My Humanity

Well, it’s official, Mary is the most vain five year old on the planet! Let me tell you, my friends, this is NO dramatization. On Saturday, I took the kids to their routine “hair maintenance” appointments. Ryan, being a young man of rigid routine and structure, has had the same hair style since he was two- A “0″ on the sides, faded to a “2″ on top. I assume this is a typical military cut.

Mary, who is into everything beauty and fashion, decided she wanted bangs. She has a small forehead, and I just couldn’t picture this working. Mary has amazing aqua blue eyes, so I’ve always kept her devoid of bangs, fearing they would distract from her best feature (she comes by her vanity honestly). At her age, I was curling my platinum blond hair into the “Farah,” so I figured it’s time for me to pass the “baton of style” to my baby girl.

As the hair fell and her new bangs took shape, she began to pose in the mirror. Shrugging her shoulders in true supermodel form, she declares, “I look fabulous! My new bangs are so beautiful!” The ladies in the salon laughed and were instantly charmed by my little diva. This, of course, encouraged Mary to up the ante of her performance. I just shook my head, paid, and rushed my children to the car. Did I give her too much, too soon?

On an unrelated note, I finally (gasp!) received ”official” notice of my winning (first place) essay, along with a $100 check! GO ME ! As I sit and write this blog, my essay is in the hands of a national judge (bigger gasp!). I’ve often referred to myself as a “feedback whore,” and I don’t think I’m very different from other writers in that respect. The results will be announced in early June, and I think I really have a chance at winning. So, keep your fingers crossed!

On an even more unrelated note, I have submitted two essays to various literary magazines. I am excited and scared, yet prepared for rejection. I feel that I researched as thoroughly as I could for the task. I researched many publications, entering manuscripts that fit with their theme and philosophy. I know the wait will be excruciating, but I am hungry for success.