It was our third, maybe fourth event at Belmont Village, Cardiff that I got the pleasure of meeting Donna. I won't reveal her real age but what I can tell you, is that she sure didn't look it. Donna strolled into the lobby wearing what looked like an elegant ballgown. She sat down in my makeup chair and said: "If today isn't the day to wear this dress, then I don't know what is."
I liked Donna immediately.
She sat in my chair and as I studied her face she began to say, "I don't know what you can do with this but I'm sure anything you come up with will be better." I laughed as this is the typical attitude that most women come with as they sit down in my chair.
I've found that most women at this stage of life don't dabble much in makeup. Whether it's their eyes that hinder them, their unsteady hands that disable them, or their "meh, why bother!" attitude that fights the urge to grab a makeup brush, I am always excited by the task at hand (knock their socks off and make them realize just how beautiful they are!).
As I swiped a decent amount of Anastasia Beverly Hills champagne shadow in shade Dreamer across Donna's beautiful bluish green eyes, I noticed she was fondling her beautiful gold necklace.
It was here her story began....
Donna had been married twice. Her second husband seemed to almost melt her away when she talked of him. She said they had met later in life but instantly bonded over their love for good food and exceptional travel. The necklace she was wearing was from him - a gift from one of their many adventures. It was a beautiful gold and diamond encrusted cross necklace. She told me that he had surprised her with it one evening while watching the sunset (ahem, all men reading this - take notes!)
She then stopped mid-story and gave me a quick piece of advice...
"Always find time to travel. If you don't go somewhere new, you won't learn anything new! Some of the most beautiful places in the world are not close by. Just get out and go do it - before it's too late"
< Ticket for two to Italy? Don't mind if I do....>
The necklace was purchased in Jerusalem and was one of the last gifts she received before her husband passed. I could tell it was a prized possession and I think in many ways maybe it was even a reminder to her that she should keep living life to its fullest.
As we began to shoot she grabbed a glass of champagne and like clockwork she began to strike every pose as if she was to be featured in VOGUE magazine. It was then I told her
"I am so glad you wore that dress, it's absolutely perfect for this shoot - you're really embodying that old Hollywood glam!"
Then with a wink + a sip of champagne, she finished the story...
"I bought this dress while my husband and I were in Hawaii. I thought it was the most beautiful dress I'd ever seen and I was saving to wear it with him for the most perfect occasion. I never wore it in time, so today this is for me and for him - because I know he's looking down on me thinking, "man, she looks good!"
Yes, Donna, I have a feeling you were right!
If I can offer advice from my time with Donna it would be this....
- Get out. Travel.
- Tell your loved one you love them - twice.
- And don't forget to wear THAT dress.
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