A Life Lesson: How To Look Scruffy In Three Simple Steps Then Get Over Your Sad Self

/ Ally Bean

How ‘ya doing scruffy face?

Zen-Den said this to me as he was walking into the kitchen from the garage after getting home from work.  Because I had my back to him while standing at the stove cooking ye olde supper, he couldn’t see my face.

Domesticity, we got it.

Anyhoo, while you might think this is going to be a tale about another gushy nickname, he was being literal.  There was no Chickiedoodle cuteness involved in this salutation.

~ ~ 👀 ~ ~

You see, somehow, probably while out in the forest primeval behind the house doing the fall clean-up, I got a rash on my face.

And somehow, probably by using one of the aesthetician-approved fancy Vitamin C serums that are all the rage, I exacerbated the rash.

And somehow, probably by not backing down on my doctor-prescribed retinoid, I managed to destroy my face.  Well, not literally, but my face got all red and flaky and itchy and beyond not good– straight to ugly.

~ ~ 👀 ~ ~

So there I was cooking, not looking my best nor happy about it, still feeling a twinge of self-pity, when Mr. Hilaremoose wanders into the house.  And you know what?

His ridiculous way of saying “hello” to me, even before he saw my ratty face, cheered me up instantly.

Didn’t do a thing to reduce the inflammation, but made me realize how inconsequential it is to worry about that. which. just. happens.

Laugh it off, move along.

Make dinner.

My life.

73 thoughts on “A Life Lesson: How To Look Scruffy In Three Simple Steps Then Get Over Your Sad Self”

  1. The joy of living the way we do. And your face looks fabulous again. Always did of course – a little scruffy can’t deter your inner and outer beauty.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Zen-Den, aren’t you sweet! While I appreciate your sentiments, living with a VERY ITCHY face was a challenge. However now that I’m on the almost healed side of things, I can be philosophical about it. 🤔

      Like

    • Jill, I’m over those Vitamin C serums, too. This last experience with one, that cost a pretty penny, has convinced me they’re too strong for my sensitive, acne-prone, aging skin. And that’s before you throw in the rash! Yes, a simple happy/silly hello was what I needed.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. The itchy woe will disappear soon, hubs will retain his sense of humor, live will go on!

    Thanks for the tea quote. Another one I’ve heard attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt which you may have heard: “A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.”

    Liked by 1 person

    • marian, life will go on, for sure. I’ll admit that initially I was rather grumpy about my scruffy face, but you know… oh well, whatever.😐

      Now that you say I’ve heard that Eleanor Roosevelt quote, too. I think it’d be applicable to this post. Maybe all tea quotes would work here!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I can honestly say that would not be my reaction. I’m mostly not vain (I don’t dye my gray or wear makeup hardly ever) but I’m known to be a bit tetchy from time to time so I admire your attitude.

    Liked by 1 person

    • katie, I don’t know why Z-D’s comment struck me in such a good way, but it did. Maybe I was already over feeling sorry for myself, so it came at the right moment. Of all the accidentally dumb things I’ve done to myself over the years, this one doesn’t even crack the top 5– so he offered me perspective, maybe.

      Like

    • L. Marie, I agree that Z-D is a keeper. He cheers me up in the most original ways.

      I poured the end of my Vitamin C serum down the drain. If it works for you, then go for it. But like Jill mentioned, it’s too strong for me– and I’m beginning to think of it as another passing beauty trend.

      Like

  8. You and Zen Den understand each other completely. He will always be there for you and have your back! Sure hope your face gets to feeling better.
    I’ve been dealing with resacea and with all the concerts I’ve been playing, it freaks me out a bit. Makeup can only cover so much. But as they say, “Looks aren’t everything.” Focus on what’s important.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Beth, yes, Z-D & I are two goofy peas [beans?] in a pod! I’m lucky to have found him.

      I have rosacea and it comes into play most often when some other skin problem shows up. Like a rash. And you are right, make-up only goes so far toward downplaying the redness. It’s frustrating, but *hey* whatever…

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Oh, bless your heart. I am horrifically vain, and that comment, however sweetly said/meant, would not have played well with me. You are made with Sterner Stuff!

    Glad you’re on the mend and have poured the offending serum down the drain.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. That was so sweet! (I would have laughed!) As for skin, yikes! I thought getting older would get me out of the “break out” mode but it didn’t. I use Vit c but it oxidizes fast and puts an orange glow to my face. I was never able to use the prescription retinoid. I looked worse (scaly, red skin) using it than not. Hope your face has mended, at least until the next thing that comes along.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. At the moment, I am covered by an itchy rash from head to toe . . . or maybe just head to knee.

    I hurt my back on Sunday doing NOTHING (moving a bag of broccoli in the freezer) and started an Aleve/Advil regimen to reduce the inflammation and ease the pain. Yesterday, I learned that I am allergic to Aleve/Advil. Like the Simpsons, I’m now enjoying the Itchy & Scratchy Show.

