Maria wearing make-up is something I never thought I would see, and may only see once or twice again. Nothing but her comrades in her belly dancing class could make this happen.

After a recent performance, where she showed up looking like a raccoon when she made up herself for the first time, the other dancers got together and huddled.

They met with her, gave her make-up lessons, and even some of their favorite make-up. She loves them all.

They taught her how to do it for the two upcoming performances in Bennington, Vermont, this summer.

Maria has never worn make-up and doesn’t want to, but nothing is too much to ask for her belly-dancing sisters; they are a close-knit and ferociously supportive group.

I asked her if I could take a photograph to share on the blog. It could be a once-in-a-lifetime portrait.

This weekend marks our 14th wedding anniversary, one of the best days of my life. We’re off for two days – Friday and Saturday – to the beautiful old Vermont Inn, where we honeymooned and go every year for our anniversary.

No blogging, no devices, just love and books and good food. And lots of sleep. The last few months have been a trial, I can’t speak for her, but I would never have made it through without her.

We’re leaving early Friday morning and back around noon on Sunday. I can’t quite get used to her in make-up, but she did this herself, and it looks pretty good to me. What do I know? I’d love her if she wore mud on her face.

Some days, she does.