I have been so lucky to have spent close to two weeks housesitting for a lovely family. It's been so wonderful having two beautiful pets to play with and care for: a friendly ginger girl cat, and Pappi the Papillon.

Now when I see someone else with large or noticeable scars, I think about his or her spirit. I think about how he or she experienced something that was difficult or even traumatic, and survived and is now flourishing. To me, that's the most attractive quality any person can possibly possess -- unfailing optimism, power, courage, strength of mind. To me, a scar is a beauty mark.

"We are all beautiful." "Everyone is beautiful to somebody." It's cheerful stuff. It builds the self-esteem, makes people feel valued, and spreads joy and happiness across the Internet. It's also bullcrap.