Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Why I'll Be One of the First in Line to See 'Wonder'




Born with a facial difference, it's a rarity for me to see anyone featured on the big screen who has a similar storyline to my own – especially with a storyline that is seen in a positive light. When it comes to Hollywood, often people with facial differences are shown as villains, awkward and social outcasts, or are not shown at all. Yet, most real-life people I know with facial differences are beautiful from the inside out, changing the world one life at a time.

When I picked up the book, "Wonder," I couldn't put it down.

When I found out there would be a movie? My excitement soared. (Ironically, before looking to see who was included in the cast, I told my friend, "Oh gosh – I hope Julia Roberts plays the mom of Auggie, the main character with the facial difference. I can't imagine any other actress in that role." And to add to my excitement, the casting department agreed.)

I've been excited for several movies in my lifetime, but never quite as excited as I am for "Wonder."

My story may look different than Auggie's, but the basics are still the same. From medical treatments to the bullying, for the first time in my life, I'll be able to see a form of my storyline portrayed on the big screen.

When I talk to people who have read the book, I've learned how their perceptions of people have changed. I've heard the stories of discussions that parents have had with their children after their nightly reading, as "Wonder" took a turn on their nightstand. I've seen the concept of kindness being refreshed in people's minds and actions.

Books and words have the power to change the world – and "Wonder" has. And now it's about to hit the big screen, this Friday. I have yet to see the movie, but I can only imagine how this movie may impact the world for years to come. I can only imagine the impressionable minds that may see the movie during a family night, walking out of that theater remembering that people are people – regardless of what they look like, or don't look like – reminding to treat others with kindness for the rest of their days on this planet.

Because of the work I do as a speaker and writer with a facial difference, I'm constantly in a variety of Facebook groups for people with a variety facial differences – and "Wonder" has been a big debate on some of these pages.

Why?

Because the actor playing Auggie doesn't actually have a facial difference. He's a "typical" looking kid.

While I do agree that it would have been preferred to have a child with the actual medical condition play the role of Auggie, I don't know what went on behind the scenes in the casting process. Did children with the condition audition? I don't know. Did the directors try to find a child who not only can play the role, but who also lives it? I don't know that either. But the actor choice won't stop me from going to see the movie.

I can understand why some people may avoid the movie due to standing their ground. About 95 percent of characters with disabilities are played by able-bodied actors, and that needs to change. It's an important point to make, an important fact that needs to be changed. But I'm still going.

I'm still going because I want my ticket purchase to tell Hollywood that these movies are craved, that they are needed. I want Hollywood to know that I support the fact that they've made efforts towards showing someone with a facial difference in a positive light – and not just as the bitter, angry villain with a dramatic story. I want them to know that I'm glad they're sharing his story with love and humanity, and not with the stereotype that people with facial differences are "fearful" and "scary."

Photo found on the Wonder Facebook page.
But more importantly? I'm still going to see the movie, in theaters, because I want everyone walking in and out of that theater to know that the story of "Wonder" isn't just a Hollywood story. It's a story that's real.

I want them to know, to be reminded, that people with facial differences do exist. That they are real people...That I am a real person, sitting in the same movie theater, watching the same movie. I want them to know that facial differences go beyond the two hours of a story they just saw on the screen.

As I go to to the theaters to see the movie, I hope that anyone watching the 2017 production that may see me, will realize they can start practicing kindness in that moment.

They can start practicing kindness by not staring at me. By not asking with a rude tone, "What's wrong with your face?" They can show kindness by not calling me "contagious," or comparing me to a villain in their favorite superhero film. Kindness can be shown by not making assumptions about my story.

And better yet, I hope that if the movie leaves them with any questions about life with a physical difference, that they won't be afraid to come up to me and ask out of genuine curiosity and a desire to learn, while using gentle body language and tone. (Not everyone with a facial difference would be comfortable people doing this, so please be respectful if not all people with facial differences are open about their story.)

I hope the audience, including myself, walks out of that theater changed.

I hope that we are all reminded to always, always choose kindness – because kindness matters.

The Travelin' Chick,
Crystal

Are you taking a classroom or group to see the movie "Wonder," and are interested in having me join your group for a discussion? Contact me at: crystal@crystalhodges.com



Wednesday, July 26, 2017

20 Experiences From Online Dating With a Facial Difference

Y'all.

I'm pretty sure my last blog entry about starting the online dating journey has been one of my most popular entries in the comment section on social media. I was amazed to how many of you responded, related, and told me, "It's about time you joined!" (At least, that's what my mom said when I told her I joined.)

Since the first blog post last week, many of you keep saying, "I'm anxiously awaiting your next post about this."

Well, update: I joined one more site. (But is anyone really that surprised?)

I know, I know. I was already on three. But, since so many people went on and on about OkCupid, I decided I had to experience it for myself. Also, it's a blog project (with a side of hope to potentially finding someone to connect with)... So why not?

As a pro: So far it's the most interactive site, and out of all four of the ones I'm on, it's the cheapest. Not only that, but after a week on the site, it sent me a map showing me my top five states and countries that I hear from, and my weakest states and countries I hear from. Oh - and if you're considering online dating - you don't have pay to receive and send messages, like so many other sites require you to do.

