Shannon here: This week on the Inkslinger, aspiring inspirational author, Jennifer Slatterly is helping me give away a copy of White Roses. Leave a comment by July 30th, 8:00 PM Central, for a chance to win. Here’s Jennifer:
When My Husband Knocked Me Off My Feet
This December, my thirty-fifth birthday tipped me over the edge. Thirty-four was bearable. It was just below the halfway point. Far enough away from forty to prevent a mid-life crisis and close enough to thirty to round down. And then came thirty-five. No more fudging the numbers. No more mathematical games.
I think aging is harder for women than it is for men. Gray hair makes men look intelligent. Bald heads look mysterious. On women? Not so much. So we die our hair and apply oodles of make-up only to find our crow’s feet accentuated and our roots more pronounced. And yet, how assuring, how downright heart-melting, to hear your husband tell you after fifteen years of marriage and twenty or so pounds worth of cheesecake and hot fudge sundaes that he still finds you beautiful. Oh, what would we do without those tender accolades from our men? Me? I think I’d hide beneath the covers and pull the pillows over my head!
The other day while my husband and I were driving to the gym (Gotta fight that cheesecake somehow!) I started talking about one of the characters in my latest novel—a middle-aged woman who struggles with low self-esteem. During the conversation, I casually mentioned how difficult it was for women, in general, to age. I swear my husband’s a mind reader! Either that, or he’s just amazingly perceptive, but he quickly saw past my “characterization” into my heart. And he spent the rest of the day combating the insecurities that I never quite articulated.
Our first stop was the hair salon. Actually, we went there twice. (I chickened out the first time and had to be brought back kicking and screaming.) I have naturally curly hair, which leaves the door wide open for error. The words, “Oops, let me fix it,” have popped out of many a hairdresser’s lips. Luckily, this time was different. By the time I was done, donning a young, perky, even trendy, hairstyle, I felt like a new woman!
But my husband wasn’t through with me yet. The rest of the afternoon he dragged me from one clothing store to the next until my arms were loaded down with stylish outfits to match my new do. Our day ended with a wonderful lunch where I sat and listened to my husband shower me with compliments. All because I casually mentioned how one of my characters struggled with aging. Don’t you just love those men who take the time to read between the lines?
Jennifer Slattery is a novelist and freelance writer with a weekly marriage column on http://reflectionsinhindsight.wordpress.com. She lives in Kansas City, Mo with her husband of 15 years and their beautiful daughter. Find out more about her and her writing at http://jenslatterysblog.wordpress.com
Come back July 28 & 30 for a glimpse into the real life romance of inspirational author, Cynthia Hickey.
Jennifer, thank you for sharing this! I have one of those husbands, too. Keepers, both of them!
I will be turning 30 this year and it feels so monumental… I wish we had the finances for my husband to treat me to a new style and clothes! Thanks for sharing this.
Jennifer,
Love the story. Gotta love a sensitive man.
Regina, I agree, these precious gifts from heaven are worth holding on to with both hands! And Alison, yeah, I remember the thirties. Ouch! I hope you’ll feel beautiful and cherished without the new wardrobe. Maybe a new shade of lipstick? lol. Seriously though, I always laugh at how “fancy” I feel once I gloss the lips. Thanks, Shannon, for letting me share. Considering my hubby and I were headed for divorce (actually made it to the lawyer’s office to talk about child support.) about 12 years ago, it makes these moments even more special.
Jennifer,
Thanks for sharing your story. I’m so glad you and hubby turned it around. He definitely sounds like a keeper.
Thanks! I’d love to find another author that I enjoy.
Once again, I appreciate Jennifer for sharing her story this week and all our readers. Casey won a copy of White Roses.
Looking forward to reading one of your books!
Thanks Fay! I appreciate your interest.
Thank you so much for the book. I finished it in one (very lazy) day and loved it. The only problem was it was too short and your others are due out yet. I’m anxious to get my hands on more of your stuff.
Thanks again for the Give-away.
Casey
Hi Casey,
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I’ll have advance copies of White Doves in October and will have several giveaways. It will also be available for order through Heartsong Presents then.