Beauty Icon: Nanna Joan

Joan and Pat Molloy

My Nanna Joan stands 5 foot 11 at 89 years of age, and was just one inch shy of her beloved Pat when they were married. I wasn't surprised to hear that as a young woman, Nanna struggled with her height and slouched, but I can only remember her standing tall and proud as her rose bushes.  


For the most part, I was oblivious to Nanna's height growing up but was always taken with pride when introducing her to admiring friends. In bare feet she stands almost a head above me, and looks right at home sandwiched between her 4 sons, well over 6 feet themselves.


Nanna is not only big in stature, she is big in heart and when you are hugged by her you really, truly know it. My daughter is showing signs of being tall herself, and I love that she has a beautiful example of how to carry oneself with amazonian grace.


What about you lovely readers? Who is your beauty icon?


x

Beauty icon: Marilyn Monroe

'Beneath the makeup and behind the smile I am just a girl who wishes for the world.'

I love this photo of Marilyn Monroe, taken before she became known for her iconic platinum curls and red lips. She looks so young and unaffected and her natural beauty is breathtaking.

I find it sad that celebrities seem to be smoothed and refined and shaped into variations of someone else's vision of the 'perfect woman'. Of course, Marilyn (or Norma) had gorgeous genes to begin with, but I can't help wishing we saw more of her 'beneath the makeup'.

Once a week, I will post a photo of a woman I believe shows beauty beyond what we have come to accept as normal. I want to celebrate those brave souls who stand strong against the tide and embrace their uniqueness.

Who would you like to see on Beaunz, lovely readers?

x