Welcome!
I’m Sherry Dryja, a neurodiverse writer, creator, vegan baker, and theologian living in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood.
I’m Sherry Dryja, a neurodiverse writer, creator, vegan baker, and theologian living in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood.
Hey there—I’m Sherry. Petite in stature, very much over 40 in years, and full of stories that refuse to stay quiet.
This space started as a lighthearted fashion blog—outfits, thrift finds, a little sparkle here and there. But over time, Petite Over 40 has stretched its seams. It’s become less about what I wear and more about how I see: the world, the past, the present moment, and what might still be possible.
Now I write stories from my life—some funny, some tender, some that ask you to look a little closer. I still believe in joy (especially the kind found in a good cup of coffee or a mischievous crow), but I also believe in using our voices—especially when the world feels heavy.
Here, you’ll find personal reflections, social commentary, and the occasional soapbox moment, all filtered through curiosity, creativity, and care.
To help me stay grounded in what matters, I keep a small set of “North Stars” nearby—values that guide everything I write. Here they are:
Create space for connection and community.
Whether I’m telling a story, asking a question, or sharing a laugh, I want to help people feel a little less alone in the world.
Celebrate the small joys.
A good cup of coffee. A corvid in the alley. A laugh that sneaks up on you. These are the moments that make life livable, especially when things get hard.
Shine a gentle light in dark places.
I don’t shy away from what’s difficult—but I try to meet it with softness, clarity, and maybe even a little hope.
Honor the personal as political.
The stories we carry—the ones passed down, the ones we live out loud—matter. They help us understand each other, challenge injustice, and imagine something better.
Uplift unexpected wisdom.
I believe insights are everywhere: in old family letters, in childhood memories, in the murky middle of a hard day. I want to notice them, share them, and invite others to do the same.
If these stars speak to you, I hope you’ll stick around. Or just drop by now and then when you need a moment of connection, courage, or comfort.
Welcome to this little corner of the internet. I’m so glad you’re here.