I'm still not sure where it ranks with all the other sites, but it does have a variety of features most don't seem to have. (At least, in regards to the other three I joined.)

Anyways, here's the online dating update you have all been waiting for.

It's another list, but a little more in-depth. Odds are, not all entries will be in the form of a list. And, if I continue to get this much content every week or two, there will be many more entries to come.

1. I think I'm too sassy for online dating. One guy told me, "I miss your voice." I replied, "You've never heard it."

2. Sending me a message for the very first time, a guy told me, "Sexy - what happened to your face?" I don't even know where to begin with this one... I'm not sure that he realizes those two phrases don't really go together, and that they feel rather contradictory. Also, not all women feel comfortable with a stranger calling them, "sexy." (Or at all, rather.)

3. Another guy sent me a message for the first time. His message read, "FYI, you can use dermablend to cover it." (Referring to my facial birthmark.) I messaged back, "FYI, you clearly didn't read my profile." Told you, online dating is bringing out my sassy side. But, I did hold back from pointing out that "dermablend" should have a capital "d" since it's a name brand. It took all the restraint I had.

4. One guy wanted to meet for a date. He wanted to go for a movie and dinner. I asked, "What about coffee in the afternoon?" He agreed... and proceeded to tell me I'd have to drive to his city 45 miles away to pick him up as he didn't have a "working car."

Bro, it's 2017. Borrow a car. Call an Uber. I'm not going to get in a stranger's car, nor am I letting one in mine.

5. When someone messages me, but they don't show their face in their photos, I don't respond. I feel that if I can share my face in such a public format and be upfront about my birthmark, I don't need to reply to someone who can't show their face too.

6. Chatting with one guy, he told me, "I'm a lot shorter than you." I replied, "Yeah, maybe. But I'm a lot more purple than you." Quick-witted, he messaged back, "You don't know that. I could have my whole body tattooed purple." Instant kudos to him for rolling with my birthmark joke.

7. Texting with a guy, he wrote me and said, "You're one of the best texters I've seen in years." Jokingly, he continued with, "That alone is engagement ring worthy."

What can I say? I'm quite the texting catch.

8. To add to my list of conditions other guys have been open about, I've now also seen profiles that mention missing limbs, diabetes, and facial differences - including one guy who has the same birthmark that I have. Talking with him, he said, "I've tried treatments and read blogs from other people with the same condition." Little did he know, he'd make it into mine.

9. When I glance at people's profiles, I've realized that many 60-something year olds think they can pass at 25 year olds.  Although, I'm sure plenty of women are not honest about their age as well.

10. I've had a couple of guys express that they'd like to take me on a date. For some, asking me out was their first-ever message to me, and for others, we had already been talking for a few days. Yet, anytime a guy asks me, I freak out, "What if they're a serial killer - or something else super dramatic?" Then I rationalize, "Wait. I'm online on the same app, and I'm not a serial killer."

Realization: I think I've seen too many episodes of "Criminal Minds."

However, for a variety of reasons, I still have yet to agree to anyone who wants to take me out. So far they've either been a bit too pushy with too many red flags, it was too fast for them to ask, or it just didn't feel right.

11. Chatting with one guy on the phone for the first time, he was instantly ready to delete his profile 30 minutes into the discussion. And he kept trying to convince me to delete mine. I kept insisting that I had to meet him first and get to know him before I made that decision - while not wanting to also explain, "I'd like to meet someone - but this is also for a blogging project." Regardless if I were blogging about the online dating experience or not, that's a bit fast to ask someone to delete their profile.

12. Having a retired correctional officer as a dad has not gone to waste. All my childhood training on types of tattoos has come in handy as I sift through profiles. Tear drop tattoos on the face? Spider web tats on the elbow? Who knew this knowledge would come in so handy in my adulthood.

13. As I was talking with a guy who messaged me, this is how our conversation went:

Him: What do you do for a living?
Me: I'm an editor.
Him: Ohhhh that is very good.
Me: Yeah, I like it.
Him: I like that!!!!
Him: Wow.
Him: You are very very intelligent!!!!! Very good.
Me: Thanks. It's really just like a grammatical Easter egg hunt.
Him: You're very positive, I like that. And you have a very nice spark. I love that!!!
Me: Thanks.

Eventually I let the conversation die down. I couldn't handle the redundancy of, "I love that," or "I like that." He used those phrases so much, it felt a bit condescending. (There were also a few other annoyances.) Eventually he started messaging me every hour, saying "hi" and "hello." Growing tired of him blowing up my phone through the app, I took away his "chatting privileges" - an option Zoosk offers that I'm incredibly thankful for.

14. After a guy asked me, "Do you know any Spanish?" I explained I only knew a few words here and there - I didn't know it well at all. And I asked if he knew the language. He explained that he was Mexican and that he did know the language. Shortly after, he asked, "Can you tell me in Spanish?" I didn't know what to say, so I said nothing at all. Language wise, all I currently have to offer in Spanish is basically, "Hola quesadilla, underwear, and chicken taco. How are you?" (Although, I really do want to learn more.)

