January 8, 2012
We cut our hair. All four of us.
(To be precise, I should say Aunt Deb cut the girls’ hair and my friend Elizabeth cut mine.)
I have only one word to shout out into the great oblivion:
FREEDOM!
I do miss the girls’ long, luscious curls. But here’s the upside. No more wailing and gnashing of teeth while I comb through inches and inches of ratted locks. No more tears before school as we battle it out in front of the mirror, armed with brushes and spray bottles. No more screeching before the brush even touches their hair.
As for my rag of shag? Good riddance.
The blow dryer and I have had a strained relationship of late. Truthfully, we just haven’t been getting along. An hour to blow dry and straighten one’s hair (give or take a few extra minutes to mediate a conflict, rescue a child from certain death, confiscate scissors or screw the toothpaste lid back on) is simply ridiculous. I just couldn’t do it any more.
So when I walked into Elizabeth’s salon and she asked me if I was nervous, I said with a loud voice (so loud even the women under hair dryers heard me), “NOPE! Cut away!”
And now? Well, the blow dryer and I… we don’t see much of each other and the distance is making both of us happier. I don’t have to worry about showering two hours before I have to be somewhere so I can let my hair “air dry” before I strangle it with a brush and blast it with the dryer. I can shower thirty minutes before I have to leave the house, shampoo, comb, scrunch in some product… and be done.
Now, I know it’s not anything to shout about. My kids think I look weird. Gordy said “Mom, you have bumps on your head.” Ali is positive I cannot wear a princess dress looking like this, and when I assisted in Eliza’s first grade class yesterday, the girls told me they liked me much better when my hair was long.
But hey, this kind of liberation trumps any vanity I have at this point. In fact, the liberation is something I can’t quite describe. But maybe this will give you a sense for how emancipated I feel. Two days after getting my hair cut I texted Elizabeth:
“This hair cut is revolutionizing my world. It rivals the crib tents when it comes to life-changing events.”
Now that is saying something.
We’re off to Florida. And I can’t tell you how glad I am to not be packing the blow dryer.
Frau Mahlzahn
Well, kids don't like change, so they find it hard to get used even to a new haircut.
But I think you look fabulous! Great haircut and it looks great on you! I'm lacking the English words to express it right, but I can imagine that it is revolutionizing for you, ;-).
I'd come and check out your friend's salon, if only it wasn't so far… (But then, there's nothing to cut here, because my hair is even shorter than yours, *ggg*).
So long,
Corinna
So long,
Corinna
knit one, knit two
LOL! That sounds like me and my relationship with the straightening iron! Last fall I succumbed to a short bob and never looked back. Enjoy the extra minutes you gained! You look great! (were you able to donate your hair?)
-jules
cristie
adorable! xox
Mimi
I think your haircut is so flattering. Love it! A
Raluca
Love it! Mothering means lots of sacrificing yourself for serving the family. Enjoy your new haircut, Cath!
Anne Marie
Cath, it looks beautiful. You are such a lovely person. Love that text you sent Elizabeth: "revolutionizing my world". Hope you have an absolutely fabulous time in Florida. I can't wait to hear about it. I know you'll soak it up all up…the sunshine, the magic, and your sweet girls and husband. xo
TheKristencarol
you look so fresh and beautiful! I love the hair cut a lot. It is so flattering to your face. Maybe I need to reconsider cutting mine….or at least cutting my 4 girl's hair. I'm so glad you have been liberated. Have so much fun in Florida. So smart to leave the little's behind.
LizzyP
Love it. Sometimes a hair revolution, or liberation, as you say, is well needed. I just might follow suit. . . .
Cecilia
Are you kidding? You look fabulous! Good decision! :o)
Becca
You know me and my love of short hair, but I think it is fabulous. Wash and go with style. I hope it making your Florida trip even better. Bec. See you at our fam dinner. 🙂
Deb
I've already told you I love your hair!! And I am so happy that it is making your life just the smallest bit easier! I dream about having the guts to chop! Love you and love your new look! 🙂
Selwyn
You look gorgeous (as always) and I love the cut. A hair cut can be a wonderful thing!
TaylorClan
laughing about the comparison to crib tents, so true:)
Elizabeth
The cut looks _SO_ cute on you. I actually think I like it better than the long look (at least from pics I've seen). You look great!!
Sarah
I LOVE it. You look so young. Have fun in Florida!
TheKristencarol
are you home yet? I miss your blog and I miss you.
catharvy
Home again, home again. Ya'll know how to make a gal feel just right. Thank you!
Katherine
Your hair looks fabulous… I think it takes years off you. Love that you have a picture of you with your girls.