So…what is the Monday Poll?
Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).
1. Have you ever seen a shooting star?
Yup, many times. Last one I remember clearly was before Connor was born.
There was a meteor shower, and El Hub and I were looking out the window in the workout-slash-storage room (it’s now Connor’s room). We had been trying to have a child for a long time, and I realized pregnancy was not in the cards for us; our family would come together in an unconventional way. I let the idea of having a baby go.
Anyway, that night we were looking up at the sky, and at the same time, we saw a shooting star. I wished for the universe to send us a child.
A few months later, I found out that I was pregnant.
It was probably just a coincidence, but when Connor asked a while back how babies “get into a mom’s tummy,” I started off the conversation with, “Well, first you have to make a wish on a star.”
2. Splits or a backflip?
Um, neither. I’m not naturally flexible and have never done either one. If I worked hard at stretching for, like, years, maybe I could get into a split?
3. How often do you update your wardrobe?
Honestly, not enough. I hate shopping for clothes and only update things when there’s some sort of external element pushing me, like finding a bunch of holes in my tee shirts (why does it happen all at the same time) or being cold and looking in my closet and not finding any decent sweaters. LOL. Oh, my teenage and twenty-something self would be horrified. Baby Karen loved fashion!
4. How do you feel about jazz music?
I don’t really get the instrumental kind of jazz that meanders on for a long time. I don’t understand the structure of it, and I have a hard time with that.
I do love my jazz singers singing the standards, though, especially Julie London, Nina Simone, Peggy Lee and Billie Holiday.
5. Ice cream or a popsicle?
I’ll have an Outshine Popsicle today, please. Coconut flavor!
6. Pick a spa treatment: manicure and pedicure combo, mud bath or a body scrub?
I desperately need the mani and pedi combo.
7. What was life like for you in the early 2000s?
It had fun moments, but generally I was really uncomfortable. I was living in San Francisco and was in my mid-20s at the time, and I was stuck in a boring corporate job and unsure of what I wanted to do with my career.
8. Last scent you wore?
Hmm, it was Idole by Lancome! I haven’t worn it in ages, and I still like it.
9. Something you’re really good at naturally?
Running. I can run like a hamster on a wheel.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.
1. Have you ever seen a shooting star?
2. Splits or a backflip?
3. How often do you update your wardrobe?
4. How do you feel about jazz music?
5. Ice cream or a popsicle?
6. Pick a spa treatment: manicure and pedicure combo, mud bath or a body scrub?
7. What was life like for you in the early 2000s?
8. Last scent you wore?
9. Something you’re really good at naturally?
P.P.S. Happy Monday, sweet friend. This week is going to be stellar for you. Keep your head held high and remember — you can do this. Some parts of your week might be more challenging than others, but you have everything you need to make it happen.
Enjoy your day!
1. Have you ever seen a shooting star? Many times. I used to backpack in the Sierras and shooting starts were frequently seen. Satellites could also be occasionally seen moving across the sky.
2. Splits or a backflip? Neither.
3. How often do you update your wardrobe? I tend to buy well made classic clothes in good fabrics so I don’t need to sort through my wardrobe very often. If something is wearing out, I replace it with something new. That’s about it. I love fashion but never succumb to trendiness.
4. How do you feel about jazz music? It’s not my genre of choice, but I do appreciate it. My mother absolutely loved it and so there always seemed to be jazz playing in the background. There were some incredible jazz artists in the fifties and sixties.
5. Ice cream or a popsicle? Peppermint ice cream.
6. Pick a spa treatment: manicure and pedicure combo, mud bath or a body scrub? I’ll take a mani-pedi.
7. What was life like for you in the early 2000s? I still had two teenagers living at home so life was nonstop action.
8. Last scent you wore? This morning I spritzed on some Bitter Peach. Such a polarizing scent! But, I always get compliments on it.
9. Something you’re really good at naturally? I can be very calm and authoritative when dealing with emergencies so people have confidence in how I handle things.
