A Sense of Direction

When I started this blog, I wasn't sure where to go with it. All I knew was that I love to write, and it would be a good way to keep in touch with friends and family who are curious as to what I'm doing these days.  I've since been inspired to give it some direction.

Today, I thought a lot about my late grandmother. She was radiant; one of those people you wish everyone in the world had a chance to know.  A woman with natural grace, beauty, class, and warmth. A woman who captivated everyone in her presence up until the day she left us.

A Mary Kay consultant and self-proclaimed beauty expert, she would never let anyone forget that it was her porcelain skin that made her one of the first beauty queens to ever reign over her tropical homeland: the Dominican Republic.  While we all could agree that her skin was lovely, what I loved most about her was her gaze. She had these eyes; deep, dark, and piercing, yet kind and knowing.  That gaze never left her.

Elasia Mendez -- in her 20s (left), in her 80s (right)

I could never forget the lessons she taught me.  When I look in the mirror, I see that same piercing gaze staring back at me, and I wonder if I would make her proud.  Do I live without inhibitions? Do I speak and act kindly? Am I always looking my best? What I know for sure is that I hoard a wealth of knowledge about the beauty of person, earth, and life that I've been acquiring from her since the day we met.

So I write in honor of a fearless woman, who opened her heart to everyone, raised nine children in her home, and dozens more in her community.  I write so the lessons she's taught me about taking care of myself and others, both physically and mentally, won't soon be forgotten.  Too much of life's beauty is lost in the chaos of today.  Hopefully, some old home remedies and life lessons will help someone who wants to become a better person -- or who just wants to avoid wrinkles.

Always up for a beach-side photo shoot, even at 83.