Going Gray

It has been 9 weeks since I have colored my hair. I have made a BIG decision. I am going to let my hair go to its natural color. Which is probably white. I have been thinking about doing this for a long time. 

When I started going gray, probably in my late 40's, I started getting root touch-ups. I could not face the thought of losing my beautiful red hair. Yes, I admit to having been vain about my hair all my life. It is my crowning glory! I have always loved being a redhead! 

I inherited my red hair from my mother's father, although I never met him. He died when my mother was 3 years old, and there are only a couple of pictures of him, all in black and white. My youngest brother also had red hair (now faded), and there is a distant cousin who inherited the gene. But all of my other siblings have brown hair. And neither of my children are redheads. I long for a redheaded grandchild, but none so far. See, redheads are rare! So I have hung onto my red hair over the years. 

But lately - I don't know. I haven't liked the way it looks. It almost ages me. It looks fake. My roots grow out too quickly. The dye doesn't "take" very well in areas. It is not my natural color now. I want to see how it really looks. I've got to go for it sometime. 

I have found support in the strangest places. My hairdresser, for one, is very excited to see how it looks. He promises to help me along the way. Both of my sons say, "What's the big deal?" Yeah, they think I'm old anyway. I found a group on Facebook called "Gray and Proud". There are many, many women going through the same process and supporting everyone by telling their stories and posting their pictures. 

This is a picture of my hair about a year ago when it finally started to get long (obviously edited). Color wasn't the issue - length was.

I have found that it is difficult to take a picture of the top of your head. This was taken about two weeks ago. See how the roots are beginning to show?

This is one of the pictures posted on "Gray and Proud". This is how I imagine my hair will look. Eventually.

I love this hair-do.

Another picture from "Gray and Proud". She is half-way there! 

These pictures give me hope. I know it will be a long road, but kind of an adventure too! Just another step into the next phase of my life. Oh my. And in my heart, I will always be a redhead!

My One True Indulgence

I am so far behind in my blogging. But today I am going to blog about my one true indulgence, thrift shopping. I went to the Goodwill Outlet store today. I think I have warned you before - the Goodwill Outlet store is only for the brave and hardy thrifter! But once you get the hang of it, treasures can be found for next to nothing. You put your cart on a scale and pay by the pound. You don't want to buy things like bowling balls, although I did buy one once to put in my garden. I think it cost around $7.00.

One of my favorite shows on PBS is "Lark Rise to Candleford". It is set in England in the 1850's. One of the main characters is the postmistress, who is fond of saying, "It is my one true indulgence!" She says this about a favorite item of clothing or a dessert or a glass of sherry. Everyone exchanges glances as she says it, but she ignores them. It has become my new favorite saying.

So here is my booty today. Tissue paper, a brand new kerchief showing the night sky, a stack of plain paper bags, a navy blue Relic purse, pink fabric printed with ukuleles, a white trash can, a cigar box, a ceramic owl mug, a stovetop percolator coffeepot, a new white lacy tablecloth, a throw rug, an orange sweater, vintage Christmas balls, and some blue and white china plates. Oh, and a wooden and canvas camp stool that I forgot to put in the picture because I was sitting on it. Okay, all this for $8.00.

Picnic, anyone? Here are the tablecloth and the pretty blue and white plates.

Very Autumny looking. 

What's not to love about this mug?

I just went camping last weekend and could have used this!

Here is another "tableau" of my treasures. Oh, I forgot to mention the cute painted letter "K". How could I pass that up?

I know, I know. It's gotta stop! But it's my one true indulgence.