which isn’t available in most trendy mall boutiques. In later novels, Anita did lose the pounds, but she did it because she was active, not because she was doing the I-hate-my-body mantra. So I pushed through physical therapy. I did it every time the mini-strokes took back more mobility than I’d gained the last time. Your butt will likely always look better than mine, but I’m proud I still get flirted with on occasion. Thank you for being an inspiration on so many fronts. I only wish I knew how to find more open and honest people like you, who share the same interests. To use a comparison, it’s only in books that Merry introduces Doyle to a new way of living, or Jean-Claud does Anita. As you have written so much before about your choices, please consider sharing how one goes about exploring alternative lifestyles (especially when there’s no friend to ask). Your books have done much to teach that other options exist, but the previously 100% vanilla don’t know how to find out what shade we are now. The more blessed ones live in cities with clubs, but some of us live in Hickville, USA – not that we’d know a safe situation if we saw it.
Heather Cummings
Try your local Unitarian Church. They are very welcoming and even the smallest of small mountain communities have them. They welcome every faith and those of no faith and those who are also of the LGBT community and those who are questioning? Hope this helps
Becca T.
You are amazing. You inspire me to no end. Thank you for being you. <3