Slow Down Hippy Child: The One About The Haircut That Wasn’t

/ Ally Bean

Plans change. Often.

When I became fully vaccinated [Moderna] in late May, I made an appointment to get my hair cut. My last real haircut was February 2020, with a fast trim in August 2020.

The upshot of not getting my hair cut every few months is that I’ve got hippy hair now. It’s long and frizzy and curly. The texture looks similar to Carole King on the cover of Tapestry.

“My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue.” Her life, my hair. Of course in my case the royal hues are mostly dishwater blonde and gray, but you get my point.

My appointment was for late June, yesterday in fact.

HOWEVER a few weeks ago I got a text telling me my appointment had been cancelled. Not postponed, mind you. Cancelled.

Bummer, said I.

Then I went to check my email because I thought that Janelle, the stylist who has cut my hair for over 20 years, might have sent me an email explaining what was going on. And she had.

Come to find out Janelle was having hip replacement surgery, immediately. She didn’t say why she was having this surgery stat so I can’t explain the backstory, but she said that she’d be back to work by late July.

To me this seems a little too soon after surgery. Of course I know nothing about hip replacement surgery so maybe it’s okay, but I’m not scheduling another appointment until late August. That’d be one year after my last trim.

I figure I’ve got a good hippy vibe going on now and I’ve come to like wearing my hair in a plump curly ponytail. Bring me those colorful elastics, I can make this work.

The thing is that over the years I’ve spent time and money to keep my hair looking blonde and professional, *neat* as my late mother would have said. So the oddest part of having long unruly hair is that I’m not upset about looking like a hippy child.

MAYBE this who I am meant to be in my later years as I head into my dotage. That could be the message here.

Be that as it may or may not, in the meantime, I think we can all agree that plans change. And if the pandemic has taught me anything it’s you gotta make the best of whatever comes your way, whether it be Covid-19 vaccine availability or delayed haircut appointments.

Yes, with a hat tip to Simon & Garfunkel’s famous song ‘Feelin’ Groovy’ I’m slowing down, talking to lampposts, and living hippy for two more months.

Why not, huh?

• • •

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

You’ve made plans, which ones did not happen?

What did the pandemic teach you about making plans?

Are you feeling groovy?

• • •

214 thoughts on “Slow Down Hippy Child: The One About The Haircut That Wasn’t”

  1. I have found it enormously freeing to make plans knowing that they could change in a second. Some people can’t STAND IT. It stresses them out because they want to KNOW.. But we can never know, can we? I love that the pandemic is bonking people over the head with that lesson. And I am loving the true selves I am seeing in people’s hair. It is simply fantastic.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Arlene, hear, hear! I agree with you about how freeing it is to know that plans can and will and might and might not change. I get that. I’m good at going with the flow so this haircut change in plans isn’t a problem. Just another blip. Agree about how fun it’s been to see people just let their hair be. No fussing or fighting with it.

      Liked by 3 people

  2. Hmmmm….plans I missed because of COVID. Was supposed to meet my daughter in Italy after her summer course. Three Broadway shows. 2 met games. Book club. Weekend with friend who because of circumstances doesn’t often get to my town….I now have a calendar full of plans again. I like looking forward to things almost as much as the actual thing…

    Liked by 4 people

    • LA, it’s amazing when you look back at the year+ and realize what did happen and what didn’t happen. Obviously you missed quite a few fun things. Too bad about Italy, but maybe some other time. I’m glad your calendar is full again and that it makes you happy to have the plans. Fingers crossed they happen, eh?

      Liked by 3 people

      • With Italy…it’s a bucket list thing to see Venice and Florence. My daughter was accepted into a highly selective program. I’m still annoyed we both missed these opportunities. We really may not get the chance again. I’m going to be bitter about this for awhile

        Liked by 2 people

          • It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to….but you get the gist….I think everyone carries around something they can’t get past. This is mine. I don’t regret not having more kids, or divorce from my first husband sooner, or not taking a job….this is my moment. When people write about my literary prowess in the future, you will know what shaped my writing….😆

            Liked by 2 people

  3. I’ve never been referred to as groovy. 🙂 I get my hair cut every 4-5 weeks just because it hasn’t been long enough for a pony tail in too many years to count. I did, however, several years back stop trying to make my gray hair look the natural auburn I’d had when I was younger. That was quite freeing to just let it go natural. The color has evolved, and I’m okay with it. The pandemic caused me to not try to apply makeup under a mask, and I must admit I’m not dragging out makeup as routinely as I use to, and I find that freeing as well. The biggest plan the pandemic put a stop to was heading south for this past winter. The biggest shock was we survived. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    • Judy, for me during the pandemic getting a haircut took a backseat to avoiding the virus. Thus I have long hair for the first time since I was 15. It’s trippy and groovy, I tell you! I’ve been slowly going gray for the last few years, but it’s easier to go from blonde to gray than your situation of going auburn to gray. Good for you to do so, I’m sure it’s freeing. I’m sorry you didn’t get to go south for the winter, I know you adore that, BUT you did survive up north so that’s empowering… for one year.

      Liked by 3 people

  4. I bet you look groovy with your new hair style! “Just go with it.”
    Is Zen Den wearing his in a pony tail yet? I can see him fitting into the hippy lawyer mode too.
    I went the opposite way and just had mine cut super short again. Am loving it—so easy! I don’t care that it shows all of my wrinkles now. LOL
    Do you think you’ll get all your hair cut off when you finally get an appointment?

    Liked by 3 people

    • Beth, my hair is as long now as it was when we were sophomores in high school. I have long hair with an old face. It’s weird to me. If I got my hair cut really short like you I’d look like a dandelion gone to seed. Or a frizzy Q-tip. When I get it cut I’ll have it cut to be shoulder length.

      Zen-Den has his hair in a ponytail now and is rocking the hippy lawyer vibe with it. He likes it and gets compliments on it. Considering he’s getting close to retirement [sometime in the next few years], he doesn’t give a flying fig if his hair style is corporate or not.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. I thought that I’d learn to be a bit more free-form with life thanks to the pandemic, but now that the world has almost opened up (at least my world anyway) I feel myself slipping back into the discomfort when plans go awry. 62 years of being a planner and organizer is hard to really let go of I guess…

    Liked by 3 people

    • Deb, I can understand how you might slip back into your planning ways and want things to happen on schedule. I like to research and plan, too– there’s a feeling of success that comes from getting things done when you said you would. But I also don’t mind when plans go awry… which has been the subtext of this last year+. 😑

      Liked by 3 people

  6. Ha, that’s my hair, too, especially with humidity–put me in a steam room and watch me turn into a poodle.

    I keep mine just long enough to a ponytail or a bun, mainly because I can’t stand my hair in my face. But when I have to log professional, I’ll blow it out.

    If I can find the hair dryer.

