Yesterday I was sick, which means I did the unfathomable....I wore no makeup.
My hair was thrown into a bun and I was not accessorized.... My students were confused at me:
Child #1
"Beanie....can you see?"
"Of course I can SEE ...whadya mean?"
"It just looks like you can't see properly."
Child #2
"Hi Beanie....um...hmmm...where are your glasses?"
"I don't wear glasses."
(Stands there confused) "Well then what happened to you?"
Child # 3
Child 3 stands there and stares at me, once entering my room.
"Beanie....."
"yes..."
"Hmmmm...what HAPPENED Beanie. What is WRONG?"
"I am not wearing makeup."
"Oh...what is makeup?"
"Apparently, it is what keeps me looking like I can SEE, am healthy and are generally happy in life"
"Yeah..... Don't forget that tomorrow" ....And he walks away.
I want to rant about natural beauty. I want to gather my girls near and bombard the boys with how powerful we are as life givers. I want to explain that makeup is not needed to feel happy or too look beautiful. But the thought of my rant, exhausted me.
I LOVE mascara swiped onto my lashes and glitter in my hair.
I LOVE to crimp my hair and color match my accessories.
I DO match my hairstyles to my outfit choice.
It makes me happy to get compliments on my hair, purse and accessorize choice.
I mumbled "I'm sorry" to every student after that who mentioned my lack of face, hair or earring.
Later, in the car, I was chuckling with my kids and telling them what the children had said. Shane kept gasping "But...but that is mean! That is..oh mygosh...these children are BULLIES!"
And Emma....she nodded wisely in the backseat. Laughed a little but ultimately said (After inspecting
my entire get up) "Mom...I know you're sick. But you could've done more."
I gasped.
"Emma!"
"I know...but still... Yesterday you sang that Lady Marmalade song allll morning because you had crimped all of your hair and it was fantastic and amazing. You wore a fabulous outfit. I'm just saying...You always look amazing at work....and today... I think you're beautiful all of the time. Even in your purple ugly jacket and red sweatpants.... They don't know any better."
"....ALRIGHT!"
(shane still sputtered about 5 year old bullies)
Later....
"Emma do I need to talk with you about how beautiful women are?"
"NO MOM...you do not."
"Just checkin...."
