Which famous actress launched her skincare brand at age 64, becoming a best-selling entrepreneur and beauty icon?

The Call

Duane felt it before I could say a word—the sudden change in my heartbeat, the shift in my face. His body went stiff. My phone rang, slicing through the quiet. Without hesitation, he snatched it up.

“Hello?” His voice was sharp, protective.

No answer.

He tried again. “Hello?” Still silence.

Duane’s tone dropped low, calm but dangerous. “Look, I don’t know who this is, but I’m not here to play games. This is my wife. If you’ve got something to say, say it to me.”

Then a soft, trembling voice came through. “I’m sorry... I just needed to speak to her. I need some answers, and I feel like she can help me. I don’t want to cause any problems.”

The phone was on speaker, so I heard every word.

“Who is this?” I asked, my voice steady but curious.

“Hi, Stacey... my name is Patrice Glass. I wanted to talk to you about Jason Mathews.”

“Who?” I said.

“Jason Mathews—the artist?”

I froze. “You mean Darius Johnson.”

“I guess,” she said softly. “I don’t know him by that name. But please—I just need a few minutes of your time. I think you’re the only one who can help me.”

I looked at Duane, confusion written all over my face. His jaw tightened.

Duane spoke before I could. “We’ll meet with you today at one o’clock. Coffee Café downtown.

My wife doesn’t go anywhere alone. And look—lady, I don’t know you, but if this is some kind of setup or funny business, I’m not the one.”

She agreed and hung up. I exhaled. “What answers could she possibly think I have? And why the hell is she calling him Jason Mathews?”

My voice cracked a little. “I just want to put all this behind me. Move forward, finish planning my wedding, and live in peace with my husband. Are you sure you want to go, Duane? I can call the girls and have them meet me.”

He took my hand. “Nah. We’re in this together—come hell or high water.”

We got to the café a few minutes early. I needed a cup of coffee to calm my nerves. My stomach felt twisted, like my spirit already knew something I didn’t. At one o’clock sharp, she walked in.

Patrice was the kind of woman you notice when she enters a room—elegant but edgy. Dark shades, messy bun (but the kind that looks intentional), fitted jeans, a colorful silk blouse, Chanel flats, matching belt and bag. Money. Grace. Confidence. She moved like she had

somewhere to be and people waiting on her to get there.

I waved to her, but she was already walking straight toward me—like she knew exactly who I was. She slid off her shades, reached out her hand, and said,

“Hi, I’m Patrice. Thank you for meeting with me.”

Once her shades were off, her beauty hit me—natural, soft, effortless. I glanced at Duane and, of course, there it was: that stupid grin men get when they see a beautiful woman. I smirked to myself. Not jealous—just amused.

“Please, have a seat,” Duane said smoothly. “Can I get you a cup of coffee or something?”

In my head, I rolled my eyes. Or something? Boy, she better just get that coffee.

“No, thank you,” Patrice said politely. “I’m fine.”

I leaned forward. “So, Ms. Patrice... how can I help you?” Her lips trembled before the words came. “I met a man ten years ago. His name was Jason Mathews.”

The second she said it, I knew. The way she described his charm, his art, his smile—there was no mistaking it. Darius.

She continued, voice cracking but determined. “I met him at an art exhibition. I was looking for something special—something for my office.

He offered to show me around. He was so knowledgeable, so confident... I fell for him before I realized what was happening. Eventually, he convinced me to invest in him and his work. Said he’d have his own exhibition one day. I believed him.”

She took a shaky breath. “I poured money into him. Fifty thousand dollars. My savings. My trust. My heart. And then—he disappeared. Just gone. No call, no note. His phone stopped working, his apartment was empty. I searched everywhere. I even went by his studio, but they said he’d moved out. I was devastated.”

Her voice dropped to a whisper. “And the worst part? I had just found out I was pregnant.”

Duane and I froze. I could feel the air leave my lungs.

“It’s been ten years,” she said, eyes glistening. “My son’s ten years old. He looks just like his father—Jason Mathews, or whoever he really is.”

Silence. The kind that presses on your chest. You could’ve heard a pin drop—or a rat piss on cotton. Then she looked straight at me. “How do you know him, Stacey? Did he do the same thing to you? Why did you call him Darius Johnson?”

She swallowed hard. “When I saw you at his exhibition, I knew you two were close. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen you together. I’d been following him, trying to build the courage to confront him—to tell him about his son, to tell him how he broke me. But instead, I got angry. I trashed his studio. I caused chaos. And I know I dragged you into something that had nothing to do with you. For that... I’m sorry.”

