I have grays.
There I said it. My head has been overtaken. What started as my first gray hair last year turned into a freaking white-haired block party, and now I am obsessed with tracking them down in this nightly head-over-the-sink-examining-like-a-chimp ritual. No matter where I part my hair, I find one. Wiry, coiled non-conformists, those grays are. They think they’re so cool because they’re all go-against-the-flow and look different from the smooth brown ones. And since this is kind of new, I’m still in the Whoa! stage, so I shout from the bathroom after the latest gray hair census report and announce to Brett how many new ones I found.
“Nineteen, Brett. How can you get nineteen new gray hairs in one week?”
And he doesn’t even comment back as there are certain conversations I have with him where he just checks out because he knows I’m really just having a conversation with myself. Except he smiles–that smile that says “Ha ha, join the club.” Because he is–how do I say this…more experienced in the gray-hair-counting area.
Speaking of smiling, I’m not buying the smile from the chick on the Nutmeg Dark Brown box. She is smirking. She thinks it’s funny that I now have to buy her more than I’d like to, and I want to wipe that smile off her face for her. But I refrain. Because I need her, #28 Nutmeg Dark Brown with the conceited smirk.
*****
The last couple weeks have been good for me. I’ve fallen deeper in love with writing, and I’ve really enjoyed the way it feels to write through more challenging days. Writing is a part of me just as musicians can’t live without music and painters can’t live without canvas and paints, and I thrive on experiences that pull me to write a bit more raw and unfiltered. It’s my favorite kind, and though I hope that all my writing comes out that way, sometimes it needs to be stimulated. The writing though is really just a bi-product of the greater reward of challenges–instropection at its best, the kind that can’t come from reading books or hearing someone else’s story but must come from our own experiences. Sometimes I look back at posts from the early days after Nella’s birth, and I miss that writing and feeling. It just flowed–pain, self reflection, growing, putting it all out there. And as quick as I think it–that “I want that again” feeling, I retract, almost superstitiously as if just thinking it means I’m giving the universe permission to throw some great challenge at us. No thank you, I’ll keep my crafts and brunch with girlfriends.
I can say this because deep down, I’m not superstitious. And I know that good introspection does not need Down syndrome or husbands with chest pains or first days of kindergarten to fuel it. I also know that challenges are inevitable. When we live aware and embrace everything around us as part of our story–the good, the bad, the funny, the irreverent, the holy, the confusing and the calm–we’ll have wonderful things about which to write. Subjects to paint. Stories to sing.
So this weekend, I embraced the calm.
After so much deep thinking and self-reflection, I turned it off this weekend. So much that last night while trying to fall asleep, I actually had to pull out my imagery trick where I tell my brain to shut-the-hell–up. It goes something like this, for anyone interested in borrowing it (I made it up. Dr. Phil, don’t even think about stealing it): You imagine your brain is a Magna Doodle–one of those magnetic drawing boards for kids, and all your thoughts are iron filing crap junkin’ up the board. And then you come in and grab the little eraser knob at the bottom, and you meditatively swipe it clean. You have to say “Swipe” out loud when you do it. Voila–resting brain. Dude, it works.
So, where were we?
Relaxing. Not much thinking. Hanging at the Church of the Isles of Capri with friends.
My girl is coming out of her shell a little easier these days. It’s confidence.
Hope your holiday weekend was lovely. Many more back to school today–good luck!
*****
Your #enjoyingthesmallthings photos:
If you use Instagram and have a photo that makes you happy, share it by using the hashtag #enjoyingthesmallthings. Yours may be chosen to be shared in a Friday post.
(can I just say I love these? I drop in on this hashtag several times a week, and it always makes me happy. Y’all are making beautiful moments with your families.)
****
If you are in the Southern California area, I will be returning to San Diego in October to be part of the Infantino and Step 2 Everybody Plays campaign. Infantino and Step 2 are hosting their casting call now and are looking for children to be part of this event.
I just saw the new toys we’ll be photographing last week, and there’s a new line coming to Target called Go Gaga! Vibrant vintage colors, wood and corduroy textures–it’s gorgeous.
I’ll also be doing a book signing in San Diego on the evening of Wednesday, October 17th. More info to come.
*****
Finally, I’m thrilled to bring Casey Wiegand back as an Enjoying the Small Things sponsor. Casey is an artist in the Dallas area (check out her amazing art studio for kids and adults, A Little Artsy), but she also has an beautiful heart which she shares on her blog, at speaking conferences, and through her art.
Art, style, motherhood, family, faith, women’s issues–Casey’s got it.
And a brand new baby, Apple, who just came home. Check her out.
*****
It’s a four-day week! And I’m off to color my hair.
