Mary Haist (50 over 50 Vol. 2)
Mary stepped into the studio at the age of 88. While photographing her, she told me she had been known as the ‘Circleville Stripper’. I was caught off guard when I heard this. Mary grinned and laughed; going on to explain as a young mother, she operated a furniture refinishing business. It was located in Circleville, Ohio.
As a testament to Mary’s jovial nature, I realized she she the perfect expression of duality. While her body naturally exudes elegance and a sense of “proper”while posing, she also navigates Grand Slams at the Bridge table and laughs the loudest at racy jokes.
Mary incorporated a glam, star-studded cane to her outfit. While she reminds me of a regal matriarch, I can see a hint of impishness in her eyes!
“This photography experience was a gift from my daughter and her husband. At 88-years-old, the last activity that would have come to mind is having professional portraits taken. However, I am so thankful that my daughter inspired me to get to the studio for this experience. My only fear going into it was there would just be boring pictures of an old lady – and who would want to look at those kind of photographs? That fear was short-lived as the pampering of professional hair and makeup put me into a elegant mindset, and the portrait session was full of creative fun,” stated Mary.
“You can find inspiration at any age!”
When I asked Mary if she felt her session was an experience to be valued, she said, “Each day, most of us are at the peak of health for the life we have remaining. I feel so very blessed to be healthy enough to live independently, to travel as I wish, and to remain very socially active. I’m thankful that this portrait experience captured the life, love, and laughter that I still enjoy. I would describe it as creative, enjoyable, and once-in-a-lifetime.
I left the teaching profession (3rd grade and middle school art) and established my own business in 1972. EVERYTHING was different. There were not business classes readily available for women at that time, so important aspects of profitability and sustainability were foreign to me. The workload was immense and the financial impact was not positive. This opportunity for growth afforded me a lovely collection of antique furniture and a new appreciation for teaching when I returned to that profession. I think women, in general, can be marginalized by society. I worked hard to raise a strong, independent daughter who is not afraid to make decisions and will outwork anyone to impact a positive outcome. I believe that effort is the best opportunity to change the paths that are available to women and young girls. Lead by example!” said Mary.
I later asked Mary what her favorite part of the photography experience was and why? She stated, “It was delightful to make a girls day out of my portrait experience! Whitney has now done hair and makeup for 3 generations of my family, and how fun is that?? Talking with Susanna in the studio reminded me of the different chapters of my life and just how thankful I am for each chapter. It was great reminder to be thankful for both the highs AND the lows, as this life is about the journey. We were able to sneak a couple in some pictures of me with my daughter, and I think I’ll treasure those portraits the most! I’ve enjoyed sharing my photographs with my friends, as so many of them are also older but have never had this opportunity to capture the beauty of their current life.
As we age, or even as we overcome adversity, we are reminded that every day is a gift. Tomorrow is never promised – so I value every moment I have with my family, my friends, and my loving standard poodle. With a name like Romeo, you know that poodle is a bundle of love!”
Mary shared something that stuck with me ….
“I am so thrilled to be independent and active at the age of 88. I play Bridge regularly with a woman who is 99-years-old and she drives herself to Bridge and is sharply dressed with make up every day. You can find inspiration at any age,” she said exuberantly.
Advice to her 20 year old self: I would assure my younger self that everything will work out beautifully. I would encourage her to make a full career of teaching, and to forego the entrepreneur experience that was a part of my adult life. And at the most challenging time of raising children, I would tell her that those kiddos will one day become my best friends and fabulous caregivers.