15. Many "men" aren't very gentlemen-like. Real talk. I know I'm on the more conservative side on the sex issue. Just writing number two on this list made me feel awkward, and I doubled checked with several people if it was OK to share the comment that was made to me. Once I had the approval of a pastor's wife, I decided to just go with it and share the blunt realities of this experience.

Yet, I'm not sure why a good chunk of men think they can get away with some of the personal and invasive questions they ask. I've even found myself bluntly asking, "Why is this such a common question on these stupid sites?" Four times in one day I was asked the same question, being told that I hadn't had "certain experiences" yet, that they wouldn't date me. That it "wouldn't work out." Not to be redundant with a line I used in my last blog entry, but... #ByeFelicia

16. I feel like I'm paying for guys to treat me disrespectfully. From comments about covering my birthmark with makeup to other innapropriate topics... A true gentlemen would not say, nor ask, the things 98 percent of these men are saying and asking. And, to clarify, it doesn't matter if I'm on Christian Mingle, OkCupid, Zoosk, or Match.com.

17. A guy messaged me on one of the apps. As we got talking, he asked me if I went to a specific high school - and I had. Turns out we went to high school together. I was surprised he remembered me, as I don't think we ever talked... Then again, I guess I do have an unforgettable face. ;-)

18. One guy's initial message read, "You are so beautiful. I love the color purple, and it looks so good on you." Another guy told me I had an "exquisite look." Again... I love the instant comfortability that some guys show.

19. When you share that you're online dating, people on your Facebook friend list (who don't even know each other) bond over digital "romance" stories - the good and the bad. Also, the singles randomly appearing in your inbox can turn out to be a nice surprise. (I even have had stranger a in Spain who read my blog email me about my singleness, wanting to set up Skype conversations if I am still "looking for a relationship.") If anything, I'm glad people have reached out - whether it was to inquire about putting an end to my singleness, or to relate to the tales never-ending.

20. I'm starting to think it would have been much easier to ask friends on social media if they had any single friends they thought would be compatible. There has to be a better, classier way to find someone.

Nearly a month in, I'm still trying to figure out what I think about online dating. There are days where I don't like it - at all. There are days where, like I said above, I feel like I'm paying to be disrespected. Then there are days where I can't help but think, "This is awesome!" as I chat with a really kind guy, who is more gentlemen-like than the majority I've interacted with on all the sites combined.

Yet, if I'm honest... By seeing the reactions from family and friends about my online dating experiences, I'm starting to wonder if just doing a basic, classy, non-desperate post of, "I'm single and ready to mingle," is all that it could potentially take. Who knows - you might see that kind of post and reply, "Oh, I know someone who is perfect for you!" to, "Hey. Remember me? I'd love to chat and see if there's something there worth pursuing between us."

And, as I relay all the stories and experiences to my mom, she even pointed out to me last night, "You know what's interesting? It seems, so far, that the guy you're interested in the most isn't even one you met on any of the sites."

Maybe, just maybe, being honest and saying to the world, "This is where I'm at," is all it takes.

The Travelin' Chick,
Crystal



Monday, July 17, 2017

25 Insights to Online Dating – From a Gal With a Facial Difference

You guys. I did it. I joined a dating site.

Wait.

Actually, I joined three.

About 75 percent was due to thinking, "This would provide great blogging content," and 25 percent was because I'm curious to see what the odds are I might meet someone. I've done a lot of traveling and have made my way around the world, but I've never had much luck in the dating department. And, now that I work from home, I don't leave the house as much as I used to, which means I don't meet a lot of new people - unless I'm out speaking, traveling, or at the Dutch Bros or Target check-out line.

I've been trying to decide when to reveal my new online dating hobby. Should I sign up, complete my subscriptions to the sites I joined, and then share on my blog? Or should I share as it is taking place? But then my friend told me I should do it as I go along, to help keep people enlightened on the experiences - and entertained. (She also told me, "then you can do a highlight reel once you've married Prince Charming" - so stay tuned for that one, y'all.)

While doing some research, some sites recommended not to join more than one to two sites at a time, in fear that the subscribed member will be overwhelmed with too many fish in the sea. But real talk. It takes a special kind of guy who will date a girl with a facial difference. And he has to be a Christian. I don't think I'll be swimming in an overstuffed ocean, so two weeks ago, I joined three sites (in this order):

1. Christian Mingle

2. Match (#2 Dating Site)

3. Zoosk (#1 Dating Site)

Christian Mingle was oddly silent, which is why I added Match to the list. But curiosity for the number one dating site also struck, and that's where I decided to add one last site.

While creating my profile, I mentioned I didn't care where people lived, that I wanted a Christian man, and my birthmark is obvious in my profile pictures - and I even mention it in my profile.

The concept of online dating has always been an odd one as someone with a facial difference. There was fear of honesty, "Will someone steal my image and turn me into a meme again?" But, I also embrace who I am as I am, and my birthmark is usually pretty good about weeding shallow people out of my life. After hearing from women who have been in makeup since the age of two, and women who have been forced to wear makeup to bed by their husbands - I needed to let the men know that this is me, and I don't feel the need to hide how God has made me. And, as I made the decision to be bluntly honest about my birthmark, I thought, "Well, I've already been a meme once." And I don't want to live in a mindset of fear. I wanted to be me, without the filters - whether they be digitally or cosmetically created.