Jessie says
<3
JessiePuk says
I found my first gray hairs when I was 17! I’m 27 now, and they just keep coming. Hooray for Garnier Nutrisse “Medium Golden Brown” – just one of my vices!
kcolquitt says
You know Stacy from What Not to Wear? She has that grey streak, I think it’s awesome. You could give that a whirl! Happy coloring….don’t forget to wear the gloves.
lovemy3 says
Join the club! I’m light ash brown from John Frieda. Mine started slow but once we had Hailey and we waited for her heart surgery, they were like rabbits and multiplied!
ellie says
Ah, I like my white hairs! I think they’re so pretty π
April Vernon says
I am getting a STREAK of gray. Those nonconformists are forming a club!! Loved your comments about the chick’s smirk on the Clariol box!! Too funny!!
Karen Best says
So here’s my version of the mental swipe: I individual picture each thing that my brain wants to think about. I then imagine putting each of those things into a protective bubble and tossing them off the end of a dock one by one. They land, they float, they’re safe for retrieval later, but for now, they’re not on my peaceful dock! π
Charlene says
Love these pics π Glad you had a good Labor Day…I also love reading The Wiegand’s π
-Charlene
http://www.becomingthebarrs.com
nicolette gawthrop says
well, that casey is adorable.
and what a little nap time treat! fun mid-day etst read!
always inspiring…
with love from a new “writer”
it’s so random how much influence you’ve had and how much the writer in me is ‘coming alive’
thanks buddy
n
Ruby's Mama says
oh my goodness! I will have to try and make the drive to San Diego for the book signing:) Keep us posted on the date and location! Would love to meet you irl and have you sign my copy of Bloom:)
Laureen says
I always wondered if that was your “natural” beautiful hair. It is stunning. My non-colored hairs have come out in full force recently so me and Clairol medium golden brown became acquainted this weekend. Capri looked amazing as always.
Jennifer says
I am glad Lainey is feeling more confident these days. My little boy just started his second week of Kindergarten. I still have my 2 year old home with me. I can relate to your blog and I appreciate your honesty! Love the smirk on the hair color box, hilarious!
Nicole says
Darn those grays! I wish I could rock them, but I just keep pulling them instead. My first showed up a couple years ago, right around age 31. My Mom was standing behind me and pulled one out without saying a word. I wouldn’t mind them if they behaved but they cannot be tamed with the flat iron.
Love all your Isle of Capri photos. Makes me feel like I’m on vacation for a few minutes.
I’ve been a reader for quiet a while, but this is my first comment. Figured I should jump in. Thanks for sharing your beautiful famile.
Babygirl says
I just used that exact color on my hair sunday, of course with all this thickness, it took two boxes! So cheers to nutmeg, and remember what I always told my daddy…those grey hairs are just angel kisses π
addiesmommy says
Noo chance you’ll have annnny extra time to shoot some family photo shoots while you’re in san Diego?!? I’d die and go to heaven I swear!!!!
Jessica says
Love Nella’s blue suit!
Julia says
kids are cutest!!!!!!!!!
http://babyemilycloset.blogspot.co.uk/
mo kehoe says
are you hanging with G from momastrey?! this could possibly be the best collison of worlds in the blog-o-sphere.
i am a HUGE fan of both of you!after reading G’s post about their recent re-lo to FL i found myself daydreaming about the possibility of you meeting one another. i even asked my husband, “what are the chances of G meeting kelle in FL? they could be best buds!”
if this daydream became reality i couldn’t be happier for the 2 of you!
Breanna says
I am not even kidding….I do the EXACT SAME THING with the magna doodle!!!!! I have done it since high school (and I am about to turn 30 now!). How crazy is that?!?!
Hazel says
My greys took me by surprise, after 7 years of bleached blonde I went dark then let it grow out. Suddenly they were everywhere (it seemed that way). I’ve pulled a few out, but Rob loves them. Says it makes me (or is it him) respectable! I have dyed it a few times – but the smell gets me, but I should do it again soon as those greys are having a party.
Rach says
I am going to try the magna doodle trick! Sometimes it is hard to shut off at night when going to sleep!
I have load of greys too, I love my natural dark hair but it shows too many of the greys! Oh well!
Meagan Kenney says
Yes! You did make a trip to Isle of Capri to rest this weekend! π
Jolene says
I dread gray myself…but am so in love with the silver growing curly cue out of my head! Silver or white I can do but not gray!
I’m keeping it!
lovingthislife says
but when I say “swipe,” it’s uncontrollably, suckably, immediately followed by “Swiper, no swiping!” (repeated at least 6 times. Oh, the life of a mom of wee ones.
