BEAUTIFUL THINGS MAKE ME HAPPY

I used to wonder about the purpose of beauty in the world. I know this sounds strange coming from an artist like myself. But, it’s true. And I would wonder (please pardon my momentary vanity) why I was allowed to be pretty in this world, when others were not granted the “pretty gene.” What purpose was this serving? More on that in a moment. And as an artist, although I definitely appreciate all the beauty that is found in art, I never thought it had the capacity to do much soul-saving in the world. Compared to something like music. However, lately, my feelings are changing. And I’m noticing, in both big and small ways, how much beautiful things make me happy.

THE POWER OF A PRETTY FACE

Okay, let me just get this out of the way now. Because it’s not really going to be the point of this article. But I do just want to make this point. It’s weird, now that I’m getting older, and feeling less and less attached to my looks (actually, I’m still obsessed with them!), my feelings about beauty have been changing. Because I can detach myself from my own insecurities, and now instead just enjoy prettiness in someone else. Without feeling envious or jealous.

Read my article, “Confessions of an Envious Goddess.”

I wrote an article about “YouTube Channels That I Obsessively Watch To Decompress.” And in this article, I basically listed all of the beauty influencers I follow and watch regularly. They’re mostly channels that consist of beautiful women putting on makeup, and that is all they do. And over the last few years, I’ve really come to understand more about why I like this kind of thing.

For me, it comes down to the spirituality of beauty. There is just something relaxing and peaceful about looking at something or someone beautiful. And I don’t have to second guess this or judge myself for it. Or assume that this practice is empty and superficial. I really don’t believe it is. And I really do find such spiritual uplift-ment in all things beautiful. The key is to detach and just appreciate.

Am I objectifying these women because I enjoying looking at them? No, because it’s a bit more complicated than that. First, in a weird way, they’re consenting to objectify themselves in an empowered way, which I love! Also, I do love these videos to learn more about beauty, makeup, and self-care. So, no, I think this is just one of the many ways that we as humans can access feelings of contentment and peace. Am I wrong, here? Either way, I can’t help it. I just like to look at pretty women making themselves even prettier. And I don’t know why, and don’t really care.

Apologies for this monochromatic selection, but I’m a 42-year-old white woman, and this is who I am currently watching.

THE BEAUTIFUL THINGS IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW

As most of you know by now, I’m recovering from a heart-wrenching breakup. And am now living alone in the apartment we shared together. And for most days, I really just try to get through the day, finding happiness in whatever way I can. Until my heart finally heals with time.

I share more about all the ways I have been coping in my podcast episode, “My Booty Got Dumped Over Christmas And Here’s How I’ve Been Coping.” However, in this episode, I don’t really mention beauty, aside from my art-making. Because beauty is a thing that is better seen with the eyes, obviously. And can be showcased more accurately in blog form. Which is what I want to do for you here, right now.

Below, I’m going to now show you a few things around my home that I believe to be beautiful. And give you a bit of anecdotal background information about each. Honestly, as I find myself wandering through my apartment in my depressed state, these objects help me to feel like I can breathe for a moment. And they give me a sense of hope, and escape, and brief okayness. And that’s been making such a difference in my day-to-day life.

I do hope you enjoy!

PS, none of these things are sponsored, but I’m including links anyway, in case you are curious.

PLANTY

The first time I ever featured this plant, named Planty, was back in 2017, in my article, “Get Yourself A Pothos Plant.” She’s comes so far since then!

I actually inherited this plant when I was living in New York City, ca. 2010. My roommate used to keep it in the kitchen window sill. And for whatever reason, perhaps she didn’t feel like taking care of it any more, she passed it off to me. I used to keep it in my room, even though I had not the first clue about how to care for it.

Fast forward to when I left NYC and moved to the suburbs of Philly. I actually kept this poor thing in a dark corner for months. And I couldn’t figure out why she had only two yellowing leaves and no growth. Finally, one day, I decided to put her in a window and water her once a week (DUH!). And she’s been happy as a clam ever since. She’s now in my current living space, and I call her the Mother Plant. And whenever I sit in my comfy chair, her tendrils always catch in my hair. To me, this is just her gentle way of giving me a plant hug. She is a true friend, and I love her dearly.

A RANDOM ASSORTMENT OF BEAUTIFUL THINGS

I inherited an old chest from my grandmother, and I love it so much! It always makes me think of her. And on the top of the chest, I love to just place random beautiful things that mean something to me. It’s actually getting a bit out of control, and I will need to find a new counter to place beautiful things on. But for now, it’s where I keep most of my precious objects.

