Do you ever wonder what life would be like if people knew the real you, with all your quirks and bad-hair days?
I make it a practice to never wear makeup when going to the doctor’s office. I mean, if I’m sick or have a problem I want my doctor to see the real me, not my face camouflaged by makeup. Especially when going to the dermatologist, which should go without saying. But I do the same thing with all my doctors and they appreciate it.
I wash my face and brush my teeth in the morning, but rarely wear makeup, including when I go out on a morning walk. Sporting a pair of sunglasses doesn’t hurt if I think I might run into someone I know, which I usually do. Well, if I look awful my appearance will only make others feel better about themselves. Do you ever skip makeup as Amish women do? I know that some of you may not visit a dermatologist and just try different products to see which fits, that is understandable, especially if you don’t have the time, but it can cause issues in the long run for your skin, you never know that you may be causing more skin problems for the future. Visiting private London dermatologists or ones that are nearer to where you are can be highly beneficial, just having a consultation and seeing what areas need to be attended to can make you aware and also save you money because you won’t be spending on products unnecessarily.
I naturally greet people when I see them, but I am certainly not going to hide if I’m wearing a crummy pair of sweats and my hair is a shambles. Finally learning to love my unruly hair was a huge victory. Have you made peace with your hair?
I’ve heard that adults wear a mask the whole day, except when with their young children. Keeping your frown turned upside down is exhausting. I know, as I once owned a restaurant and worked as a car salesman. Whether trodding the lot or showroom floor or serving customers I felt the pressure to appear cheerful all day at work. However my husband and friends can attest that I don’t always wear a smile.
Do you fake a smile when you feel sad? Fabricating a smile when your kids are trying to push you over the brink can have its advantages, as does restraining your temper. I’m sure my happy face used to drive my sons crazy when they were young and trying to rattle my cage. But sometimes a person needs to get real.
I know of incidences where people have embellished their resumes to land a job. If I did, I would live in constant fear of being found out. Wouldn’t you?
The truth is, not everyone is going to like me no matter how I look and I can live with that. Because someone has a different opinion than I do, doesn’t make either one of us a bad person. And I’ve learned much from others’ criticisms. While I hope readers will like my books, I know this will not always happen.
A dear friend who battled with her weight once asked how I stayed so trim. I told her, “Vanity.” Can you think of instances when vanity is a good trait?
Leave a comment to enter to win this gorgeous 37″ Amish-made table runner from Lancaster County and plus a signed copy of a novel from The Legacy of Lancaster County Trilogy, CBA bestseller Leaving Lancaster, its sequel CBA bestseller Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish. USA and Canada. Winner chosen at random and has three days to respond. Winner announced on next week’s Blog.
I never wear makeup. I’ve just never adopted the habit. To me, true beauty comes from within & is reflected in the person’s character, how they treat others, their attitude & demeanor. I think that’s what makes a person beautiful.
Kate, this pattern is called Cathedral Windows. My mother (who has been gone for 30 years) made me a beautiful quilt in this pattern using patches from all the materials from my sisters and my growing up dresses. No two alike. Even includes the logo from a daughter’s Girl Scout scarf. Would love a matching table runner.
Spring is jut around the corner.
Max
Hi Maxine! The quilt your mother made sounds fabulous! What a treasure trove of memories. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
You’re absolutely right, Dali, beauty comes from within. You have a wonderful attitude. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I always wear makeup even if I had Perfect Skin when I was in my teenagers and into my twenties and thirties and forties and fifties. I think that makeup on the face is kind like paint on the barn laugh out loud. I find psychologically if I put a smile on my face when my husband comes in and if he’s under pressure he tends to be happy so I guess sometimes it’s not bad to do that. I think that the run or that you’ve created beautiful and the book would be fantastic to own.
