From the Book of Questions, by Gregory Stock, PH.D;
Randomly opened and this is what came up...
"Question 169...
How many times a day do you look at yourself in the mirror?"
I love this book, and often just open it to ponder a question for the sake of exercising my brain.
My answer is this, if there is a mirror in the room, I generally look in it. However, when I am feeling balanced spiritually, mentally, and physically, I truthfully rarely look in the mirror. Maybe I need to validate my existence by looking, or I worry about how I look in a vain way. When I pass my reflection I always check, be it a store window or something. I can't help it! This week I'm challenging myself to let go of that. I want to be free of the need to look in the mirror, unless I'm brushing my teeth or putting makeup on. Okay, if after a meal I want to check my teeth. But other than that I'm working on trusting that I am okay however I look. What is your answer? I'm curious.
This delightful colourful card was handmade by Lala Ema, in Spain. For those of you who don't know her, she blogs at My Castle in Spain. Lala sells her cards, so if you are interested in retailing them like I am (I ordered a bunch!) or just because like me you adore paper and stationery, then you'll love her artistic and fun cards. They are quite girly in a sophisticated and Mediterranean way!! Lala sent me lots of six different designs. But she has more than that! Please visit her blog and shop...even just to say hello if you don't know her. Who doesn't like meeting new bloggers? I'm delighted with my cards. I know you will like them, and her too!
Yesterday I took photos in the rain, which I'll share soon. I read Pablo Neruda's poetry. I drank lovely hot Irish Cream coffee in honour of my beautiful friend Madelyn, who adores coffee. I thought of her in her amazing British Columbia, where part of my heart resides in the mountains and the Pacific...! I have sneaky plans involving an airplane and myself jetting off for a weekend to a cabin with her so we can chat fireside and discuss important upcoming events, as only good friends can.
Today I have high hopes of growing my eyelashes...(not kidding, I'm trying out a new growth formula, and hoping it works to strengthen and lengthen!)...Googling a Zucchini Muffin recipe, I had one the other day and fell completely in love...they have a spicy, autumn taste. And the playroom is a disaster, so it must be cleaned. Ah, it's good to be queen! Sigh...
Don't forget the upcoming Dia De Bloglandia event, go sign up and have fun at the party! A wonderful, beautiful Mexican celebration. The badge on my sidebar will take you to the festivites. November 2nd is the date...have fun!
xo
I adore Lala's cards - and Lala! How fabulous to have a weekend away w/ Maddie! By the way, am hoping to see you late this year. As for the mirror, when I am sad, I tend to avoid mirrors, other than the rituals of brushing hair and teeth. When I'm anxious, I probably look in mirrors too often, seeking reassurance. Sigh. Aging isn't always joyful. xoxox
Posted by: Paris Parfait | October 21, 2008 at 03:04 PM
I love LaLa's site and photos and stories...AND sitting by a fire in a cabin on the BC coast sounds like heaven!
Posted by: stephanie | October 21, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Just stopping by to say hello and spread some good cheer!
*Hope you found the perfect zucchini muffin recipe!
Posted by: Cristina | October 21, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Oh that IS a pretty card and I can just see them being sold at your spa, Gillian. They'll make perfect gift holders, won't they?
And sneaking off to a cabin with Maddie for some girl chatting time sounds wonderful! If I lived closer, I'd sneak in the back window and join you. I'd bring an assortment of coffees and chocolates. :)
Posted by: susanna | October 21, 2008 at 06:09 PM
Lala is my precious princess in the castle. She is so creative and sweet, I just love her. I hope one day to meet her.
Do I look at myself in the mirror? Oh yes, all the time. I know, I am one of those people.
I have Nov 2 set aside but have no clue what I will do. As to Maddy, I hope you get to visit her, you guys always come back with such great stories and inspiration.
Posted by: Yoli | October 21, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Ahh. What a gorgeous little card! Looking in the mirror. Not tons...certainly in the a.m and then again pm. Probablyshould check more during the day!
Looking forward to see your day of the dead inspiration! Thanks for popping in on my blog!