My profile bio slightly varies from site to site, but here is the core of all three:

"I'm a 'God-sized' dreamer filled with humor, compassion, and adventure. I'm a frequent baker, photographer, and traveller. My beat-up passport has taken me to 14 countries - most recently to Taiwan. American Sign Language is my second language, although I'd love to learn Spanish next. I make it a point to laugh every day - even if means laughing at myself...because hey, laughter is the best. My favorite color is blue, unless glitter is an option. Then it's glitter...always, always glitter. 

Currently I'm an editor for a news organization in the LA area, but I work from home. Distance isn't an issue for me as I can take my work with me wherever I go.

I'm not like most gals. I mean, no one is exactly the same - which is one thing that makes this world such an incredible, beautiful place. We're all different, I just wear one of my differences on the outside. I have a purple birthmark that has been hanging out on the left side of my face my whole life. My birthmark doesn't define me, but the tales are never ending as it continues to help me grow as a person. I'm 100% open about it and don't feel the need to hide it. I mean, seriously...Purple is one of my favorite colors, and I get to wear it every single day. What's not to love? ;-) 

I'd love to meet someone here who loves a good adventure, has a good sense of humor, and who values their family. Also, someone who sees the beauty and importance of putting God in the middle of the relationship."
My profile photo on all the sites.
As I spend time online, connecting with a variety of people, here are some of my thoughts and experiences as an online dating newbie:

1. Online dating makes me feel like I'm Amazon shopping for men. Though, I have been told I'm a pro and finding awesome things online... So, maybe the odds are in my favor. But, I figure I've met many of my dear friends online - why not a potential future husband?

2. My photos of my birthmark made a 48-year-old man "tear up," but that's OK. He's an "emotional man." (I'm still trying to figure out why a 48-year-old man was viewing my profile, as a 25-year-old.)

3. The Christian dating site is a lot quieter than the non-Christian dating site. In the back of my mind, I can't help but wonder if silence is why so many Christian singles I know (including myself) are struggling to find someone.

4. Within the first discussion, a man insisted to know how much cooking and cleaning I'd do if we got married, and how much money I was willing to contribute for buying a house. When I refused to answer, he replied, "I guess you expect the man to pay for everything." Replying, I told him that I felt he was wanting to get to know my assets before he got to know me, to deem if I were dateable. I then decided I wasn't going to reply to any more of his messages.

5. After being asked if I wanted to have children one day, a man went on a long rant about how most women only want children so they can "feed off the man the old fashioned way..." and that we need to make sure we don't overwhelm ourselves in the "awful economy."

6. I've noticed that most men don't like showing happiness or joy in their profile photos, and many "forget" to put on a shirt. Unless their shirt was stolen, then I can't blame them for looking mad. (Smile guys - your smile is much hotter than an angry looking man who forgot to get dressed.)

7. It's interesting to see what people pick up on their first message. For one, it was that I'm bilingual in sign language. One man also replied that my username made them laugh, and that purple is their favorite color. Both won instant gold stickers for reading my profile...but the second guy got even more props due to instant comfortability with my birthmark.

8. Holding a conversation with a guy, he asked me, "Have you ever dated a black dude before?" But, it wasn't his first time asking me that question. So, I pointed out his repetitiveness and added, "Have you ever dated a gal with a half a purple face before?" Match.com showed he read the message, but he never replied.  Oops.

9. I felt very awkward sharing with anyone I joined the online dating world. Two weeks in, I finally shared about it with one of my closest of friends, and then a few days later I finally told my mom. After those initial two people, I the nerves were gone and I didn't mind telling anyone else.

10. Others are open about their medical conditions on their profiles as well. And it doesn't matter whether they have an "invisible" condition or a physical difference. So far I've seen guys open up about their eye patches (due to cancer), vitiligo, epilepsy, and autism.

11. At least half the men that I've started a conversation with have wanted to instantly figure out our lives together before we even know each other's names. Reading their quickly written, passionate messages, I'm left on my end with a loss of words.

12. A man wrote on his profile that his aunt, who is a nun, visits regularly. I love a guy with a close family, but I'm still perplexed as to why that was news worthy on his profile.

13. It's awkward to see someone you know on the same dating site. It shouldn't be. You're single, he's single... and it's 2017. Although, that may just be an awkward thing for me, considering I'm always awkward around people I have a slight interest in - and that includes this guy.

14. One guy shared on his profile, "I don't judge women by their appearances." But, on a lot of these dating sites, you can get very specific about the kind of person you're looking for. According to his list, he was very particular about the kind of woman he was looking for, ranging from her height, hair and eye color, to her body type.

15. Online dating makes me question my writing abilities, from my own profile to the messages I send. Do guys not reply because they haven't fully subscribed to the site? Because my profile says I'm an "editor," and I have a typo in the mix? I don't feel natural when I'm in the online dating world, and find myself often fumbling over my keyboard.

