Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Country Living & Reclaiming My Femininity

When Husband and I first started dating, he made the comment that I was always "dressed to the nines."  I remember this, because when he said it, I looked at myself and didn't see the way I was put together as anything extravagant, but the norm.  But for a country boy who wears camouflage and Carharts many days of the year, my accessorized outfits were something different than he was used to.  I have to laugh at what I wore on our first date to Motocross--pretty much bangles and a lace cami at a dirt convention.
Fast-forward six years and you get this:
It wouldn't be an understatement to say that some things have seriously changed.

Here is more proof:

1.)  I spend more time in my tennis shoes than I ever have in my life.
2.)  I have only worn jewelry about five times since we moved in. 
3.)  I haven't painted my nails in quite sometime, and often have dirt under my fingernails.
4.)  I've caught my first frog and garter snake for the kiddos amusement--not mine.
5.)  I'm now going on almost eight months since I had a haircut.  I don't know how it happened, but it did.

The truth is, I've been getting a wee bit concerned.  Just the other day, I asked my brother-in-law, what has happened to me?  He had no words.  I asked my girlfriend the same thing, and she blamed it on country living.  It is true.  It is true.  I've let country living take over my femininity and what I love about being a woman.

So today, I'm reinventing what's been lost for a while now. 
I'm getting ready to the nines, just like old times.  I'm making a hair appointment and painting my nails, and I'm going to leave the weeds in the garden for tomorrow and treat myself to iced tea and a magazine on the back porch.  I may live in and love the country, but I love all that goes with being feminine most. 



But you wont see me wearing wedges as often as I used to. 
It's still about comfort in the country--hence the flip flops.   
At least I haven't traded in my Sevens for Carharts?

Mom?  Did I just hear you let out a sigh of relief?

xx

18 comments:

Alan and Kiersten May 24, 2011 at 1:27 PM  

i kind of love this post! i have the same problem and i'm not even in the country. time to re-claim my femininity too!

Katie May 24, 2011 at 1:43 PM  

It must also have something to do with marriage and motherhood, because I haven't painted my nails since my wedding day (not to say that I don't take care of them), and I manage a lotion-up about once a week. July was my last haircut, but that's not unusual. What I really want to say is that you are as beautiful as ever, dressed to the nines or not. Miss you!!!

candacemorris May 24, 2011 at 1:45 PM  

Great post, Cassie. Good for you - embracing both elements of your personality...both need attention and affection and I applaud your balancing skills.

I think my favorite picture is your little man next to you with his boots! Hilarious.

Katharine May 24, 2011 at 1:59 PM  

What do you call it when it happens in the city...somewhere after baby #4?

brittany marie davis May 24, 2011 at 2:46 PM  

You're always beautiful Cassie, even if you're not dressed up. You just have a natural beauty about you. But I do understand where you are coming from. I'd have to say motherhood and different priorities add to the lack of care for ourselves as women. But do take the time for yourself. You deserve it!

Connie May 24, 2011 at 3:26 PM  

Cass, no, I did not breathe a sigh of relief, but I did LOL at your comment to me. You are a beautiful woman, inside and out, and you don't have to be dressed to the nines to prove that. You know the saying, "You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl," or something like that? In your case, country has been put into you, and I think you've wanted that since you were a young teenager. Remember when we were driving through Idaho's open fields (we could see them from the freeway), and you said, "I wish I could just plop myself down in the middle of one of those fields." Well, now you've done it, my girl, so you and the country can embrace each other. I expect you will have a long loving relationship with it. Enjoy, Sweetie! I love you!--Mama

Emily L. May 24, 2011 at 5:31 PM  

Oh my gosh, I LOVE the picture of Asher next to you. Fabulous.

Tricia Lee Riggio May 24, 2011 at 6:25 PM  

I love you. i love how your son is looking you up and down like he doesnt' recognize you! ha ha ! I feel the same way you do sometimes! Since living in AZ...I feel like I am dressed up in a cute fitted T and some baggy shorts...always a pedicure though ::)

Cassie May 24, 2011 at 6:54 PM  

Ahh, you are all so sweet. Thanks for all the love.

Mom-yes, I know exactly what you are talking about with me yearning for the open fields. It has happened more than once in my life, and I am so thankful to be nearer to such space!

Tricia-lol. Asher isn't sure who I am! Brooklynn responds similarly when I "do my eyes" and wear eyeliner. Too funny. :)

Gigi's Thimble May 24, 2011 at 8:59 PM  

LOVE the shirt Cass. You look so great (and Ash looks pretty impressed too! :)

Dee Paulino May 25, 2011 at 5:48 AM  

this is one of my favorite posts you have written so far.

You're gorgeous even when you're not dressed up.

I do have to admit I had been having the same problem since last year. I just stopped dressing up, that's why I started posting outfit posts this week, to kind of make me dress up a little more and I must say my overall mood has changed since I started this little challenge, I feel as if I am becoming the old me again. It's refreshing.

Janet Fonoimoana May 25, 2011 at 7:08 AM  

You're gorgeous either way, but I do have to say you look stunning in that yellow blouse!

kimbirdy May 25, 2011 at 2:32 PM  

woohoo! i love my yoga pants and cozy tee's as much as the next girl, but there's nothing like getting all dolled up to feel extra good about myself. it's so fun!

meg fee May 25, 2011 at 4:57 PM  

all that stuff..it's really about self care. and sometimes we change in how we care for ourselves. but there's something to be said for taking some time to make ourselves look good. you look gorgeous in the first photos, but especially good in the last.

Tammy May 25, 2011 at 5:30 PM  

Your tractor pic says it all! You look like you're having the time of your life! I agree, your shirt is so darling! We sisters might not all be country bumpkins but we all have cute taste in clothes! hehe :) Asher is cracking me up in that pic. Funny pants! XoXo

Tawnie. May 25, 2011 at 11:33 PM  

This is so inspiring! I often get stuck in ruts where I don't feel like getting dressed up, and it is really nice to be inspired to reclaim my femininity. <3

Martina May 26, 2011 at 8:51 AM  

Such gorgeous pix - you certainly still have it - your feminity! Am sure your hubby will adore this yellow tunic outfit! xx

Jennifer Rod May 26, 2011 at 11:48 AM  

you go girl! i love being feminine... you did good. but i say dont abandon the country fun. :)

“You must write every single day of your life... You must lurk in libraries and climb the stacks like ladders to sniff books like perfumes and wear books like hats upon your crazy heads... may you be in love every day for the next 20,000 days. And out of that love, remake a world.” ― Ray Bradbury
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