    Liked by 3 people

    • AutumnAshbough, yes, yes! I’m a poodle, too. It’s wild how quickly humidity does its thing on my hair. I’m laughing about finding your hairdryer. I had the same experience over the weekend and actually had to remind myself how to dry my hair with it. It’s been over 15 months now since I needed to look professional.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. We’re coming up to 2 years of military shows either cancelled or unattended by us due to COVID concerns. I’m OK with that, but Himself has missed talking to “his” people, whereas I’ve only truly missed time usually spent with family & my gang of (old) girl friends. Life feels almost like I’ve fast forwarded into some weird form of retirement where you’re expected to stay at home which could be why Himself & I are scoping out boats 😀

    I love the sound of your hair Ally – who wouldn’t want a Carole King haircut? I was last a hippie at around that era – wonderful shoulder length curls (a la Hair), low slung jeans, cheesecloth shirts & desert boots. Now it’s short and a double whammy of going grey & cancer straightened it completely. It meant we turned to the clippers early on last year just to keep it out of my eyes, and I’ve yet to return to a hairdresser. I kind of miss the cute little bits which a skilled stylist does around the face, whereas Himself is just buzz buzz with the clippers. I’m waiting for comments…

    Liked by 4 people

    • Deb, you said it: “fast forwarded into some weird form of retirement.” That’s exactly what these last 15 months have felt like. We’re here together all the time, but Z-D is still working so it’s not really retirement… but sort of. I like it, but maybe not quite yet.

      I don’t know that I’m dressing like a hippy child but who knows, I might go that route. In the meantime I’m just wearing a ponytail every day, happy to not be styling my hair each morning. The time that took! Z-D has gone hippy child with me, which is way cool. We’ve made the best of things, you know?

      Liked by 3 people

  8. A one year anniversary when you have your trim in late August Ally Bean! Hope Janelle does well post surgery. ‘The best laid schemes o mice an’ men/ gang aft a-gley. ‘ Robert Burns – To a Mouse. I’ve learned to go with the flow during this time and not be stressed if plans go awry. Eg water leak in midst of ongoing painting of house. All taps switched off while being repaired – 3 days. Water from the Jojo tank outside so at least water can be boiled! At least there was a flow in the water tank.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Susan, I hope Janelle does well post-surgery, too. I like her and would hate to have her quit, but I’ll find out one way or another, won’t I? I’m very sorry to read about your water leak. That is distressing without painters in the house, let alone in the house chaos you’ve going on right now. Sounds like you’re surviving, but really… what a time for a leak!

      Liked by 2 people

  9. It’s been almost 18 months since I have seen my hairdresser. I suppose at this point she’s not mine anymore. For now I am just going to keep trimming it myself.

    I can’t think of anything we canceled outside of dinner with friends. The things I would have planned to do that I didn’t in the last year is longer.

    Your hair sounds like it does what I wish my curls would do. Enjoy your curls. I haven’t been able to put mine in a pony tail in almost a decade!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Deborah, I’m hoping that Janelle recuperates from her surgery and is back to cutting hair by August. I do like her, so I still am calling her my stylist. This is the first time I’ve had a ponytail since I was in high school, so it’s exciting for me. And so easy. Who knew short hair was so needy?

      We cancelled some travel plans this last year and some home improvement projects have been postponed, but for the most part we’re not complaining… too loudly. We are still here so that’s good.

      Liked by 2 people

  10. My story is a bit different. I got a wonderful haircut from my long time stylist in January. When I went back in April (I really only go 3 times a year) she was all different. I asked for my layered bob as usual but she tried to talk me into getting a slightly longer than chin length blunt cut with no layers. I mushroom out with a cut like that and she should know it. Anyhow lots of conversation but at the end of the day she did a “compromise” which I didn’t want. Even with the few layers, my bottom mushroomed out. What the? Did she mix me up with someone else? I’m terrified to go there again. For me haircuts are always a crap shoot. One is fabulous but the next time you use the same words and it’s cut all different. I bet I would love your hippy hair. I have wavy but not curly hair. I haven’t had super long hair for at least 15 years.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Kate, what an odd story. If she cut it well one time all she’d have to do is look at and repeat what she did. I wonder if she did have you mixed up with someone else. I know all about hair mushrooming which is why I’m so loyal to Janelle. She’s good with curly hair and with knowing how to cut it so it looks sort of current. Not trendy, mind you– but not out-of-date either. It’s a skill with my frizzy mop!

      Liked by 2 people

      • This has happened before. I would occasionally go to another stylist because she was easier to get into and I’m not a planner with haircuts. (One day I wake up and it’s got to be cut NOW!) She also did the same cut beautifully until she gave me a mullet (it wasn’t extreme but the sides and top were considerably shorter than the back). I won’t go back to her for a few other reasons. One is she always ALWAYS ran a least a half hour late, sometimes more. I’ve often wondered if I was considered difficult. My mom cut hair so I know what I want and after all these years I know what works. I’m always quick to give compliments for a job well done.

        Liked by 1 person

        • A mullet! Oh my, that is not good, at all. On anyone I’ll go so far as to say. It is odd how you can tell some stylists exactly what you want, using terms they know, and you don’t get what you want. That’s part of the reason I stick with Janelle, she listens. And is on time. She’s a bit OCD about that topic, actually. Compliments never hurt when someone has scissors aimed at your hair.

          Liked by 1 person

  11. In retirement, I always kept my hair neatly trimmed and streaked with purple and blue – in memory of my sisters. Since Covid, i am well over 18 months since my last hair appointment. My hair is too long now – straight as a board with absolutely no style. I might get it cut, but color? No, two plus hours in the salon takes too much of my time and zaps my energy. I have had to reschedule trips to see my family and have unfortunately learned those things out of my control are simply warnings to be heeded. Outside of Covid, things like shingles and vertigo have more control over my life than I do. I have cut hubby’s hair three times in the past year. I think he’s due again. It’s amazing that he trusts me that much. I doubt I would give him the scissors to give me a trim.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Maggie, I like that you rocked purple and blue streaks, but not having them sounds much easier. I can see why you’re on the fence about getting a haircut, preferably not from your husband. I think many of us have learned that haircuts might not be as necessary as we thought previously.

      I’m sorry about your shingles and your vertigo, both suck energy right out of you. I do like your take on how plans that go awry could very well be warnings to be heeded. That rings true with me.

      Like

  12. I think it might have been 1992 when I went in for a haircut and came out looking like Sinead O’Connor. I haven’t been in a salon since. I cut my own hair, and do a fair job of it. A little natural curl and a willingness to live with gray helps.

    My life really didn’t change much during the pandemic. I still was able to work, and I’m not much of a restaurant, show, or bar person, so I didn’t miss some of the things that others found so discouraging. But as for plans changing? I’ve become the poster child for flexibility since I began varnishing boats 30 years ago or so. When you work is weather dependent, what you plan and what you get not only can change from day to day, it can change from hour to hour. Every day I get up, look out the door,and say, “Well, can I go to work?” And more often that you might believe, I “go to work” three of four times a day, when I’m dodging rain showers. It’s affected my entire attitude toward change and control. I still plan things like vacations and dinners with friends, but when something doesn’t happen as I planned, I just move on.

    Liked by 4 people

    • shoreacres, I can understand why you gave up on salon haircuts. My goodness, Sinead O’Connor?!! Not a good look on anyone.

      Your attitude toward changes in plans, learned from real life experiences, is sound. I didn’t know you varnished boats. You’re right that you cannot control the weather but you can do your best to take advantage of the dry hours when they happen.

