#151 - Don't Like Image Changes

A New Style  
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It's an exciting thing when you decide to change your image, with a new hairstyle. But it's a whole different thing when your "new hair-do" is not by choice. I didn't decide to have my current short hair. I haven't even had a real haircut yet. But at least I can choose how I want to... pull it off!

At First

​Yes of course, I'm the same person no matter what my hairstyle. But I do feel different in short hair. Initially, when I stepped out without a wig,

I felt like my hair announced, "I've been dealing with cancer!" That was not the image I was eager to portray. 

Dressing Up...

​When my hair grew just a little more, I began to feel like I didn't stand out so much. I was suddenly able to enjoy the ease of short hair. It was a breeze getting ready to go out. But a couple times when I needed to "dress up" to go out, it just felt odd. How was I supposed to look dressed up, with my little boy hair?  Pearls maybe?

Options
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So, I've begun to realize I should take advantage of this period, to experiment with image changes. After all image doesn't really matter right now. I don't care what friends and family think. They know me. I don't have to worry about first impressions, because I'm not job hunting or in search of a mate. So if this new hair can kind of change my image, why not have a little fun with my forced change? What kind of statement does my short hair make? What are my options? Who do I want to be?

Hollywood Glam?
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A nice thought...

A few friends have boosted my confidence with reminders of fantastic looking celebrities with darling short haircuts. I had some fun looking at photos. Now, if I could just have their young complexions and million dollar smiles and bodies and wardrobes to help me pull off the pixie hair. That would take a lot of money and a time machine.

Younger or Older?
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​I've been told by a couple people that my short hair makes me look younger. I was also told my hair makes me look more serious.  Does that mean older?  Sometimes my pixie cut actually makes me feel like a little kid, ready to go climb trees and skin some knees.  

But, sometimes I feel like a nun or a rigid schoolmarm. I'll be able to pull off the Scout look in another month or two. If my gray/white hairs start taking over, I'll be able to look like Harper Lee. Neither look, is top on my list.

Old Hollywood

​I began to wonder about the film and TV stars from long ago. Maybe those retro 1950's fashions would be more achievable.

After all, June Clever and Doris Day were soooo old, when I used to watch them on TV. But, what happened? Now I'm way older than the "old stars".
​Luckily my hair's too short anyway, because I don't think I'm up for any of those hair-dos.

Sexy?
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​I was told by one person that my new hair made me look sexy.  I'm afraid this dear friend is in her late 80's and she had a teasing grin when she paid the compliment.

I don't think I'll be working on my sexy image, right now. But how about energetic or theatrical? Mary Martin and Julie Andrews had a lot of spunk when they flew and sang and danced. Maybe I need to get back to dance classes, again. It's only been 40 years.

An Artist?

A stranger actually complimented my hair.  He said it made me look like an artist. Now that could be a fun image to go for.  I do own a couple of berets!

​Some Friend Guidance

​I'm not really going to suddenly fake being an artist, but that comment made me stop and think. My dear friend Lorie, happens to be an artist. She was rocking my same hair-do, 12 years ago when we had a brief reunion in Michigan.  ​

I remember being delighted by her bold style. She pulled it off beautifully with her huge smile and classy/atsty clothing.

​Lorie and I have never stopped communicating since our high school days. She's been on my mind lately, especially since she recently gave me some hair tips.  Funny, I never would have had the nerve to cut my hair so short, like Lorie. But I have this great chance to try it out!  How often do we get a little push to "change our image"? Yes, I can have fun and let this hair push me to wear new things... change it up a bit... even go so far to be inspired to try something new like painting or dancing. But mostly, I need to just be inspired by Lorie, to wear it like I chose it!  I'm going to own this hair... at least for now!