16. I was chatting with a nice guy, until he told me he produces porn. #ByeFelicia

17. When I asked one man about his faith and if he went to church, he told me, "I do have a church in the area. (I) was more involved in attending services while in a relationship. Maybe (I) just need the direction of a good woman holding my hand and guiding us back into the church together." Yeah, uh, no...That's not how this works. That's not how any of this works.

18. Grammar matters to me more than I realized was possible. (Proof: I edited the message I shared on number 15 before sharing it on my blog.)

19. Most men don't pay attention that I'm an editor, or maybe they don't care when they type their messages without punctuation or capitalization. And when they message me, I have a hard time turning my editor side off when reading what they send. But, I'm the kind of gal who, when sees a typo on a website, emails the person running it to let them know there is an error.

20. I've realized it's hard to know when you should give your number, if asked, or when it's OK to ask if you can send yours.

21. Apparently every man online is "funny," according to every profile that is filled out.

22. It's hard to balance people wanting to add me on Facebook, and my thinking, "But I want to blog about you..."

23. On these sites, they have you judge if you want to meet someone by their photo alone. They show the photo online, not sharing their username or giving you the ability to view their profile - until you rank you want to meet them. It feels very shallow to me to judge if I want to meet someone by their looks alone, like some of these sites ask you to do. A guy's appearance is not why I'm on there. Looks are ever fleeting, their foundation and core of who they are is what lasts.

24. On all three profiles, I told the dating sites I only wanted to date Christian men. I didn't mark any specifics on how much he had to earn, his body type, height, hair color or eye color...I didn't even care about distance. ('Cause you know, I'm the "travelin' chick.") Yet, the two non-Christian ones are constantly sending me profiles of people with different religious beliefs, atheists, and agnostics... Which I think is super odd.

25. Several guys have written to me to ask, "What happened to your face?" This is another sign that many didn't read my profile.

Two weeks into the online dating world, that's pretty much the basics of where I'm at - with both my experiences, observations and feelings.

...But don't worry, I'll keep you posted as I go from an online dating novice to becoming a pro. ;-)

The Travelin' Chick,
Crystal

Friday, May 26, 2017

What 'Beauty and the Beast' Taught Me as a Child With a Facial Difference

I finally saw Beauty and the Beast this weekend.

It was incredible.

While in recent years I've become an advocate of how villains are portrayed in movies, the 1991 cartoon version of this movie has been a constant favorite in my life.

I don't remember the first time I saw the movie, but I was young.

I loved Belle's personality. She had a sense of adventure, daring to be herself - regardless of what the townspeople said about her. Oh, and she loved her books. While they never showed her as a writer, I often pretended in my childhood that she enjoyed holding a pen to a piece of paper as much as I did.

But, as a child with a facial difference, my reason for loving this movie was so much more than relating to the beautiful Disney princess.

You see, I was born with a purple port wine stain birthmark that covers half my face.  Three in 1,000 have my condition, but as a child, I didn't know anyone else with a facial difference - let alone anyone with the same condition. Facebook support groups for people with birthmarks weren't a thing, and we still had dial-up.

Watching the movie's story-line unfold in front of me, I was in awe...Especially when Belle fell in love with the Beast.

Often, as a child, I would forget about my birthmark. Unless someone made a comment, stared, or I had a medical treatment, it wasn't the focus on my life. I was just a kid. I was just like everyone else. I was focused on hanging out with my cousin, watching "Boy Meets World," and building things with my Legos.

But, in that moment where Belle started to develop feelings for the Beast, I remembered my birthmark. I remembered my unique physical appearance.

"People who look 'different,' can find love too. Maybe someone will one day fall in love with me," I remember myself thinking.

At around 6 years old, I don't recall ever worrying about dating or finding love. I don't recall ever wondering if I would ever marry, or if anyone of the opposite gender would ever be able to see past my face's two-shaded skin tone. But as I watched Belle and the Beast fall in love, the thought of love was planted in my mind, and it would never leave.

I'm now 25 and still very much single. "Beauty and the Beast" still remains my favorite Disney film, but now we have high-speed internet, and Facebook groups for a variety of topics - including some for people with birthmarks like my own.

Discovering these social media groups for the first time, around the age of 21, I never realized how much I craved to connect with other people with the same condition. I made new friends with similar appearances, with similar stories.

Then, one day, the question emerged from my mind, "How many people who look like me have found love? How many are married, or are dating?"

I then found myself shamelessly clicking from profile to profile, curious on their marital status. My 21 years old, single self needed to know it was possible. I needed to know that the concept of "Beauty and the Beast" wasn't just a Hollywood story-line.

Last night, I asked my mom, "I know it was a different time with different resources when I was born, but did you ever consider trying to find someone with the same birthmark for me to connect with?"

She told me that she never thought to ask, as that seemed to be the farthest thing from the doctor's minds.

And for the first time, I told her about why I truly loved "Beauty and the Beast." I told her, "Growing up, I saw many married couples. But all those couples had typical appearances, none of them looked like me. 'Beauty and the Beast' was the first time I realized that people like myself could find love too."