      I used to be locked into the plans I made, but over the last few years, this last one in particular, I’ve learned to be chill about plans not working out. I like your last thought: “I just move on.”. Me too.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Ally, my city was in a long lockdown until June 11 so I didn’t make any plan. From June 11, we started step 1 of a three-step reopening, allowing outdoor social gatherings up to 10 people so I planned and met with my sister. We’re moving to step 2 tomorrow (June 30) when personal care services such as hair salons reopen. They’ve been shuttered since November 2020. I plan to get a haircut ASAP. Will see if my plan works out. I hope so 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    • Natalie, good luck getting your hair cut. Not that it’ll be impossible but I bet the demand for appointments will skyrocket starting tomorrow. It’s wonderful to read that your world is opening up again. Progress is great, and so are haircuts, I believe.

      Like

  15. My hair is long, very very long. My brother and SIL came to visit in May to celebrate our twin (my brother and me) birthday, and I thought she’d cut my hair, but she didn’t. Now it’s as long as it was in my hippiest of hippy days and completely white (not gray). I don’t mind, although it would be nice if it were about six inches shorter. I keep thinking I’ll find someone to cut it (I haven’t been to a hair cutting places in years), but I haven’t yet.
    I’m feeling as groovy as a 69 year old woman with aching arthritic bones who still likes to dance can!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Robin, oh I know you must be groovy! ☮️ From your description it sounds like your hair is hippy long and it also sounds like it is pretty. I like white hair, my husband’s hair is white now. I usually keep my hair cut in what they call a curly stacked bob, but letting it grow has been a revelation. It’s much easier to have ponytail than to style a bob. Who knew?

      Liked by 1 person

  16. I believe most of us are wearing Hippie hair these days. It might even be trending. Thank you for sharing this post, It made me chuckle.

    Liked by 3 people

  17. My MIL had a hip replacement and the recovery was surprisingly short. We had two big plans in 2020 that did not happen. A trip to the Rockies and Colorado Springs. And more sadly, my son’s wedding reception (they had a courthouse wedding in Dec. 2019) which was planned for last August. Neither plans are rescheduled. Lesson? Hmmmm…..don’t count on fun? I’m still bitter!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Bijoux, interesting about the recovery time on hip replacement. I really want to know why Janelle had it, but I’ll wait until I see her in August. Mustn’t be nosy. 🙄

      Your son’s non-reception is one of those situations that is sad because it would have been so great. and meaningful. I understand your bitterness. It seems to me that unless you’re some kind of positivity freak, we’re all bitter and muttering about something that didn’t happen during the last 15 months.

      Like

  18. Yellowstone trip cancelled 2 years in a row would be the plans that stand out. Dancing championships cancelled 2x. After a few minutes of repositioning what we will do instead or money saved, I’m OK. I missed the ‘plans’ of attending my kids’ sports, but we are back to being spectators again. Enjoying that.

    I just got a new hairstyle with a new stylist. I have not had long hair in forever. The new look allows me to have length but not so much stringy, hangy hair that accentuates how thin my hair is. I do love a ponytail.

    Coach, the PT I keep on retainer, says going back to cutting hair a month after a hip replacement is normal . . . maybe not full time.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Ernie, I know about your cancelled Yellowstone trips and I’m sorry about that. All the work you put into planning, then… ☹️

      I wonder how Janelle will cut my hair after all this time. She’s never seen it this long, but I’m sure she’ll have some ideas about what to do with it. She already knew I’m going gray so that won’t be an issue.

      Thanks for the insight into the recovery time after hip replacement surgery. She already works part-time so I guess she’ll be good to go. I miss seeing her.

      Like

      • I’ve had hair stylists that I was close to before and would’ve been sad to not see them for so long. The new stylist I just tried could potentially be one of those as we really hit it off.

        BTW – after I responded to your comment on my blog today – I re-responded, because I had an unfortunate situation (nothing drastic, just a time suck that made me want to pull my hair out). I just wonder if your ears were ringing because I turned to Curly (who was stuck in the situation with me) and said, “AS ALLY RECENTLY POSTED ON HER BLOG . . . SOME POSTS JUST WRITE THEMSELVES.” She and I managed a small laugh.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Oh no! I’ll make sure to read what you said in the comment because any situation that causes a post to write itself is one that I NEED to know about. Your life is endlessly fascinating.

          Like

  19. Interesting about the hip replacement surgery. I had a complete replacement eight years ago (the result of a vehicle accident some years earlier) and had to stay home from work for three months. Maybe the surgery has improved, but a month? Seems fast to me, especially returning to a job where she’s doing a lot of standing.
    I am getting a haircut at the end of this week! Like you, I haven’t had much maintenance going on. It‘s ridiculously long, frizzy in places and a strange combination of colours.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Lynette, I’ve no frame of reference about hip replacement surgery for healthy adults. Older relatives have had their hips replaced, but that was while they were already in assisted care facilities which is a different situation.

      As much as I’d like to have my hair cut soon, I’ll wait for Janelle to get into the groove again. Fingers crossed she doesn’t quit. I’ll try not to be jealous of your upcoming haircut. At least one of us will look good.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I was up right after the surgery (and so was the elderly person next to me) which is the norm, and I had to go to physio regularly. Walking in small, frequent doses was encouraged, but not standing. Maybe things have changed though. I had mine eight years ago. I think that waiting is probably the prudent route.

        I am looking forward to just getting a good haircut, no frills. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

          • A lot really depends on the type of hip replacement. Perhaps they just did a resurfacing or a partial. Perhaps they did a posterior minimally invasive approach. There are a lot of factors that can influence it. I perhaps learnt a thing or two after 38 years in an orthopedic operating room!

            Liked by 1 person

            • BernieLynne, I certainly hope you learned something after 38 years in an orthopedic operating room. I didn’t know that was your nursing background. I don’t know what kind of surgery Janelle had, just that it was happening. I’ll find out the deets eventually.

              Like

  20. Hi, Ally – I wholeheartedly agree that along with its devastating tragedies, the pandemic has offered some great lessons. I come from a long line of women who never, ever once let their hair go grey. I assumed it would be the same for me. I haven’t had my hair coloured since before the pandemic and will likely keep it this way. Definitely liberating. I’ll join you in those colourful elastics!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Donna, I’m hardly a Pollyanna but I do see some good coming out of these last 15 months. For instance, most of the people who I know are more relaxed about their lives now, taking setbacks in stride, doing simple things with more joy. This is good.

      None of the women in my family ever covered their gray hair. As a result I’m truly comfortable with the whole hair color change. Of course I’m blonde and it’s easier to transition into gray than with darker hair like yours. Glad you’ve freed yourself from doing something you don’t want to do.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Dan, I like my hippy hair and Z-D has a ponytail now, too. I like it better than the corporate business look he had going on. I still like to plan, but I’m mellow about whether my plans come to fruition– or not. Hang loose, you know?

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Just fyi, one of my pet sitting clients just had hip replacement surgery and she was up and moving later that same day. I’m helping with litter boxes and such that are downstairs but she’s amazingly mobile just a few days after surgery! Medical miracles.

