Makeup is Fun

    "Makeup is supposed to be fun," I said to myself after playing with my new eyeshadow pallet. 

    This is the mindset I want to have going forward. Enjoying it for myself and not for impressing others or because I am self-conscious without it on. It is not wrong to want to impress others of course, except if that is the only reason you are wearing it. When my husband and I started dating he told me he liked red lipstick on me. So I went and bought red lipstick and it has been a staple in my makeup collection ever since.

    When I first went into my bathroom and started building a look from my new pallet, I was a bit nervous because I did not have any instructions to help me. I like instructions when it comes to eyeshadow. All I knew was that I wanted to use the light sparkly pink, big surprise right. ;)

    So that is what I did, I dipped my brush into the pink and started applying it to my eyelid, and slowly added other colours. It was a struggle at one point and I thought I looked like a clown and then reminded myself it was okay, because not only it is a fun pallet, but no one ever has to see it if I do not want them to. As you can imagine this helped me relax and continue enjoying the process.

    My grandmother once told me that makeup should be used as a tool to highlight your features and that it should not be really obvious that you are wearing it. I was thirteen or fourteen at the time, an impressionable age for young girls, mind you, every age is impressionable. Solid advice though. As an adult, I will add my two sense to it though. "There is a time and a place for every makeup look for every age of girl." Some days you want a simple look for work or school and other times you want more colour for fun, and each is good in its way.

    Over the last few weeks (since I wrote this post in my journal) I have been personally challenged about making sure I am wearing makeup for myself and not for others. Not only am I enjoying it all the more now that I have taken off the pressure of pleasing others, but it has also permitted me to have the days where all I do is my eyebrows and mascara and enjoy those days as much as the days where I finally master the perfect "Smokey eye". Before when I was wearing makeup to impress others and get compliments, I would be thinking about it all day. Now on the days when I do my eye makeup and wear eyeshadow and everything else I enjoy putting it on in the morning and I forget about it all day because it is for me now and not for others.

    So, if you enjoy wearing makeup, do it, but do it for yourself, not for the approval of others.

    As always I hope this post blesses you today.

God Bless

~Ruth

Today's photo is of the fun pallet that I wrote about today. I am trying my hand at object photography.

God Provides

     Two weeks ago I was on holiday and went up North to visit my parents. At the end of my visit, we had our first annual family chili cook-off. After the cook-off, my sister, Rae, and family lovingly agreed to drive me back to their home which is halfway between my home in Cambridge and our parents in Sudbury. Our original plan was for my husband to meet me at my sister's house and take me home. But, as we all know, plans do not always go accordingly. 

    We had just left Sudbury, we were fifteen minutes onto the highway when we discovered we had a flat tire. As we pulled over the tire broke completely, it looked like someone had taken a knife to it and sliced it. So somehow we went from having a flat tire to have a slash in the tire. So we all climb out of the vehicle and start prepping to change the tire. 

    As we stand on the side of the highway, I'm watching Rae's boyfriend, Dave, change the tire (yes, both Rae and I can change a tire, but we let Dave do it instead). It starts to rain, and not just spitting, it's raining hard. So while I'm standing in the rain, getting soaked and feeling rather useless because it only takes one person to change a tire, I start praying. I asked God to take care of us and provide for us. What I was really praying for was the rain to stop. While I was praying God answered and said, "I am providing for you, just not in the way you want." and I responded with, "yeah, that's fair."  I just wanted to rain to stop and for us to get back on the raid. God provided us with the knowledge and the resources to change the tire and it was done successfully and within a reasonable time frame.

    It is funny though how when we pray for guidance and provision we already know what we want God to do, we have already figured out what we need or at least what we think we need. Thankfully God knows best though and already has it all figured out long before we know we need help. It is one of the many amazing things about God, He already knows what is going to happen, all we have to do is be obedient and follow Him. Yes, I know that is easier said than done.

    The point being though is that God always provides. We do not have to worry about anything because God is with us. I recently learned that the words "do not worry" are written 365 in the Bible. Sound familiar? God is telling us not to worry every day all year long. Pretty cool if you ask me. And yes, we all worry, we would not be human if we did not worry, it is what we do with that worry that counts. God wants us to bring our worry, pain, suffering, and everything else to Him because He wants to comfort us. Because He is our Heavenly Father and He is a good father.