As an adult, I see the even deeper connections I feel with the Beast. Like the Beast, society has a hard time seeing past the appearance. Like the Beast, rumors about my appearance travel. Like him, I'm often misunderstood and mistreated - all because of how I look. And also, his name. He's literally known as "the Beast." While several know me by name, as Crystal, strangers often refer to me by my appearance. And even some friends, who have known me my whole life, my name still doesn't go beyond the phrase of, "The girl who has something wrong with her face."

In a season and society of high expectations where where I've been asked to be on a show called Too Ugly For Love, Body FixersThe Undateables, and where I've been called "contagious," and "ugly," by blunt strangers....Beauty and the Beast gives me hope. One day, it's possible that I may meet someone who won't "shudder" when they touch "my paw." He may even love both me, and my birthmark - maybe just as much as I do. To one man, one day, I may be known as so much more than "the girl who has something wrong with her face."

The Travelin' Chick,

Crystal

Side note: As an adult, thinking about the movie through my advocate-tented-glasses, beyond my personal, childhood, experience, there are many other issues I could cover. But, if you'd like to read about those, feel free to check out this article by my friend, Carly.

Friday, March 31, 2017

To the Woman Who Feels She Can't Leave Her House Without Makeup On


A sweet gal from the Ukraine wrote to me today and shared that she has the same type of birthmark that I have.

Reading her words, she told me, "I am afraid to leave the house without cosmetics. How do you live without cosmetics? I'm afraid people will laugh at me and don't want to communicate with me."

I read messages like this on a weekly basis, and my heart breaks...Every. Single. Time.


My heart breaks, because I get it. I've been in her shoes...Afraid others will laugh, afraid of what others will say.

In fact, I've been in situations where people have done just that.

I've had to tell people to stop staring at me, and they've laughed as they continue their forever-long, awkward gaze.

A woman working at a well-known department store once refused to talk to me the whole time I sat in her cosmetics chair, as she put makeup on my face...Once I sat in her chair, she instantly switched gears and chose to only speak to to my mom. Sitting in her chair, she began to only see me as a birthmark, forgetting to see me as a person. Instead of feeling beautiful after my makeover, I left our session with a broken heart and my confidence feeling depleted.

People have told me I must be contagious, and they've even cursed in reaction to my face.

In addition, my image was once stolen, commented on by thousands of strangers writing their unkind words and opinions next to my unknown face, on the unexpected, popular Facebook post.

My heart breaks that this has to even be an issue in society - regardless of the country and culture people are born into.

But here's the thing...

In my journey, I've learned a lot.

When I went viral to over 30 million people, and endured some intense cyberbullying, I questioned many things. I remember asking myself, "Am I making life more difficult by not covering my birthmark? Should I be investing in the expensive, uncomfortable makeup, made for conditions like mine?"

It took a while, and with the help of my family and friends, I finally came to an important "ah-ha" moment.

A little foundation on my cheeks can't be the foundation of my confidence. That is not where my identity lies.

I mean, don't get me wrong. I like makeup. It's artsy and I think it's quite fun. Plenty of makeup brands sit in my own cabnent. But, I've always been taught that makeup is meant to enhance our natural beauty - not to hide it.

I am so much more than my birthmark on my face, and honestly - I think it's beautiful. Some have told me that it reminds them of a heart. Others have told me they love the ombre affect, and all the colors mixed within it.

I think it's beautiful, and hope the whole world sees it the same way one day.


And most of all? I've learned that with every cruel person, there are at least two or more people who are kind. People who are encouraging me on my journey, who see beyond my obvious difference.

Maybe you're in the same situation as the gal who messaged me - and maybe you don't even have a birthmark like ours. Maybe you've struggled with accepting your natural appearance, afraid to leave the house without a few layers of makeup on your face.

I've heard from a lot of people over the last few years, and I know she's not the only one who struggles with the same topic. Better yet, I know I'm not the only one who has struggled with the topic. Overtime, I've heard from woman who have been put in makeup at the age of two (yes - you read that right), and from women who's husbands have forced them to wear makeup to bed.

Ladies, I'm sorry that society has told us that we aren't acceptable to go out into the world just as we are.

I'm sorry that others have twisted the concept of beauty, turning it into a competitive sport, rather than treating us as a one-of-a-kind, priceless gem that we are.

I'm sorry there is an industry that has made millions off of our insecurities.

I apologize that it hasn't been reinforced enough that we can see the beauty in others, without tearing ourselves down in the process.

I wish we weren't handed a box on the day we are born, one full of society's unrealistic expectations...One that we feel we have to tightly squeeze into for the rest of our lives.

But hey. Guess what?

You're right. Others are beautiful...But can I tell you a secret?

Just because we see the beauty in other people, that doesn't make our beauty any less.

Iron sharpens iron, remember?

Regardless of what others and the world may try to tell you...

You are beautiful. (Or swagful, if you're a dude reading this.)

You are unique.

You are one-of-a kind.

You are beautifully and wonderfully made.

You are a rockstar in the skin you're in.

...And I hope you never forget that.