    Liked by 3 people

    • derrycats, no kidding?!! I am amazed and pleased to read this. Thanks for telling me this. I feel better about Janelle getting back to work when she is.

      Like

  24. You’re definitely channeling your inner singer-songwriter vibe with this one, Ally. Next I expect a nod to Joni on that 50th anniversary everyone (and it certainly feels like everyone) is talking about lately. Ah, covid plans. The Mrs and I were talking about this only the other day, although I suppose it was the reverse of plans, i.e. not having to have any. We both agreed that maybe the one good thing about lockdown/stay-at-home was that you had an excuse to beg off of, well, everything. Now that things are opening up, people have expectations again. Darn it all. – Marty

    Liked by 3 people

    • Marty, once I realized my hair had gone *Carole King* I had songs in my head. Many of them, but these are the two that made it thru the final edit of this post. I didn’t think of Joni, however. I’m slipping.

      I/we agree with you about how wonderful it was to not do anything social during the pandemic, while being able to offer a polite logical reason for staying home. You’re right about the return of social expectations, too. Extroverts are everywhere all of a sudden. 😕

      Liked by 1 person

  25. I know exactly what her hair looked like and I know the S&G song as well. Good memories!! I went over a year and a half without a professional haircut but thankfully the last one grew out well. I trimmed my own bangs and then finally decided to see whether I could cut it myself. Because I don’t have a layered cut right now, I was able to find a video online that make it quite easy and when I finally got a cut while visiting our daughter in California a few months ago, the stylist gave me an A-, which made me feel pretty good. 🙂

    Plans? We moved our moving date up due to Covid but other than that, we mostly played it by ear as our major plan was moving to Arizona to help my parents. I was able to get some trips in and things have really been quite good. I feel very blessed.

    janet

    Liked by 2 people

    • Janet, you got an A- and I’m proud of you. I have layers so trying to cut my own hair would be awful, but I can see how you managed your hair and scored a high grade, too. Well done, hippy child.

      It’s funny because many commenters have mentioned not doing things, but you followed your plan… early. That’s great. Plus you’ve travelled some. I’m looking forward to, but not specifically planning, to do the same this fall.

      Liked by 1 person

        • When we go on vacations, our first ones will be driving ones. We both figure that’s a good way to see what we want to see without hassling with airports. I admire you for going to places on your own. Rather exciting

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  26. This is so true, we do just have to make the best of whatever comes our way. Doesn’t do us much good to get upset over it. Speaking of your hair, I’ve had hippie hair like that my whole life. I to try to fight it from the time I was a teen and do different things with it, but finally gave up sometime in my 40s. I just go with it now, and yes it’s dishwater blonde and gray. If I ever do anything at all with it I’ll do something really bold with the color – why not be older and bolder?!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Martha, I think that accepting reality, even when you don’t get what you planned, might be the real lesson of the pandemic. We carry on. It certainly has translated into how I approach my hair now. Once upon a time I was obsessed with keeping it looking professional, now I’m inclined, like you, to let it be. [That’d have been a good song to add to this post, now that I think about it.]

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  27. I cut my hair yesterday . . . not well, mind you, but it’s better than having it in my eyes. 😯

    Life is what happens while we’re busy making plans.

    Que sera, sera.
    Whatever will be will be.
    The future’s not ours to see.

    In short, I’m cool enjoying the journey while going with the flow . . . without getting too wedded to a set destination.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Nancy, I don’t like my hair in my eyes either, hence my fondness for hair barrettes. And elastics at this point. Cutting your hair yourself? Gutsy move.

      You’ve got the hippy vibe going with your attitude, but you had it before the last 15 months. For some people [many people?] this has been a unique experience, not doing what they planned to do for the first time in their adult lives. Fascinating to observe, really.

      Liked by 2 people

      • I agree ~ I’ve seen a few “tantrums” when people couldn’t do what they wanted to do when they wanted to do it. 😀

        I adopted an attitude of detached curiosity at the outset of the pandemic ~> “hmm, that’s interesting.” It’s much less stressful.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Yes, your approach is the way to go. Especially as we all start to mix it up in society again. I had a yoga teacher who used to say “isn’t that interesting.” It was her mantra. Nice calm woman

          Liked by 1 person

  28. I am ALL IN for the hippie look. No makeup, graying hair, wash-and-wear hairstyle, comfortable clothes, no plans. This is my best life; I hope remote work never ends! Obviously, the introverts are happier than the busy, social extroverts. I guess it’s clear which camp I’m in! I wish my hair was wildly curly- I’ve got straight boring hair. See how lucky you are?

    Liked by 4 people

    • KDKH, you and I are on the same page about how to dress, what is important, and how wonderful life is away from the extroverts! I know they mean well, but staying home most of the time is the best. Especially when we can communicate via social media and zoom when we want to. I don’t feel at all alone, but I would like a haircut…

      Liked by 3 people

      • My hairdresser got COVID early, so I returned for cuts after a few months when she was shut down. As a small business owner and main breadwinner of her family, I know how important it is for her to have the income. That’s probably why your hairdresser plans to return to work so soon. No sick leave for her. 😞

        Liked by 1 person

  29. I am planning on getting a haircut this week. Sadly, my hair is no where near the Carole King look, in fact I have very fine and extremely thin hair and may need to try a wig soon. Still, with a little volume spray I can pretend I have hair. I just go to the local “Super Cuts” type place and have never had a “regular” hairstylist. I’d love to see your hippy look. (Lol “hippy” look continuing due to a “hip” replacement). Are you dressing the part as well?

    Liked by 4 people

    • Janet, we all learn to cope with the hair we’re given, don’t we? I sometimes say that the Universe gave me curly hair so that I’d learn there’s no such thing as perfection. Zen-Den goes to Super Cuts, but right now he’s a hippy lawyer dude. Hair in a ponytail, enjoying the freedom of no regular haircuts.

      As for my clothes, I’ve not gone Stevie Nicks hippy. My style remains what I call tailored suburban casual– a relaxed look with some texture & color, but structured, no flower-y patterns or twirly skirts.

      Liked by 2 people

    • Laura, isn’t that the truth of it? As a teenager I wanted straight hair, and my mother wanted me to have short hair, so I learned to stretch it straight and glue it into place with Aqua-net. Not anymore, baby. I’m a hippy child.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. That’s good you’ve been double “vaxxed” and I enjoy hearing about who got what vax and when. I recently got my second jab of Phizer.

    It’s been a long while since I got my hair done and I usually too get it blonded but fell by the wayside long before Covid. I am not a fan of cancellations as I prefer some sort of structure and routine for the most part but guess Covid changed the life path for us all.

    In answer to your question, the biggest plan not to happen was over my seven year relationship over Covid and us having to cancel over him being in the USA/me in the UK and trying to make it work. He wanted to be poly instead and consider options with another girl. I do understand it even though not easy and to find yourself going it alone again, whether it would even have worked in the long run anyway outside of Covid. We live in strange times and I guess in years to come how Covid shaped us/our lives will become big blog posts over it over living through it. It is already.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Katy, my husband got Pfizer. We had no choice, we were given what was available on the day we each could get to the clinic. Not complaining about that at all.

