I think it an extraordinary thing to be born in the midst of fragrant, lilac-perfumed May.
The first clusters of purple and white lilac blossom out just in time to be plucked from the bush by little hands and bundled up in birthday bouquets...the very best kind of birthday presents. I always put some by my bed... it is my opinion that there is nothing more extraordinary at making a person feel luxurious than flowers by the bed. At night, they flavor my dreams. In the morning, when sun is filtered through cloudy curtains-just upon waking, without even opening my eyes, I stretch my arms wide and breathe deep, that glorious scent. And asparagus- tell me, a birthday with the first asparagus of the season is made that much more special, wouldn't you say?
My birthday was nice, despite Matt being out of town. My mom visited and brought HAPPY cookies with her. The children worked on handmade gifts, so sweet. Corynn made me homemade Andes mints that were to-die-for. YUM. The day before Matt had made breakfast and cut a heart in cheese for me. I ate dessert, a rare treat these days, and I made a households worth of one of my favorite meals Chicken and Vegetable Alfredo. Matt doesn't prefer alfredo and I've been avoiding pasta in order to lose weight- so that was the special treat I decided upon for my birthday.
I turned 35 years old- which doesn't seem all that old and yet, very much too old at the same time. Judah said the other day, out of the blue, "Woah, Mama! You have A LOT of gray in your hair! You have a whole PATCH -right there!! You should really dye it!" And if you have never heard Judah speak...he speaks VERY loudly and with MUCH enthusiasm. To hear him say it, you would surely think it MUST be done. And quickly.
Actually, I think I might.
But then again- if I dye my hair, that opens up a whole new can of worms, doesn't it? One doesn't usually stop dying ones hair after one has begun. And that is a whole lot of commitment. And cash.
Then again- I am not keen on being grayed while in my 30's. Not when women in their 50's and 60's would look younger than I would. That would be a strange thing. It's a conundrum. Thoughts?
Lately, I have been having a hard time focusing on more than one event at a time. It is like my brain can't fragment into the necessary parts anymore. (Old age?!) I could juggle lots of things with ease before and now I have to get through one thing in order to get through another. Getting the puppies to their new homes was the big thing in the beginning of May. They left the weekend of Mother's Day and my birthday. It was sad to see them go. Realizing I don't want 8 full size dogs living with us next year didn't make it much easier to see 7 adorable little puppies leave us in a day. Boy, were they precious. How can you resist those adorable faces?
Then it was Mother's Day. Then it was a curriculum sale to prepare for. Then a weekend out of town. Now it is the garden and an anniversary party and a vacation. If I can just get the garden in, I can think about the anniversary party. And after the anniversary party, I can finally focus on the vacation. One thing at a time. Just one thing.
I thought the vacation would be the last of the big things but June is already shaping up to be just as busy. As busy as spring is, it is a busy that I quite like. Getting my hands dirty, watching flowers swell and blossom, feeling the sun, visiting with friends and road trips. The last of the school days and the postponing of school days for planting days. It feels...productive.
And that always feels good, doesn't it?
8 comments:
I chose to NOT dye my hair when I began to find white hairs. Too much time, money, and hassle to keep up. I've always thought natural hair is the prettiest, and has the nicest texture anyway. Ask your children to examine your hair and see how many different colors are there. They might be surprised. You can tell them you like the multi-colored look and that you have earned every one of those white/grey hairs taking care of them. With your beautiful face you will look ageless for a very long time. Then when you are really 60 you will look younger than others of the same age. Just my two cents here.
Like you, I go back and forth about dying my hair as well. I think of all the money in doing the roots, then reflect upon my dear friends who have dyed their hair too and how much of an upkeep it is. I know that by the time you reach my age, 47, you'll see even more gray. But, look at each one of those sparkling strands as shining examples of the wisdom gleaned from the Lord from year to year. Besides, they are our "crown of glory", right?! ;)
God Bless,
Regina
I quit coloring my hair when I turned 40 (8 years ago!) on a dare from my husband and I wish I had done it earlier! I do have pretty silver hair and I get compliments on it almost every time I am out in public. I like to say that I sparkle! Whatever your decision, do what is right for you and what makes you happiest.
I colored when was in my forties. I finally felt it was time to start going gray this yea. I LOVE it. It wasn't the right time even two years ago but it is the right time now at 58. I did my own color at home, but I only needed one third of a box of stuff at a time, so I got three colorings from a single box. Fine thin hair, thank you. My daughters who color usually do two full boxes at a time. Less than a salon but a commitment. Small if you buy on sale once you find the brand you like.
As for the needing to concentrate on one thing at a time, chalk it up to a need to truly do ONE THING AT A TIME. Not old age but overwhelm at a busy life stage.
I had the same conundrum & chose to begin dying my hair last year. My mother still dyes hers & honestly, call it vanity or something, but I didn't want to look older than her (also she is blessed with gorgeous skin which doesn't show any wrinkles, whereas I take after my father - sigh - my son called them my 'ditches' - yeah....). I spend one evening every two months locked away & come out with all the grey roots disappeared!! I did choose to use my natural colour, but am thinking as I get older to slowly lighten until grey is the next step (would need a hairdresser for this though). I honestly was not brave enough to go grey in my thirties!
Let me add though that natural hair is definitely more beautiful in texture & has a much nicer feel. Also after about a month I've found my hairdye fades a bit & I'm not a fan of this, but I don't want to dye it more regularly than I do (I truly have the thought of the chemicals). It camd down to the fact that I am not a fan of the 'salt & pepper' look & as I have dark hair it was getting there.
Would love to know what you decide!
Renata:)
Coloring hair is NOT expensive. Don't let that deter you IF you do it yourself (and it's very easy, I can even do it for you if that helps) You decide what is best but I love how I feel after I color mine (just my own thought on the subject) I LOVED all the photos of the puppies, but the best one by far is the one with all the kiddos and puppies and Ruby. LOVED IT. I still have a gift for you, I have to get it to you soon! I Love you Dear Sister, God definitely knew what He was doing when he sent you to me as a sister, even though at the time I'm sure I felt otherwise ;)
Happy Birthday, Rebecca! Wishing you continued blessings and much happiness in the year to come.
Coloring hair...I was dark blond, and I went gray early, starting in my 20s with a few strands around my face. It looked like it was intentional and I didn't mind. By 35 I had more, and upon seeing a picture of myself, all I saw was gray around my face, and decided to color. Hubby even said I was too young to be that gray. I decided I would stop coloring at age 60 if not before. So yes, I colored and tried to stretch out the time in between for $$ sake. I felt like I looked age appropriate and I was happy with it. When I turned 60 I was nervous about stopping, not knowing how it would look. My roots were now more white than gray. At 61 I finally stopped coloring, and I love it! My natural color is now a white/blond, and I get lots of compliments on my hair. I don't even think of it anymore even though most of my friends still color. I think this is what God intended me to look like, and it's freeing. That's my story. I think you should do what feels right for you.
I have really dark brown hair, and my "greys" are coming more as whites! For perspective my hair is so dark brown as to look black at the roots thanks to my native american heritage. I LOVE my white hair and I'm only 36. I have a patch of them on the top of my head and I tell my kids they are magical hairs :) They are teenagers so they just roll their eyes but I own it. The more you can love yourself the happier you will be.
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