Monday Musings – New Hairdo and Hobby
Happy Monday, ladies. This week’s ramblings are, as usual, personal and all over the map. There’s some navel-gazing with a small amount of whining and other sundry things that are on my mind.
I don’t think I shared this outfit that I wore in Lake Tahoe over Thanksgiving. If I did, here’s your second look :)Fair Isles are synonymous with winter style, and I was anxious to get another opportunity to wear this dress. My fair isle sweater dress is from last year, but they have one almost identical dress this year. This dress from Talbots is also similar but without the pattern on the bottom, which would make you look taller. The cashmere scarf- similar here was a surprise and lovely gift from Talbots several years ago. My boots are eons old, but black riding boots don’t change much over the years. The velvet leggings are a toasty alternative to opaque tights I love to wear all winter long.
MORE FAIR ISLE SWEATER DRESSES
I don’t know about you, but my teeth are a train wreck, and the older I get, the bigger the problems become. I needed braces as a kid but didn’t get them. I’m dealing with a crossbite, plus I grind my teeth, so I have lots of chipped teeth and now cracked crowns. I tried braces last year, but I have two implants that were not a good mix with braces, so that didn’t work. I spent five hours in the dentist’s chair last week, and there will be many more visits before calm and relative order is restored in my mouth 🙂 I drive two hours each way to see my old dentist because I trust him with my teeth…call me crazy, but there you have it. Whining over…I’m lucky to have the teeth I do 🙂
I got a new ‘do last week, and it’s taking some time for me to get used to it. My hair has gotten so thin that my stylist and I agreed it was time to grow out my layers and go a bit shorter. The result looks dangerously like a bob. I say dangerously because bobs feel so expected on a woman with fine, thin hair, and I’d prefer a more unique style.
It’s the best haircut for my current hair, but I don’t care for the look, so it’s time to get a little creative with how I style it. She suggested a paste at the roots, which I’m game to try. As a funny aside, my stylist mentioned my color looked different than she remembered. I told her it’s just gotten older and grayer. She thinks I’m overdoing the purple shampoo, so it’s likely a combo of the two. At any rate, it’s not as silver as I want, so I’m a bit frustrated by it. BTW- this photo makes it look blonder than it is in person.
Taking up an old hobby
On our way to Lake Tahoe last week, we stopped for lunch and some window shopping in Truckee. As we strolled the main street, a store window stopped me cold…I mean, dead stop and stare. There were a few balls of yarn, knitting needles, and a handknit wrap in the window. I had to go in.
My mom taught me to knit at 14, and I became an obsessive knitter for 45+ years. I never went anywhere without a project and often knit for 8+ hours daily. I made myself and my family tons of sweaters, hats, afghans, etc. I’m not sure when I stopped, but I think it was when AWSL became more than a full-time job. Rather than occupying my spare time with knitting, I began spending my time creating content for social media, editing photos, or writing blog posts. Arthritis in my hands began getting worse, and I wondered if it was because of all the knitting I’d done.
Whatever the reason, I stopped knitting cold and never looked back…until that shop window drew me in. It pained me to buy knitting needles because I have multiples of every size imaginable at home. We would be at the Lake for three days, and I had to start knitting right then, so I bought the needles to do it.
My rusty skills took several attempts to fire back up, but once they did, I felt the old obsession take over. Knitting is a form of meditation for me. The repetitive motion and stitch counting are both monotonous and soothing. The kit I bought is not my favorite pattern, yarn weight, or color, but that’s not the point. The process is the point for me, and I’m delighted to have taken up this old hobby again.
What hobbies have you let go of that you might want to get back to now?
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I think this hair do is very becoming…. And a bob, to me, is less trouble than other styles. Someone told me to ask the stylist for a French Bob. Is that what your stylist calls this?
French bobs are generally shorter than the jaw line, very blunt and have blunt bangs, reminiscent of the flapper cuts in the 1920s. They’re often cheek length which would feel very short on me but I never say never.