    On the plus side, my back pain is minimal so that popping pain pills is no longer necessary.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. As an elder relative would say “You got the misery.”
    Red face – ugh. had that happen in college (shudder) How fine you have someone that puts it in perspective and jumps you out to the “wallowing in the misery” (also by ancient relative)
    Maybe bad things happen so we can see the really good around us?
    Glad you’re better

    Liked by 1 person

    • philmouse, I’ve never heard the phrase “you got the misery” but I do like it. I agree that not so great things happen but when I completely stop itching I’ll be ever so grateful to have non-itchy skin. And ever so cautious when I go back into the woods again. 😳

      Liked by 1 person

      • Old small town/rural (but not by those untraveled or uneducated) sayings. Those phrases used to make me laugh so – still remember them said with just the right voice and old fashioned accent.
        Just a thought, are you wearing sunblock when you use retin-A or Vitamin A products? Those make you ultra sensitive to sun and sunburn…been there… 😦
        My derm guy said people should roll out of bed and put on sunblock before doing anything else – especially those on certain skin treatments (and some meds that can cause sensitivity to sun). Might be worth an inquiry to yours? Red, itchy and scaly is misery not worth suffering HAHA

        Liked by 1 person

        • There are lots of those old midwest/southern saying from around here, too. I often hear my mother’s voice in my mind when I go to say one. They were programmed in there at a young age.

          I use sunblock religiously whenever I’m outside. I’ve heard that idea that you should wear it in the house, too. I do sometimes, but then it’s not as sunny here as it is where you live so that might be overkill around here. Thanks for the suggestion.

          Liked by 1 person

  17. That sounds unpleasant-itchy, rashy and flaky. ‘Tis the season. My skin is very dry right now and I need to moisturize but I haven’t found a product that doesn’t make me feel like a greaseball.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margaret, this is one of the dumber things I’ve had happen to me lately. It’s clearing up and I’ll survive, but I’m filing this under You Can’t Win For Trying. I was just being productive out there in the yard/forest…

      Like

  18. Sounds to me that, despite irritating itchy rash, you have a good life because you have a good partner. As far as magical face potions, after too many years trying too many of them, I’ve concluded that Gold Bond Ultimate cream in a tube does as good a job as any of them for a lot less money. Wrinkles are badges of character and living.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ann, you’re right. Looks aren’t everything and considering my scruffy face is a temporary inconvenience I’m sure I’ll survive. I’ve never had a black eye so I’m in awe of you. Not that I want one, mind you!

      Liked by 1 person

  21. I find it terrible embarrassing, the rosacea, at times. There will be no serums on my face, as I have suffered terrible reactions. Pizza face comes to mind. One day last week, a colleague asked me why I was blushing, and I wasn’t. Sigh. Then, I ate m&ms and got rashy all along my jawline, and I swear, if she said anything to me, I wouldn’t have been able to bite my tongue. Gah, I hate it.
    Anyway, go on with your good nature. Me and my scruffy face will try to follow your lead.

    Liked by 1 person

    • joey, I have rosacea, too. You said it about how embarrassing it can be. I hadn’t put together how the Vitamin C serums might be making the rosacea worse.

      I’ve had the same thing happen to me when I’ve been asked about blushing when I wasn’t blushing, only rosacea flushing. I have reactions to some foods some of the time, but it usually starts on my neck and moves up to my face creating a large quadrant of redness that can’t be hidden.

      Gah, is right.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Gosh, Ally, I hope your rash is settling down. I’ve had instances of scruffiness like this, in my youth, in regard to acne. You know, the ones that get infected and look like a mountain on your face. I hated going anywhere on those days. Over time, though, it didn’t matter and now my scruffiness consists of cat hair-laden yoga pants and bad hair days and I don’t care what my boss thinks. 😉 :-p

    Liked by 1 person

    • Mary, thanks for your concern. Today my skin is looking pretty darned good, if I do say so myself! The rash + itching are gone, and the redness has toned down to my usual rosacea redness so all’s well that end’s well. I agree with you that as an older and wiser woman I care less what people think about my scruffy face than I did when I was a teenager. Back then, skin problems seemed insurmountable.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. While Zen-Den seems like he has quite the talent for fun nicknames, I also quite like your “Mr Hilaremoose” too 😉

    I also appreciate that you listed “make dinner” as a step in this thing called life. Priorities, hey?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Pistachios, Z-D can be funny when he wants to be hence I occasionally refer to him as Mr. Hilaremoose. Because he is. At least around me, maybe less so at work.

      And yes, making dinner is a good thing to do in life. Priorities, yes!

      Liked by 1 person

  24. I hope your face is all cleared up and you’re doing great. 🙂 Now, about what’s for dinner. How about all us women, married or with significant others, got up one morning and that other person told us what they were planning to make for dinner. Now, that would put a smile on this face. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Judy, I’m doing much better today so my face is back to normal. I like your idea. We could turn it into a national holiday and call it: You Make Dinner Day. I think it’d catch on quickly among those of us who usually cook dinner.

      Liked by 1 person

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