      You’re right about how Covid changed the life path for all of us. For you it sounds like it was a dramatic change, btw. I don’t know whether to say I’m sorry things didn’t work out or to say that it’s all for the best. Maybe I could say both?

      I, too, wonder how many [more] blog posts are going to be written about living through these last [for us] 15 months. During the pandemic I know some bloggers posted daily in what they called a ‘Covid Diary’ hoping to record all the deets. Future historians are going to love those people.

      Like

  33. From what I’ve heard, recovery from hip replacement varies wildly. Some folks bounce right back and others don’t. I haven’t had my hair cut in 18 months! I just wear lots of hats. I like hats so it’s an excuse to buy more!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Jan, is that right? I only know about hip replacement with the over 80 crowd, not younger people. I hope that Janelle bounces back quickly, but I’ll wait until she does. At this point, what’s a few more months of hippy hair? I like hats, too. I need to think on that more.

      Like

  34. Good for you, Ally! I approve of everything hippy, especially hippy hair (not that my approval means anything at all). When I retired, I stopped coloring my hair and let it go back to its natural color. Sometimes I straighten it and sometimes, I let it go wavy. It’s all groovy! 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    • Laurie, thank you. I appreciate your approval. When you used to have a structured hairstyle [curly stacked bob] like I did, this unruly hair is a wild ride. I like it, but maybe a few inches less of it. 🤔

      Liked by 1 person

  36. I cut my own hair during Covid and I will keep doing that. I just buzz it short all over and it works for me. I am retired and divorced so the only person looking at my hair is me and I don’t care!
    I don’t need to make plans but I would like to have more of a purpose to my days so I will need to look into what that might be now…

    Liked by 3 people

    • Ellen D, about 6 months ago I trimmed some strands of hair by my face, but other than that I’ve just let it grow out. I agree that you have to wear your hair in a way that pleases you– and it sounds like you’ve found one that works for you. If I buzzed my hair I’d look like a dandelion gone to seed. Nice on a weed, but not on me.

      Liked by 1 person

  38. Um, I made plans to launch a book months in advance only for the state to shut down the week before the big day. Not recommended. My eldest never got to find out which team he’d made following city youth baseball tryouts. My kids’ summer plans were postponed, postponed again, then canceled. We stopped planning – which was a BIG deal for me. Previously I considered anything I planned two weeks out, spontaneous. Now that things are starting to re-open we still don’t respond to RSVP requests until the very last minute for fear of tempting the fates.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Allie P, I’m sorry about your book launch. What rotten timing. Your kids, like so many, didn’t get the summer they were expecting which can be difficult to take. I like how you consider spontaneous as being two weeks out– or more accurately how you used to consider two weeks out to be spontaneous. I know how you feel about invitations now. We are being very selective and we’re being more last minute than we used to be. Plans are no longer set in stone, more like set in sand.

      Liked by 2 people

      • Love that phrasing, ‘set in sand.’ It’s okay. I could have held off like a number of other authors did on the hope of better times ahead, but made the choice to celebrate with an exclusive party of 4 at home (my family) instead. In the end I have a complete series on my shelf and a story to share, so win.

        Liked by 1 person

  39. Disappointment over plans changing due to the pandemic? That seems proportionate to the scale and uniqueness of the activity. I don’t feel too upset that I missed a social date, or my dog’s doggie birthday party but would be disappointed if my parents could not attend my wedding due to closed borders and my wedding was postponed a year but still no chance they could make it and they had to go ahead with it. (which happened to a friend, an only child).
    Love the idea that you have embraced Covid hair as it sounds like this is something you would not have done otherwise!

    Liked by 3 people

  40. Oh jeez…hair! It’s always an issue, isn’t it?

    I gave up on taming my frizzy, curly mop several years ago – who the heck has an hour to spend every morning trying to make their hair look “neat and professional?” My attitude – *I* am neat and professional and get your sh*t done – so don’t you worry about my hair. Now, I will still dye it…I’ve not given up on that area yet.

    My hair hasn’t had a professional trim since December 2019! Yikes! Just last week, I took the plunge and snipped off the most egregious ends (it’s curly – who can tell if it’s uneven?). I’ve heard that my stylist (fairly new to me) has quit – so it appears I will be dealing with my own hair for a while yet until I get a good recommendation and the rest of this damn state gets vaccinated.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Gigi, I like your take on having neat and professional hair. There was always too much emphasis on that in my life prior to Covid. Now, who cares? It kind of makes me feel rebellious and I like that.

      Finding a stylist is problematic. Especially for curly hair. That’s why I’m waiting for Janelle to heal, she’s good with my goofy hair. Plus I like her. I hope you find someone you’ll be comfortable with soon.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I gave up on taming my hair long before COVID. I just don’t want to waste anymore time than I have to on it. So, I’ve leaned into the curly (sometimes frizzy).
        I liked my new-to-me old stylist…but still mourn the loss of Rick, who had the absolute nerve to move to Florida several years ago. I fear, I won’t find anyone else who can measure up.

        Liked by 1 person

  42. Plans? What are those?

    I didn’t plan to look at that newborn alpaca photo my hubby just insisted on showing me. Yuck! Well, so much for having dessert.

    But seriously, my life didn’t change all that much. I had already quit coloring my hair in 2019, and almost always cut my own hair. We had a big trip canceled, but took some nice camping trips in our van instead.

    I was a late-era hippy in the mid-70s. Kinda wouldn’t mind revisiting that. But quite a few pounds and wrinkles ago.

    Every day, I get just a little bit mellower. Groovy? Probably not, given the ol’ knee replacement.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Eilene, so you claim you do not know about the concept of plans! Love it.

      The haircut, when I get it, will be great, but the lesson I’ve taken away from this pandemic experience is that I don’t have to have my hair cut when I think I do.

      We also cancelled some travel plans last year, but have yet to go anywhere. Maybe we’re being hippies, maybe we’re being overly cautious. At any rate we’re being mellow so I figure that’s good.

      Liked by 2 people

  43. I’ve been cutting my own hair for almost 2 years now lol pre-covid I tried to cut it at short as I could tolerate just so I wouldn’t have to go back to the salon so often but yea, cutting my own hair or getting my husband to cut it has been interesting! It’s worked so far and no one has given me any bad feedback but then again, I reckon everyone is in the same boat lol…

    Oh yes, totally agree about plans changing constantly during pandemic. Pre times I would have none of it, but now.. I’m more go with the flow and meh what can you do, better to accept and move onward than sulk and stay stuck in your muck.

    Liked by 2 people

    • bossybabe, I’ve never tried to cut my hair at home. You’re brave and obviously it works for you. While I no longer want a short higher maintenance hairstyle, I’ll still get my hair cut professionally at least a couple of times a year. When Janelle gets back, of course.

      I used to live and breath by plans. I was busier then and took myself more seriously, but now, especially after these last 15 months, I’m going with the flow more. Doing much less, enjoying much more. You nailed it: “better to accept and move onward than sulk and stay stuck in your muck.”

      Liked by 2 people

    • Crystal, hope you found out all about her. She’s a classic. I linked to her Tapestry album in the post. If you watched Gilmore Girls their theme song was written and sung by Carole King.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Okay, I see. A rich and royal tapestry. Let’s call yours silver and gold. I’m rocking the same. The added blonde is all gone, and I’m on the fence about whether to embrace what I have for life. But I’m leaning that way.

