Wow, I am impressed. You have lipstick on and everything.
This is what my neighbor said to me as I was walking down my sidewalk the other day. My daughters and I had quickly and desperately exited the house because, in the company of two cranky babies, this mama needed to get OUT. I put on lipstick before I tossed hats on my kids and entered fresh air.
Yes, I have to. This is how I replied to my neighbor. It shocked me as I said it. Then she asked me if I felt naked without it. I wondered what she meant by the and everything in her original observation. I said, No no. It’s not that I really have to…and as I was joking about and defending my red lips I realized that my red lips have a bigger purpose than just adding some color to my face.
People mention my lips a lot. And it isn’t because they are exceptionally pouty. It’s because they are always red. Even when I am alone. Even right now as I type, in my stinky ski clothes, while my kids nap.
And, my painted lips certainly do not imply that I have a quiche in the oven, dusted bookshelves and folded laundry and that I am all what shall I do now to pass the time? Ah, yes, a little lipstick application is in order. I swear this is what some people think. My red lips put me together. They don’t indicate I was already put together.
My to-do list grows more quickly than I can check items off of it and the lip painting is a little bit of me saying well, here I am swimming (drowning?) through my to-dos and how about a little pick me up, a little indulgence to take the edge off? I figure Aveda’s Cherrybud is a better take-the-edge-off indulgence than recreational drugs. And it also serves as a bright focal point that detracts from my sleepy eyes. It’s really quite utilitarian in that way.
So, yes, neighbor, I do have to wear lipstick. I have to wear it because in my mama world where I am constantly giving and asked to give more, where nothing is mine, my red lips are just for me. My words are formed more beautifully and skillfully when passing through my red lips. I am more patient and kind. With lipstick on (and a tidy diaper bag over my shoulder) I am aware, present, sexy, confident. I have a grip. I feel good and powerful.
I have lipstick on. And everything.
A fourth generation Montanan raising a fifth, Nici Holt Cline is a mama to Margot and Ruby, wife, gardener, crafter and runner who loves to write and take photos. She writes regularly on her popular blog dig this chick. You can read “Mama Digs” every Monday exclusively at www.mamalode.com. Read more of Nici’s mamalode articles here.
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I agree, a girl has “gotta have her lips”!!!
I loved this article! I think I will print it out! I feel the same way about mascara. I can do without everything else but I do understand the feeling of being pulled in so many directions by my 3 year old son and having a little luxury to ones self! Thanks
underwear. american apparel. need i say more?
I totally feel you on this. I’m a chapstick girl myself, but I must have – for me – clean, tidy fingernails.
As a Jewess, I talk with my hands constantly, and I need the confidence of clipped, clean nails for that.
Never polish. No manicures. Just clean white square tips and no hangnails.
You are a great guy, and from your article I learn a lot, thank you for your help