A *Look*

I caught part of an fascinating program on PBS the other night. They were discussing the impact of Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden; their innovative market strategies, their whole woman approach (poise, carriage, health, as elements of beauty), and the adjustments required over such long careers.  

Every now and then the subject of creating/claiming one's signature *look* arises in an article or blog post.  Madame Helena definitely had a look.  It was distinctive, elegant and served her well at every age.

Over the years I have generally chosen the *no look* look as my look.  I've never understood the appeal to look the same every single day.   My hair is thick, wavy and adaptable and I have chosen to wear it in a variety of styles, sometimes from day-to-day.

Up: loose or sleek.  Down: straight, sleek, wild, restrained, or some combination of the above.  

Waiting for the last of this bad haircut to grow out I think I've reached the length where it will probably remain.  I do like my options, after all.

Madame Helena has caught my attention and I am actually thinking about thinking about cultivating a look.  In my mind the key to her look was it's timelessness.  Or appropriateness for any age. (On the opposite end of that idea I have to admit that images of June Allyson flash across my consciousness from time to time.)  I know that it involves more than just a hair style and both Arden and Rubinstein lived full and interesting lives which added to their appeal and stature as exemplars of beauty.

 I'm thinking about it. 

The proverbial lull

(sorry about the eyes...)

I truly enjoyed having Naphtali and Aidan here last week.  A fast moving Minnesota snowstorm kept them here an extra day.  With Tim in for both weekends it has been a bounty of family, good conversation, and fun.

I'm so glad they were able to visit!

I'm also glad I was about a week ahead on my studies - not much got done with all the distractions - meaning that now I'm pretty much right on track again.

With travel plans for the next two weekends I'll have to make every minute count this week.  (optimistic, n'est-ce pas?) 

Valerie will be in Iowa for a quick visit next weekend so my mother is trying to get all the girls together.  I'm sure there will be laughter and some wild scrabble competition.  My mother offered to let Charlie join us (!) but Tim said they would hang out together.  

The following weekend will find Tim, Charlie and I in New Brighton for Aidan's birthday.  

Busy, busy, busy.

Giveaways abound...redux

Bethany is still at it!  With a little help from friends in the blog-o-sphere Bethany is promoting another giveaway, sending aid to our neighbors half a world away.  Stop by and see if you can help.

Really!?

We had planned an excursion today, hoping to find treasures...

This is part of the day's output.

This is bedtime reading material.

Really.

Giveaways abound...

Bethany is sponsoring a giveaway with the added benefit of a contribution towards relief efforts in Japan.  Take a look and leave a comment...

Smiles all around

Look who showed up at our door yesterday!

Several within the family knew of this surprise and everyone kept the secret - Naphtali even called me from the road!  She said she was running errands - Trader Joe's to be exact.  What she didn't tell me was that the Trader Joe's was in Des Moines!  I'm still smiling!

Aw, shucks

Well, yet another giveaway I didn't win!  But I feel like I've won the lottery because Tim will be home 2 weekends in a row!  Work takes him to Omaha for budget consultations this week, so he is bookending the trip with time here.

Yesterday we tackled a haircut for Charlie and assorted small projects.  Today will see some serious computer time for both of us as we address homework and budget details.  We're hoping for cooperative weather for a walk after while.

I have crocus peeking through in one flower bed.

I continue to sort and toss.  And dig through boxes that have been packed for an assortment of items that seemed utterly unnecessary and thus safe to pack...which means I haven't bothered to pack anything for a while.  There are empty boxes stashed waiting for their turn and one of these days I'll try again because I want to avoid the everythinghastobedonerightnow scenario.

Giveaway

You can link through to a delightful interview with Naphtali here.
It's all part of a giveaway for one of her bags.  I already have several but that didn't stop me from throwing my name in hoping to win another...

I'm not sure who to credit for the photo - Jessica or Naphtali....

Watch this space

I'm going to buy balloons today.

I do feel rather wimpy in some of my recent responses to my circumstances - there are plenty of other stories to give mine some perspective.

But we all know that there are times that, regardless of what we all know, simply get the upper hand.

So I followed Bethany's example and bought myself some balloons.

I also took some to the library.  It was hard not to feel better when I saw the look on their faces!