I have heard that makeup that includes sun protection is of benefit to your skin. I agree with you; meeting my husband at the end of the day with a smile makes us both happier. He hates it when he comes home early and finds me on the computer … so I try to get off as quickly as possible and make a big fuss over him. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love makeup free days, glasses instead of contact lenses but I can look pretty scary! Vanity is ok to a point as long as it doesn’t become an obsession. The table runner is perfect for spring, so pretty. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I agree that a little vanity is okay as long as it isn’t your focal point. Just out of curiosity, I looked it up on line and got this definition: “excessive pride in or admiration of one’s own appearance or achievements.” Now, that seems a bit excessive. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, with or without your glasses!
Kate
I’m the same old me when I go places. But I do put on a smile even when I feel bad if out in public. The reason is people don’t want to be around a sad sack all the time. If someone ask how I’m doing most of time I say pretty good or fair. And you know what? I really am compared to a lot of people that is so much worse than I. I hurt constantly with arthritis & Fibro but people outside of my house hardly knows that unless it’s someone I know real good and knows me real good.
Even when I’m sick, I sound chirpy on the telephone, Brenda. Can’t help myself, so I guess I smile too. Much better than scowling. Being in pain is no fun, and yet you are correct most people don’t want to hear about it. On the other hand, some, like me, will pray for your health. I wish you extra good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love your Amish novels! Love the table runner too!
Hope you are doing well ~ Sending blessings~
Thanks, C.J., I hope you’re doing well too. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I don’t wear makeup unless really special occasion.The Amish wouldn’t because it would be prideful. Beauty comes from within. Love the runner & by all mean’s the book’s thank’s for offering this give away!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Kathleen! After the age of 16, when young women enter Rumspringa, I’ll bet some of them experiment with makeup. So many worldly temptations. However, once/if they join the church those beauty products are history. Best of luck to you!
Kate
I don’t wear makeup, just moisturizer. I also do not fuss with my hair and it usually looks good. I am always smiling, it makes for a happy person. I am happy with myself. The table runner is beautiful and a book, wow! Thanks for the chance to win. Have a blessed day.
If you are happy with yourself and always smiling, no need for makeup, Debbie! You are already beautiful. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I very rarely wear makeup, and only a little on my eyes when I do. I think we are all a little insecure at times and wonder , if we were to be truthful. Thank you for this chance to win the table runner and a book!
Yes, I feel insecure sometimes, and assume everyone does, Tracy. Some of us have more security because we know we are loved unconditionally and our sins are forgiven. Still, we can feel insecure. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
The table runner is beautiful! I rarely wear make-up myself. The Amish (as far as I know) do not wear any make-up. They do keep their hair neat and tidy under their caps. Perhaps a few Amish girls in their teens and early twenties that have not joined the church might wear a little make-up and style their hair without their parents or the community knowing during rumspringa? Thank you for the opportunity to win a beautiful table runner and a signed novel.
I agree with you in all respects, Dee! Thanks for taking the time to write such a great comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Wow – definitely worth considering. I struggle with the “Real Me.” My weight is at the core of it. I rarely post photos of myself because I am ashamed — and fear judgement from others. And yet a very big reason for that problem is because of my chronic health issues. But, I can’t very easily tell everyone my life story when they look at a picture of me – or see me in the store.
I find myself constantly comparing myself to others. I think this comes from living in the world of social media. I was so blessed when a mom I know, who seemed to ALWAYS have it all together, posted on FB her “REAL” self. It was a challenge that her pastor had put out to her congregation. In the picture were dishes in the sink, her hair a mess and her daughter (who is my daughter’s age) still up at 10:30 at night on a school night. Yes! Reality!
Struggling with chronic is quite a challenge. It is usually easier to just tell people, “fine” when they ask how you are doing — simply because 99% do not really want to know how you REALLY are doing. It’s just the way our culture is – which is sad.
A friend of mine who is a pastor in the Czech Republic, came to visit in the U.S. with his family. He was amazed that the cashiers at the grocery store would ask how he was doing, but they didn’t wait for an answer — nor did they really want one. He just could not understand why they would ask such a question if they didn’t want to really know how he was doing!
