720

Revlon 720, Fire and Ice. My mom wore this warm, bold lipstick every day for the last many years of her life.


Some flavor of dementia erased mom’s memory, replacing her practical, everyday self with a woman who beamed a lovely bright red smile toward her daughter, a stranger now. The smile asked, “Do you have any children?” (No children by choice, as we first discussed years and years ago.) “And, dear, how long have you been married to that man?”(10 years.)

It was heart breaking, yet endearing.

Near the end of her life, Tessie was diagnosed with lung cancer, which rapidly spread to her brain and beyond. Thankfully, she would forget that she was a cancer patient. The pain was ever present, though, an ongoing reminder to the rest of us.

Mom had moments of lucidity, despite her flavor of dementia. I am grateful to be present with my mom three of her final five days. I am grateful to have bathed and dressed her, as well as witness her refusal of food the last time. And, I am grateful for the space to tell her again and again how much I loved her.

Our last bedside exchange, before the morphine mercifully dulled the pain, provides comfort. I stepped to her bedside, smiling, “Good morning, mom.” 

She looked at me with what seemed to be full awareness, layered with awe.  “Oh, hi lady! You're a shiny, shiny lady,” she exclaimed before slipping back into the dulled pain and confusion.

What did she see? A celestial, end-of-life being? Her guardian angel? My aura?

I consider her pronouncement as a blessing and final gift. The blessing of radiance. Along with the vibrant Revlon 720, a gift Tessie’s daughters and granddaughters wore during her final good bye.

Om shanti. Rest in peace, my beloved mother.

I sketch in my dreams

I used to dream in numbers. Now, I draw.  Sure wish I had a camera in my mind's eye to show you my work. Trust me on this, it is positively lovely. 


Om shanti.

Relaxing in luxe

Labor Day weekend. It’s the official end of summer in Washington, D.C., measured by quiet streets, nearly empty cafes and on street parking available everywhere. Capitol Hill staffers, lobbyists plus the multitude of business and legal interests eek out the last of the season at the beach or back in the home district.

I’m settling in for low key, relaxing three-day weekend. My excuse? The third kick-ass fraxel treatment, which has left my face a little red and swollen yet not nearly as uncomfortable as the two earlier sessions. Thank you Dr. Tina West!

Whilst I recover, you’ll find me relaxing at home in this simple, luscious piece from TranquiliT. It’s super soft, sexy and supple bamboo 2-in-1 slip dress that feels divine and looks fabulous. 

My plans for the next 72 hours? 

• Stretch
• Breathe
• Read
• Write
• Draw 
• And oh yes, dream

Om shanti.

(photo source: www.tranquiliT.com, xo!) 

Your voice has opened my heart

First, love thy self

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

 - Buddha

Gratitude is the memory of the heart

Unveiling my newest gratitude journal, from Kate’s Paperie, in SoHo, New York City. “Love Book, Journal, 4x6, Pink W/Heart. made in Italy.”

Precious.

My new soul book. Today, I am grateful for . . .

Om shanti.

Apropo of my debut

Auspicious week for this lioness, according to Free Will astrologer Rob Brezsny:

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your strategies are very close to working. The results you've generated so far are almost useful, bordering on successful, and on the brink of being beautiful. My question now is: You won't stop here, will you? You've already garnered a measure of recognition. You've gotten a taste of victory over your old bugaboos. Will you be satisfied with these partial breakthroughs, or will you fight and kick and scratch to strip away the almosts and ascend to utter triumph?

Oh my, how radiant is that?

Om shanti.