Her voice cracked, and she wiped a tear from her cheek.

Whew. It was a lot. More than I was ready for. I stared at her, speechless, heart pounding. Everything Darius had ever told me started flashing through my mind like a broken reel. Lies dressed as truth. Promises wrapped in charm. I cleared my throat, took a slow sip of my coffee, and looked her dead in the eyes.

“Where do I begin?” I said.

🥗 Fall Fennel & Pear Glow Salad

Light, vegan, elegant — and perfect for crisp autumn days

🍐 Ingredients:

• 1 bulb fennel, thinly shaved

• 2 ripe Bartlett pears, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped

• 4 cups baby arugula or mixed greens

• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

• Optional: Vegan ricotta or almond cheese crumbles

🥣 Dressing:

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• Pinch of sea salt and fresh ground pepper

👩‍🍳 Directions:

1. Whisk dressing ingredients together until creamy.

2. In a large bowl, toss greens, fennel, and pears gently with dressing.

3. Top with hazelnuts, pomegranate seeds, and optional vegan cheese.

4. Serve chilled or room temp. Add a warm baguette for bonus flair!

💁‍♀️ Why You’ll Love It:

• Fennel aids digestion and adds a crisp, licorice crunch.

• Pears bring natural sweetness and fiber.

• Hazelnuts + Pomegranate offer that flirty flair of texture and color.

• Perfect for fall brunches, light dinners, or empowering solo picnics.

Why it’s unique:
Instead of the usual butternut or acorn squash, this salad features roasted delicata squash — no peeling required! Paired with fresh figs, baby arugula, walnuts, and goat cheese, it strikes a perfect balance between sweet, savory, and earthy.

🍁 Ingredients

• 1 delicata squash, sliced into rings

• 6–8 fresh figs, halved

• 4 cups baby arugula (or mixed greens)

• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese

• ¼ cup toasted walnuts or pecans

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Pinch of sea salt & black pepper

Maple-Dijon Dressing:

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

🔥 Instructions

1. Roast the Squash:
   Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Toss delicata rings in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.

2. Make the Dressing:
   Whisk all dressing ingredients until emulsified.

3. Assemble:
   On a large platter, layer arugula, warm squash, figs, and nuts. Drizzle with dressing. Finish with goat cheese crumbles.

4. Serve Warm or Room Temp — it holds up beautifully.

🌟 Optional Additions

• Add grilled chicken or lentils for protein

• Sub pears or roasted grapes if figs are unavailable

Joke Of The Day

Why don’t women over 50 ever get lost?

Because we’ve already been there, done that, and wrote the guidebook — twice.

In 2025, a growing number of people are turning to mindful living, focusing on sustainability and personal well-being.

Adopting eco-friendly habits like reusable products and supporting local, ethical goods is at the heart of the shift toward sustainable lifestyles.

Minimalism also remains popular, helping individuals declutter and choose quality, leading to a more intentional and simplified daily experience.

Remote work continues to offer flexibility, allowing better balance and more control over daily routines.

To ease digital fatigue, many people are embracing digital minimalism, limiting their screen time and choosing offline activities to support mental health.

Personalized wellness takes center stage as wearable technology and AI-driven plans help tailor fitness routines.

Together, these trends reflect a commitment to healthier, more conscious lifestyles, prioritizing well-being and balance over excess.

Interesting Facts

As 2025 enters its final stretch, a rising movement called 'The Great Lock-In' is inspiring desert communities to rally around focus and purposeful action.

From September through December, residents are embracing a season dedicated to personal growth, productivity, and community connections.

Originally sparked by social media, this collective push encourages locals to set fall goals for wellness, finances, and self-improvement.

Businesses across the region are joining in, offering workshops and events to support these aspirations.

The Yum Food Fest & Night Market in Palm Desert, set for October 11-12, invites residents to try new culinary experiences while supporting local vendors.

Meanwhile, the City of La Quinta Fall Festival on October 17 centers on family and community spirit, mirroring the movement’s values.

Experts say this trend helps people revive resolutions by fostering sustainable habits and mutual support.

It’s a local push for clarity and meaningful progress as the year winds down.

Quote Of The Day

“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.”
— George Bernard Shaw

Jessica Lange — proving it's never too late to launch something fabulous.

Sharing is Caring - F.L.Y. After 50