Saturday, November 8, 2014

SUNDAYS WITH SHARON: Let There Be RED.

 

SUNDAYS WITH SHARON:  Let There Be RED


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As you know, I've been on a bit of a jag lately about the color red. It symbolizes so much to me, not the least of which is the strong red heart that beats passionately inside all of us, the love of our children and family. The extended family of friends and people in our lives we just cannot do without. Red also symbolizes heritage, and bloodline, and of course the shedding of blood. We give red roses to those that stir our passion and make our insides sing. Red is considered a good luck color, a happy color, the color of life and virility. It can also be synonymous with anger.images-4

When I was 5 I had a crush on the boy who lived across the street, and his mother was a professional model. She modeled with her poodle, who was dyed apricot pink and was a horrible dog (and I'm a dog lover). Peter's mom used to show us how to put on makeup, and one day, she made us all up with all her heavy stuff, including red lipstick. I'm not images-2sure what was in her makeup, but my lips swelled up so big I talked like a Botox devotee. It wasn't funny at all.  My mother took me to the Emergency Room, where everyone had to come in and look at my big bright red lips. I was humiliated. The puffiness lasted for nearly 24 hours. Even with cold cream, I couldn't get the color off. My mother was convinced I had been somehow cursed by "that woman across the street."

Red is still my favorite color today. I love my new red glasses. I've got red sparkly nail polish I got while at RWA in Kansas City two years ago, and I've continued since. No, "I'm not in Kansas anymore" but I still like the glittery polish. My nail lady tries to talk me out of it every time I go. On the few occasions I let her convince me, I am back at her shop one to two days later demanding my red be put back on.

images-3My favorite foods are red: strawberries, cherries, red tomatoes. My favorite wines are red. I love writing scenes where the hero or heroine blushes red. My favorite Lifesavers and jelly beans are red.
red-colorThe color red means love. We know love comes in many forms, but in it's purest, simplest form, it is intimate, hushed, felt rather than spoken. We say our heart goes pitter-pat or pounds in our ears when this intense emotion is felt. The body is in a heightened sense of arousal when we are in love. The world looks prettier, the sunsets more bright or golden, the colors of the sky more intense, and we smile more at little things. Life is precious.240x160redrose

So it is with this sense of being precious that I leave you. Because we value life, because we value love and are willing to be hurt by it over and over again and still come back for more, with the hope we'll find it again. Because there is romance and fullness and true love in the world. To believe in love is to believe in possibility, and, as I recently read John Steinbeck say,

"If it is right, it happens--The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away."

Honoring those who came before or who shed their blood for us is I think the highest form of love. The best way to show that honor and love is to live our fullest. To make sure each day is not wasted. To fill ourselves with hope. 

And Love. IMG_5233

14 comments:

  1. I loved this blog. My favorite color is red too. I agree with everything you said right down to red lifesavers. Lol I love the quite u left us with and will definitely try remember it as I go through life. Have a great Sunday Sharon.

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  2. Thanks, Terri. Love that you're first here and up so late!! You have a wonderful Sunday too!!

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  3. I love reading your blogs and they always leave me with something to think about. This one was no different. I really love the color red. It's one of my three favorite colors. I agree with what Terri Shortell said. Gets ya thinking. ☺

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  4. Thank you, Mary. I'm glad you enjoy these. I have a ball wondering what I'm going to say next! You never know...

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  5. Wonderful blog Sharon. Your stories warm my heart and make me feel at peace.
    So grateful that we share the same belief, we value life because we value love. May love always be our guiding light and may your books continue to highlight that belief for many years to come.

    I sure am glad that you still love the color red after that experience. Sounds like there was some restylane mixed in with her lipstick. Probably a hot product to sell today.

    Have a wonderful Sunday and thanks for starting ours out right!

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  6. I always look forward to your posts, they are full of passion. I love red too, I wear something red every day.

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  7. This is one of my favorite parts of Sunday reading these. Red is one of my favorite colors also. I love those glasses. Have a wonderful Sunday.

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  8. Thank you, my prince. I appreciate the kind words. I love bringing these little snippets just like I know you like doing the audio snippets too. Red does say it all. It is indeed special to be able to love and be loved back in that special place only a deep lover of life could do. I'm so eternally grateful you are on my team.

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  9. A woman after my own heart. Indeed, Eniko. Red is a must! Even if it's red underwear under white tee shirts. I don't care!! I'll bet you don't either, sister!!

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  10. You too, Karen. Don't know why it took me so long to buy a red pair, but it did. Now it is my preferred pair! Thanks for always stopping by. It warms my Sundays too to know that you are here with me, at least for a little while!! Have a great, beautiful, passionate day!

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  11. I didnt realise how precious life is, until something out of the blue changes your life forever. Its the same with love - I love red to. Thanks for reminding me how much red we actually use everyday. Enjoyed your Sunday

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  12. Julie, you are sooooo welcome. And so glad you're here with me too.

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