What makes you uniquely you?

Most of my 'unique' personality traits are something that someone else in the world may have, just maybe not the full list.

A list of things that, combined, make me uniquely me:

• Female
• married
• Two mutt-type dogs: Isabella Chacharita (aka Izzie), a 5 year old yorkie-chihuahua mix and Shizelle Noelle (aka Ellie), a 1 year old Australian Shepard-black lab mix
• Type 1 Diabetic for 15 years today (post on that to come later). Only type 1 in my family.
  
• Lover of books
• Sarcastic sense of humor
• Used to meditate in 7th grade homeroom with my good friend, Airhead :)
• Youngest child, with two real brothers, two step-sisters and one step-brother. Plus my many wonderful sisters-in-law (from my marriage and my brother's marriages) and my sisters from another mister and brothers from another mother.
• I have the CUTEST nieces and nephew. Ever. No competition. At all.
• I want to adopt someday and cannot wait for that day to arrive. Sure, I hope to have my own as well, but adopting? That's something I've always wanted to do, from the time I was a little girl, playing with my barbies.
• I can play the viola and cello, but not a guitar or piano.
• I taught myself how to sew.
• I once had a couple of photographs I took in a juried art show.

I'm done making this list, but I know there are tons more that I didn't mention. If you know me in real life, what do you think I left off? What do you think makes me unique?

A very touching song...

This is for you, Meg.

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty is the smile on someone's face, the laughter on their lips.
Beauty is puppy kisses and baby snuggles.
Beauty is the sunset on a clear spring day.
Beauty is my husband's love for me.
Beauty is the volunteer helping the community.
Beauty is voices of a church choir.
Beauty is a picture of a loved one you miss.
Beauty is a phone call from a soldier who is deployed across the ocean.
Beauty is love, plain and simple. Whether it is from family or friends or strangers or God. Especially love from God.

Beauty is you.

Starting tomorrow

Before my husband married me, he mentioned that, growing up, he was taught to look for a wife that fit Proverb 31. A few months after that, he asked me to marry him. It has led me to wonder: Do I fit that? Am I a woman like the Bible speaks of in Proverb 31? I'm not sure, but I hope so. Apparently, the Timmy felt I was (or could be); after all, he married me.

This month, several other female bloggers are doing a daily blog about various topics dealing with womenhood, beauty and Proverb 31. I have decided to join in, hoping to help me see if I am that "woman of noble character" that my husband was looking for and also to see how I can improve.

THE LIST:


Day 1. What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2. What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3. Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4. Style 31. Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5. Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6. Jaded beauty. Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7. Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8. Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)? Share, please!
Day 9. What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10. What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11. Post a recipe. Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12. Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13. Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14. Style 31. Post an outfit pic!
Day 15. Write to encourage a friend. Inspire her beauty.
Day 16. Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life. Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17. Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18. Describe your personality.
Day 19. Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20. Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21. Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22. What are some needs that need to be met in your community? Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
Day 24. What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25. Style 31. Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26. What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27. Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28. Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29. Write about "a day in the life of me." (Pics are great!)
Day 30. Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31. Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!

I was just reading a book where the main character gets tips about flirting and attracting a potential husband and it got me thinking about the night I met the Timmy. I'm not sure what actions I made, but I do know they were right. Agreeing to let two strange guys (Timmy and Mac, the best man at our wedding) sit with us and celebrate my birthday with me. Deciding to give my real name to them instead of my trusty fake name Anastasia. Giving the Timmy my actual phone number. Good choices. I'm so glad of them. :)

My favorite part of the memories from that night? When we were about to part ways and call it a night, he leaned over and hugged me. Not that big of a deal, right? Wrong. I generally don't like hugging people I don't know well. But I enjoyed his.

The memory of that hug made me feel all melty inside; the same way I felt that night all those years ago.

Man. I do love that guy. More than I could ever show.

Uncle Bef says:

Happy 4th Birthday, Lucian!!!!

We love you, kiddo. :)