    He also never changes. I was praying over something recently and doubting a little that God would come through and then I reminded myself of what God tells me in His word. He said He will never change. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8 KJV. Meaning that if He provided for me yesterday or last week or even five years ago, He will still provide for me tomorrow and until the day He calls me home. I cannot speak for the rest of you, but that brings me comfort knowing that I can always depend on God.

    So as we were finishing up the tire change the rain stopped. I know, funny right, who said God does not have a sense of humor. Then the next bit of reality set in, because we were now driving on a spare tire, they are not the same as regular tires. Meaning that you cannot drive the same speed on them nor drive for very long. So instead of this part of my journey home taking four hours tops, it took us seven and a half which of course resulted in my arrival back to Cambridge being a whole lot later than expected, but that is a story all on its own and for another day.

    The lesson for today friends is that God always provides. It may not look the way we had hoped, but we can rest in God knowing that He is in control and is always with us. 

    Wherever this post finds you today, whether you are going through a rough season in a valley or on top of a mountain I hope that this post blesses you, as it blessed me to go through this situation and maybe even give you a laugh. I am enjoying using this platform to combine my writing and photography hobbies together. Thank you for reading and journeying with me.

    God Bless

    ~Ruth

Today's photo was taken by my mom, of Blessing and I at a lookout point on the "Cup and Saucer" trail on Manitoulin Island, during our holiday.

Tidying Up

     Today, as I sit in my grandfather's rocking chair, curled up with a blanket and sipping on some tea. I look around my apartment with joy and pleasure. I just spent a chunk of the morning tidying and a little bit of cleaning. I sit back and enjoy the fruits of my labor, I am reminded of how peaceful and relaxing a clean home is.

    I have heard it said before that our mental clutter is directly related to our physical clutter and mess around our home. I know I butchered the line, but you get the idea. Anyways, I find the sentiment behind these words to be very true. This is why I am going to start making a better effort in keeping my physical space clean and tidy. Do not get me wrong, I am not a slob by any means. I like a clean home and I love organizing, but I am not perfect and sometimes the dishes sit for a day or the floors do not get washed when they should. Because like everyone else, I am not perfect and therefore not everything gets done when it should.

    I have been on a learning curve recently about what self-care looks like for me and although I do not enjoy scrubbing my floors, I do feel relaxed when the job is done. I have learned that depending on the day, my self-care practices look different than other days because every day is different. Today I was enjoying a clean apartment and yesterday I was reading my book while drinking tea and eating chocolate.

    So friends, what brings you peace and helps you calm down? Is it a walk in the park, a funny video? A good book or the aftermath of your daily housework chores? Whatever it is, I hope you practice it regularly so that we can also enjoy relaxing and feeling calm. Plus, the more we practice it the less anxious we are and the nicer we are to those around us. Or is that just me? 😊

    

I am now trying to combine my love of photography and writing, so starting now you will see my photography work that correlates with my writing. Hope you enjoy it.

God Bless

~Ruth

Listing Your Accomplishments

     A few weeks ago, I was having a day where I felt like I was not getting anything accomplished. Sure, I had done a few things that day but none of the important things on my to-do list were getting done. As you can imagine this was stressing me out and also causing frustration. So I set a goal for the rest of that week, I was going to write down all the important (important to me that is, everyone has their definition of important) things that I accomplished each day to show myself that I do get things done, even if they are not on my to-do list for that day. So from walking my dog to doing housework and everything else in between, I wrote it all down. Some of those days I accomplished more than others, but that was okay because not all days are the same. We have the same twenty - four hours every day but some days I have more energy, and some tasks take more time than others.

    The other day I shared a post on my Facebook that said, "You've gotta do your best every day, but remember that your best is going to look DIFFERENT every day."

    When I read that, it spoke to me because after working an eleven-hour workday I was pooped and could barely move, but earlier that week I worked an eight-hour day and I had much more energy to accomplish more. Or at the very least, I did not feel like I had been run over by a bus. Those two eleven-hour days hurt a lot. It has been a while since I worked a shift that long.

    My point in all of this is that every day is different, which is exactly how God planned it. Yes, we all have routines and schedules and at times it seems that our days feel the same. Especially if you are laid off right now due to Covid-19 and cannot go anywhere besides the grocery store. You have my sympathy.

    So, at the end of that week, I looked back at my list and saw a long list of things that I had accomplished. I felt great. Yes, a chunk of my self-worth comes from seeing all the things I have accomplished. Yes, I also know that my self-worth can only truly come from God. It is a work in progress.