1. Have you ever seen a shooting star? No but I found out through an almanac when it happens monthly so I visit a low light pollution area to see it .
2. Splits or a backflip? spilts for 100 alex. If only i could.
3. How often do you update your wardrobe? every couple years.
4. How do you feel about jazz music? i like it . i watched a miles davis documentary and I loved it.
5. Ice cream or a popsicle? dairy free icecream .
6. Pick a spa treatment: manicure and pedicure combo, mud bath or a body scrub?mani /pedi
7. What was life like for you in the early 2000s? it was a wild time
8. Last scent you wore? afternoon swim by louis vuitton.
9. Something you’re really good at naturally? reading . i love it .
Have you ever seen a shooting star? Yes, when we lived in Michigan (early 80’s) in the boonies, the stars were so much brighter as well.
2. Splits or a backflip? Back in the day, I could do a split, unfortunately those days are long gone.
3. How often do you update your wardrobe? Only when something wears out or tears.
4. How do you feel about jazz music? Some things I really like, Diana Krall is excellent.
5. Ice cream or a popsicle? Ice Cream!
6. Pick a spa treatment: manicure and pedicure combo, mud bath or a body scrub? Any of the batch – love manis/pedis, never had a mud bath or body scrub, but I’m open to it.
7. What was life like for you in the early 2000s? Great! I was back in school to get a master’s degree in nursing, my kids were off to college, I was still young (?).
8. Last scent you wore? I make most of my body products and just made a hair butter with a Chanel #5 dupe. It smells lovely.
9. Something you’re really good at naturally? I’m crafty. I started making soap about 12 years ago, then went into shampoo bars, lotions, scrubs, lip balms. I love it.
1. Have you ever seen a shooting star? Yes. One of the fun parts of being an airline pilot is you get the best view in the house.
2. Splits or a backflip? I was in ballet for years and I could do the splits. Backflip – not so much.
3. How often do you update your wardrobe? When something wears out. I hate shopping for clothes and live in relaxed pants and Fisher’s Finery T-shirts.
4. How do you feel about jazz music? I like the old classic jazz.
5. Ice cream or a popsicle? Popsicle.
6. Pick a spa treatment: manicure and pedicure combo, mud bath or a body scrub? Body Scrub.
7. What was life like for you in the early 2000s? I left flying to get my doctorate in one of the forensic sciences and never went back. It was crazy busy with working and a home I’d bought and school but I was single so it was just a big adventure for me.
8. Last scent you wore? Invoke by Ambreblends ( a hypoallergenic fragrance crafter in Indianapolis IL one of the only lines that don’t irritate my eczema).
9. Something you’re really good at naturally? Swimming.
1. Have you ever seen a shooting star?
I don’t think so!
2. Splits or a backflip?
I used to have splits really easily. I don’t have to train hard for a front split, but I have a connective tissue disorder and it’s really hard on my joints, so I stopped pushing that. My left hip is in bad shape. Center splits, my hip bones were just not shaped in a way that that was possible.
3. How often do you update your wardrobe?
Seasonally I like to buy some new things!
4. How do you feel about jazz music?
Not a go-to but it makes me think of Cowboy Bebop, which I love.
5. Ice cream or a popsicle?
Ice cream! In a cone. There’s a local chain here that makes a strawberry cheesecake chunk flavor that’s so good.
6. Pick a spa treatment: manicure and pedicure combo, mud bath or a body scrub?
Oooh body scrub sounds fun.
7. What was life like for you in the early 2000s?
Not great. I was in high school and had an eating disorder for a lot of it.
8. Last scent you wore?
L’Occitane Fleurs de cerisier – cherry blossom. Love!
9. Something you’re really good at naturally?
Forward bends.
1. Wow, your story about the last shooting star you saw before Connor was born is incredible! How beautiful. I think I’ve seen a shooting star before. But nothing as amazing as your story!