Posted by: [email protected] in the coconut | October 22, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Can't wait to see your photograph!
Also, Lala work is fabulous. She is too.
Coffee Madlyn? I'm her twin in that department.
This is an intriguing question and must look into buying this book that you for giving me the name!!
Mirrors:
Have you ever been walking in a downtown area and saw someone you thought you knew? You think wow that person looks familiar, then as
you get closer you realize it's YOU!! Hah
Guess we don't know really how we look to others.
Looking in the mirror.
It's important to try to get it right, then let go.
It's important that sometimes (every year or so) I see my face in a 3 way, to see how it is aging and changing, to get a handle on who I am on the outside. I still forget my age, so it's important to make friends with the wrinkles, the imperfections on my outside person.
When I try to understand how I appear on the outside, it helps to understand how people respond to my image.
STILL........
It is the life force that brightens a person.
Like you once said. THE SMILE that make a person come alive. NO mirror can catch the living soul of a person.
Hope all is well friend.
Thanks for making me think about this.
love,
C
Posted by: rochambeau | October 22, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Oh I do look in the mirror if I pass it by. I wish I didn't have to look so often but every time I go to the bathroom there it is. I think I agree with you: when I'm contented and happy I don't look at it so much. Or do I? ;)...
Really? Eyelashes grow with a product? Hmm, not that I need that *checks herself in the mirror again* lol
Posted by: devil mood | October 22, 2008 at 12:58 PM
You know, I haven't really thought about it, but I hardly ever look in the mirror......I do in the morning and then again at night when I'm washing my face?!?! Although reflections do always catch my eye.
Posted by: Wayfaring Wanderer | October 22, 2008 at 01:26 PM
That card is lovely. I'll have to swing by her blog.
It sounds like you enjoyed a wonderful rainy day. As far as mirrors, if I don't feel good about myself, I don't look. Except for the occasional make-up touch up. If I'm feeling pretty, I tend to steal a glance when the opportunity arises. :)
Posted by: Epiphany | October 22, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Hello pretty lady! I look into the mirror when brushing my teeth and while drying my hair or putting on a bit of makeup.Take me as I am
Posted by: naturegirl | October 22, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Dearest Gillian,
i'm so pleased and so flattered !! thank you , thank you....hope these little cards will go well in your shop..
Also , i'm so touched by all the lovely comments..
ah..blogland is truly an enchanting world!
oh..and this thing about growing eyelashes, does it really work ?
:-)
Posted by: My Castle in Spain | October 22, 2008 at 05:27 PM
I really don't like looking at myself in the mirror which sometimes is a bad thing because then I'm walking around with broccoli stuck in my teeth without knowing it! lol
I love that handmade card Lala Ema sent you, it's gorgeous! I'll have to check them out on her site:-)
Now you have me curious as to what you are trying out to make your eyelashes grow...do tell!! xoxo
Posted by: PEA | October 22, 2008 at 06:22 PM
I'll stop by to visit the castillo en España en un momento...but I wanted to answer your mirror, mirror question. Yes, I look when I brush, floss, apply make up, and like you, whenever I notice my reflection I stay with it for a second...but not longer. There's no real vanity in that, I think. We all want to look our best and make sure we don't have zucchini muffin between our teeth. ;)
I'll have to google the recipe!
Lala's card is beautiful. I'm off to her castle now.
Enjoy your poetry and coffee and hey, don't forget to bat those lashes. ;)
Posted by: Scarlet | October 22, 2008 at 09:12 PM
What beautiful cards!
Please let me know about the eyelash thing. Mine are so non-existent without the help of my friend mascara.
I have to say I never really noticed how often I look in the mirror.To check my hair, teeth and makeup when venturing out. I always do the after the shower inspection (can't be avoided with 2 very large mirrors in the bathroom)...and yes, am very critical every time.... but just to look? hmmmmm, now I will pay more attention every time I take a peek.
You once again have inspired me with an idea. I think I may take a day and photograph my city...the nations capital is a very pretty city.
Much love to you and yours
xo
Posted by: Lisa P | October 24, 2008 at 09:58 AM