On the left, you will see a beautiful, rustic vase that I purchased in a shop called Givens, in Cape May, NJ. It was made by a local artist, and in the window of the shop were all of her one-off, experimental pieces. I saw this one and had to have it! And I love supporting local artists. If you have the means, I really recommend this practice. I also just gather beautiful branches and twigs from outside, to place in the vase. And I change them out whenever they are starting to look a bit iffy.

On the right is a heart-shaped fern I purchased at my local nursery. I housed her in one of my used, tin, oatmeal containers. And I’ve had to learn how to give her the extra special attention she requires in order to thrive. She likes more damp soil and air. So, I purchased a dome to keep her warm and moist. And she doesn’t want too much light, so she’s away from the window, and seems to like this just fine. This is a new relationship, but one I hope to keep going!

And up front is a huge, green crystal, given to me by my sister for Christmas. I believe it’s Aventurine, but I’m not sure. However, this crystal means so much to me. Because I associate green with heart chakra healing. And now, more than ever, I could use all the gentle, heart healing vibes I can get.

BEAUTY SUPPLIES AND OTHER STUFF

Gosh, there’s so much here and it all means so much. But, I’ll try to keep it brief.

I purchased the moon ring cone in the center from hadyncolellapottery on Etsy. Although it doesn’t look like she’s making these kinds of things anymore. But, I love it and have historically used it since the second it arrived in my hands.

On the right is a Turkish plate I purchased from Good Scents, another beautiful shop in Cape May, Nj. And sitting on top of that is my favorite candle from TreeStar NY. Then resting on top of that is the end of a pink eyeshadow brush from Rare Beauty.

Just nestled behind that is an eyeshadow palette from Athr Beauty. I’m still learning about how to apply makeup properly, but I’m loving it! And I love feeling pretty! 🙂

To the left is a white, porcelain container that I keep some more of my makeup items in. I purchased this by StitchedCeramics on Etsy.

And, saving the best for last, is a makeup product from Salt New York that I’m obsessed with! I’m actually obsessed with the creator of Salt New York, Kiki G, and first discovered her on YouTube. However, she’s not your typical beauty influencer, which makes me love her and her products even more. She’s a fellow Virgo and artist. And she doesn’t post consistently or follow any content creator rules or norms. She is a free spirit, and is also HYSTERICALLY funny. Like, stand-up comedian funny.

She cares so much about her work and her art, and is so dedicated to the quality of her products. This product above is called Sneaky Balm and it’s everything I have ever wanted in a cover-up product. I typically use just under my eyes, because I don’t like heavy makeup. And it’s the only thing I’ve found that works for me, thus far. I could say so much more about this and her, but sadly, I must move on.

PERFUMES

So, I’m cheating a little here. Because this does fall out of the realm of visual beauty. Although, there is something to be said for the beauty of the bottles. However, for me, scent and beauty kind of go hand in hand. And they both awaken the power of Aphrodite within me.

Read my related articles, “Would Modern-Day Aphrodite Indulge In The Pleasure Of McDonald’s?”, and “The Magic Of Flowers And Why I Need Them In My Life.”

If you’re not into scents and perfumes, I totally understand. So, I will just offer a list below of all of my favorite perfumes. Because I don’t know about you. But, I LOVE knowing about other women’s perfume collections and scent preferences!

I won’t link any of these because I already have so many links in this post, and you can easily google any of these things.

JO MALONE, ENGLISH PEAR & FREESIA

JO MALONE, ORANGE BLOSSOM

TOM FORD, ORCHID SOLEIL

ESTEE LAUDER, TUBEROSE GARDENIA

KIEHL’S, ORIGINAL MUSK

DRUG STORE PERFUME CALLED BODY FANTASIES SIGNATURE, FRESH WHITE MUSK

THE SAME BOTTLE OF BATH & BODY WORKS BODY SPLASH SPRAY THAT I’VE HAD SINCE HIGH SCHOOL CA. 1998 (!!), GARDENIA LILY

I’ve taken to spritzing myself with some perfume, even when I’m not leaving the house. Because it uplifts my mood, and just reminds me of beauty and femininity. Which soothes me. And I almost always spray myself with something if I’m going to work or seeing friends. It’s a lovely ritual that makes me happy. And gosh, that’s really all I wanna be right now.

THANK YOU!

So, there you have it folks! All the beautiful things that have been helping me through this difficult time. There are actually many more, but these are some of my top dogs. So, do you have beautiful things that make you happy? Do you relate to this idea, or not at all? It’s totally okay either way. And I would love to hear your thoughts!

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