Thanks Calli and Zen, for the nice compliments.

I suppose I should just give it up as a bad job. I have no talent and, while I feel a bit envious when the cosmetic suggestions are flying around, I just don't know if I could pull it off anyway.

It's just that, while I don't mind getting older...at all...it seems like there are some simple things I could probably do to look better, but could never figure out for myself!

That's why I like hosting clothing exchanges. Other people telling me what looks good on me...so comforting.

I also have pale skin and freckles and wrinkles. I wear a tinted sunscreen and throw a little loose powder on top. Smooths things out and protects from extra sun. I add a little concealer around my nose due to broke capillaries. I also wear some blush--Benefit makes a nice sheer powder for all over, but I use it as a blush on my ghostly skin : [link] It costs a lot, but you only need a little so it will last a year.

May I also add that you are gorgreous!

As a former kid whose mom smokes alla time ever'where, I say, go on and ask her to not smoke inside. Your kids' health is more important than not offending her.

I second this, except it was my dad who smoked.

bonny, sorry I have no recs. I mostly do no makeup or stage makeup.

Cereal: bonny, might you be available for a pet-related consult tomorrow (Sunday)? I fell for a doggie today by accident and the practical brain is wrestling with the non-practical. I think I need a good, frank talk with an experienced doggie person. Here's the pooch in question: [link]

Or! You could come out to San Francisco since there about nine bajillion places that do brows and lashes out here.

What a timely conversation. Three weeks ago, I finally made an appointment with a highly recommended permanent make-up artist. I went today and had eyebrows done. Before and after pics will be up for a while (I'll probably take them down tomorrow).

Unexpectedly (probably because I took a codeine before the appointment), I also acquiesced to getting some moles zapped, too. I had been wanting to do that for *years* but never got my act together. They mentioned they also did zapping and I was like "hells, yeah, let's do it all!" In particular, I've always had a huge, ugly mole on my lower back. Not anymore, though!!

ETA: I got it done at Faces Plus, on Pacific.

Stephanie, good luck with that visit.

As for hate crimes, it's not the fatality of the incidents - it's the atmosphere they can create. And maybe the line is that I'm speaking of incidents here, not phenomenons, when I should be speaking of such.

java - awesome eyebrows!

Thanks, Shir!

I forgot to comment on how pretty Bonny is. Bonny, you really don't need much make-up. And only when you want some "polish". But seriously, I am envious of your coloring and bone structure.

I missed picture de la bonny. But no more!

bonny, you are gorgeous. And I'm not saying this to just anyone. And your eyes - their color! Wow!

smonster! What a gorgeous boy that Francis is.

I would be very glad to chat about him with you sometime today. It is my birthday, so I will be in and out, but when we find a time, it will be my absolute pleasure.

What I will say, right off the bat, is that the boxer/boston combo is going to be very energetic. He is calm in the kennel, which is a good sign, but it depends heavily on how long he has been there. Those eyes! He's got some soul, for sure. If he is already house-trained, the rest is fairly easy. I'll set you up with the 5 basic principles for building a great life with a dog...and we'll talk frankly about the downsides.

It might not be a big deal, but the underbite could be an issue later on. It will be important for you to brush his teeth right off the bat, and often. You can download my brushing guide from this page. It's a great bonding exercise and will keep him healthier than almost anything else you will do for him.(Also, avoid tennis balls for a million reasons, not the least of which is they are basically chemical soaked fiberglass and will wear down those choppers quickly.)

Good, frank talk is a good idea. Let's do it.