Love this post. Lots to identify with, including the hair issue. I also like your haircut. My stylist likes to cut my hair short, for same reasons, but it is easier to style when a bit longer. I guess I have a bob as well. I’m still a Rogaine user after many years, and depend on it. I may look into the oral minoxidil.
Hobbies: may not he considered a hobby, but rediscovered piano lessons post retirement. My teacher says it helps keep the brain going, and hands in good shape. It takes discipline, but worth it, even though my talent is lacking.
Best for the holiday season.
I’ve relied on Rogaine for years too. Piano lessons sound fabulous! I love that idea. I was not a good piano student as a kid and we no longer have a piano.
I’m smiling as I read your words….I could have written much of the same blog!!!! I have severe fear of what my dentist will find whenever I see her, I love my silver white hair but it seems more thin than yours….the style is shorter which seems to work for me. I do think your new cut is quite becoming. I use Olaplex purple shampoo a couple of times a month and other Olaplex shampoo on alternate weeks but never more than once a week. Right now I’m looking across the room at my knitting bag, unopened for a few years but recently brought out of the closet. I’ve knit off and on, but not always obsessively, since 1963….often more off than on….for detours onto cross stitch, counted cross stitch, crewel and needlepoint. I got back to knitting a couple of years ago about the same time as my shoulder started screaming at me…finally I had reverse shoulders replacement 8 months ago. I’m now pain free and wanting to give knitting another season of my life. We’ll see what happens. I have bins of to be done projects under my bed!!!!! So many of us can identify with what you’re experiencing as the years go on. Indeed, we are blessed to still be here. Happy Holidays!
Wow, so happy to hear your shoulder surgery was a success. Bravo!
The number of knitting works in process in my closet is staggering. I may never finish them. I’m looking at them wondering why I ever wanted to make them.
I am lucky to have any teeth! My parents did not take us to the dentist—the first time I saw a dentist was when I got my first job at age 19. My teeth are in great shame, I only have one crown. Your haircut—I love it! That style looks great on you! My hair is thinning but just on top and in the crown. The dermatologist explained it’s just like how a man goes bald. same area. That somehow was not reassuring!!! I use either a gel to use on my entire head or just a thickening spray on the top. It does work. email me if you want the name.
Women do get male pattern balding. That’s one reason I use Rogaine every day. The mens 5%!
I love LOVE your new haircut!! Your hair looks thicker, the style frames your face beautifully, and it’s a classic but modern look. Kudos to your stylist!
It does look thicker which was our goal. Thank you!
Your new hair style is very becoming on you. I think it looks a bit sassy. I found that when I quit coloring my hair, it stopped falling out. I think keeping it a bit shorter helps my hair look fuller. My hair style is a lot like yours but without the bangs. I do not want my hair to look “fixed”.
Also I know exactly what you mean about the dentist. I have a mouth guard to wear at night because of my teeth grinding.
Love your Monday musings.
I actually love your new haircut! Color is a challenge. Mine is gray/white but I have a recent tendency to yellow. My stylist has suggested platinum highlights but that seems to contradict the whole idea of low maintenance. Still deciding! And teeth! I feel you. My bottom teeth are re-crowding after an extraction and braces thirty years ago when I was in my thirties, and my teeth have never been very white. It takes a lot of work just to fend off gum disease. The joys-hah-of aging!
Mine suggested silver highlights but that’s not going natural, so I’m waiting it out.
I think your new haircut is really attractive on you! I also think it makes you look younger, but that’s just my opinion. We have to wear what each of us is most comfortable with. Also loved that red, black and white outfit! Looks very comfortable while being very stylish.
It’s the only red I own, funny enough. This is the only time of year I wear it.
Good morning, Jennifer. Thank you for sharing with us. No, I don’t knit, but I definitely understand your problems with your teeth. I had miserable experiences in my youth in the dental chair and spent time getting a bridge and several expensive crowns. After a painful experience with my gums, I do floss regularly and keep up with the latest on electric toothbrushes. Hey! Your hair cut is flattering and I do like that lipstick color. Have a great week. I enjoy reading your posts😍
I just love your hair.. I too have very fine and thin hair, and i also wear it this way…
Thank you Pat
What a timely post for so many of us. First, love every detail of the outfit you featured.
