The Scarlet Mischief

Hi my friend,

I've been wearing red lipstick.
Not for an event. Not for anyone else.
Just because I want to.

It reminds me of my mom…
how elegant she looked in it.
How a single swipe of color could feel 
like a whole story.

But when I wear it now,
it's not just about remembering her.
It's about remembering me.

That mischievous, 
light-hearted part of me.
The one who wants to do silly, 
playful little things…

Just for the joy of it.
Just because she can.
As a bold reminder that 
life is allowed 
to be fun.

I haven't always worn it.

For a long time…
I couldn't imagine painting my lips
and not kissing my babies' heads 
all day long.

I didn't want to leave any marks 
on their soft skin.

But now they're off at school.
And I find myself reaching for 
that scarlet lipstick. 

To remember a part of myself that 
loves color, expression, 
and play.

And every morning,
when my husband or the kids 
are getting ready to leave,
I grin and ask,
“Would you like a big red kiss 
from me today?”

They all shout, “No!”
And I laugh.

Because I already know…
But I ask anyway.

There's something 
so sweet about the ritual -
the eye-rolls, the pretend horror, 
the giggles that follow.

That little rebellious part of me
lives for this moment.

And then I go about my day.
I dive into work.
Time disappears.

That's how it usually goes.

Until this week…
When I stood up to stretch
and wandered into the hallway.

Do you believe in 
the law of cause and effect?
Do you think that whatever 
you do, say, or think comes back 
to you?

I do.
And I also think the Universe
has a funny sense of humor, too.

Because when I caught 
a glimpse of myself in the mirror,
a burst of laughter poured right 
out of me.

There I was -
red lipstick smeared across my chin,
a streak on my cheek,
and somehow all the way up my nose.

I must've touched my face 
a hundred times while thinking,
completely lost in the flow of the day.

And I looked -
well… I looked like The Joker.

The thing is…

All this time,
I just wanted to giggle.
And the Universe gave me 
a waterfall of laughter.

So I let it out.

And then I smiled 
at myself in the mirror,
while gently trying to clean 
the smudges off.

And thank goodness -
it wasn't a day I spent 
with clients.

This moment wasn't 
for anyone else.
Just for me.

A quiet, funny, 
and slightly chaotic reminder
that life doesn't always need to be tidy 
to be beautiful.

That sometimes, 
joy sneaks in through 
the silliest doors.

So, my friend…

If life hands you a mess this week,
I hope it comes with a side of laughter…
and a tender moment that makes you 
fall in love with 
being alive.

With love,
Elina