I am back in the US of A and I am oh-so-glad to be here! I made the journey without any hiccups and I was thrilled to ride poor man’s business all the way or “three seats to myself” for those of you who may not be familiar with the term. The hardest part was wearing a face mask for the whole journey. I gained an even greater appreciation for our front-liners who wear face masks day in and day out! These days I’m riding a fine line between lipstick and face masks.

I’ve kept my distance as best I can, just to make sure I didn’t pick anything up on my journey. Still, I can actually step outside to feel the sun and wind on my face and that’s a long-awaited treat!  I looked up at the sky today and I was convinced it’s never been quite so blue.

On a less cheery note, I was tested for Covid yesterday as our state offers open testing for people who are non-symptomatic. I want to know I’m safe before visiting with older family members and the test allows me to be sure long before the 14-day waiting period. While I knew the test required a swab up the nose, I can’t say I was prepared for just how long it had to be there and how deep it had to go…phew!!

For once, I’ve returned to America without feeling like the new kid on the block. Instead, I’m adjusting to the new American landscape right along with everyone else.

Lipstick and Face masks

I’m trying to get used to the new reality of wearing face masks and I must say it really cramps my style. Several times, I’ve applied my lipstick only to wipe it off as I headed out the door. A thirty-five-year habit is not an easy one to break!

I still like to use a little tinted lip balm because it keeps my lips from drying out and I just feel more like myself with some color. So today, I’m sharing a tip for creating an easy natural lip.

The trick to defining a natural lip is in the liner. For this look, I line my lips with a taupe eyebrow pencil. I bet you didn’t see that one coming! The taupe eyebrow pencil defines the lips without standing out like a typical lip pencil.

Why don’t you give this tip a try? I think you’ll be pleased with the results.

The last three months have been a lesson in gratitude. I have learned to recognize and rejoice over every small blessing; many of which I overlooked in the hustle and bustle of pre-quarantine life.

 ^“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

James 1:17

Though the landscape appears to change with each new day, I can count on God as my firm foundation and as the giver of perfect gifts. He knows just what I need.

~Shellie

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