Yesterday Was A Hairy Day...

So Many Hairstyles - So Little Time!

I am a bit bipolar when it comes to my hair. I want it long, then I want it short....oops, mistake. I want it long again. I've been doing this since I was about 17 or so. I don't know why. 

Imagine my delight when I heard of Locks of Love! It gave me a mission! Who knew that growing and cutting off hair could serve such a purpose! Also people who may have thought a middle-aged women shouldn't have hair this long surely wouldn't complain if it is for a charitable purpose! Yep. I went from crazy-hair-lady to noble-lady! I'm still bipolar about my  hair, but at least my craziness helps others.

The first time I donated to Locks of Love (2004) I gave 22 inches of hair. It was kind of fun! I went in to my hairdresser's on a Saturday morning. No one else was there when I arrived. However, just before she cut off my ponytail, her husband stopped in with her 4 or 5 year old son. He stood watching as she cut. Really, 22 inches is a lot of hair and when it comes off all at once, I guess it looks rather dramatic. Her son started screaming, "Mama! You broke her hair! You broke it!" He was so distressed; I quickly reassured him that I wanted her to do it but I am not sure he ever believed me. He may have been scarred for life. I hope not.

I kept my hair short for awhile after that. I thought I was too old to grow my hair long again. I was also expecting it to go gray any minute, but it didn't. So, I started growing it out again.

In 2009 I donated again to Locks of Love. At that time I was working as a chemotherapy nurse. Ironic, huh? I was giving other women drugs that made their hair fall out yet I easily grew mine long again. I got the bright idea that I would ask one of the patients if she wanted to cut my hair off before I went to get it styled. I chose a woman who had battled cancer repeatedly for years. She told me she had lost her hair at least three different times. She had a good sense of fun and was delighted to accept my offer. As it turned out, someone at our clinic asked me to have her do it at a cancer survivor party. I agreed. I didn't realize that the local tv stations would be covering the event, as well as our newspaper! What a strange experience.

I wasn't blogging yet then, but my daughter did a post about the event. You can read about it here if you'd like, just keep in mind that my daughter wrote it. She's the president of my fan club! When I look back at those photos I remember a day of fun and joy. We were celebrating life and friendship. The woman who cut my hair, Sharyn, survived a long time after her first diagnosis of cancer. Sadly, the day did come when we had to say good-bye to Sharyn. I will always remember the fun she had that day, though. She really got into it and charmed all who watched her short hairdressing career. I went to my hairdresser later that day. I didn't choose my own style but instead, let my hairdresser do whatever she wanted. 

This time I'm going to change things up a bit. For one thing, I've been researching hairstyles on Pinterest for a month or two. Just when I've decided on one, I see another I like. So many hairstyles; so little time! If you are looking for a new hairstyle, follow Only the Manager on Pinterest and check out my hairstyles board. Don't be surprised if you feel overwhelmed by the choices, though. As I type this, it is a matter of only hours until I go get the deed done and yet I've not decided on my style. 

For another change this time, I'm thinking I will send my ponytail to Wigs for Kids. I don't really care which organization handles it, as long as someone who can't grow their own hair gets a turn at combing and curling and primping and styling.

So, how do you manage your hair? Do you like to try different styles or have you found one that just feels like YOU and so you stick with it?

Good-bye long hair...for now.

These Are The Days - Father's Day at Independence Rock

Mike had a request for Father's Day.

He wanted us all to go to Independence Rock.

So we did.

Sam came along with us and

Maria and Eric and girls followed behind

We were missing Ben and Sara.

Mike and Elise greeted with a snuggle.

We weren't short on dogs!

This was the first time for Bode to meet our new Granddog, Atomic Betty Sprinkles (Betty).

He liked her.

Maria and the girls and dogs partway up Independence Rock

We sent the guys on up while we relaxed in the shade.

The nearby creek was a hit.

Water and kids just go together!

Like I said...

It was a hot day.

The dogs were so happy to cool down.

Bumblebee kept rubbing her face in the mud.

Yes, Bode is urinating in the creek.

Elise didn't want to leave.

Bode is still urinating.

Our daughter was mistaken for a professional model this week-end.

Can you see why?

The scenery on the way home was lovely, very Wyoming.

Sam and Bode had a little trouble getting comfortable in the back seat.

I'm kind of afraid Sam will be mad at me for using this photo,

but I couldn't help myself.

He's really easy going.

He'll forgive me.

Pretty sure.

Wedding Sweetness

1 Peter 4:8

Above all, love each other 

deeply, 

because love covers 

over a multitude of sins.

The wedding on the mountain went well yesterday. 

I was proud to be the date of the most handsome man there.

