...Expect Fireworks....It's summer. Typical season for reunions. My freshman roommate, suitemate and I plan a get-together for lunch. I'm finally at that stage in life where I no longer get anxious about my appearance and stress out. It is what it is and I want to enjoy the people rather than carry that trunk of junk. Besides! These gals have seen me at my absolute worst and aren't ashamed to meet me in public after all these years!
We had a great time. We laughed and shared our lives: the good, the not-so-good, the dreams, the stuff we can't change. Recollected events; my roomie could and still can french braid her hair while driving a car! We reminisced about the folks of the yesteryears.
Upon reviewing a few snapshots of the day- I realized that I didn't like what I was seeing through the lens. Neither would my Grandmother, Mae, whom I've always relied upon for her sometimes vociferous opinion about my appearance. She has impeccable taste and had hosted these women several times in her home. They would still pass her muster.
...My Hair is Sparking Self-criticism and Beginning to Flare...For the last couple of years I've been letting my hair grow and most of the time keep it tied up, sort of reminiscent of a bun with one of those big-toothed clips and I can't braid my hair even sitting still. Obviously (since I'm going to reunions) I ain't no spring chicken and there's plenty of "snow in them thar hills" that has to be dealt with and if there's one thing my grandmother dislikes more than granny style hair-do's (on me)... it's letting it grow gray. Thus far, I've not worked up the courage to just let it go au natural and I do tend towards the darker spectrum of brownish blonde. But, in that photo... those roots were overwhelming! Too, my girlfriends' hair was so cute!
...Getting Fired up for a Change...I mix up a dye color that's a titch lighter than the one I've been using. It's been really hot and I begin to contemplate a much shorter style than what I've been wearing. I print out several pictures of some chic styles to show the hairdresser and tell her what I don't want it to look like. You know? I am always haunted by that line from Steel Magnolias where the young Julia Roberts character describes her mother's (Sally Fields) hairstyle as that of a brown football helmet cut. But, this style is sassy and fresh. Off to the hairdresser I go. She cuts it, I'm thrilled and I leave.
...Anticipating the Explosion...Show up at my parents home and no one says a word! Do my best to parade my new "do" and get absolute silence. No response from my Mother who hates long stringy hair. Mae makes no note. Out of shock and some awe- I confess my secret to Dad and explain to him that neither of the womenfolk had noticed and that I intended to keep mum about it until one of them commented. He made some genial remark that I didn't register but now wish I could recall.
I go home and call my sister to crow to her about my cute hair. She's done some experimenting with hers recently and it just looks so cute. I will say that she looks more like our mother than she ever has with that cut- so, maybe Mom's preference for our cuts in the classic Buster Brown is going to impact us for ever. Nonetheless-- I'm thinking my head looks pretty darned cute and I've got no one to share it with since Nan isn't answering and my BFF is playing nursemaid-therapist for her hubby. I'll just have to wait til Byron gets home and I prepare myself for what he always says when he finally notices.... "you cut your hair? it looks the same as it always does. You've had bowl hair cuts all your life." To which I always reply "yes, my mother always kept my hair short."
...Going up in Flames...
But, tonight? He comes home, walks through the door, glances at me and does a really long hard stare. I'm thinking- WOW! I finally got it right! Even though he prefers long hair-- this time, I finally got it right! But... no. No. Tonight he says: "Did you cut that yourself?" and I'm thinking "you'd better start dialing 911 for a firetruck" and when I prompt him for more comment what he actually says is "you really look just like that picture when you were three years old! and cut your own hair"! I hadn't; but, that's what he thinks it looks like!...Declaring Independence May Be a Dud...Regardless of opinions, tidy or intentionally tousled-- it's here for now. I realize it also looks like every other hair cut I've had in the last 47 years. It's ok though... I'm shopping online for another long stringy hairpiece or a wig. I think I'll get a Dolly Parton style. Yup. I'm gonna go for the buxom blonde bombshell look next week.
I think I know what fueled Britney Spears meltdown. Didn't she allude to the displeasure her maternal unit was going to possess when she got news of her fiasco at the hairdresser? Please pass me a headscarf....
and...Buster?? You'd better not say a word!
Readers: feedback is welcome! Just don't mention my hair, ok?