2. I can do a front flip on our trampoline. Would like to learn how to do a backflip!
3. I noticed lately that 80% wardrobe turns over every 2-3 years. Whenever I buy a couple new pieces, I usually cycle out a few pieces. Most of my clothing purchases are from thrift stores, and that is where I take my old clothes when I’m done with them, too!
4. I don’t know? I like the meandering jazz as background music. It’s fun “main character” energy as you go about your day.
5. I’ll go with ice cream! mint chocolate chip, please.
6. I’ve never done a body scrub, that sounds like it might be an interesting experience.
7. Good! I was in college having a blast.
8. Si by Georgio Armani. Mmmm, smells SO yummy.
9. Peopling. I’m really good with people: reading people, making people feel welcome/included, organizing people, supporting people who need it, being encouraging when people need it, building community…that kind of thing. I’m jealous of your natural running skills! I have ZERO natural running skills. Though, I do play soccer which is fun! I can only run in short spurts.
1. Have you ever seen a shooting star? Yes, I love them. And I 100% believe wishes on shooting stars come true.
2. Splits or a backflip? HA! Neither. I’m sorta able to do a cartwheel, that’s it.
3. How often do you update your wardrobe? I just did that! I moved from CA to MI, and needed winter clothes. But normally, not often. I have a very casual style, so adding a piece here and there is all I need.
4. How do you feel about jazz music? If Ella Fitzgerald is singing it, I’m down.
5. Ice cream or a popsicle? Popsicles. They aren’t popular in MI, ice cream is king. I love ice cream, but popsicles are so refreshing. Plus, I can eat two popsicles, but only one ice cream. Lol!
6. Pick a spa treatment: manicure and pedicure combo, mud bath or a body scrub? I need a pedicure, that would be heaven.
7. What was life like for you in the early 2000s? I had my first daughter in 2002, the early 2000’s are a blur.
8. Last scent you wore? Nest Citrine. My favorite!
9. Something you’re really good at naturally? Intuitively knowing when someone needs to talk, or if they need a hug, or if they need to vent.
Ps. I love that Connor was your wish come true!
1. Have you ever seen a shooting star?
Yes, it feels magical and surreal.
2. Splits or a backflip?
Absolutely not, lol.
3. How often do you update your wardrobe?
I purchase new things and retire things I no longer wear regularly, but it feels organic and never like “I need a new wardrobe” kind of thing. I try really hard not to be wasteful/excessive or partake in fast fashion.
4. How do you feel about jazz music?
Love it! Especially experimental. I love Alice Coltrane and Sun Ra, try to see live jazz at SF Jazz when I can.
5. Ice cream or a popsicle?
Ice cream.
6. Pick a spa treatment: manicure and pedicure combo, mud bath or a body scrub?
I would love a mani/pedi.
7. What was life like for you in the early 2000s?
Good for the most part. I moved to SF from NY in 2001, did some traveling, made art, made very 20-something mistakes.
8. Last scent you wore?
Le Labo Jasmin 17. One of my all time favorites
9. Something you’re really good at naturally?
Staying calm in stressful situations.
1. Have you ever seen a shooting star? Weird that I haven’t since they seem more common than I thought!
2. Splits or a backflip? Neither. I’d probably hurt myself badly.
3. How often do you update your wardrobe? I buy a few things every season, but I donate older things every season as well.
4. How do you feel about jazz music? I can’t say I’m a fan, but I appreciate the history and artistry.
5. Ice cream or a popsicle? Ice cream
6. Pick a spa treatment: manicure and pedicure combo, mud bath or a body scrub? I’ve done a mud bath once and it was surprisingly relaxing.
7. What was life like for you in the early 2000s? Full of possibilities! I was single for the first time in a long time and spent time traveling with friends (and future husband!)
8. Last scent you wore? I’m wearing Jo Malone Yuja cologne today.
9. Something you’re really good at naturally? I’m a fairly quick learner so learning new things and picking up new hobbies can be a lot of fun.
1. Have you ever seen a shooting star?
Yes, the stars are so bright here and there isn’t much light pollution!
