Growing up, I was what most people would likely consider to be sheltered. I had a curfew. I wasn’t allowed to watch Disney movies that were too magical. I didn’t have Barbies. I once left the mom and dad dollhouse dolls hugging on a bed, and didn’t get why that was a problem with my friend’s very strict mom (and I mean, I was like… six. I still don’t get why she assumed the worst. Seriously.) I thought kissing made babies for longer than I care to admit.
So, it’s probably no surprise that even today, while I am less conservative than my parents in some ways, and my knowledge of how things work has become much more informed, I am still in a sort of self-imposed sheltered state. I don’t watch the news. I don’t follow debates. I honestly have every little knowledge of who the presidential candidates are right now, other than names and vague facts (and guys, don’t vote for Donald Trump. Seriously.)
I am not ashamed of this fact, nor am I proud. It just is. I have always been quite sensitive to stories on the news; the rapes, the murders, the addicts, the arrests, the landslides… it all gives me horrible visions of what might happen to my own family and I just can’t. Any incredibly important things brought up in the news, I learn from my dad, or Facebook, or friends. If I were to watch the news or follow it myself, I would probably be a mess of fear, caught in a river of sadness at the way the world continues to fall.
I get tired of the debates on politics, the arguments about where we should stand in all the movements out there, the brash offense taken if someone so much as implies they have faith in something, and all of the madness that is our world.
This is why I had no idea that International Women’s Day was a thing. I’m not up on the holidays my calendar should be marked with, other than the standard – Christmas, 4th of July, Easter, President’s Day, etc. Every time someone mentions a new holiday in my group of friends (let’s be honest: on Facebook) I am pleasantly surprised. International Donut Day? YES PLEASE. And thank you.
Today, we celebrate and appreciate women, and I would like to take a moment to appreciate the important women in my life. My mom, who raised me to be a decent human, who has always been an example to me of a godly woman, who has made it through so many things all while pointing to Christ. My mother-in-law, who has always been incredibly gracious and wonderful, who is another amazing example of a godly woman, and whom I have looked up to for more years than I have know my husband. My late grandma, who was the most giving, Christ-like, sweet, wonderful person I knew.
My various sisters-in-law who have become the sisters I never had. My best friend Sarah, who I admire as a mother, who inspires me to be present and honest, and who takes some of the best photos I’ve ever seen. And, all of the amazing bloggers I’ve met, whether it be in real life, or through comments and text messages and Facebook.
I feel so privileged to have each and every one of you be a part of my life. Here’s to us, some of the toughest, smartest, wittiest, funniest, and most beautiful people I know.
Shirt, Target | Everything else, vintage and thrifted
Happy International Women’s Day!
P.S. If my face looks a bit different today, it’s because my eye was all itchy and watery yesterday (all day long ugh) and is still really watery today, and I don’t know WHY. So, minimal makeup. Anyone else get that? I have never experienced allergies that affect my eyes, but I’m wondering if that’s what it could be.
P.P.S. There are people who say you shouldn’t wear red if you have pink hair. Unfriend those people. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life. Wear all the colors. Life is too short to worry about clashing. 😉
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