The Travelin Chick,
Crystal



Thursday, March 2, 2017

Whole Foods Market Makeup Review

Did you know that Whole Foods Market sells vegan, gluten free makeup?

Yeah, I didn't either.  And actually, I didn't even know vegan and gluten free makeup was even a thing...Not until recently.

Since learning about this type of makeup, I've had people laugh it off while asking, "Why would they make makeup gluten and vegan free?"

When I learned of it, I didn't laugh it off, but was confused as well. But then my friend told me why it was important to gals like herself.

My new friend has celiac disease.  Her conditions prevents her from eating anything gluten related, or even being touched by it.  Her whole body reacts, from her digestive system to her skin.  She was telling me about a time when her sister, who doesn't have celiac disease, was spraying her hair with a new hairspray.  Shortly after, my friend and her mom (who also has celiac) were both having reactions on their skin.

Turns out, the hairspray had wheat in it - and it travelled through their house's vents, sharing the fumes with everyone within it.

Speaking at an event at Whole Foods, I had the privilege of testing out some of their makeup before the event.  Now, while I taught about topics like beauty on my blog - I am far from being a makeup guru or blogger.  My review will come from the mindset of a gal with limited makeup knowledge, who still wears the same makeup her best friend told her to buy when she was standing in an aisle at Target at 17, buying makeup for the very first time...totally clueless.

All the products of my choice. I tried to stick to the same brand for everything,
for consistance purposes. 

1. Mineral Fusion foundation: Wowzers.  This felt great on my skin.  I've tried brands that leave my skin feel like they are suffocating.  But this?  It felt like, and instantly felt more on the natural side.  Because of my birthmark, I do have to watch out for sun exposure, so I did ask if the foundation had any sunscreen in the ingredients.  The sweet gal at Whole Foods told me that it didn't, but that the minerals used would help protect my skin in a more natural way.

2. Mineral Fusion powder: This stuff was great, however, it didn't have it's own applicator included.  The first time I tried the makeup, I was in a hotel, far from a local Target or CVS.  Luckily, I had my regular compact with me, which had the applicator in it.  So, the downer is, while I think the coloring looked good - I don't know how much of it was from my usual makeup choice, or how much was from the Mineral Fusion.  I also wasn't sure if they mixed together too much.  That being said, while it looked and felt great - I'm not sure how much of it was because of the Mineral Fusion alone.  Also, knowing the price of this makeup and how it compares to the price of my makeup from Target, I'm confused why a basic applicator isn't included.  I've tried about four or five makeup brands in my life, and this was a first for me.  (I'm not doing a star rating for the products, but if I were and it was based off a five star concept...This would take the review down to about 3.5 stars.  But I like simplicity, and  as someone who travels a lot, I like having things like this together.)

3. Mineral Fusion blush: Oh, what a great color!  I loved the way this looked, and was pleased with this product.

4. Mineral Fusion eyeliner: LOVED this.  This was the first time I've ever tried a liquid eyeliner, but I was in-love with it by the first stroke.  Granted, I still need a lot of practice using liquid versus what I'm accustomed to, but if I can get the hang of it - I will totally be buying a liquid form again.

5. Mascara: I liked the mascara.  Pro?  It looks a lot cleaner than the kind I've used from Target.  Less clumps, less mess. Con? I couldn't get it to pop as much I would prefer.  It came off onto my lashes on the light side.

Here I am, wearing the new makeup.
All-in-all, I like how the makeup feels and looks.  I also love the concept of wearing all-natural products.  All the products were great and I was super impressed.  The only two that lacked in some way were the mascara and powder.  Had the powder had an applicator?  I'm confident it would hit the highest rating.

Since this is a review, I will disclose full honesty.  I'm a 25-year-old adult and only work part-time.  While there is great power in the look of the makeup, the feel, and knowing it's natural...I won't be back to purchase it any time soon.  I simply cannot afford makeup that averages $17-$35 per product.  However, it's not completely off my list of future possible products to consider purchasing.  I'll definitely be keeping Whole Foods and their variety of makeup products in mind for the future, when it is within my price range, or on-sale. (Which, if you live in the Central Valley in California - the Fresno store has a sale taking place THIS month!)

I know many of you have skin conditions, like I have my port wine stain birthmark, so I did inquire about the products for those of you looking to coverup.  I very seldom choose to cover my birthmark, and meant to at least try before putting this up.  However, the lady who helped me pick out my products told me that the intent of this makeup is not to completely hide skin conditions such as my vascular birthmark.  She predicted that it would not achieve that goal, if that was what I wanted to do.   She still recommended using Merle Norman, Derma Blend, or other like products if that it the purpose of its use.

The Travelinchick,
Crystal


Monday, February 6, 2017

Valentine's Day Giveaway (2017)



It's almost Valentine's Day, and last year around this time, I did something fun that I really enjoyed
doing as a blogger.

Just like last year, I want YOU to be my Valentine.

You might be wondering, "How can I be your Valentine??"  Fair question.

Because Valentine's Day is the 14th of February, I'm going to list 14 items that I love - and I'm going to giveaway an item to TWO of my readers.  (Maybe you??)