You made me cry with your answer to that one Karen!
2. Splits or a backflip?
If I did either I wouldn’t be able to walk after!
3. How often do you update your wardrobe?
I’m certainly not into trends but I do enjoy thrift store shopping, so fairly often.
4. How do you feel about jazz music?
Boring. But like you said the classic jazz singers are good!
5. Ice cream or a popsicle?
Pistachio ice cream please!
6. Pick a spa treatment: manicure and pedicure combo, mud bath or a body scrub?
Mani/pedi with a bright color to get through the rest of winter!
7. What was life like for you in the early 2000s?
Lots of fun! I was in college and my life was one big party!
8. Last scent you wore?
Donna Karen Cashmere mist.
9. Something you’re really good at naturally?
Spelling.
1. Have you ever seen a shooting star? I thought I saw one once, through the corner of my eye. This area has so much light pollution and air pollution, you’d be lucky to see even one in a lifetime.
2. Splits or a backflip? Neither. Like you, I was never all that flexible. I was also afraid of getting hurt.
3. How often do you update your wardrobe? Before the pandemic, about every 3 or 4 years. I’ve been disappointed about clothing quality for a long time now, and it has only gotten worse of late. It’s so hard to find quality, 100% cotton clothing now.
4. How do you feel about jazz music? I like it (exept I don’t much care for Dixieland jazz). I like most the 1950s-1960s jazz (like the Vince Guaraldi Trio).
Also, “Take Five” is a classic of the genre.
5. Ice cream or a popsicle? Ice cream. Popsicles are for summer.
6. Pick a spa treatment: manicure and pedicure combo, mud bath or a body scrub?
Manicure and pedicure combo.
7. What was life like for you in the early 2000s? Same boring ****. Go nowhere job, low pay, nothing worthwhile about my life then or now, really.
8. Last scent you wore? My Queen, by Alexander McQueen. Discontinued. I’m still using a bottle that’s quite old.
9. Something you’re really good at naturally? I don’t think I was born with any particular skill, except possibly a better-than-average ability to draw and to see the way a realist artist sees things. I’ve acquired a good many skills through hard work and repetition, though.
1. Have you ever seen a shooting star? No, but wish I did and will one day!
2. Splits or a backflip? Neither. OMG, I would kill myself.
3. How often do you update your wardrobe? I add pieces all the time.
4. How do you feel about jazz music? I prefer Pop music and old-time free style (ala Brooklyn disco era).
5. Ice cream or a popsicle? Ice cream. Coffee with walnuts. Yummm.
6. Pick a spa treatment: manicure and pedicure combo, mud bath or a body scrub? Body Scrub sounds awesome right now.
7. What was life like for you in the early 2000s? Married, divorced, and married again.
8. Last scent you wore? Philosophy Amazing Grace
9. Something you’re really good at naturally? Cleaning, organizing, and decorating.
It took me long enough to sit down with my laptop and read all my blogs this week. So here goes
1. Have you ever seen a shooting star? Yes, while camping as a kid
2. Splits or a backflip? Too tight for splits. But at one point in my life I could flips back and front. You just gotta get springy enough to do them.
3. How often do you update your wardrobe? Whenever something wears out or I accidentally stain it or slice it.
4. How do you feel about jazz music? Meh
5. Ice cream or a popsicle? I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!!!
6. Pick a spa treatment: manicure and pedicure combo, mud bath or a body scrub? Can I just get the manicure? My cuticles are raggedy!
7. What was life like for you in the early 2000s? Dear Daughter was in grade school and Dear Husband was well employed. And I was happy.
8. Last scent you wore? My SoTD is Etat Libre d’Orange Afternoon of A Faun. It’s been discontinued as far as I can tell and I probably only have one more spray before I “thunk” that bottle.
9. Something you’re really good at naturally? Anything with eye/hand coordination over space and time. Driving a car, ice skating, skiing, piloting planes or horses.