peskypippi.comBecause I have a lot to say…

Two words: Thank You. Thank you to all the veterans.

Oh, and four words: Don’t Be A Hater.

Today in the United States, we celebrate Veterans Day, where we honor the millions of men and women who have served or are serving in our nation’s armed forces.

This is not a day for naysayers and haters to rant about their political views, share their anti-war sentiments, or put down those honorable men and women who are doing their best. Save it. At least save it for another day.

And, really, should this be a day in America where we shop for mattress sales and attack all of the other Veterans Day sales in our department stores nationwide? Ugh.

Nah, it’s not about that.

11-11-11 only comes once every one hundred years. Many of us won’t be around to celebrate the next one.

So, save the hating and the naysaying.

How about making today a peaceful day?

Sure. Disregard comments from naysayers. And don’t listen to friends-who-aren’t-really-your-friends. But don’t discount your kids’ advice when it comes to fashion for Mom. They just might know what they are talking about.

After all, don’t children just want their Moms be their best and look their best? A confident mother who is pretty inside-and-out?

I listen. Here is what I’ve been told lately:

•  “Mom, you need to wear tighter jeans. Yours are too baggy.” Ah, the workouts just might be working. It’s important to show off your shape; not hide it. Time to go shopping.

• “Mom, that lipstick is too brown.” Good point. My skin has blue undertones, meaning berry and pinky reds are better for my skin tone.

• “Mom, don’t buy brown pants. They are ugly.” Indeed, khaki is great on safari, but not so great on me. Point well taken.

•  “Mom, I like you better with shorter hair. Your long hair made you look crazy.” Hmmm. Sometimes you don’t know if a compliment is a compliment or if is a rip. But, I’ll go with it. And maybe my shorter hair makes me sassier? Peskier?

• “Mom, that floral, peasant top is really ugly.” OK. Maybe I did think that prints help to camouflage, but maybe solids are indeed better for me. Plus, I am not a peasant.

•  “Mom, that sweater looks a little dorky.” Hmm. Maybe I was sporting a tired, old Mr.-Rogers’-Neighborhood-cardigan. Off to Goodwill it went. Hello, J. Lo sweater! (She will always be J. Lo to me.)

Kids are smart. Give them credit. Make some changes. Change is good.