I am linking tonight. It's late in the day, but this is when I finally have time to think.

Jen, at the Denton Sanatorium posted this challenge:

We as women are bombarded with images of what perfection should look like. And, if you're anything like me, it doesn't appear when looking in the mirror.
I spent a good ten minutes staring in the mirror, trying to look past all the flaws and imperfections and issues I wrestle with every day. I wanted to really SEE myself. It took me close to five minutes to decide on one facial feature that I consider quite beautiful.

Straight after a shower or after you've washed your face, take some time to really look at that woman in the mirror. What do you see that's beautiful? Ignore or re-evaluate those things that have always bugged or challenged you. What is your singular, personal element of beauty? Is it skin, ears, hair? Is it wisdom or humor or understanding in your eyes? We all have one thing that not only makes us individuals. That one thing makes us beautiful. What is yours and why?

I grew up with a dad who always told me I was beautiful. I believed him.
And since he still tells me, I still do.
Thanks, Dad.

This post took a little tricky camera work.
It had been a while since I really sat and stared.
I tried the mirror, and then turning the camera backwards.

How did you get those pictures, Jen?
Finally, I called in my camera savvy 4 year old, T. He thought I was silly.
And then I realized I was.

See that ear... it comes from a long line of similarly large-eared ancestors.

The freckles that are melding into ages spots... I have always loved them, but I am not sure which side of my family they come from.

My eyes... along with my hair, were so dark when I was born that my Muttie (Mom's mom) called me Carmelita for the longest time cause I was born in Tucson and she joked that I might have come from south of the border.

I think my smile is my favorite feature. I used to take it for granted. Then, for a while, I was so heart broken that I couldn't find it. Now, it comes easy, as if it is "in my pocket", just as I learned in the song in brownies.
I have always loved that when I smile, people say, "You are Dottie's daughter!"
I love that, and that smiles feel the best when I am with the people I love!

So, even though I never have nor ever will win a beauty contest, it's ok.
Maybe, because I believe my dad, I do win.
Thanks, Dad!