Whatever Happened to Miss Grace?

Tonight I've had a facial and painted my toe nails, I've blow dried my hair and plucked my eyebrows and I feel quite presentable.  'Where are you going?' I hear you ask .... well, that's the point ... I'm not going anywhere! I just fancied pampering myself so I dug out the face creams and ran a scented bath.  As I applied the nail varnish I remembered the last time I had done this was for my son's wedding - five months ago. 

Four years ago my nails (hands and feet) were painted all the time.  I didn't answer the door unless I had applied my make up.  My colour co-ordinated outfit was not complete unless I had earrings on and even jeans always had to have a belt.   I NEVER wore flat shoes ... I didn't OWN any flat shoes! I walked around all day in high stilettos; only after one VERY heavy shopping trip (and a day sight seeing in New York) did I complain that my feet were killing me!  I was never a tom-boy: I have always loved "satin and perfume and lace". So what happened?!  Did my appearance change because I gave up work?  Did I let my standards drop from sheer laziness? No, I think gardening changed me!

My gardening clothes are old t shirts, ancient jeans, cast off jumpers and cheap cloth pumps (that's what Yorkshire folk call PE shoes!). I adopt this 'uniform' in order to protect my better clothes.  I want to be comfortable and not afraid to get dirty so any old clothes are okay. Every morning I want to get outside as quickly as possible so dressing is no longer about appearance - it is about practicality.   I still have to be wearing makeup if I'm going anywhere but I don't apply it if I'm staying home or nipping to the allotment.  I moisturise my face every day because I am outside but really I'm more concerned with my knees!  I have to scrub them, soak them in lemon juice and moisturise them to stop the skin turning to elephant hide! As for my finger nails ... forget it!  I try to wear gardening gloves but most of the time they just get in the way.  So in place of the business suit I have ripped jeans; in place of the make up I have mud smears and in place of the French Polish I have broken nails.  Let myself go?  Me? Never!

Tonight has made me think.  I don't have to look at myself so my appearance isn't something I have given much thought to but I should have! If I am going to continue to enjoy gardening every day then I need to actually buy clothes to garden in rather than wearing cast offs. When I was working and gardening only at the weekends scruffy gardening clothes were okay because that was not my usual attire.  Now I garden every day I don't think I should be scruffy every day!  I need to find some comfortable gloves and at least try to reclaim a bit of style!  On the plus side I've saved a fortune on mascara!