Maria, I love this piece.

It reminds me of these song lyrics:

"Some girls feel best in their tiny dressesSome girls, nothing but sweatpants, looking like a princessSome girls kiss new lips every single nightThey're staying out late 'cause they just celebrating life[Pre-Chorus]You know some days you feel so good in your own skinBut it's okay if you wanna change the body that you came in'Cause you look greatest when you feel like a damn queenWe're all just playing a game in a way, trying to win at life[Chorus]Most girls are smart and strong and beautifulMost girls work hard, go far, we are unstoppable"Most girls": Our fight to make every day, no two are the sameI wanna be like, I wanna be like most girlsI wanna be like, I wanna be like most girlsI wanna be like, I wanna be like[Post-Chorus]They're staying out late 'cause they just celebratingI wanna be like, I wanna be likeThey're staying out late cause they just celebratingI wanna be like, I wanna be like"

****Maria, I like the way you model beauty and self-confidence for your 4 year old.

I admire you, with several kids, keeping up with your makeup.

I look so much better with concealer, filled-in brows and Lancome mascara. It takes about 2 minutes? and yet I put everything else before it....I keep trying to change that...do you build in non-negoitiable time for makeup?

As a nearly 60 year old legal guardian (with my husband) to a 13 yo girl, and someone in recovery from sugar addiction, I really struggle with self care. I used to think eating a beautiful cupcake was a way to take care of myself.

Thank you for reminding me how important beauty is.

And--I hate it when mothers turn on other mothers. It is just so icky. We need to support one another, not go back to Mean Girls in high school halls, you know? I've found mothers judge mothers harshly--re. work from home, parenting styles, misbehaving children, etc.

Love your essay.

Sincerely, Alice