What Says The Mirror

What Says The Mirror

“Don't judge me. Yeah, I am talking to you, Doppelganger. I only can repeat what I see. You come to me every day. Morning and night. Looking. Searching. Asking questions. Always with the questions. What do you expect from me?

“You want me to force you to confront your own truths? Well, the truth is--How should I know? Look at you! That's all I can help you with. I am the same. Yesterday, today and probably will be tomorrow.

“I hang around here all the time, whether you are around or not, and stare at that stupid wall over there. Just look at that once. It's a splotchy mess! Wouldn't hurt to liven it up once in a while. When was the last time you gave the place a face lift? No, not you a face lift. This room. Remodel. Give me an interesting mural or something to study. Some pictures of puppy dogs or kittens or whatever. Seascapes. Seashores are nice. Palm trees swaying. Tide rolling in and out. Real peaceful and you could feel like you are on vacation stepping into a spa-like atmosphere. Maybe that would make it easier to face the truth.

“Somehow, someway, you believe I have the power to change how you see the world. I draw your attention to the wall once more. That is my world view. Corner to corner. The whole complete expanse of it. Not even a blue sky. What color would you call that anyway? Pink? Pink pepto-bismal-dismal, sickening, make-me-want-to-throw-up pink? With whatever that discoloration is dripping down in the center. Kind of looks like a heart. A bleeding heart. Maybe it loves me because all it can see all day is itself in me. But can you say dated? Kind of like you? What decade was pink in vogue? Fifties? Sixties? I know, I know, you are waiting for it to come back in style. Well, it won't be long now.

“Oops. Got side tracked there. What were you asking again? Truth? Universal truth? Earth shattering truth? Oh, oh. Simple truth. Yes, that's you alright. Same as you have been staring at me for eons now. Yep, yep. Same face, same body. Kind of a shame what you have been doing to it, though. Maybe a little remodeling wouldn't hurt there either. Wait, wait I didn't ask you to model that part again. Please, turn back around. I have seen it all before and I would only get myself in hot water to answer that steamy question. There is never a good answer to that one. Don't want a shoe thrown in my face. Rest assured I always have your back, though I really don't care to look at it before you are dressed.

“Sorry, I've hurt your feelings now. Look in the upper corner. See your empowerment poem taped there? Read through it again. Should have it memorized by now. That Kim Uliana is a witty one alright. Inspired by watching her daughter looking at herself. Still works for someone getting along in years:

Mirror, Mirror on the wall…

It does not matter if I’m short or tall…

If I have skinny legs or my hips are wide…

It only matters who I am inside…

Blue eyes, brown eyes, black or green…

What makes me most beautiful cannot be seen…

When you look at me, don’t judge me by my parts…

The most beautiful thing about me is my heart.

“Yeah, yeah. Brings tears to my eyes, too. Or is that just the steam? Gives a new perspective to it all, huh?

“Just imagine how truly rich you are. You have silver in you hair and gold in your teeth, stones in your kidneys and lead in your feet. Don't forget the gas all built up inside.

“Okay, no more corny reflections.

“Face it. I am not some magic mirror. That only happens in fairy tales and we are still on this side of reality. I am only a piece of glass (Glass, I said 'Glass') with a silvery surface and a dark side. Maybe I've got a few cracks and veins in my facade, too. I am not a portal to a whole new fantasy world. Nothing is going to reach forth and snatch you away. Nothing to be afraid of.

“Sorry, I can't tell your future, either. No scrying here. No, no, I didn't say crying. You are gonna smear your mascara if you keep that up. I said scrying. Trying to predict divine hidden information. Remember how you frequently come to me seeking guidance while trying to make those difficult life decisions about love or finances. Well, I may put on a good show but ultimately you are the one that comes up with the solutions. Right?

"I'm no fun house mirror, either. I repeat only what I see. So, yep, it is what it is. All of it. No distortions.

“I'll be your confidant. I will wait for you to come back again whenever you venture into that strange world out there that is sapping your youth away. I'll help you remember your dreams and, yes, there may be a few regrets. But you have earned every new wrinkle and laugh line. That's what wisdom writes on a face. Be proud you have reached an age that others will aspire to. You are an inspiration.

“Look at those inspiring words again you have taped all along my edges.

“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” 1 Peter 3:3-4

“She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25

“God is within her, she will not fall.” Psalm 46:5

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” Proverbs 31:30

“So, I say again, Girl, you got this. You go out there and conquer. I'll stay here and reflect on my loving wall. See you soon.”

{} {} {} {}

“Well, hello again. That didn't take long. You look more chipper and happier than this morning. You're home early, too, aren't you?

“What's that you have with you? Oh, color swatches. Holding them up against the wall to get my opinion. See, we work together very well. Um, I think I like the sky blue one best. How about you? Got some other samples there? Tub surround and flooring, too? Nice, real nice. Something different for the counter top and around the faucet? Boy, you got a lot of new ideas. This will be pretty.

“Hey, why all the masking tape over my glass surface? Can't see what you are doing so well. What is that great big hammer for?”

WHAM! BAM!

“You smashed up the counter top. But, hey now, don't aim that thing at me I am very fragile. You know that would bring you seven years bad luck, don't you?

NO! NO! NO! LOOK OOut!.... “

SMASH! CRASH! Tinkle, tinkle, tinkle...