    Anyways, the next time you start to feel like you are lazy and not getting anything done, or you are in a season of bad mental health and need a pick me up. Write down everything you accomplished and be proud of yourself. Even if it is simply bathing, or other basic hygiene items, eating, getting fresh air. It all counts.

    To those who do struggle with mental health problems, please know that I do not take that topic lightly. I too have my struggles as well. Just know that I love you and God loves you. I hope that post encourages and blesses you all.

God Bless

~Ruth

My Favorite Colour

     Tonight I could not sleep (this is going back a few months). I did not want to watch more tv because I need sleep for church in the morning.  So I decided to paint my nails. As I was putting on the base coat I was feeling insecure about my body, like many people do. I started thinking about what I wanted to change about myself and how to go about doing it. Finally, the clear base coat was dry and it was time to add colour. I used my favorite shade of pink as usual. 230 Heart of Stone by Sally Hanson. As I applied the first coat I could feel my insecurities melt away, I felt strong and confident in my favorite colour. I thought of how the name of this polish did not represent it very well. It should be called "Pretty in Pink," because that is how I feel after applying it. Pink, especially light pink makes me feel pretty, girly, but also strong and confident. It is my safe colour. It is interesting how much self-esteem changed in those few moments and how simply of a task painting my nails really is, and that I clothed myself in confidence. 

    This reminds me of how God wants me to cloth myself as well, Colossians 3:12 NIV "Therefore, as God's chose people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." We are also called to put on the full armor of God each and every day. Ephesians 6:10-11 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." So when the enemy is whispering lies into your ear and telling you that you are not good enough put on your armor and stand against him. Tonight, my armor was nail polish and as I applied the colour, God blessed me with confidence and reminded me that I am enough and I am beautiful.

    I started a new job at the end of September and due to the temperature of the building I often do not need a sweater, but I always have my pink zip-up fleece with me just in case. Kind of like a security blanket. This job has caused a lot of stress and anxiety for me and my colour helps me.

    So, long story short, I love pink. So much so that my nickname is Pinky. It is my happy colour. If I not wearing it, which is unusual, I am likely having a bad day. Years ago, for Halloween, I was a witch, with a neon pink wig. I ended up wearing the wig regularly for a while, my mom called it my happy hair (this was long before pink was my favorite colour) and now pink is my happy colour.

    What is your happy and or favorite colour? Does it bring you joy and comfort when you see it? Do you stop in the tracks when you see something that is in your favorite colour? Even if the item in question has no value to you? I know I do.

As always, I hope this post blesses you as it blesses me to write and to share them.

God Bless

~Ruth

Blessings and my Bed Time Routine

 Yes, you read that right, my dog and  I have a bedtime routine and here it is.

    A few months ago I realized that my dog has dry skin and needed some coconut oil for moisture. Well, being the princess that she is she did not want it on her food. So being the good dog mommy I am I started spoon-feeding it to her instead. Worked great. A week later I remember that she likes to lick feet, she does not care about licking your hand or your face. She likes feet. Yes, I know, a little odd. Works for me though because  I do not like dogs licking my face.

    So, being the smart doggy mom that I am I added coconut oil/foot licking to our bedtime routine. After I shower, Blessing goes into our bedroom and waits for me to come to bed. She knows she is not allowed on our bed without permission, so she patiently wants on my side of our bed until I am ready for bed. Once I climb into bed and put down a towel to prevent any oil from dripping on my comforter I invite her up onto the bed and she excitedly lays at my feet and waits for the coconut oil. Occasionally I also turn on my battery-operated candles and my diffuser for extra relaxation and if I have enough energy I also read a book. All of which are calming and relaxing activities for me. For Blessing, she is simply excited to be on the bed with me getting her oil.

    To some, this routine may sound silly or gross. For us, it's one of our favorite parts of the day. It's a chance for us to continue building our bond. It also gives her the nourishment that she needs and from a human perspective, who does not like a foot massage at bedtime? We all do. The texture of her tong is very relaxing.

    A co-worker asked me the other day what I do to come down from the stress of the day when I get home. At first, I did not have an answer for her, mainly because I was so tired I could not think straight. Then I got home and realized that Blessing's and my routine is what helps me come down from the stress of the day and puts me to sleep.

    For those of you who are also pet parents, I would love to hear about the things you do with your dog that others may think are silly. To me, my dog is more than just a pet who needs to be fed and walked. She is my little girl, my four-legged best friend and I love spending time with her and enjoying all kinds of different activities. It also helps that my hubby and I do not yet have children of our own, so Blessing is our baby.

