Fifty and fabulous in 2008

One of my childhood memories is a time at my cousin's 12th birthday party when I thoughtfully said, "Twelve is such a ripe old age." I don't know what led to that pronouncement, but I remember it often, even several multiples of 12 later. Age is like that. Each milestone seems far away, then one day you realize that a lot of them are behind you. It's not a bad thing — older really is better — it's just surprising. A few weeks ago, one of America's favorite children reached one of those milestones when Caroline Kennedy turned 50.

Kennedy certainly has accomplished a lot in her adulthood, but to many of us, she always will be JFK's little girl. And "Sweet Caroline."

Kennedy was on the cover of AARP the Magazine this month, along with a prediction that 2008 will "forever change the image of 50." Why? Because some big names in entertainment — including a few sex symbols — will reach the half-century mark next year. Some of our favorite beauties are on the list.

Ellen DeGeneres (January 26)

In typical Ellen fashion, DeGeneres' approach to the big day is to plan a birthday bash on her show, Ellen. "I have lots of plans for my birthday," she says, "and they include a piñata and Tim Conway." Not my first choices, but Ellen is anything but predictable. Just ask Iggy.

Sharon Stone (March 10)

She hates exercise and loves dark chocolate, but has never shied away from talking about growing older. I saw Stone in person a couple of years ago at the Dallas Black Tie Dinner and, trust me, she doesn't need Photoshop to look hot. Here she is with Joan Jett at the 2007 L.A. Pride fest:

Michelle Pfeiffer (April 29)

Pfeiffer quit smoking and started using sunscreen to ward off aging — and doubtless is much more optimistic about growing older than was her character Lamia in Stardust. To witness the beauty of aging gracefully, Sarah and Lori's highlight reel of Pfeiffer's movie moments bears re-watching.

Madonna (August 16)

The Material Girl will release a CD next year and may launch at "Madonna at 50" tour next summer. At my first Madonna concert, I was mesmerized by how incredibly buff her body was. I am still in awe of her.

Rounding out AARP's list are Prince and Viggo Mortensen (yawn). But the magazine left out a few ladies who are close to the hearts of AfterEllen.com readers. Never fear, I always am willing to make the sacrifice of searching through pictures of beautiful women for your sake. Someone has to do it. I will leave the details of how these women will celebrate to your fertile imagination.

Miranda Richardson (March 3)

Holly Hunter (March 20)

Annette Bening (May 29)

Angela Bassett (August 16)

Jennifer Tilly (September 16)

Marg Helgenberger (November 16)

Truthfully, several other stunners are turning 50 next year, too. But if I listed all of them, what excuse would you have for scouring the Internet to find them? Who's your favorite "over 50" lady? How would you like to celebrate her birthday with her?