Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker recalls their mother starting each day with a cigarette and lipstick, suggesting a routine of self‑care and perhaps a hint of rebellion.
In plain terms
She began her day with a smoke and lipstick.
What can you take from it?
Rituals can define a person’s identity.

Where it applies

  • describing a parent
  • reflecting on upbringing

Putting it to work

  • use vivid details in storytelling

Questions to consider

  • What does this ritual say about her personality?
  • How does it affect the narrator’s view of her?

Another view

The quote may romanticize unhealthy habits.

More from Phil Hendrie

  1. (On conducting safety random home invasions) You witness a man assault you, take off his pants, fold 'em up, put 'em on the bed... and then he stops; when you …

    Permalink to quote #340
  2. My mother used to come to me with her house coat open and drinking a cup of cheap chinese table wine.'

    Permalink to quote #342
  3. Well, would you rather open and close doors or be lashed to a barn door and be assualted by...by three guys coming up on ATVs?

    Permalink to quote #339

Related quotes

  1. 'Naturally,' observed Nikolai Petrovich, 'you were born here, so everything is bound to strike you with a special -' 'Really, Daddy, it makes absolutely no dif…

    Ivan TurgenevIvan Turgenev quote #1
  2. Interviewer: Aaaand finally, Jade, since you're named after an ornamental stone used as decoration, do you have any kids?

    Jade PugetJade Puget quote #3
  3. As a family, we have been very fortunate to find a happy lifestyle in this country and we feel we belong. We still consider ourselves to be Georgian, because t…

    Katie MeluaKatie Melua quote #6