        Liked by 1 person

  45. “Feelin’ Groovy” was my birthing song for all three of my daughters. In my Lamaze classes, they told us to choose an appropriate song to sing in your head when the pain became too bad. I think it was mainly for the last stage of labor (the main event). And it worked for me.

    I went a a couple of months more than a year before I returned to the hair salon. It was fun experimenting with long hair after all these years. But now what do I do with all those barrettes and scrunchies?

    Liked by 3 people

    • Nicki, oh what a great song to pick for your birthing song. I do like it, often find it on rewind in my mind. That tune, those words!

      I want to return to the hair salon, obviously. I tried, but not yet said the Universe. When I do go I think I’ll keep my hair longer than my previous curly stacked bob style, but not so long as to hang down and be heavy like it is now. Like you, what would I do with my barrettes and scrunchies? I’ve a significant investment there. 😉

      Liked by 2 people

  46. I seriously miss my 70’s long curly auburn hair. As I greyed (quite early) it became coarser and straighter. I have never died it (lord the money and time I would have spent in the last 30 years would have driven me nuts to say nothing of the side effects of all those chemicals). So I wear it really short at the back and around the sides and leave a bit of length on top for some wave. Freshly cut it’s too short to curl and does the spike thing and I am ok with that. It’s just hair. There are a lot bigger issues in life than what your hair looks like. My husband did cut it twice during our closure stage as it grows crazy fast. Our salons have been open with guidelines all but 3 months of the entire thing so it wasn’t that big of an issue for me.

    Liked by 3 people

    • BernieLynne, I used to get my blonde hair highlighted, but that wasn’t a big deal like covering gray which, as I understand it, is an every two week event. I wouldn’t have the patience for that much time in a hair salon.

      My hair never spikes, which is cute. Nope my hair, when short, frizzes like a Q-tip, a dirty-looking one at this point. I’m not blond, I’m not gray. I’m just a woman with healthy, nondescript hair and will remain one for at least a couple of more months.

      Liked by 1 person

  47. Have you heard of the old Yiddish proverb “We plan, God laughs.” And then you remember Bobby Burns’ “The best laid schemes of men gang aft agley.”

    Sorry we don’t see a photo of your curly hair. My son’s hair was once curly but now it’s disappearing. One grandson’s hair is very kinky and his classmates have asked, “Are you mixed?” He’s not, but I think he finds the question amusing.

    By the way, I’ve hardly ever missed a haircut though my stylist is wearing an arm cast now, which doesn’t sound too promising.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Marian. I know the Yiddish saying, but not the Burns saying. Both are the truth of it, especially in light of my haircuts, lack thereof.

      I don’t do photos of people so no pic of me. Just know this is the longest my hair has ever been and while I like it, I’d like less of it. I used to be a regular about keeping my hair cut so that I’d look professional, but times have changed. Hippy child I am.

      A stylist with an arm in a cast sounds like the basis of a SNL skit! Good luck with your next appointment.

      Liked by 1 person

  48. First, I love Carole King’s hair and I bet you look fantastic. I have also been growing out my hair as well as colouring it myself, something I didn’t think I would do. Who knew, I like it better this way. The funny thing is that I was wondering – pre-pandemic – if I should grow my hair out or not. The pandemic made the decision for me and honestly, I love it. Who knew the key to growing your hair out was to…just stop cutting it? I have had two trims since the pandemic, both when salons reopened after lockdowns and were “safe” – one person at a time, and everyone masked. What it taught me is that I really don’t need to get trims more than a couple of times a year, so that’s a fun savings of time and money.

    The thing about making plans, I have found I am much better at just going with the flow now. And yes, I’m always feeling groovy 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    • Nicole, your conclusion that you don’t need to have your hair cut in a salon often is precisely what I’ve concluded, too. I got a regular haircut every 6-8 weeks before the pandemic and never considered any other way. Now? I’ll be more relaxed about cuts and curls.

      I’m impressed that you’ve learned how to color your hair at home. That seems like a big deal. I’ve seen photos of you lately and you look great, so you’ve figured that out. Yay!

      I’m good at planning, but I’m also mellow about life in general. These last 15 months have reminded me to not get too attached to what I think will happen & enjoy what does… when it does.

      Liked by 1 person

  50. Greetings Ms. Bean

    Speaking of ponytails and change in plans: just last evening, I made an appointment to get shorn.

    Fingers crossed the same curse is not activated as last time. I was supposed to go for an 18-month overdue “trim” in May, and then we went into full-blown lockdown.

    I, too, am in teenage mode – I think my hair is longer than it has ever been – but it makes me look haggard, not hip.

    I need this haircut in the worst possible way. In 8 weeks I will be filmed for a documentary about Cobalt. I need to look as good as possible – I, someone who has the bitchiest resting bitch face on the planet – need to have my hair under control!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Maggie, I understand about how long hair makes you look haggard. When mine is free from the ponytail I look the same way. While I don’t want it as short as before, I don’t want it quite this long. Apparently I’m Goldilocks and want it ‘just right.’

      How exciting that you’ll be filmed for a documentary. That being said, you have to have your hair looking great for it. No pressure. Crossing my fingers that you have your appointment as scheduled and that you love your new style.

      Liked by 1 person

  51. This is so timely for me. I was supposed to get my hair cut today–FINALLY!–but then our air conditioner gave out (during this beastly heat wave), and the only day they could get here was, of course, sometime today. Sigh. Now I have to wait another week and a half with this miserable head.

    Worth it, of course, to get the AC back on. Whose hair looks good in this heat and tropical humidity anyway?

    Liked by 3 people

    • nance, what a lousy turn of events. I do understand how getting the AC working is a top priority, but at the expense of you not getting your hair cut… well, that’s just unfair. Of course you’re right, no one looks good in this humidity. Sending cool thoughts your way. Honestly, if it’s not one thing it’s another.

      Liked by 1 person

  52. My hair has been past my shoulders for almost a year and it is 100% to do with this pandemic. For the last 20 years, I grow my hair to my shoulders and than get a pixie and start the process over again.

    And it’s absolutely feelin’ groovy hippy hair – gray, frizzy, kinda curly. I love it for me and for you.

    I’m glad I’m not the only one. And rolling with the changes – what a good lesson to take away from COVID.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Katie, I like your approach to hair styles. I always got the same one, a curly stacked bob. In retrospect it was a lot more maintenance than I realized I was doing, so now having had hippy hair courtesy of Covid I’m not going back to it. I’ll get a haircut, but not so short again.

      I like how you said rolling with changes because that’s exactly what these last 15 months have been about. Lesson learned– and reinforced over and over again.

      Liked by 1 person

  53. I imagine that your groovy, hippy, and wild hair is becoming on you! Plus, there are elastics everywhere, never a shortage.
    Plans change all the time, we must go with the flow or else we’ll be stressed/unhappy people.
    I think the pandemic taught us all to take it one day at a time.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Suz, excellent points: elastics are easily available and taking it one day at a time is wise. Weird last year+ but I’m pleased to be healthy, doing my hippy child best to feel groovy.

