Wow!  When I grow up, I want to have a piece of Charlotte Rampling in me.  I love everything about the first photo:  the dress, the pose and the setting.  However, what I like most, is the quiet confidence and personal power she exudes.  This is a woman who likes who she is and doesn't apologize for it.  Born in Great Britain in 1946, Charlotte spent time in France as a child and ultimately moved back as an adult.  She began her career as a model and transitioned to acting and singing.  Currently, she plays the role of Dr. Vogel on the hit series, Dexter.  She has done countless films and theater and received the Best Actress award from the European Film Academy in 2003 for her role in the movie, Swimming Pool.  Other than seeing Charlotte in Swimming Pool and lately in Dexter, I never knew her real name.  When I came across the top photo, I had to know more about her.  As a 45-year-old, I am staring middle age in the (not yet botoxed) face.  It seems I have two choices; mourn the end of a time with perfect skin,  a slimmer physique and no need to pluck chin hairs (eh hem) OR I can embrace the knowledge and lessons I have accrued and strive to keep growing emotionally, spiritually and intellectually.  The good news is the body and the chin hair can be conquered with some tenacity!  After all, look at Charlotte.  It's funny, no one looks at a sweet, young girl in a pretty, white dress and says, "You are precious, too bad your days are numbered on that gig!"  The thing is, it doesn't have to be.  Living proof is in a long black dress and red lips standing on a rooftop terrace in Paris.  

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 Photos via Charlotte Rampling site & Departures Magazine