Here are the rules to enter the giveaway:

  • "Like" my Crystal Hodges page on Facebook.  (If you've already done this - thank you!  You can skip to rule #2 and #3.)
  • Write on my Facebook post that links to this blog entry, and tell me which item you'd like to receive.  (If you're torn between a few of the items - don't fret.  Just list the items you're interested in...If you're picked, I will surprise you with one of them!)
  • Share this blog post with your friends.

On February 10th, 2017 (at 5 pm California time),  I'll pick two people.  Once I pick the two people, I'll announce their names on my Facebook page and I will then private message those selected, requesting their address.

And in case you're wondering....Yes, I am including my international friends in this giveaway! :-)

This is one way of thanking you for playing such a huge part in my journey.  You've spent your time reading my blog, encouraging, and supporting me.  This is the least I can do to thank you for being one of my 'people'.

Okay...So, what are 14 of my favorite things from the last 12 months?
  1. Book: Finding Your Voice by Natalie Grant
  2. Flavored Pistachios (Pick a flavor: Chili Lemon, Guacamole, Jalapeño, or Chipotle  They're a California specialty!)
  3. Travel Coffee Mug: Camera Lens
  4. Movie: A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story 
  5. Game: Five Crowns Card Game
  6. Book: Nothing to Prove: Why We Can Stop Trying So Hard by Jennie Allen
  7. Bicycle Pizza Cutter
  8. Children's Book: Adventures with Barefoot Critters by Teagan White
  9. Cookie Cutter: I Love You (ASL)
  10. CD: Love Remains by Hilary Scott & The Scott Family
  11. Book: Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst
  12. Movie: Pete's Dragon
  13. CD: Britt Nicole (Deluxe Edition) by Britt Nicole
  14. Coffee Mug: Oh, Snap! 

Thanks again for being such great friends and for reading my blog.  I'm thankful for you, and I can't wait to celebrate Valentine's Day with you.

The Travelin' Chick,
Crystal

Friday, January 6, 2017

Recognizing Beauty in the Brokenness: K-LOVE Radio Interview

It's no secret that I'm a big dreamer...A "God-sized dreamer".

One of my many God-sized dreams was to share my story with K-LOVE Radio...And today that dream became a God-sized reality.

When I first became a meme and went viral to over 30 million people - all because of my physical difference (a port wine stain birthmark - and Sturge-Weber Syndrome), I struggled; and I'm sure reading over 30,000 comments from total strangers probably didn't help much.

Pain overwhelmed my heart, and I had some incredibly dark days.  Many days I knew God would create something beautiful from the ugly situation I found myself in.  But there were days where I could only focus on the cracks that temporarily shattered my heart.

Although my heart has done a lot of healing, I still vividly remember the initial struggle.  I remember the pain, I remember how my journey took a drastic change two years ago.

Every time God takes one of my dreams and turns it into reality, I can't help but feel all the emotions...especially the sense of being overwhelmed with his love and purpose for my life.

The Japanese culture has a special tradition when certain things break...and while many may think this is a stretch - I feel God's response to our broken hearts is similar to their tradition.

When items break in Japan, "instead of tossing these pieces in the trash, some craftsmen practice the 500-year-old art of kintsugi, or 'golden joinery', which is a method of restoring a broken piece with a lacquer that is mixed with gold, silver, or platinum."

They do this to celebrate that items history, its story, its worth.  Even though it breaks, they still see it's value, adding even more value to the cracks with gold or silver - while most cultures have a tendency to just throw the broken things out.

But I feel God reacts in a similar way to our brokenness, if we stay willing and allow him to do so.  He recognizes the beauty in our brokenness, and He honors it. While our brokenness and cracks often make us feel worthless and damaged, he can fill in our gaps with a valuable, irreplaceable, beauty - like the Japanese do with the broken items and gold.  We feel like our value is gone, but God's saying, "just you wait and see."

Being cyberbullied and mocked for my appearance was shattering.  Yet, there's no way I could have ever imagined all that He had planned for the two years to follow: having a key group of friends surround me and lift me back up, sharing the stage with Natalie Grant, interviewing with K-LOVE, going on the TD Jakes Show (which aired on OWN: Oprah Winfery Network), being interviewed by People Magazine, amongst many other things?  Wow...What beauty.

If you're reading this and find yourself in dark times, fumbling around to find a light switch - know that I am praying for you.  I pray you'll hold on tight, and stay willing and ready for God to use you and your story - as He fills your cracks and brokenness with golds and silvers.

K-LOVE is one of my all-time favorite radio stations that I grew up with, and they're doing some incredible things around the world. I hope that I can work with them in the future, as more doors begin to open.  (And trust me - I think 2017 is going to be a BIG year with BIG, beautiful things to come.)

It's always been my goal to "make a difference with my difference" - and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to do so with K-LOVE.

Thank you, K-LOVE, for the opportunity, and for creating some beauty with my on-going story.

Check out the article they've written about my story.  Also included is one of my videos, a link to my blog, and my interview with them is listed at the bottom:

http://www.klove.com/news/2017/01/06/god-turns-cyberbullying-into-a-platform-for-true-beauty/

The Travelin' Chick,
Crystal Hodges

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