The other night I went to visit my dear father. Due to recent knee replacement surgery, he was heavily medicated. When he was able to get audible sentences out, he was hilarious!

My adorable niece was also there and wanted to be a part of the action. However, her patience with grown-up conversations started to dwindle. She tried to get attention using every four-year-old trick in the handbook. We would appease her for a minute and then go back to our conversation. Soon she gave up…  or so we thought.

She disappeared into the other room, and when she returned she was wearing this:

When she walked out in her finest gown with smeared, red lipstick on her face, I had to laugh. It’s no wonder women get all dolled up before they leave the house. We learn at a very young age that it gets us attention. Even my Dad, in his drugged up state, took the time to tell her how cute she looked.

I’m not saying this is good or bad, just that it finally makes sense to me. I get ready before I leave the house because I like to feel pretty. I don’t need anyone to validate me or give me attention like my adorable niece does — I do that for myself. My outfits are typically a notch or two more low key than hers was, but I do feel better about myself when I look made up and yes, sometimes my confidence comes from an extra coat of mascara and a little lipstick.

It’s my fail proof pick-me-up.

Well that, or having my Dad tell me I look nice.

OK, so maybe I haven’t grown up so much after all.

Blogfully yours,

Summer

Summer Lessons Learned, Uncategorized