Happy
Saturday morning, darlings! I was out of town—in beautiful, magical San Antonio—last weekend.
I had a blast, a very relaxing, wonderful time there. But I sure did miss
hanging out with friends here on the blog.
Today
a dear friend is visiting. She’s one of the most kind, genuine women I know. I
tried to think just how I met her and I don’t really know because, to tell the
truth, I feel like I’ve known her…well…always. To show you the power of
friendship—yes, even internet—across the miles, she lives in New South Wales. But, sugars, she’s
virtually close by with a kind word, a cheering word, a word of support, no
matter the time zone differences.
And,
now, dolls, that I’ve embarrassed her, let me introduce you to a lovely woman
and author, Connie Wood.
And…psst…Connie just happens to be a talented author, so I
sneaked in the titles of her books at the end of her visit and the buy links!
So,
good morning, Ms. Connie! The house is yours!
* * * *
Perfect
Imperfections……
I
heard a song yesterday, I’m not exactly sure of its title, but I will take a
guess at Perfect Imperfections. It
was such a beautiful song and as a people watcher and an author it really
appealed to me on a very base level.
So
many books recently, hell, so many movies and ads and all popular media are
portraying perfect looking people. Perfect stereotypes of both men and women
and if they aren’t already perfect in the beginning then they go through a
transformation and end up that way.
I
love a good Cinderella story, a rags-to-riches, the ordinary girl/guy trumps
them at the end kind of love story. I’m a sucker to see the underdog get what
they truly deserve when the final chapter finally says happy ever after.
But
in a lot of books I’ve been reading the happy ever after comes at the price of
a total transformation of the hero or heroine. You know the story (and it’s one
I must admit I love too) the sexy handsome hero overlooks the women who is
perfect for him as she lingers close by, concealed day-by-day in her drab
attire, glasses and harshly pulled back hair. Slowly he starts to notice all
her charms and appeals and thus begins her transformation from the ‘ugly’
duckling to the beautiful swan. I’d love to see the hero loving the ‘perfect
imperfections’. I’d love to see him fall in love with the duckling and for her
to physically stay that way. I’d love to see her physically exactly the same at
the end of the book as she was at the start, with the only difference…the major
difference, is that the hero sees who she really is and they love each other
all the way to their own happy ever after.
I’m
writing a book at the moment where the heroine is a curvy, slightly drab,
glasses wearing secretary and the hero is going to fall head over heels. And
guess what? By the end of the book her physical appearance is going to be
exactly the same. And he is going to love her just as much.
I
have to admit, I’m also a sucker for the ‘perfect imperfections’ of a leading
man. I can certainly appreciate a good looking, ‘typically’ handsome man, but
give me an ‘imperfection’, something to latch onto. Something unconventional.
We’ve all seen someone who isn’t ‘typically’ handsome, but there’s just
something about them that literally oozes sexiness and you almost swoon.
I
love the ‘perfect imperfections’ both physically and emotionally. There aren’t
enough contradictions, the complexities of human nature. I know I’m complex
enough to love you with all my heart, but at this very moment hate that you
broke my heart and want to tear your head off. It doesn’t mean that I won’t be
back to loving you again soon. It kind of sounds a little mentally unbalanced
when I actually write it down, but I bet everyone’s felt it.
It’s
the contradictions, the ‘perfect imperfections’ that makes life and books
interesting. It’s the emotional and spiritual transformations that are most
important in creating who we are. It’s embracing those imperfections and
working with them, its noticing them in others and finally seeing them within
ourselves that allows us to embrace and accept them. And once we finally accept
them then love and our own happy ever after finally comes.
A
huge thank you to the wonderful, and multi-talented Vastine for allowing me to
guest on her blog today. It’s been a real honour and thank you to those who
took the time to read it.
Cheers
* * * *
Connie,
thank you so much for sharing these thoughts! And I agree with you, 100%. It’s
the flaws, the differences, that make us who we are. If only more folks grasped
that and embraced their uniqueness. And I love, love, love the sound of your
WIP! A real girl in a real world and a real man who sees the beauty in her. Cannot
wait for this! Please keep us informed!
And,
darlings, here are some of Ms. Wood’s titles!
`
“The Fallen Fae”
“Dark Moon”
“The Veteran”
“Dark Ice”
2 comments:
Oh, I love that song! I've been listening to it repeatedly. It does appeal to me. To be accepted and loved just the way I am. Sure I can clean up and get my diva on, but I need to know I'm loved and accepted with dirty hair and wearing my pajama pants.
Fantastic post, I would love to read one of your books. And thank you to Vastine brining you to my attention.
Hi Jayden,
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
I love that song too, it really made me think. To be accepted for who you are if the best kind of love.
Cheers
Connie
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