I fight the grey hair battle too. I flip flop between wanting to just grey naturally, highlighting to help hide those pesky greys, or color my natural color to avoid regrowth and rehighlighting but the grey’s show up so quickly and they seem to stand out even more! Don’t you think they seem to sprout over night? Grey hairs are the dandelions of lovely locks. They have their moments of beautiful, especially on some people, but really, they are just a fast growing weed. yep.
J9's Happiness in the Every Day says
Don’t worry hon, I think my number is #56 (honey blonde). I reacted like you at first. I’m over 50% grey now and as long as I have my friendly bottle of dye I can deal with it ;0) But isn’t it so darn strange that they’re thick and stand up when all your other hairs lay down!! It’s like it’s saying “yoohoo!! look at me, I’m a grey hair showing you you are getting older!!” I’ve even had to go lighter to try and hide my regrowth – now that’s tactical!! My lovely little ones went back to school today and I cannot tell you the strength of the hug I gave them when I picked them up!! It made my day! J9 x
Rosa says
Don’t fight it sista….just color, and move on. :p
Ciara says
Love your blog and your adorable family! Also…I Love Nella’s blue bathing suit…where is it from?
Julie says
I vividly remember calling my mom (who started going grey at 18) in tears telling her I’d found EIGHT grey hairs and asking when it was time to stop pulling them and start dying. She said, “Honey, I think maybe at 8”. I’ve been friends with the boxes ever since.
Katie says
Beautiful post, Kelle. As one who also loves to weave thoughts with words, your thoughts on writing from a deeper place ring true to me. As for the greys…a-holes. I’ve been dealing with them since the day I turned 30. Blows.
Merrilee Bouchard says
Oh my, I know how you feel about this one! I was just noticing the grey’s coming back when I was looking in the mirror on the passenger side of the car yesterday! Wow, gotta love those ones that stick straight up in the air as if to say hey, I’m here and I’m not going anywhere so your just going to have to try to disguise me!
CrystalB says
Found my first gray at 26 (2..or maybe 6 years ago) and that same day my purse was stolen. Then in a pathetic attempt of cheering up, my family and I went for chinese food where I proceeded to be the only person whose fortune cookie was missing a fortune. I asked the waitress if that was bad luck and she just handed me another one. True story. Now, I probably have about 9…or maybe 19, all prominently in the front. I’m hoping I’ll end up with a sexy streak I can embrace but it’s more likely they’ll grow into a weird and wirey pouf ball into my otherwise straight hair. π
Anna says
“When we live aware and embrace everything around us as part of our story–the good, the bad, the funny, the irreverent, the holy, the confusing and the calm–we’ll have wonderful things about which to write. Subjects to paint. Stories to sing.” — I love this. IT’S SO TRUE. As I look back on a year that included unemployment, a broken engagement, moving, and a whole lot of change – I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for sharing your stories with all of us!!
Farmgirl Paints says
I loved that finleesworld pic. Her daughter is the chubbiest little thing. Glad you swiped your mind clean. I need to remember that trick. Someone’s it just won’t stop. Oh and Lainey is looking more confident. I see it.
Farmgirl Paints says
Sometime’s not someone’s.
Just Trying Not to Blink .... says
Oh man, at least your eyesight is good enough to count the gray hairs …. I’m at the point of needing reading glasses (still in denial about that point so for now my arm is still – just – long enough) so I DIDN’T NOTICE my crop of gray hairs showing up in between my highlights appointments. Until I happened to have a friend’s reading glasses on in front of the mirror. Needless to say, it was a sobering moment and that little box of haircoloring has taken up a permanent space in the bathroom cabinet. Now if they could just do something about the texture of the little buggers (my friend says it’s the last stand they take before falling out, haha).
Love the Isle of Capri photos!
Erin says
Just love you!
I almost jumped up and down when I saw you’re doing a book signing in So Cal in October.. and then I sadly sat back in my chair and realized – I’ll be at a conference in Indianapolis that day where Casey Wiegand is speaking – haha ironic! But sad I’ll miss ya. Pleeeease come to LA and do a signing soon? π
Sari Rose Dolls says
That’s the exact same color I use! It’s great. Can I ask what color your hair is naturally? Is it light or dark?
My dad says that each of his grey hairs are for every minute I came home late past curfew! Hehe
yourfriendrobin says
I’ve had stray greys since I was a little girl. My uncle was completely grey by the time he was out of high school and my dad always told me I’d be the same way. That seemed cool, I always liked that idea as a kid.
Didn’t work out though, and now I’m sure I’ll get the cruella deville streak when I’m 35 like everyone else. Lame.
Carrie says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Carrie says
Oh Kelle, welcome to the gray club!! I am exactly the same age as you (a week older, if we’re being specific!), and have been getting them sloooooowwwwly for about 5 years, but I think kids help speed up the process! I have a garden of them at the crown of my head, and don’t you dare even pluck one, because the old story is true…more DO come to the funeral!!
