Community!

I just got back from a positively lovely, much too short, trip to Massachusetts/New Hampshire to celebrate the wedding of my dear friend Colleen and her beau Craig. Oh my gosh, do I love the North East. I stayed for a few days with my L'Arche family in Haverhill, MA and was reminded of what a loving, supportive group of people they are. I went from living and working at L'Arche with 6 housemates to living alone in a new city (except for LaVerne, my cat, of course!) and while it's been an introspective year, I'm very ready to have a housemate again. Anywho- the main event! Colleen's wedding! It was such a lovely ceremony in the church. The highlight was Donald- a core member from the house Colleen last lived and worked in- mumbling 'I still love you, Colleen,' under his breath during a silence after the vows.

I forgot to pack my go-to lipstick (Ruby Blue by MAC) which made for a good excuse to jump the border into New Hampshire (no sales tax!) and pick up a replacement. I was really excited to expand my lipstick horizons and the helpful sales woman at Sephora directed me toward a really vibrant orange. She said that given my olive skin tone and reddish brown hair the orange would work really well. Now, I like a bright lipstick but I was a little skeptical. She instructed me to apply lightly and use a clear gloss over it to even the color and mute it down. She added, if you're going out clubbing then just apply it really heavy and wear the neon shade! I chuckled at her insinuation that I might club. hahahaha. Anyway- the color was perfect. I highly recommend a coral-orange for those of us olive toned gals as a slightly less retro alternative to the bright reds. I looked fierce. But more importantly, Colleen looked absolutely beautiful. She and Craig are such a good example of celebrating marriage and loving each other as God intends. I am so excited to see the direction the Lord takes them together!