Mirror, Mirror

Truman Capote borrowed the phrase as a title for his unfinished novel. Maybe that should have

been my first clue. He started something he was unable to finish.

The oft quoted words had originally belonged to St. Teresa of Avila, a Spanish

noblewoman with Jewish Roots, who had proclaimed,

“There are more tears shed over answered prayers than over unanswered prayers,”

I knew the quote by heart, but I didn’t listen because I desperately wanted something.

I really needed a mirror, or so I rationalized,

And so I ordered one, a full length mirror that would allow me to emerge from my

new residence looking reasonably intact.

The mirror I had left behind in Massapequa had been foggy with age, and far too fragile to join the

other items in the moving van. Besides I wasn’t certain I would really require a mirror in my

new environment. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect.

However, it wasn’t long after I arrived when I learned that I was now one of 100 plus

residents, all of whom looked marvelously intact as they emerged daily from their assorted

apartments..

I still believed I could wait a little longer before making another expenditure until one day I passed

a shop window that reflected a woman in a lengthy dress hanging unevenly,

Suddenly I realized the image was me, and the uneven garment was one of my favorite outfits.

That moment of truth sent me immediately to the internet where I ordered A full length mirror.

And yes, it is now here, and St. Teresa’s words jump immediately to mind.

The rectangular length of glass is not at all like the one Queen Grimhilde, Snow White’s wicked

stepmother, owned.

It definitely does not assure me I am the fairest in the land.

Rather it reflects the truth. My extensive collection of treasured and yes, vintage, Tshirt dresses must go, asap.

And the time I have scheduled on the Schwinn Aerodyne must be changed, doubled if possible.

While I admit I never believed in face lifts, plastic surgery, etc., perhaps it is time to

Reconsider.

Everyone has the right to change their minds. Don’t you agree?

And the hair, well, the less said the better. But what possessed me to cancel that appointment?

Just one word of advice, though,

Do listen to the wisdom of St. Teresa. She knew precisely what she was talking about.