Not a Boy, Not Yet a Woman

I had to get some new lipstick at the M.A.C. counter a couple of weeks ago. The man behind the counter had been working there the last time I passed through Northpark Mall.

He was petite and fine-boned. I recognized him immediately because of his perfectly made up face. The last time I was at that counter, I wondered how in the world he managed to apply his makeup so well and why my make up applications barely last two whole hours?

His eyebrows were exquisitely groomed. His brows were dark, thick,and luscious. They were pampered and bred to stay in place. I was mesmerized by his high, perfect arch. They were what I would like mine to be if I could grow eyebrows.

His manicured brows framed dark, exotic eyes that were lined with black kohl and with an artist's creative touch. From the bridge of his nose up, he was expertly done but if you lowered your gaze, there was a five o'clock shadow that couldn't be cheated even with the most skilled hands.

I asked him for the lipstick(Dubonnet)and then asked if he could recommend a good foundation. The young man stepped over to me and asked if it was alright to remove some of the makeup I was wearing.

Sure, that's fine. I'm on my way to get a facial.

Oh, where? Faces?

Yes, do you go there?

Dr. Blackledge is going to do my chin implant. They are fabulous over there! I go to Mona Spa for my laser hair removal. That hurts so bad that I just cry and cry.

Well, you know what they say,beauty is pain.

Tell me about it. I have to go six more times.

My God, that's awful! Do you just not want to shave anymore?

Well, I'm transitioning to be a woman, so I have to.

Good luck with that!

He matched my skin with a new foundation and rang up my purchases. He was good. I hope I recognize him next time I go back!

Up to No Good

I remember when kids were kids and not little hoodlums. Back in my day, there was such a thing as R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Nowadays these damn kids don't have respect for anybody or anything...with their texting who-knows-what to who-knows-who...!!!

This is how I am starting to regard the youngsters these days. Damn, that means I am old!!!

Who's That Girl?

I looked at Lucy last night and I was startled to see a little girl morphing into a big girl. She looked a little more grown and her movements were done with more grown-up precision. It was like I was seeing someone new but all together familiar. Recognizing a more mature Lucy is surprisingly similar to what I see in the mirror these days. I'm noticing a new, not necessarily improved, older version of myself. No matter how many times I splash water on my face or rub my eyes that woman with the crows' feet stares back at me with a puzzled expression.

A couple of days ago,Lucy was cutting some string to make her new stuffed animal into a puppet. I watched her lay the string out, measure it and cut. She looked so intent, peaceful and knowing. Her face has begun to slim up slightly. Her familiar round face is shedding the baby fat. Her sweet freckles around her nose are fading and her hair is getting longer and darker. This transition has been happening at such a glacial pace that when her look took on a new hue it seemed instantaneous and startling. It was like that with me in the mirror - every day for 20-something years, the same person peered back at me and then one day, without warning, she was replaced by an older woman. I was expecting her but not so soon.

Lucy came home this evening to pack an overnight bag. Her friend, Sela, two doors down, asked her to spend the night. She took her favorite penquin pajamas, her blankie, and her new stuffed duck named Squirt. I tried to give her a big hug and say good night but I barely nuzzled her shoulder before she was skipping down the hall. I managed a quick one lip brush to her forehead before she slipped off into the dusky evening.

I couldn't help but stare at her as she made her way down the street. I kept thinking that she's mine, my baby, my first born. It's surreal to see her become so grown and independent but yet, so expected and normal. She has always been an old soul, wise beyond her years. Jessie, our babysitter, always said, "She's been here before."

In the doorway, I wondered if I was doing all I should be doing for her. I felt a slight tinge of melancholy watching her walk away so happy.

Blood Oranges, Sheet Wars and Resolution Revolution

I bought blood oranges yesterday at Whole Foods in Memphis just for the sheer novelty of them. I figured if I could show the kids an orange's fruit that resembled blood then they would be more likely to consume something other than carbs and sugar. Sure enough hacking into an orange that looked like a crime scene piqued my sweet, well-adjusted children's interest. They dove right in and ate away.
Lesson: Pick produce that looks freshly murdered for good nutrition.

Do you have a spouse or significant other who has irrational rationales for doing things? Show of hands, please... Well, Super Steve likes to sleep on top of the sheet which drives me crazy. He says the sheet is not soft enough to go over his body but ignores the fact that it is still touching his body by sleeping on top of it. Is his front side more sensitive than his back? Or is he is CRAZY? What's up with that reasoning? He refuses to pull the sheet over him because it's scratchy (it's not! It's super soft cotton that's been washed one million times and is soft as a lamb's ear) but he can sleep on top of it with no problem. Huh?
Lesson: No lesson. I married a freak.

I'm posting my 2009 resolutions on Jan. 11 cause I'm a rebel like that.
1. Put the top sheet over Super Steve in the middle of the night for an experiment.
2. By more bloody produce.
3. Host a brunch this spring or summer before it gets too hot.
4. Eat more fruits and vegetable. Healthy choices.
5. Have more fun.
6. Pursue more creative interests like painting, photography, writing.
7. Work on being less impatient.
Lesson: No real lesson other than I am still incredibly optimistic this time of year. I think that's good for an old gal.