Quest to Look Good

As usual with any package tour to China, factory visits are inevitable inclusive of the state recognised clnic/medical hall. At one such visit during our tour to JiuZhaiGou is a compulsory trip to a factory outlet selling stones and crystals. Whilst waiting for the group to pour over the pendants, rings and other accessories, a pair of Cat's Eye ear ring caught my eyes and I asked to try them on. A round mirror was promptly placed before my face by the eager sales-lady. The beautiful yellow "eyes" that made the bluish grey stones sparkled and which looked so exquisite in the white padded holder, was a shame against my lack lustred side profile and wrinkled neck. Without a second thought I thanked the lady and moved on.
Similarly another brilliant ring seemed pitiful on my fingers and scaly hand. My husband whispered "not nice meh?" whilst perhaps trying to hide his relief. "Nothing is nice on me now," I retorted. I also wondered why other elderly ladies want to draw people's attention to their less than beautiful neck or hands. In recent times I have occasionally felt dismayed how lovely clothing and accessories no longer can adorn me.

In our culture where not being able to keep a youthful appearance is considered almost a personal failure, one has to learn to accept the process of aging and doubly so if you don't possess the youthful genes. I read Lee Wei Ling's article about being a reluctant dresser and that comfort and cost are her main considerations. She is not bothered with looking good whether to herself or to others. Although I share her sentiments about the incomprehensible rationale of someone spending half their monthly salary on a piece of clothing, I (unlike her) wish to look good at least to myself. However instead of pursuing the impossible desire to look glamorous, I have now adopted a second measure of looking good. I observe that I look good in the pictures I took at JZG where rosy cheeks, bright eyes and light spiritedness bring out the radiance in me. Yes, my standard now for looking good as I matured is to look alive!

So instead of buying stones and silk cheongsam, my husband and I spent almost the same amount we paid for the tour package on cordyceps (hahaha); in the hope we will be healthy, radiant and will look good for a longer time.