Photo by T.J. Ciprino
Jacqueline McClure

Growing Up: Memories and experiences from childhood

On my tippy-toes and with one swift hop, I could reach it on the bureau. Ha got it! Looking both ways to make sure no one would see me, I ran into the bathroom and climbed on my stool to catch a glimpse in the mirror. Just like mommy, I twisted the tube and out came the lipstick. At an attempt to be graceful, I applied the color to my lips and most of the lower half of my face. I realized the lipstick smelled good so it had to taste good too, right?

Note to self: Christian Dior lipstick doesn’t taste good.

~Jacqueline McClure, Friendship Heights

Photo by Yvette Stewart
Jackeline Stewart

My roommate says I take long, hot showers. My bathroom mirror is always foggy and hers is always clear. My grandmother used to carry a bucket of water up a flight of stairs, boil half of it, and mix it with the cold water so I could take short, warm baths in Panama. No water came out of her pipes.

I will always take long, hot showers.

~Jackeline Stewart, Van Ness