So as always I hope this post blesses you and gives you a little chuckle.

God Bless

~Ruth

All Jobs Are Essential

    Note: This post is in no way slandering Premier, Dough Ford, our current Covid-19 situation, or any other politician at this time.  It is simply my thoughts on the importance and purpose of all jobs.

    I saw a meme on Facebook, it was one of the characters from the TV show The Office saying that all jobs are essential if they put food on your family's table. I thought it was well said. After our latest lock-down orders I started to think about all the different jobs that work together to run an economy and society and of the importance of each of them.

    Grocery stores and farmers are important because they provide us with food to feed our families and nourish our bodies and giving us the energy we need to do our everyday activities. They also offer the ingredients for those who enjoy cooking and consider it a hobby. To all those who do work in these two industries, and especially during these difficult times. Thank you. I see you and see how hard you are all working to provide us with all the necessary food that we need.

    Car factories are important because they make our cars so that way we have something to drive. They may not be the most glamorous job, I know I am not a fan of working in factories but some people do enjoy them and if you are reading this and work in a factory, thank you. By you working in a factory and producing a car or any of the thousands of products that are made in a factory, you are creating important everyday items that if we had to go without, life would be very different. So thank you for doing a job that I do not wish to do.

    The list goes on and on counting all the different jobs and explaining how each one of them is important, but this is a blog post and not a book. :) 

    After I thought about these few basic industries and how they keep society as we know it running smoothly I thought about hairdressers and nail salons. Now, I do not get my hair cut regularly, but  I know people who do and enjoy getting it done. It's an important job because not everyone wants their hair as long as I do and thus they need regular cuts or colours.

    Nail salons are also important because on occasion I enjoy treating myself to an acrylic nail set. Just like the people who maintain one hairstyle, some people like to get their nails done regularly because they work in an office or because they consider it a part of their self-care routine. If that is you, then I am happy you have found something that you enjoy doing.

    For myself, I enjoy retail therapy via Value Village and have done so all my life. I have some amazing memories shopping there over the years with my mom, my husband's grandmother, and on my own. My last job was actually at Value Village and I loved working there and now hurt for my former co-workers because they are currently out of work due to the lockdown.

    Banquet halls and wedding venues are also essential because without them a bride and groom have no place to host their wedding and celebrate the start of their lives as husband and wife. Now, most people do not get married more than once in their life and thus will not rent a banquet hall regularly, but there are enough couples in the world who wish to get married and thus those halls and venues are very important and needed on a regular business. Besides, have you ever tried to tell a bride that a banquet hall was not essential or an important part of her big day? I know I have not and do not plan on it because I was a bride a few years ago and I know how essential that building was for my fiancé's and my big day. Plus I also worked in a banquet hall for years. If they were not essential, they would not be in business.

    So you see, there are so many jobs out there and in their unique ways, they are essential because they provide a product or service that we will all at some point in time need or want. Because without all these different jobs, and of course, I only mentioned a few, life would be very different than what we are used to here in Canada, not necessarily bad, but different.

    On the Covid-19 side of things, to all you front line workers, whether that be in health care, emergency response teams, grocery stores, etc. Thank you. Thank you for doing your part and getting us through this difficult season.

    To those who are working from home, in whatever capacity that may be, thank you. Thank you for staying safe and continuing to take care of your families and the rest of your community by continuing to provide whatever product and or service you do all while trying to balance your home/work lives. I know I could not do what you are doing.

    Lastly, but certainly not least, to those who have been laid off because you cannot work from home and because in the eyes of the government your job is not essential. I am sorry. I too was laid off last year before switching to another job, which I would later find out is an essential job. So I too was stuck at home last year for a few months, it was not fun. There is only so much housework you can do or only so many walks you can take your dog on before you go stir crazy. Like the rest of you, I too had a routine of going to work every day and doing certain activities and this pandemic has messed with that. So I see you and my heart goes out to you.

    The one thing that brings me comfort in all this is that I am a believer in The Lord Jesus Christ and therefore I know that God is in control of everything and I do not need to worry because He is bigger than the boogie man and bigger than this pandemic. Yes, I am human and therefore I still stress over our current situation and cannot wait until my hubby and I can go see a movie in the theatre. It has always been a favorite date night for us and we miss it. Thankfully though I know that God is in control and will take care of everything.

    As always, I hope that post encourages and blesses you wherever you find yourself during these times.

God Bless

~Ruth