These Chihuahua floor mats for my car make me smile, and as a widow I count each smile as a blessing. Aren't they cute? Yes, the painting looks like Bounce.
I have started to wear lipstick and lip gloss with SPF protection from the sun's rays. I bought an Avon lipstick with 15 SPF online in a pretty shade "Mad for Mauve". When I see Mauve as a color I often like the color on me. I understand that most people do not put on any SPF covering for their lips, which is a mistake. I also bought a pack of 3 Kiss My Face SPF 25 clear lip gloss and gave one to each of my sons.
Another attractive lip gloss (see above) is by Sheer Shine and each shade has a nice sheen to it. No. 5 is clear and No.22 is coral pink. These are SPF 25. No I have no connection with Avon or the other companies, I just like these products and hope to inspire y'all to care for your lips.
I am reading (obsessed with) lots of books on widowhood and people getting through tough times, and this one is hard to put down. Carol Joyce Oates wrote a memoir "A Widow's Story: A Memoir" about when her dear husband Ray died and the days and the six months after. She is so honest about her emotions and I am experiencing surprisingly many of the same thoughts. I see amazing similarities between us: she met Ray at the UW student union where they were graduate students; some years later I was a grad student on that same campus and spent many an hour at the student union. Will and I met at the UCB student union. They were together 47 years like William and I. And lots more. She was so distraught she gathered a stash of pills, imagining taking them. I have not had that thought but went through many of the same things. I have not read her novels but wow, this book is one I could not put down. Three differences between us are that my children, faith community (church friends) and seeing a counselor are huge helps to me and Oates lacked these and yet survived in her own admirable way. No matter how you look at it, widowhood is bleak, but her book shows how she made it through. I thank her for writing it, it gives a ray of hope to me and to others who read it.
21 comments:
I thought that was pictures of the new little friend in your life. I think Joyce Carol Oates is the most gifted/prolific writer of our time.
Thank you for the recommendations on the SPF lip gloss. I need to be better about wearing that. I'm so happy that you found the book. It sounds as though it is been a huge help to you. I can't even imagine. Dennis and I have been together for 39 years now and the thought of life without him is just impossible to me. I think of you and pray for you often. Thank you for sharing this book so that it may help others going through the same thing.
Blessings always, Betsy
Some roses amongst the thistles...the book, the cute pups and the lipstick. I am happy for you that you have so much support in your life.
I like your lipstick color.
I will have to see if that book is at our library, as it sounds like a book I too could relate to.
God's continued blessings on you dear Terra ~ Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady
Thank you for the tips on lipstick. I use Avon lipstick, but never have tried the sun screen type. I should, since I live in Florida. I will ask my sister, who is my Avon lady about that. The floor mats are really cute...I'd hate to get them dirty! Here where we live we track in a lot of sand, so I'm afraid something like that wouldn't last long. I hope you do smile when you see them. The books on widowhood are valuable. I have a good friend who has been going through the same thing, and after 3 years still is struggling with being alone. That is the hardest thing for her. Like you, she got a sweet puppy that first year, a Cocker, and "Chloe" is now the love of her life. I am glad she has "someone" to come home to. IT means a lot to her. I feel sad for the author of that book who does not know Christ. But it is good to know that somehow she has persevered and is working through her sorrow. Just wish she knew that Jesus could help carry her load so much more. I don't know how we can survive without Him. When our son died, if it had not been for our hope in Christ that we will see our son again someday, I don't think I would be able to have the strength that I do have. That hope is what keeps us going. Praying for you as you continue to deal with the everyday issues of your "new normal" in life. May the Lord give you strength, peace, and hope for every new day.
I enjoy posts like this. Most of my days are thought filled with this and that! lol I like that lipstick!
The book sounds very interesting and I'm sure it is encouraging to read from someone who has gone through the same thing you are going through.
It's helpful just to 'hear' someone who has lived through it. I'm so sorry for the sadness you have had to walk through. Sending a virtual hug.
These are lovely lipstick shades, Terra. I find I feel so much healthier and prettier with just lipstick should I forget anything else.
I read this book by Joyce Carol Oates many, many years ago. I could feel her pain and I know we all feel something different in the death of loves one, especially our life partner. . My husband lost his first wife, and at my age, I see friends losing loved ones more frequently than before. That said, JCO is a very talented writer, but her novels leave me feeing depressed. Her writing style is a bit stoic and depressing. I would encourage you to read some books that I have so enjoyed...women who are learning to survive and live on their own. The facts, frustrations, tribulations and finally,...you fill that in. If you are interested, email me.
Jane x
I am happy for you that you have so much support in your life.
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Hi Blondie, I sent you an email just now saying I would like your suggestions for books that are encouraging. As I wrote, I am obsessed with reading as part of healing. Thanks in advance. I agree with you about lipstick, it is usually the only makeup I use; a bit of color and SPF is a nice touch.
I have read quite a few of her books and they are all very good but I find them depressing and after reading one of hers have to read something light.
I can't even imagine how people can deal with death and heartache without God!!
My mom just died last week and I know she is now in Heaven happy and singing her favorite hymns.
Hi Terra! What a great post. I like the shade Elizabeth Bennett wears in Pride and Prejudice. I wish I could find that lipstick. I do like AVON a lot.
Your book sounds good.
I'm glad you are being met by our kind and loving Savior as you continue to grieve.
I have to keep something on my lips at all times, and if it's not lipstick, then I use coconut oil. I don't like to have dry lips at all. When I was young, my sun allergy meant I often had cold sores on my lips and face so I'm careful about keeping them protected. I outgrew those symptoms, but still have my sun allergy that has moved to other skin parts. Sending you blessings of comfort and peace as you continue to grieve the loss of your husband.
I'm sure it is encouraging to read from someone who has gone through the same thing you are going through.
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I do like AVON a lot.
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LOL! Love your new floor mats!! That would definitely bring a smile! Thank you for all the recommendations for lip products with SPF. I hadn't thought about it for daily wear, though I do use a chapstick with SPF of 30 when I'm going to be outside for hours. Good to know!
Sending prayers for your peace and comfort as you continue to grieve the loss of your husband. I cannot begin to imagine. blessings ~ tanna
I don't think I could put my feet down on that sweet face!
I always wear lipstick and I find that drives people batty. They think it is a vanity issue, but lipstick really is important to protect your lips. I remember, years ago when my son was in Little League, a little girl approached me and asked why I wear lipstick. well, you and I both know who was really asking. I told her "because it makes me look beautiful!" Stick that in your ear, jealous mommy. hee hee!
I am glad that you are finding solace in therapy and others who have been through the same experience. Makes you feel not so alone. We are lucky to live in these times when we have easy access to information, treatment and others who have lived through the death of their husband.
Very cute floor mats. I am a fan of mauve lipstick too. Take care and God Bless.
Terra, those car mats are something else, very whimsical. The mauve shade of lipstick is pretty. I used to buy from Avon but haven't had anyone selling it in my area. I don't remember the last time I wore red lipstick. It's nice that you're wearing lipstick again. When I do, it's usually just the clear kind. Maybe I'll give it a try again. : )
love, ~Sheri
ps.....this and that posts are my favorite, so I appreciated this one very much.
I've used my current lipstick until it's so far gone I have to "dig" it out with my finger and apply. D'ya think it's time for some new? LOL!
The book sounds helpful. Thanks for mentioning it and for the positive review. So many friends of mine are facing similar sadnesses and challenges... ♥
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