I found the pastor’s story amusing – and yet our society has become so jaded. We tend to not see people for who they are, but instead see them for who we want them to be.
Great letter, Susan! Both those pastors sound terrific. When someone asks me how I am I am tempted to spill the beans, but usually say doing pretty well, how about you? Many people are judgmental of others who are overweight. Other people’s weight has never been an issue with me nor do I usually notice. Recently I had lunch with a woman who told me she’d lost 35 pounds and in all honesty I didn’t notice the difference, just saw her smiling face and loving eyes. In other words, I don’t care how much my friends weigh. Thanks for writing your honest letter. I feel honored. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have never been one to wear any kind of make up, lipstick once in a while growing up but not very often. nail polish but have never worried about my looks.
I have always been a loner rather read then do anything because I knew I would never be allowed any way.
You got a good start on the wear less makeup, Karen! I’m delighted to hear you love reading. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I love to read, become the person in the book, it usually a much better life
So glad you love to read, Carol! There are many books I won’t read because of the scary and weird storylines and characters, so I’m always delighted when I find a good one. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I only wear makeup if i am going out to somewhere nice(church,wedding or such like)otherwise i am totally natural.
You sound like me, Sheila. Every once in a while I must get dressed up. Right this moment? Sweats and no makeup. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I never wear makeup, but do get manicures and pedicures. I love having color on my nails. Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful table runner and one of your books.
Yikes, I just looked at my nails and realized I need to do something about them, Cindy. For a number of reasons I choose to do it myself, but that does not mean I enjoy giving myself a manicure or pedicure. I appreciate your taking the time to enter my giveaway!
Kate
I always wear makeup, but only lightly…being a redhead, it’s the only way to get some color on my eyelashes! Thank you for an opportunity to win the table runner and get one of your books. Your books are always great!
There is not a thing wrong with wearing makeup, Jill, especially to accentuate your eyes. I appreciate your visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m 62 and have lots of dark spots of my face, age not freckles. So makeup makes me have a fresher, brighter look. But when I’m home (I’m retired) I don’t wear any.
All my skin issues are due to my teenage years and trying to tan although I’m fair skinned and always blistered. Already had two skin cancer removals on my face and back.
Always wear sun screen!
No reason in the world not to wear some makeup, Gail. So many of us abused our poor skin under the sun. Would we have known. I visit my dermatologist once a year just to make sure. I know I’ve spent too much time trying to tan, not an easy feat in the Puget Sound area. And I also always wear a hat with a brim and sunglasses, even in the rain. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have decided since I am a senior to not worry with makeup.I use moisturizer and and that is it. Do not need to try to impress anymore. I am what I am.
I love to read and enjoy your books when I have them. I am a shopper at thrift stores and the library.
I love the library too and am delighted when someone orders my books at their local library, Pauline. (hint) Not worrying about impressing people is a huge burden lifted. Congratulations. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I rarely wear makeup. It’s only when I look in the mirror and decide I look pale that I put on some blush.
Wearing blush is a great way to brighten your face, Cathy. I should use it more often. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
What a gorgeous table runner, such beautiful spring time colors. It’s a rare occasion if I wear makeup. Thank you for the opportunity to enter this contest. Love your novels.
I’m glad you like the table runner, Beverly. It’s even prettier in real life. Thanks for entering the giveaway! And also I appreciate your kind words about my books.
Kate
I don’t even own any foundation. I wear mascara and eyebrow pencil and lipstick. I make sure I always wear earrings and lipstick. I’m almost 57 and have worn foundation maybe 10 times since my 30’s. I love my brown skin just the way it is. Sometimes I think I probably should do a little extra. Usually when I see how pretty makeup looks on other people.
It sounds as though you have a system that works, Roxanne. Pretty as makeup looks on other people, at the end of the day you have to take it off, and it sure is nice not to deal with. No need, if you love your skin as it is. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Thanks for the chance to win the beautiful table runner and your book ..I had to give up my high heels on my podiatrist ‘s advice due to foot issues . I suppose there are worse things .. Blessings to you !
