Does She? or Doesn't She?

This is one of life’s mysteries that perplex me more than most.  Not that I spend hour upon hour contemplating it, but it is becoming more obvious as my comrades-in-arms and their spousal units, as well as my own reflection, are showing it and there is no denying or turning back the clock.  Why is it as men grow older, the natural aging process sets in, their hair turns grey and without any effort at all they look more distinguished and dare I say, sexy? Women, on the other hand, and I am only speaking from personal experience, begin at an early age to enhance what the good Lord has given them, work like the dickens throughout their life to achieve what the fashion magazines dictate and won’t give up or stop until the very end, which means six feet under (even then, we better be going out in style).

Why do girls feel compelled to apply the ritual war paint of mating (aka eye liner, blush, lipstick) and why do boys resoundingly react to it, yet don’t partake in the same customs? Why do us older girls, spend untold hours on bronzing, beautifying, buffing up, Botoxing and having our hair appear “naturally” sun-kissed and pay good money for the privilege and perception when men shower, shave and throw on a bit of cologne and they are good to go?

If we look at this historically there must be something to all of the fuss.  But I question the several civilizations that have gone extinct before us perhaps doing the very same things that we think we should be doing to ourselves in the name of beauty.  The competition to look the best, no matter what, has done in some of the best.  There was a time I thought going out barefaced naked and not “done-up” was sacrilegious, but I now realize the time that I need to devote in preparing myself for public consumption overshadows any desired reaction I wish to obtain (if you know what I mean) for the well being and redemption of said investment and effort expended.  Not that I am saying that the ole’ grey mare ain’t what she used to be; I am inferring that the net results need to be worth the exertion that must be put forth – you know, a basic law of physics.

I admire the women who, at whatever age, decide to revolt, go against the tide and take the natural route.  With the chance of putting millions of people out of work in the beauty and related industries, it may be worth a try.  Considering we didn’t come into this world with eye shadow and mascara, there may be justification for our revolt.  If our perception of what beauty is was redefined and not all based on how one looks, or what one has, the world may be a more harmonious place with people appreciating other, deeper aspects of their neighbors.

Life, I know, isn’t fair and when the “goods” of looks, talent and intellect were passed out we all didn’t get the same distribution - my mother used to reassure me that we were all blessed with our own “gifts” but I didn’t quite get it then.  She went on to let me know it was what we did with these life endowments that mattered.  Her wisdom of long ago astounds me… she just seems to be getting smarter as I get older.  As I gently maneuver my way into the golden years, I think I will keep my mom’s words close at hand and know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and see if grey-hairs (and not only blondes) really have more fun.

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life.  Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area.              

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-