Tuesday, November 25, 2008

The Un-varnished Truth

A package came in the mail the other day. I was very surprised because I haven't been trolling Ebay lately in search of vintage jewelry. What could it be?

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The box reveals that it's from one of my loyal readers, Nancy. She identifies herself as "Appreciative Blog Devotee". Wow, I've got a devotee. I'm happy. And since Nancy named it, she's claimed it. If you look on my sidebar you'll see that I've added her name under that title. No links to Nancy because she's blogless at the moment.

I don't know who invented bubble wrap but it was a genius. Not only does it protect items during shipping, it allows for hours of fun popping the bubbles!

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Inside there's a colorful package. It feels very heavy. I'm quite sure there are books inside. I was correct. She must have known that I just cleaned up my library and donated books, making room for new ones. The first book is called, From a Colonial Garden; Ideas, Decorations, Recipes. It's beautiful and I'm sorry that I forgot to take a photo of the cover. The photos were all taken in colonial Williamsburg. Nancy knew that I would love the part about planning weddings.

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There's a section that discusses the rehearsal dinner which is our responsibility. A chef who works for the herb business has agreed to cook for the dinner and we're having it in our home. Here's a table setting idea. Isn't it beautiful?

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What a thoughtful gift. Thank you so much for sharing this with me Nancy.

You're asking yourself, "What does this have to do with un-varnished truth"? Well, Nancy sent me another book. This one is by Bobbi Brown called Living Beauty. There are lots of beauty tips and mini-interviews with people like Mary Steenburgen.

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Chapter 3 is titled, "The Makeup Face-Lift, Surgery-free Ways to Wipe Away the Years". Woo Hoo, is that possible? You should see some of the photos, they're amazing.

The first thing I learned is never, EVER stand under down lighting. It creates shadows and at a certain age shadows are not your friend. If you're at a cocktail party and you notice you're standing under one of those can lights...... move away from the lighting otherwise this is what you're going to look like:

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This is not good. You've now scared the daylights out of all the guests and they're all running for the bar to self-medicate.

Thirty minutes with Bobbi and I feel like a new woman.

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Thanks Nancy, you made my day!!!

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OK, OK......you caught me. It's another damned Photoshop facelift! A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!!! And now I'm going to claim the title as the only woman in the blogosphere brave enough to post a photo of themselves sans makeup!

17 comments:

Heidi said...

You are a brave, brave woman my dear!! LOL right now I would give up makup forever just to have my boobies where they used to be! Ya know on my chest instead of my belly button... LOL

Significant Snail said...

Work some magic on me!!! LOL!

chocolatechic said...

You are lovely.

Thirkellgirl said...

My first reaction to your "after" photo was "man, I sure didn't get that result from the blue eyeliner and concealer!" I'm so gullible...

I also am LOL at the front of the package. Donna our local bored postmistress must have occupied herself for half an hour slapping stamps on the front of the express box. She usually digs around in the drawer for interesting stamps but I've never seen anything quite as collage-like as your box!

Vee said...

What a beautiful face! Would you trade one wrinkle? I wouldn't! (Oh sure, I'd trade some of mine, but none of yours! :D)

Anonymous said...

It's just the bags under my eyes that gets me in the photos... So big I could use them to pack for my trip to Zimbabwe....

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Jenni said...

You know, I think I like the original version of that picture better. The photoshopped version is so very fake and I find it a little scary, just like I do all these celebrities who keep getting plastic surgery. Seriously, they should make a horror movie about that! And you really are lovely just the way you are.

However, you don't get the title of *only* woman brave enough to post her picture without makeup. I don't post pictures of myself often, but when I do, you can bet I'm probably not wearing makeup. Once in a while I'll wear a little concealer (for those bags) and add a little powder to help blend it. That's only for days when the bags are really noticeable and I'm getting dressed up. Other than that, a little blush now and then and maybe lip gloss or Carmex is all. I don't like makeup. It feels unnatural and fake. Want a real face lift? Smile and mean it. Laugh a lot. Have a joyful, thankful heart. Those things do wonders that no makeup or surgery could ever do. Judging from your photo, you already know this:o)

Unknown said...

I need Photoshop!

Also, I love the table setting.

RoeH said...

I won't even post a photo with make-up. Oh wait...I did. Well I was working then and took more care. But I want that there Chapter 3. I'm always in search of a miracle!

StitchinByTheLake said...

I'd rather ride naked on the hood of my car from here to Chicago than post my picture without makeup. :) blessings, marlene

Sarah - Kala said...

You have more character and charm than many. I always love to come along and visit here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

LIBERTY POST EDITOR said...

What a great surprise. How thoughtful. You look fab au natural. Good for you girlfriend.

jan said...

You are brave and beautiful! I have been working on the whole "aging" thing. In the past year, I have decided to quit coloring my hair and all the faux blonde is just about gone. One more haircut and I will be "true colored". It feels good to act my age!

J'Ollie Primitives said...

You look wonderful au natural.

Anonymous said...

I love that Bobbi Brown book. It was given to me by a make-up artist friend -- and it's one of the best. Bobbi celebrates "mature" women like us -- and finds the beauty in every woman. That's beautiful. Congrats on the lovely gifts you received!

Anonymous said...

Suzanne, I "see" your no-makeup photo and "raise" you the morning hair, which I've just laid on the table at my own blog for all the world to see.

I haven't worn makeup for years so that part was easy. Even the morning hair wasn't such a challenge, though I admit I did have to think twice about it. But hey -- I *am* that goofy-looking. Might as well "face" it, eh?

You look fine without makeup, girl! You don't look 25, and why would you want to? When I was 25, I didn't like pictures of myself any better than I do now.

Sally Townsend said...

thanks for making me smile !!