There was a few unplanned events that occurred. I expect they will be the things those families speak of for years to come. My favorite was when the sweet little flower girl got almost to the wedding party when she kind of froze. I saw the groom beckon her to come to him, which she did. He then bent down and seemed to reassure her. Then, he calmly leaned down, scooped up a handful of flower petals and tossed them about. The little girl then went and sat down, calm and happy. It pleased me to see the groom deliver the petals. It was sweet.

Don't you think the things that go wrong at a wedding are sometimes the best parts? Tell me some stories of things that happened at your wedding, or any wedding, that made you smile or touched your heart.

The Grandma From Adams Park

Last night I went with Mike to a wedding rehearsal and the dinner that followed. As a pastor, he is usually invited to rehearsal dinners. I didn't know anyone in the wedding party but I went along as Mike's date. It isn't always my favorite thing because I feel awkward, but I usually end up having a good time. Also, my friend, Celia, was related to the groom so I was hoping she'd be there as well.



At the dinner the groom started introducing us to his family. One lady came rushing forward saying, "You're the grandma from Adams Park!" I must say, no one has ever called me that before! It took me a second but I realized she was the other grandma from Adams Park.


Last Saturday I took my granddaughters to the park, remember? Well, she was that little boy's grandma and we'd visited for about an hour that day. Toward the end of our time at the park, our daughter Maria came to meet us and she also met the lady. Her grandson had run up and given Maria a hug that day, much to his grandmother's surprise. She had told us that he never gives hugs.

Last night, as I visited with her, I learned more. I saw my friend, Celia, arriving. I asked the other grandma if she knew Celia and her husband. Well, indeed she did! She was my friend's sister! There's more to it than that! My granddaughters live in the house where the other grandma, and Celia, grew up!

To be honest, I didn't really even want to go last night. I had gotten up at 4:30 yesterday and an evening of relaxing sounded pretty good. But see, I had a delightful time and learned all these cool little connections.

These Are The Days - Library Story Time

Time With Sam

Sometimes it is hard for me to have time with our youngest, Sam. He lives at our house but we have very different schedules and often we are going in different directions. He's a nice person, interesting and funny, so I've been kind of lonely for him.

Recently, though, we started finding time on occasion to go to the gym together. While some young men his age might try to avoid going to the gym with their mother, he doesn't seem to mind. In fact, he really encourages me to keep going. Although, if I keep taking photos of him with my cell phone, he may not keep going with me. Sorry, Sam.

I love this time with Sam!

Date Night Fright

So here's a funny horrible story.

Last night Mike & I went out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary. We had a very lovely time visiting and eating tasty food. Our waiter even talked us into a triple chocolate dessert, even though we were really too full for that. We ordered one to share. Romantic, huh?

A friend of our's happened by our table. She stopped and chatted and, knowing it was our anniversary, asked how many years we'd been married. It was a pleasant little visit. She went back to her own table shortly after our chocolate whatever dessert arrived. I know, I know this does not seem like a horrible story.  Just wait for it, though.

When we were all sweetened up on chocolate, our waiter returned with our check. He said he'd overheard it was our anniversary so he'd "taken care of" the cost of our chocolatey dessert. That was sweet, don't you think? I'm sure he didn't actually have it taken out of his paycheck or anything. I know the waiters get to do stuff like that sometimes. It is meant to build up grateful and faithful clientele. This still doesn't seem like a horrible story, does it? Well, horrible things usually happen when you least expect them.

Our waiter then said something about the anniversary he thought we were celebrating.

He thought it was our 55th anniversary!

55!

I truly hope Mike and I get to celebrate our 55th anniversary, but not until we are 75 years old!

Mike and I were likely looking a bit tired, but did we really look to be 75 years old?!

The dumbest part of the story is this.

I worried that he would feel so embarrassed and bad about his blunder...

...I gave him a big tip.

This is a very sweet photo of an unknown couple.

It is NOT us.

(Photo from Google Images via homesforheroes.wordpress.com) 

Celebrating Our Anniversary

A Shared Path - 35 Years

God

Growing

Memories

June 11, 1978

Commitment

Loving

Grieving

Golden Fields

Music

Family

Laughter

Children

Call to Ministry

Good-Byes

Prayers

Seattle

Comfort

Adventure

Minnesota

Illness

Friends

Forgiveness

Montana

Exploring

New Mexico

Hiking

Cruising

Long Talks

Hawaii

River Floats

Exhaustion

Relaxation

St. Louis

River Walk

Steadfast

Something About That Girl

There is something special about our granddaughter, Cordelia. I know, you are surprised that I think that, aren't you? Well, actually, there is something special about our other granddaughter, Elise, as well. However, this post is about Cordelia.

