So this is what writers do, right? WRITE.

A new chapter in my life has started. I bet “real” writers have a desk instead of a make-up vanity which is what I use now to write. It works for me though, and I can’t complain. I moved into a little apartment with the kids and left behind quite a bit. What is here is CHERISHED.

This vanity belonged to my great grandmother – my father’s grandmother. It’s one of only two furnishings I took from my “old” bedroom. Times have changed and I sit here now on a laptop computer writing a BLOG. There are 3 words in that sentence that didn’t even exist when this was MaMaw’s. I wonder what she would have thought – of me, where I’ve been and where I intend to go. Would sitting down to write and publish your thoughts and actions to the rest of the world have been considered the epitomy of VANITY at that time? Perhaps. Maybe it still is. I do know this though; It’s time to do something for ME. Label it what you will. And put some glitter on that label too. I’m feelin’ kinda sparkly now, so let’s keep it real.

I never put the old mirror that attaches onto MaMaw’s table back at the “old” house. It blocked my window, so I left it off. The symbolism THERE isn’t missed. I had a window to look out and see all that was going on around me yet left off the mirror – the window into my soul. I KNOW!!! I’m pretty freakin’ deep, RIGHT?!? It would’ve been warped anyway. That glass is old and the way I was seeing things was distorted as well. That mirror still sits in my closet back at the house. Look out world! I’m dusting it off and bringing it out. “I’M coming OUT” I hum to myself.

Scattered around me is evidence of my other half of the family tree: THE COSMETICS. The wrinkle creams to correct, cover-ups to conceal, shadows & glosses in every color to suit any palette. I’ve got them. And I wear what suits my mood. My mother’s mother – my Bebe – opened a cosmetic store nearly 50 years ago. She opened it, my mother now owns it, and I currently run it. I guess that makes us kind of a dynasty now. Flashing images of Joan Collins and Linda Evans are running through your mind now aren’t they? Yep. We’re kinda like that. The drama comes with it too, but if you have a sense of humor about it, I think we are kind of entertaining as well. Ask the men; they’ve had ring sides seats. I’m controlling this family business empire now so I guess that makes me an Empress. It’s official. Miss um… Erica?!?! needs a crown. And with each new verse in this song will come a new Jewel. I’m on my way and I’m singing as I go!