      Liked by 2 people

  54. I am in love with all of these wonderful “rolling with the changes” comments.
    I, too, am also a “hippy” and have grown out my hair because of the pandemic. Like you, I used to get my hair cut every six weeks to keep it styled short. This is the longest my hair has been since high school. I love the feeling of air drying my hair, the simplicity of my hairstyle. I used to think I had to have a certain hairstyle for a certain age. Now, I don’t feel that way at all. It is very freeing

    Liked by 3 people

    • Kari, hear, hear! I agree with you and felt the same way before the pandemic. I was supposed to have a certain hairstyle because I was a certain age. Now, I do like you do. I air dry my hair, simply pull it back into a ponytail, and go on my way. This is the longest my hair has been since high school, too. Freeing to be sure.

      Liked by 2 people

    • Janis, I tend to go with the flow to begin with and now after all we’ve been through I’m very much about going with the flow. I’ll wait for Janelle to be fully recovered. No need for her to rush things on my account. ☮️

      Liked by 1 person

  57. I love this post! Although I’ve hated mostly everything about this pandemic, letting go of many things(like hair) has been freeing. And what fun to have Carole King hair!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Margaret, I knew you’d be onboard with longer hair. I figure that this Carole King look is a once in a lifetime opportunity to try a hairstyle that I’d not have considered before the pandemic. It’s fun and so easy to put my hair in a ponytail every morning.

      Like

  58. Ha! Great minds think alike. I was just drafting a blog for next week wherein I state that I haven’t had my hair this long since the 70’s – remember those Sun-In ads, only not parted in the middle and some gray mixed in with the blonde, and bangs which are now approaching Cousin-It status. I have an appointment next week and can’t wait. I bet your hair looks great! Peace out!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Joni, I do remember Sun-In ads and I remember using the stuff. It fried my hair, but darn it I was a bright blonde because of it. That was my goal. The last time I had long hair like this I was a sophomore in high school. I hope your haircut appointment happens as scheduled. Cousin It could rock the bangs, but I can understand how they’d drive you crazy. ☮️

      Liked by 2 people

      • Sun-In never lightened my hair at all if I remember correctly, but I couldn’t handle much sun. My hairdresser lives on my street so one day when I was picking up the mail I saw her sitting outside and stopped by and asked when she was re-opening again and she said July 2, and she had her appointment book right there so she penciled me in for next week! I was beyond ecstatic. Re bangs – I would like to be able to see better – I don’t know how Cousin-It coped…….he obviously didn’t read.

        Liked by 1 person

  59. I’m with you Ally, I’ve let go if so many things, my hair being one of them…I only had a few strands of grey coming through but since I’ve started to relax about the whole thing no more have appeared! So I’ll make the most of it for now.

    I’ve also relaxed my dress style, I was always comfy bring comfy, and whilst I’ll still squeeze into some tight trousers on the odd occasion I’ve made peace with the fact that I like baggy trousers and trainers (sneakers).

    Liked by 3 people

    • Rae Cod, the hair thing has been one of the biggest revelations for me courtesy of Covid-19. Before I always had it short and neat, spending more time on it than I realized. Now as a hippy child my morning routine is streamlined.

      I’ve changed my style some during the pandemic, mostly because my old clothes wore out and I needed new ones. I call my look tailored suburban casual, so I’m still wearing jeans and blouses, but I’ve gotten more into colors now. No black tops, no dramatic patterns, thank you very much.

      Liked by 1 person

  60. Seeing as I get a very basic, straight cut I bought a good pair of hair scissors during the pandemic and convinced my boyfriend to cut my hair. He wasn’t keen at first until I told him that I normally pay $140 for the professional version…

    Liked by 2 people

  61. Enjoy your two additional months of living hippy! 🙂 We had plans to go to North Carolina to visit the kids in April 2020 and then the pandemic put an end to that plan. The new plan is September 2021. The pandemic taught me that, as J.R.R. Tolkien asserts, “It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.” Feeling groovy most of the time…

    Liked by 2 people

    • Barbara, what a wonderful and appropriate quote. I’ve never heard that one and I love it. So true. I hope you get to NC in September. I hope I get a haircut in August. Guess we’ll see what happens next, won’t we?

      Liked by 1 person

  62. I recently had my long-awaited massage cancelled because the masseuse was ill and they didn’t have a substitute. I was not as magnanimous as you. I almost cried. The pandemic has taught me that plans are subject to change and to be sooo appreciative when things work out as I had hoped–or sometimes even better. I’m not feeling groovy yet this morning…but I’m getting there!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Christie, well that’s a bummer that your massage was cancelled. I can understand your reaction to the news when you were so looking forward to it. Ain’t going to happen, huh?

      You raise a good point that the flip side of accepting that plans change is that when plans don’t change it seems like a gift. Hope you get your groovy feeling back soon– and a massage rescheduled.

      Liked by 1 person

  63. Wow – can I ever relate to this post!

    It’s been almost a year since my last haircut, and while I’ve often despaired over the chaos reigning on my head, I’ve slowly come to terms with the funky, not-quite-curly hair running riot in the mirror whenever I risk a look.

    My hairdresser for the past 20ish years fell and seriously injured herself last summer. She is still unable to work and tomorrow I will be putting myself in the hands of an unknown stylish. I still have no idea what I’m even going to ask for … but I hope she will help me love this unruly mess even more than I already do.

    Who knew we had a closeted hippie deep?! 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    • Joanne, you said it about “chaos reigning on my head.” A perfect description of what a year without a proper haircut amounts to.

      I’m sorry your stylist is no longer going to be your stylist. I worry that Janelle will quit and then what? Of course going to someone new may work to your advantage. The stylist will have no preconceived ideas of who you must be, so perhaps the stylist will find a new you. Or some such nonsense.

      Fingers crossed that your haircut is, if not perfect, at least acceptable, my hippy child friend.

      Liked by 1 person

      • That’s what I’m hoping for too, Ally. A new stylist will hopefully see a new opportunity with my hair … or likely perceive an old, delusional hippy in the chair 😏 Either way, I’m sure it will be ‘interesting’!

        Liked by 2 people

  64. I have unruly hair too, but a ponytail does not look good on me, so after a few weeks of that, I had it cut chin length. It does not look bad, but I rather have it shoulder length – i guess I’ll have to wait till the weather cools down:) Jeshie2

    Liked by 2 people

  65. What a disappointment!! I soooo need a haircut also.

    But how sad that your hair stylist has has have hip replacement surgery. A friend of mine just had that done–last week in fact. She doesn’t have any plans to do much of anything until August!

    Liked by 2 people

    • L. Marie, I’d like a haircut but I like Janelle enough to wait until she’s healed. I miss talking with her and I NEED to know why she had this surgery so [seemingly] suddenly.