My teeth have always required extra attention. Our smiles say so much about us!
I do crochet but never learned to knit. So, I just purchased a small knitting loom that so many people are using to produce gorgeous hats, scarves and ….
And now, this whole issue of our thinning hair. I still color my hair and wear it longer these days. I do have bangs also. I have read many articles about styling your bangs in a more modern way. They emphasize that there should be no lift at the root and you dry them first brushing one way and then brushing the other way. It seems to make a difference for me. My goal is to have a more natural style with movement.
You have always been able to style your hair in a modern style that appears less structured. Just stay true to your personal instincts!
That’s interesting about bangs. I’ll have to read more about that way if styling them. My forehead is huge so I’ve always worn them.
I really love your new haircut, it looks so much fuller to me. I have thick and coarse hair but it has changed so much the older I am getting, I am 72. It is medium length and needs a cut or something but I don’t know what I want. My hair has turned dry and frizzy and I can tell it is thinning out which I hate. Everybody thinks that the older women should go short and wear it frumpy but not every woman wants that. I maybe 72 but I do not want to be frumpy, clothes, shoes or hair.
We don’t want to look frumpy!! Check Pinterest for some style ideas. Then ask women whose hair you like, who cuts their hair.
I am also a knitter and find that, like you, knitting is calming and meditative. I’d love to see what you’re knitting. You needles are beautiful!
Just a scarf in a simple 4 row repeat. Hopefully I bought enough yarn to make it long enough to be a scarf and not a placemat. 🤣
Hello, Jennifer !
There is a procedure which coats the teeth in zirconia and you can no longer grind them; it was successful for my son, our dentist got a diploma in Italy for this 3 steps procedure ( approx.5000€)
For me 6 implants in these 2 years are enough for the time being, but all my life I had problems though I tried to take care of teeth and the dentist is the most important thing, if you found him, stick to him like glue, ni matter the roads.
I was wondering if you can tuck your hair at the back in some kind of bun or loop of hair, because I saw some of your photos wearing a robe, and you look so younger!
Think about it ! Don t worry you look beautiful, anyway, especially that you are not subject to overwight, which so manyof us are, at this age and this impacts our lives so much.
Hobbies, yes, I used to knit or sew when I was young and enthusiastic, which I m not, anymore, but maybe, ifcI think better…
Best !
Mihaela
New hairdo is stunning!
Well, Jennifer, the jury’s in and your new haircut is a winner. It frames your face nicely and looks stylish. Bet it has nice movement, as well. Since the style works well with your hair texture and fullness, here’s hoping you grow to enjoy the change. I feel it looks lovely on you!
I was SO excited to see your new do! You look fabulous! I think your hair looks fuller, and in my opinion, you look younger. Very classy. I am 65 with thinning gray hair. I have a short pixie. When I add a texturizer I look a bit sassy which is fun. Thank you for being an inspiration to your many followers.
Good morning Jennifer ! I do like your hairstyle too! It looks to be a versatile cut where it could be flipped up a bit, on the ends, if you grew tired of the straighter bob? Abd I love the Tahoe outfit!
On knitting- Ihave friends who were obsessive knitters until extreme arthritis set in. Now it’s limited. I never learned to knit. My mom never knitted but did sew, and busied herself with baking (her passion)
, piano practice and collecting antiques. Happy Monday!
This is getting repetitive, but I would like to join the chorus to say that your new hairstyle looks great on you! It flatters your face and seems fuller than the other hairstyle. As for hobbies, I could never manage the skills needed to be a successful knitter. So I learned to crochet at an early age. So much simpler and the same fun. But these days I play MahJongg as a hobby. I play MJ with friends several times a week and play online MJ almost every night before I go to sleep. It is a relaxing and addictive game!
Love your hair! You look beautiful as always.