The Book of Me, Written by Me, Part 3

This is my entry prompted by The Book of Me, Written By You project created by Julie Goucher of the Anglers Rest blog. The concept: a series of blogging and writing prompts that help family historians capture their own memories and write about themselves. Go to http://www.anglers-rest.net  for more information.]

Prompt 3: Describe your physical self.

Ok, this one is incredibly difficult for me.  I've been chronically ill for over 20 years, and the first thing that pops into my mind is...my weight, which has yo-yo'ed over the years as medications, lack of sleep and complications have taken their toll on my body and apparent non-existent metabolism, so my self-esteem, in regards to my physical appearance, is suffering.  I over-fixate on it, I'm told, but it's something I struggle with every day. The latest picture I'm willing to post is from nearly 2 years ago.

On a positive note, here is some additional info in response to this week's prompt.

I have been told that I resemble Jennifer Nettles, from the country band Sugarland. I should be so lucky!

I am tall, but am shrinking. At my peak I was 5'11", but now just under 5'10". My hair is blonde (shout out to my stylist, Angela, or I'd be mousy with gray) and my lifelong super straight hair is now curly, thanks to apparent hormonal changes. I used to pay big bucks in the 80's for hair like this. I love it!

Permed in the 80's
 (Property of Linda O'Donnell, copyright  2013)

 Natural Curl - Winter 2011
 (Property of Linda O'Donnell, copyright 2013)

I have far surpassed the age of good eyesight and need glasses most of the time. I have relatively small feet (size 8) for my height, but they are wide with a high arch and shoe shopping is not fun...boo. I also have very short fingers and an extremely broad palm--bangle bracelets typically don't fit.  I  love to collect shoes in colors to coordinate with my outfits.  

I am fair-complected, and have not been much of a sun-worshiper, so my skin is in pretty good shape. I would never get a tattoo, but that's my personal choice.  (My daughter has several. Ew.) I have green eyes, and my eyebrows are pretty average, maybe even on the thin side. I would never consider Botox, collagen injections or plastic surgery of any kind, so this is what I'm keeping until the good Lord calls me home. (Not that I begrudge anyone who chooses to do any of those things.). 

When I was young, I struggled with 20 pounds that I would gain and lose, but stayed pretty thin until I got sick.  At my smallest, I was a size 4, averaged about a 10, and now, well, let's just say it's plus-size and leave it at that.  Did I mention how difficult it is to find cute clothes in plus-size, especially when you're tall?  I don't like to be frumpy, even if I am nearly 56.  I like to joke that my mind is still 25, but the body is just not keeping up.

I appreciate jewelry, but don't wear it much since I went on disability 10 years ago.  I love, love, love cosmetics, though, and love to get mini-makeovers at the mall whenever I can.  Thank God for eyeliner, concealer and mascara!

My favorite color to wear is pink.  Always has been.  I do my own nails to save money, and I'm into whatever color of the rainbow tickles my fancy.  Right now they are purple with a coat of gold glitter.  

What I hope is that if you meet me, you see who I am, not what I look like. I like to think that's what counts...so hopefully my kindness, compassion, empathy, thoughtfulness and sense of humor shine through this aging, beat-up exterior.  After all, beauty is only skin-deep, and if you're not beautiful from within, the outside really doesn't matter.

Blessings,
Linda