      Like

  66. Hi ally – I still wonder why they did not offer to reschedule and juts canceled – hmmm
    And glad you are staying flexible with your hair and waiting for your stylist
    Not just anyone can do our hair the way we want.
    Oh and we have an older friend from church who came back to the world (after pandemic) with silver hair – all natural and it looks so silky / she is staying with it/ so I think she is feeling groovy

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yvette, Janelle is in business by herself so I think she just cancelled on everyone all at once. She’s in Salon Lofts and to make an appointment with her you go online and book it yourself. Which I have to do, now that I think about it. I’d love it if my hair got silky silvery gray, but I suspect I’m destined to look like a frizzy dandelion gone to seed. Still, I promise to feel groovy about it. Peace out

      Liked by 1 person

  67. I immediately visualize Carole King’s hair, Ally. You are absolutely right about the plump curly ponytail. It totally works. Hair has been quite a subject around here. I may turn it into a post. Nothing wrong with hippy and feelin’ groovy.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Erica/Erika, I agree with you: “Nothing wrong with hippy and feelin’ groovy.” I’m not thrilled by the reason that I came to have Carole King hair, but I can go with it now. It’s something that would never have happened if it hadn’t been for the pandemic. Looking forward to what you write about hair, if you choose to do so.

      Liked by 1 person

  68. You’ve made plans, which ones did not happen?
    I have multiple answers to this question, however turns out none of them ever will Pan out. The again, “when you got nothin’, you got nothin’ to lose.”

    What did the pandemic teach you about making plans?
    If you make them, keep them. It’s a lesson I’ve learned many times in my life, but this lesson lasted for 16 months rather than a weekend. I’m tired of this lesson, so if you make plans, keep them.

    Are you feeling groovy?
    Hey Cats and Kittens, I’m groovy, you groovy? Dig it?
    (I’ll be honest, I’m not 100% sure what I just said but I think I remember it from a movie 😂)

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    • Marlapaige, thanks for answering the questions. I found that making plans during the pandemic was an experience. I know that many things never happened for me, like this haircut for instance. If nothing else these last 15 months have reinforced the idea that I need to go with the flow and as they say, not sweat the small stuff. Plans often being part of the small stuff. Can you dig it, kitten? ☮️

      Liked by 1 person

      • I can dig it! ✌🏻
        I didn’t mean grand plans. But if you make plans with a person, keep them. Sometimes plans are the small stuff. Sometimes, missing them can be part of the really big stuff that lasts the rest of your life. So going to visit that uncle who never leaves his house and was covid safe was something I should have done. Written those letter to my aunts which just seemed like a lot of work were things I should have done. Such minor things, but they can be big things. Otherwise, when it’s like a party, feel free to hide under your bed 😂

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  69. I was going to visit a place last summer and I was really excited for it too, but alas, the virus came and I couldn’t go. And I was going to go to my maternal grandmothers home as well. Oh well, there was still a lot of family time in this year and the last and I met my mothers relatives quite a few times too so I guess that’s good. Enough about me now, I’d also like to know if you had something to look forward to but it didn’t happen because of all this. A very lovely post by the way 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    • jryb29, oh sure, things didn’t happen for us, too. We were going to go on a few vacations in 2020 because we’d stayed home in 2019 to have expensive housing repairs. 2020 was to be our year of travel. Ha! That didn’t happen, obviously. But like you, I figure there’s lots of family time this year so onward go I, a hippy child. Thanks for stopping by to comment.

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  70. Pingback: The week gone by — July 4 – A Silly Place

  71. I laughed at the references to Carole King’s “Tapestry” album cover and Simon and Garfunkel’s “Feeling Groovy” song – no Googling or YouTubing for me as I’ve been through that era too! My hair has not had a professional’s touch since I had it highlighted and cut by Jill in October 2019. I’m no hairdresser believe me. I don’t know why I bothered ordering hairdresser/barber’s scissors from Amazon last year; I’d have done just as well with the kitchen shears. My shortest layer of the long layers in my hair is now grown out. But still I hesitate to return to Jill – on the cusp of calling for an appointment, the Delta variant arrived. Your stylist should be good to go soon Ally. A fellow walker at the Park told me his daughter had a hip replacement and was okayed by the doctor to return to work two weeks after the surgery. I was amazed! She waited an extra week as she is a nurse and on her feet and her position requires much bending and moving, so she returned at three weeks. I don’t know her age, but Arnie said she’s been a nurse for 21 years. Hip replacements have come a long way since my mom had her two (1981 and 1990 respectively). I made no plans for 2020 and I’m mellow, feelin’ groovy and hanging in there, waiting for normalcy to return. (P.S. – I’d feel groovier it the heat would take a hike!)

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    • Linda, my music references just drifted into my mind as I was writing this post. Some songs are programmed in there forever, I think. You bought real hair cutting scissors! I never thought to do that which is probably just as well, considering my dexterity and eyesight ain’t all that.

      I’m amazed, too, by the idea that you can go back to work in 2 weeks after hip replacement surgery. That’s wonderful, but incredible. Like you when I think of hip replacement surgery I think of months off and lots of rehab. The heat here left for a few days but is back now with a vengeance. It’s summer out there, pretty buy humid.

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      • I like the old songs best Ally and I don’t know any of the newer music. I subscribed to “People” magazine for decades and finally cancelled it as I didn’t know any of the singers/groups and actors anymore and I can read that magazine’s human interest stories at their site. I was just chatting with Barbara Rodgers the other day about music and how much we enjoyed the women singers and their powerful songs back in the day. I had all the songs memorized and can still remember the words.

        The scissors I’m sure work well if someone else is using them to cut your hair. I wear eyeglasses too and I half the back and cut away as I can’t see the back of my head. Soon it will be hat time again! Or maybe not.

        Your stylist may be back earlier than you think, so hang in there. Feel free to remind me in Winter when I complain about the cold and snow that I whined about the excessive heat over the long holiday weekend.

        Liked by 1 person

        • I know what you mean about not knowing newer music. I hear it and enjoy some of it, but don’t know who’s singing. And here’s the thing, I don’t bother to find out. A sign of old age, I suppose.

          Will do as you suggest next winter… *tee-hee*

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  73. I recently changed salons to a location closer to my house. I spent $$$ on color only to have an orange part, like an ex-president who shall not be named. I went back to get it fixed, only to be disappointed. 6 more weeks of being an orangie. Not so happy about that, but I will live.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Pam, well that stinks! No rational person wants to have orange-ness in her hair. I hope you find a different new salon with someone who can color your hair in a shade that is flattering on you– and has no nefarious political connotations.

      Liked by 2 people

  76. I had to take my chances and get the crazy hair cut in 2020 without benefit of a vaccine. My hair is thin and does not do well with long lengths. I recently tried to grow it a little longer and all one length, but it felt like a racoon was sitting on my head, so I am back to layers. I make appointments first thing Monday morning and it’s usually very quiet with maybe one other customer in the building. I’ve felt safe so far.

    I hope your stylist recovers well and you can go back to the non-hippie hair. Until then, rock the bell bottoms and give your neighbors a peace sign to let them know how groovy you are, Ally.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Mary, excellent idea to make a Monday morning appointment for a haircut. I like that. I’d feel safe from the virus and Janelle might be feeling fresh after a restful weekend. I’ve yet to book an appointment so I’ll keep this idea in mind.

      I need to flash more peace signs. You’re right about that, too. I don’t have the bell bottoms, but I can be groovy. Peace out.

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