LADY IN RED

For years I had a red dress that fit and flattered my figure. It was modest yet elegant and I truly felt beautiful wearing it. Once I wore it to a friends wedding and they played the song

 "Lady In Red"

'I've never seen you looking so lovely as you did tonight
I've never seen you shine so bright
I've never seen so many men ask you if you wanted to dance
They're looking for a little romance, given half a chance
And I've never seen that dress you're wearing
Or that highlights in your hair that catch your eyes, I have been blind

The lady in red is dancing with me cheek to cheek
There's nobody here, it's just you and me, it's where I wanna be
But I hardly know this beauty by my side
I'll never forget the way you look tonight

I've never seen you looking so gorgeous as you did tonight
I've never seen you shine so bright, you were amazing

I've never seen so many people want to be there by your side
And when you turned to me and smiled it took my breath away
And I have never had such a feeling
Such a feeling of complete and utter love, as I do tonight

The lady in red is dancing with me cheek to cheek
There's nobody here, it's just you and me, it's where I wanna be
Well I hardly know this beauty by my side
I'll never forget the way you look tonight

I never will forget the way you look tonight
The lady in red, my lady in red
My lady in red, my lady in red
I love you


I danced with my then young son and although the song is about a husbands admiration for his wifes beauty, I never felt more beautiful that night dancing  in my red dress. It was one of those indelible moments in the photo album of my mind. The feeling of being so accepting of myself and so in love with the perfection of the moment, like the song. It was in the present moment that he "sees" a beauty he appreciates beyond what he previously had..

It is New Years Eve 16 years later and I am attending a party where everyone is wearing fabulous glitzy clothes. I had not felt like dressing up this night so I am modestly dressed and not feeling fabulous by any means. I am content to just be where I am and am enjoying the company of my friends. The compliments are plentiful and well deserved between the other party goers.

As we are leaving, one of the fabulously dressed women says, "the thing I love most about living in this place is that my friends are always telling each other how beautiful they are" Te vez muy bien", is a common phrase in Latin countries. Ah yes!!! and especially in the Mexican town of San Miguel de Allende , where there are so many occasions to dress fabulously for. Women , both Mexican and foreigners , are generous and genuine with their compliments for each other.

I have been walking down the street when a woman I do not know well shouted, "tu eres hermosa",  from a passing car. You are beautiful!!!!
In that moment I felt the same as the night I was dancing with my son, wearing that red dress. 

This New Years Eve, my friends comment reminds me of how many times a simple compliment has brought that feeling back Since it is New Years Eve I feel this is a sign. This year I resolve to be more generous with my own compliments 
We all love and deserve to be the    LADY IN RED.