Autumn provokes memories of loss. After all, it is the end of summer and we witness the last batch of uncomplaining plants, which contributed to the zest and color of the simple meals of summer.
Autumn is feeling earth’s exhaustion, satisfaction and weariness. It makes us ponder how we deal with all the other endings of our lives, or face up to what has been and is now gone. The days are becoming short and some of what we have given, we will never have again.
But one night in this autumn, in the autumn of their lives, growing old was put on hold, as strands of klieg lights flooded the stage of the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. It cast a magical spell.
There they were, the Queen Lolas, smiling, teary-eyed and breathing as if it were their first breath. They spoke straight to the hearts of the judges, The Advisory Council, the spectators and their families with humor, honesty, longing and courage.
All the nuances of growing older — grappling as individuals with the multi-faceted experience on human development, recognizing the growth potentials inherent in turning fifty, then sixty, then seventy. One could almost picture them as easily keeling over at eighty.
Old age attacks the joints, spills brown spots over the skin, withers cheeks and dims the eyes. More than that, it attacks the mind, the soul and the way one thinks.
We watched and listened to their tales, which brought both tears and laughter. Whether in the territory of relationships with others or in their centeredness, they gave us an evening of shared experiences, as well as the joy of reminiscing.
Interview with Queen Lola 2013
“It was an orderly set up but the interview with the judges was uncomfortable. We were tense, nervous. We did not know that questions would be asked. Then the announcer started calling out names, first the fourth runner-up, then the third, then second, then the first runner-up…then my name Susie Rose [was called and I was] named Queen Lola! I couldn’t believe it, I think I screamed! I’ve never been happier, and I don’t think I’ll ever be happier – I just wanted to share this with my family, my townmates.”
When they crowned her, her aplomb was enchanting.