I have not fallen into a vat of tequila or impaled myself on a barrel cactus. I have been wandering this past week, a bit further north in New Mexico to meet up with friends who came down from Colorado. Before I write about that, I have something hilarious to report.

I was back at the RV Ranch in Deming, and we had a special Saturday night dinner and dance. I met new RVers during the festivities. I will never forget one man in particular. He is the one who came up to me and said, “I mean this in the most positive way: you look like a younger version of Aunt Bee”. I quipped in return, “Yeah the round face, gray hair and cheery attitude” Ha ha ha ha. I pushed the horrifying thoughts about looking matronly into the back of my mind until I got home.

Remember Aunt Bee from the Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry RFD? She was so sweet, caring and MATRONLY.

Yes, I can see the similarities, especially our eyes and small mouths. I pull my hair straight back into a pony tail, so I have the same high forehead. But matronly? Never, or at least I hope not. In fact, before dinner tonight I dressed up a tad. Instead of shorts and t-shirt, I wore a long tunic and leggings. I added a beaded Indian necklace and flip-flops for spunk — an anything-but-matronly look. So much for trying.

With changes to the hair do and less chub, I could agree to being a younger version of the Aunt Bee in the following photo. I love button-down shirts and I imagine myself giving wise advice with the same chin wag. 

I do not know much about the man who called me Aunt Bee, but I am amazed at his powers of observation.I see now that Aunt Bee looks a great deal like my grandmother, at least what I have seen in photos. Makes sense that, as I grow old, I will look like those two! I find it odd, however, looking at photos of an older me.

Sigh. People used to tell me I look like McKenzie Phillips and a few movie stars. Now, it’s Aunt Bee. It is not how I see myself, but she is a decent archetype. Beats Cruella DeVille.

Sweet elderly ladies unite!!!!

McKenzie Phillips. I never thought I looked like her, just the dark dark hair.

Click here for more information about the woman who played Aunt Bee.