Blaze by Di Morrissey

weeks, particularly outside the world of Blaze. I have been thinking back to the start of my journey to create this magazine. How I started working in magazines in Australia and was bold enough – and naive enough – to think that I could create a magazine of my own. One that I would like to read and so, hopefully, would others. And so Blaze was born and grew to become Blaze USA , which has now expanded to include many international editions.
    â€˜But rather than sitting back and basking in Blaze ’s wonderful success – due to so many of you – I have become nostalgic, a little sad that perhaps my usefulness here is limited.’
    She gave a slight smile at the ripple of disagreement in the atmosphere of the room. ‘And I feel a little angry – well, frustrated – that I have crossed a kind of mythical border in society’s mind. I find myself assessing my reactions and actions. As a result, questions present themselves to me. Have I performed well as a human being? Have I properly used my gifts and talents? Have I fulfilled my responsibilities and obligations? Are there still contributions that I can make?’
    Her gaze swept the still and silent room. ‘Yes, perhaps these are the expected reflections of a woman passing yet another milestone, but I realise I have asked myself these questions before this, and rarely answered them satisfactorily. It seems that when one enters one’s seventh decade, one should bow out gracefully and settle into a luxurious retreat and enjoy life. My friends, let me tell you what I enjoy.’ She paused for effect, noting every face was riveted to hers. ‘I enjoy a challenge, the cut and thrust of daily jousting, internally and in the wide world that comes with running a magazine. In this age of electronic, digital and satellite communications, I still believe the printed word and images on paper will never become obsolete.’
    There was a hearty outbreak of applause. Nina’s voice was steady as she continued, ‘There is still a huge need for independent publications to be read and digested at leisure, publications that can provide pleasure, entertainment, in-depth analysis and varying points of view. The magazine market has changed somewhat since I began my career as a seventeen-year-old on a small magazine called In Home and Garden in Sydney.’ She smiled in acknowledgement of the understatement and the mood she had created among her audience.
    Nina continued, ‘Today, women from their forties to their nineties have much to offer. And, as such women come into their power, they should embrace it, and use it .’ Her voice rose on the emphasis. ‘We are the role models to adolescents, to younger women in and out of the workforce, to other older women. I don’t like to pigeonhole anyone as old. I prefer to think of reaching a specific point in one’s trajectory through life. Each point should be considered an opportunity to learn, to grow, to enjoy life. I don’t want to be an adolescent again. Life was challenging enough then, but how much harder it is for them today. And how they see themselves is a result of how they see us.’
    She looked down briefly, thinking of Lorraine, then continued, ‘Therefore it is our responsibility as mature women, or as wise women elders, to show our young people that life is rich and that we can each bring about changes in the world. We must take control of our lives for everyone’s benefit.’ She paused and there was a ripple of polite applause, with most of the audience of older men and younger women wondering where Nina was heading with this speech, while the women of fifty and over clapped the loudest. Nina gave a broad smile, ‘So . . . I am not retiring.’
    Here Ali’s head jerked up and she glanced around, seeing others were also surprised.
    Nina lifted her glass of champagne as if to salute them. ‘Yes, I intend to take an