For those of you who read my blog on a somewhat regular basis, you know by now that I don’t have a theme. Sometimes the posts might be religious in nature, while at other times they might range from family excursions and experiences to politics and friends. I’m telling you this because today’s thoughts have nothing to do with anything I’ve ever written before. It is a topic, however, that I’ve been thinking about lately.
At church Sunday a friend made a comment about my hair. Was it a little longer than usual? A little darker too? Yes…and yes again. “I like it,” she said. “My hair’s probably longer than it’s been in years, and I’m enjoying wearing it this way.” While she went on to say that while some people might have a problem with the length and color (auburn) of her hair, she didn’t care. After all, why should it be anyone else’s concern how a woman “of a certain age” wears her hair? Sophia and I then got into a somewhat animated conversation about how much better off we’d all be if people minded their own business. We’ve earned the privilege to wear our hair and make-up any darned way we want to, so if you’re thinking of saying something disparaging for our “own good,” keep it to yourself.
Is there a rule somewhere that says one must be dowdy once she reaches midlife? What about when she crosses over into later adulthood? Does that mean a woman should stop caring about her appearance? I think not. In fact, there are tons of women who would look a thousand times better if they’d just do a little “something, something.” I’m not saying a 60 year old should try to look 40 or even 50. I am saying, however, that she needs to try to make the most of what she has. Ditto to her young counterparts. How hard can it be to pluck your eyebrows or put on some lipstick?
I think it was Nora Ephron who said that the single most important thing women could do to improve their appearance is to color their hair. I think she has a point there. Why be gray if you don’t have to be? In fact, you can be blond, auburn, brunette, and all sorts of colors in-between. You can have high lights or low lights. In a word, coloring your hair can be FUN. Yes, I know there are some women who feel that it’s too artificial (or something). If they only knew how much better they’d look if….Oh and by the way, for those with that attitude, I can’t help but notice that they have no compunction about wearing makeup. Is that natural? No, it’s artificial (or something).
I once had a friend (I still have her, but I don’t get to see her much anymore) who said she’d stop caring about her appearance when she was six feet under. Hmmm. I’m not so sure about that part. But I do know that how I wear my hair is my business, so if you have negative comments, keep them to yourself. And sheesh, put on some lipstick please.
mom's musings 
“a somewhat animated conversation about how much better off we’d all be if people minded their own business”
Layeth the smack! This is so true.
Yet it seems to be human "thing" to meddle, doesn't it?Brav0 – all “things” were made for our benefit, lipstick and hair color included.
When I saw your name, I thought of your new hairstyle and how great you look. You're not afraid to try different "looks," and that's a good thing.I am one of the lipstickless people! my mother constantly tells me, “you look like a ghost, go put on some lipstick!”. My husband, on the other hand tells me, “if you put lipstick on I won’t kiss you until it’s off!” I’ve learned to joys of cherry chapstick (just a hint of color and it doesn’t taste too bad).
Lipstick or no lipstick, you're a cutie pie (I mean that in a good way of course). And when it comes down to it, I'd probably listen to Mike on this one...if you want kisses that is.Although I don’t wear lipstick, I do wear lipgloss. And I’ve officially colored my hair to match a 64 pack of colored crayons =D
I admire women who go out there being themselves! I love it when a woman (IE Lady Gaga) comes onstage wearing lighting bolts on her face and bright orange lipstick. It makes a statement that Women can do whatever she wants, because that’s our right =D We no longer have to choose if it’s okay to wear this and that if our husbands/boyfriends/fiancee’s say so… How nice is that feeling?
When I was your age, I didn't wear lipstick either...didn't need to. Now I need all the help I can get. And ditto to the freedom of expression exhibited by Lady Gaga or whoever else might be your role model. Who wants to be a clone of everyone else????i am one of those people who think once a person reaches a certain age, she should immediately become DOWDY, to protect her from anyone other than her very own beloved husband”’ ain’t i quaint??????/oh marla marla jayne i have fun teasing you
Hmmm. I'm not sure whether quaint is the word I'd use to describe you, but I do enjoy your "interesting" comments...and your posts too.Well you KNOW how I feel about all of this…the Lord never said Thou shalt be frumpy…He did however have a lot to say about JOY!!!
and you know…I always think you are beautiful 🙂 (inside and out)
Ah, you're such a dear friend! Thanks. There are exceptions to the above...just like to everything I guess. I'm thinking of the time Dorothy opened her eyes and asked you if it wasn't about time you got some more highlights. That was fine...more than fine because of your strong friendship and the knowledge that she said it with love and not malice.and it was sooo funny b/c she was so sick by that time and still noticed and commented …ya gotta love friends…still miss the heck out of that beautiful elect woman!