When I gave up high heels, all my foot and knee issues disappeared, RuthAnn. I love the look of them, but I’ve come to terms with the fact I am 5′ 2&1/2. Keeps me from dusting the top of the refrigerator … Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Kate, What a beautiful table runner. The colors are so springy.
I am not the type of person who wears make up, as I like the natural look, and I am very comfortable wearing sweats out in public. I tend to get cold quick, so a bright color sweatshirt is my way of keeping warm.
I enjoy reading your books and thank you for the chance to win the beautiful table runner and a book! Have a great day!
Thank you for writing your lovely note, Patricia. I tend to get cold too unless on the move. Unfortunately I can’t run anymore, so I wear long johns when needed. Hopefully the weather will warm up and the wind will die down. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I moisterize daily but i don’t wear makeup except to church or when I go out. I usually answer “I am fine” because I have no real reason to think otherwise. So many of my former classmate are ill or even gone and I am able to do almost everything I want. I have family, I have food, I have a home and I have my God!!
Sounds as if you are fine, Connie. And you have almost everything you want and need. Life is good! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I wear only basic makeup when we are going to town. Lipstick, blush and eyeliner. I have long hair. I like to try new ways to put it up. I wonder if the Amish women get headaches from having their hair up all of the time. Thank you for the opportunity to win a beautiful table runner & some great books.
Sounds as if you have a good routine, Tina. I should be more adventuresome with my hair. When I used to sing in musical theater, I was often the only woman who didn’t have to wear a wig when I put it up. I’ve heard wigs can be hot under the lights. Thanks for your fun letter and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
What a beautiful runner! Thanks for the opportunity to win all these goodies. 🙂
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Many. Good luck!
Kate
Beautiful table runner. I made a cathedral quilt but switched the colors ups a bits. Instead of using solid colors on the outside and patterns for the inside. I used a floral print for the outer and solid teal blue for the inside. It is gorgeous. Thank you for offering this giveaway and for writing beautiful stories.
Your quilt sounds marvelous, Dawn! Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love the table runner. I am a HUGE Amish fan. I LOVE the simple ways. And would be honored and blessed to proudly display the runner. I read Amish fiction and none fiction all the time. A winner of your writings would be more than wonderful.
Rarely do I wear makeup. And IF I do, it is only powder. I like the natural, plain look which the Good Lord gave to us in the beginning.
Thank you for the opportunity to WIN something so wonderful and special. Many Blessings.
I appreciate your lovely letter, Mary Ellen! Whenever I visit Amish friends in Lancaster County, I always feel as if I have too much makeup on no matter how lightly I’ve applied it. But they accept me for who I am and are most gracious. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I don’t wear makeup at home & only put it on when I go out. Works for me, blemishes and all. Love your books!
You’ve found what works, Sharon. Thanks for your kind words about my books and for entering the giveaway! Good luck!
Kate
Rather than vanity I believe in inner beauty. I love reading your newsletters, they are always so interesting. Thanks!
You are very kind, Wen. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I never wear makeup unless it is an event where I really want to dress up (and sometimes I don’t even do it then haha). I have just felt that I have a natural beauty and have never really developed a habit. I feel that true beauty comes from within and if someone does not like me because of how I look, then it is their loss.
Great attitude, Hannah! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I use to wear makeup alot, but as I’ve gotten older I hardly ever wear it, maybe sometimes on datenight with husband. I always find myself smiling and saying hi to people in the store even on my bad days, and sometimes it makes me feel better. We never know what a smile and hello can do for a person we don’t even know, maybe they are having a hard time and that smile and hello could make all the difference. The table runner is very beautiful, thanks for doing the giveaway.
So true, Melissa, a smile can make all the difference in a person’s day. I certainly enjoy receiving one from a stranger. Over the years, those strangers in my neighborhood have become friends. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Thanks to everyone who who entered the giveaway, which is officially over. The winner will be announced tomorrow, on Tuesday. New giveaway in one month!
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