I totally believe that there is something special about every child. I hope no one is upset or thinks of this as bragging. I just think every child should have their good qualities mentioned frequently. I'm happy to do that!

Our daughter, Maria, recently mentioned Cordelia's repeated remarks that she was born to make the whole world smile. Isn't that just the sweetest thing? I've seen her do just that over and over. One example this week-end was when she gave a lady at a store a hug because she thought she was sad. She also asked the lady if she had any little children to make her smile.

When Cordelia was really little, maybe 2, she was able to verbalize that she felt shy in certain situations. One day, though, she told Maria that she wasn't going to be shy anymore. That was a life-changing day for her! She has been trying to make the whole world smile ever since! Sometimes it is simply running over to another child and saying, "Do you want to be my friend?"

Saturday I got to take both granddaughters to a park for a bit of fun. There was a little boy there, younger and rather intimidated, and Cordelia instantly set to work to make him smile. She showed him all around the park. He was a two year old and not yet too verbal. She didn't mind a bit! She just did the talking for both of them!  He ended up smiling a lot!

Yesterday we had a group from Youth Encounter, New Vision, at our church to lead worship. Cordelia LOVED them! From their first song she was enchanted. She got right into the clapping and dancing. When I complimented her clapping and such she turned to me and said, "Yes. I'm going to have to be in a band."

Later, the group had the children come up for a close-up view of a puppet show. At the end of it, Cordelia stood up and opened her arms wide stating, "I love you guys!"

After the worship service Cordelia ran over to them and was quite generous with her hugs. I heard her asking one of the team members if she could go with them. The girl asked Cordelia if she could play any musical instruments. Cordelia did not hesitate. She proclaimed, "I am very good on the drums so I'll just take the drums.

Later Sunday, when Sam and I stopped by their house, Cordelia gave us each some stones and sea shells from her little collection. She told us she wanted to give us something because we are very precious to her.

Yes, there is something special about that girl!

Holy, Holy, Holy - Perfection

Did you know that stating something three times is done to highlight perfection? I read that today. It made me think of the song I've known my whole life... Holy, Holy, Holy. It is old but so powerful! Click on the title to hear a newer version.

Have a happy Sunday!

Bird Trail and Mall Lunch

I had the day off yesterday and I was ready for it!   

Maria and I went for a stroll along a preserved bird trail. Cordelia and Elise, along with abundant sunshine, made it a wonderful morning.

We met up with Uncle Sam and Grandpa Mike for mall lunch. What a lovely break!

These Are The Days - Giggles

These Are The Days - Family in a Chair

These Are The Days - Volcano of Love

My favorite quote from Cordelia this past week-end, "My heart is a volcano of love!"

Elise said, "Ruff! Ruff!"

Tutorial - Long Curly Hair

I have a lot of hair and it grows quickly. It takes me about three to four years for me to grow out a pixie to the length it is now. I've been called a Chia Pet. I believe I come from a long line of quick hair growers!

Everyone always thinks they want thick hair, so I'm not complaining. However, it takes time if you want to fix it. Long ago, I developed a cheater's way to curl my hair. Recently it occurred to me that maybe some other Chia Pet would like to know my secret. So, this is my first, and likely last, hair tutorial. If you have long hair, this may be of interest to you. If you do not have long hair, my apologies for writing a boring post.

So, here is how I curl my hair when I have to be at work waaaaaaay too early. It is not unusual for me to leave for my work day around 5:00 a.m.  I do not want to get up any earlier than I must so I use a technique I first used when I was in high school.

I bathe and wash my hair the night before. I blow dry it until I feel no more wet strands. Maybe you can curl wet hair at night and it will be dry by morning, but mine would still be quite soggy. So, here is what you need for this version of long, curly hair.

Yep, those are sponge curlers and yes, they still make them.

Bend over at your wait and put a ponytail right on top of your head.

I used 6 medium sized sponge curlers for this look.

It is fun to try out smaller ones, more of them, for smaller spirals.

It looks rather dopey, so just go to bed.

The beauty of this method is, although you are sleeping in curlers,

you are not sleeping ON curlers as they are on the top of your head only.

In the morning, when I take the rollers out, I'm always glad that I 

planned ahead so I can quickly get ready for work.

Honestly, I often don't even bother to brush it as it

comes out looking pretty neat.

If you want it to stay that curly all day, though,

you may want to use some hairspray.

Mine usually loosens up as the day wears on.

Because I am a nurse,  I always must pull it 

back in a ponytail or pretty barrette.

It works and it is easy.

Now you know my secret.