Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Maybe I will hold off on the whole liberation bit for now

So there used to be a time in my life, not all that long ago, when I wouldn't so much as run to the post office with out makeup on. I was very concerned with my appearance - to a fault. I still really like to have a tidy and put together look about me, if possible, but I am also learning how freeing it is to be able to have those times where you can just be you and not worry about it. This post was rather liberating. :) Last Saturday when I went out shopping I was in much more of a tasking mode than a caring about what I looked like mode. I was very successful in my gathering endeavors and got things done. It was a really hot day and I had 5 stops to make. It happened to be the day many others felt like going out and stocking up on groceries and apparently a whole bunch of other random items. There were lines all the way back to those delicious muffins in Sam's Club. :) By the time I got to my last stop I was sweaty (good thing I had opted to go sans makeup or it would've been dripping off my face any way!), tired, but feeling accomplished. I saw some one I knew and went over to say hi. We chatted briefly about our vacation and exchanged a few other small talk-esque pleasantries. I went on my way and the conversation was forgotten as I set my mind to cupboard organization. Fast forward to the next morning when I saw the same individual at church. She came over to me , gave my shoulder a squeeze and said, "Oh Wendi, you look so much better today - you must be feeling better huh? I hardly recognized you yesterday when I saw you! I said to myself - is that Wendi? And sure enough it was, but you obviously weren't feeling very well. Those long trips are hard huh?" So here I sit, having taken a couple of steps backward in my quest for vanity liberation. :) As mentioned, I did not have makeup on during my shopping expedition and had settled for my tasking day hair arrangement: throw a headband scarf on and tie the rest up into a pony tail. I was not ill. The long trip did not take that much of a toll on me. I was tired and overly warm, but actually feeling quite good. :) I know not every body would have shared in the sentiments of this one person, but still, I couldn't help but think that it must've been pretty bad based on her strong -albeit very caring- sympathy. :)

16 comments:

Rachel said...

I think I prefer to go the other way. I only wear makeup on Sunday or when going out for something special. That way people are used to seeing me slightly dumpy and when they see me with my "face on" they think I am looking extra good! I also cheat with my extra easy hair. I should probably throw on some mascara every day, but if the people at my girls schools want to turn me in to "What Not to Wear" I would consider it a blessing from God!

Don't worry, you are adorable! If you don't believe me ask your janitor!

Sarah@Life in the Parsonage said...

Wouldn't it be sweet if some of those well meaning people just kept their mouths shut ;)

I want a shirt that says "Didn't get myself ready today...on purpose...got other stuff to do"

Joy Junktion said...

I am learning, in my older age, to just have fun. I didn't even put makeup on this morning when I took my son to his horse riding lesson (a first).
Also, I love the post about never really growing up. I'll be 50 in 50 days but I sure love 'playing' with my granddaughter. Have done a couple of recent posts to prove it.
Have a great day.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I sometimes border on the other end of the spectrum by not doing "enough" to look my best. I am comfortable in my skin and don't often wear a great deal of makeup. It's freeing, but there are days when I think a little effort would serve me well. 42 and no makeup doesn't always serve me well.

I need to do better.

peace~elaine

Unknown said...

It's inevitable! You always see someone you know or you don't want to see when you look your worst.

You are way more friendly than me because I usually hide.

jennifer said...

Go ahead, girl! You keep on liberating yourself! More power to you! Mean 'ol meanies.

Anonymous said...

Go Liberation!:)
I've always been a minimalist on the glam, and like rachel I think it's fun when people are used to seeing me real plain and then think I like fabulous when it's time to dress up.
I remember when I was in a friend's wedding, so of course went all out, and a woman who I worked with was like "OH MY GOSH! You are really pretty!"
Kinda funny.
Anyway, I always think it's freeing to know that people know what I really look like , so I don't have to worry when there's no time for glamorization.
That lady was just a little bit tactless;)
I'm sure you looked great.

Mozi Esme said...

I hate those moments where someone asks me if I'm feeling okay, and then I realize I forgot my makeup!

Amanda said...

definitely love rachel's comment...the whole looking "slightly dumpy" and then wowing 'em on sunday! :) i hate how motivated i can be by other's approval...

Lisa said...

you always look amazing to me, even with no make-up on!!!

But why on earth does someone think it is okay to say something like that?!?! My favorite is when they ask if I am tired, just say I look terrible!

Genny said...

Too funny! I'm sure you looked great.

I'll never forget the time I wore some mismatched/ill-fitting ski clothes to the snow one winter, shrugging it off and saying to my husband, "Who cares. It's not like I'm going to see anyone."

But then it just so happened that a news broadcaster came up to us in the snow and interviewed us as part of their weather segment. I can't tell you how many people said to me after that, "I saw you on the 6:00 news!" Lovely. LOL.

Sarah M. said...

I can be confusing when you ALWAYS see someone "put together". I just did that recently, I thought someone had been crying and I was concerned, but it was just "casual day". Opps!

Joy Junktion said...

Hey Wendi,
It's me again. Just wanted to say thanks for noticing my new blog design. I think you are the only person who noticed. I love it! I'm not talented in the arts department so I hired someone and think she did a great job of getting my personality and picture from my brain.
Have a great weekend.

Dawna said...

Thank you for your sweet comments on my blog today. I can't remember if I've ever left a note for you before, but I've been lurking on your blog for a while now. Love, love, love your writing and I especially love your description in your profile of your husband's job. I can really relate to this particular post. With my recent health issues, people seem to think they're doing me a favor by telling me a)how terrible I look now or b)how I must be feeling better because the last time they saw me I looked REALLY awful. Gee, people, thanks a lot. From all of your comments, it seems you've struck a common nerve!

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

In the last couple of years, I've had terrible allergy eyes and so many days I could not wear makeup, not even to work, which was hard. But it did mediate some of the obsessiveness about makeup.

dani said...

i just think you should do it more often so that everyone can get used to the all natural, beautiful YOU!!!
^^^that became my mantra at about 32:b
love,
dani
ps. i would buy one of sarah's tee-shirts if she would create them to sell!!