π
Ryan says
Oh grays? Yeah I got those – just before my 30th a couple years back! I knew they were coming as my mom and her mom were full out gray early on!
On another note: OH MY GOODNESS! I can not believe I seriously use the same erase the brain trick while lying in bed when my mind won’t stop! Crazy!
Happy short week!
Peeper says
I remember finding my first gray hair. It was 2000 and we had driven through the beginning of a hurricane to go to a friends wedding. There, in the bathroom, I saw it. On the crown of my head there it was just peacefully hanging out as if it owned the place. It has since multiplied and there are little herds of gray hairs at my temples, bangs and crown. The ones at the crown of my head are the worst. I can find some of them but the rest? Those little bastards are just hanging out back there mocking me. I really ought to go back to coloring my hair.
mary {figwittage} says
I got a few greys. I’m digging it so much. I love a good colour and highlights π A trip to California sounds so nice! xx
Southern Gal says
Oh, Kelle. I hate to break it to you, but those gray hairs will submit to being colored for a while and then one day they will rebel. It’s not pretty. Then you’ll decide to just go with the flow. Fight it for as long as you can! Here’s to hair color with non-smirkers on the box. π
Janet says
You are so pretty!! Don’t worry about a few strands of gray, I bet they would put you on the cover of that color box in no time! You shine, lady!
Sarah says
Oh, that picture of Lainey in the kayak at the Isle of Capri–THAT is a confident little girl. Right there!
Caryl says
LOL I started going ‘white’ at the age of 16, but resisted coloring for several years. Thanks for reminding us that ETST is also about chillaxing.
Cheers,
Caryl
Cookie's Sandwich says
I still use the tweezers and try to find as many as I can. Thanks for the constant honesty!!!
rachel b says
i just found two gray hairs in the last few months and i hate it. i have an emergency box of color in the cabinet just in case!!!
Cathy says
Can’t wait to try the swipe.
emily says
i laughed out loud at the clairol smirk. i secretly long for these posts, and get so giddy when a new one shows up. thank you, kelle.
Shauna says
Kelle, I’m sure you know, because I am childless and you are a super mom, but aren’t you not-supposed-to use hair dye when you’re prego? I mean, I am all for saying “Hey man, we all turned out fine when our mamas smoked/drank/did belly flops!” but if you want a natural alternative, you could head to Lush for some henna dye.
xoxo
PS: The embarrassing reason I think this? The paparazzi were all over Ashlee Simpson (then Wentz) for having red hair while pregnant…
Happiness is... says
Yeah welcome to the buy and dye club. And coming from someone who is also married to an older man, don’t bitch to them – they have that aging process covered years before we sprouted one grey!! It’s just an underhand pitch for them to mock us!! LOL.
I love the concept of wiping your mind free. Mine is Yoga. It’s a “flush” to the brain. Does a world of wonders to clear the body, mind and soul.
P.S. Stand really tall – then no one can see where your grey hairs are sprouting!!!
-J
Unplugged Mom says
Oh greys…I tried for years to tell myself that they were just platinum blonde. They most definitely are not. With each baby they become more prominent.
Thanks for featuring Finn’s picture. I get such a kick out of seeing her on your blog!
Sandra says
Kelle,
I laughed when I read this. When I was in my early thirties and teaching elementary school, I had a little boy who was standing behind me at recess one day while I was sitting in a chair. I still remember his name–Kevin–and he was counting out loud. When he got to “19” he stopped, and I asked him what he was counting. His reply? “I was counting your gray hairs, Mrs. Allen, and you have 19 of them!” LOL. That was the first time I realized I had any gray hairs, and I will never forget that number!
Win says
I found my first grey hair last year. AND IT FREAKS ME OUT. I hunt for them now. grrrrr.
I am going to try your magna doodle. My brain is busy busy when I am trying to fall asleep. I usually try counting sheep or decorating a completely empty beautiful home in my mind.
Have you squeeeeeeeezed your girls for me yet? I LOVE love love them.
Sarah says
I imagine painting the cluttered canvas of my brain a nice soothing grey and say “grey” with each stroke. How funny that the brain comes up with tricks like that to settle itself down.
medina family says
I’ve had way too many greys for way too long.
I do have one nightmare experience from using a ‘natural’ hair color…when I started rinsing it out, hair started falling out!! It was never noticeable to others, but I was scared every time I took a shower. Bottom line, I don’t do natural anymore, but I do still color.
I had a great period of writing after I had my first child…and I’d never been a writer. I was inspired after reading Guarding the Moon by Francesca Lia Block.
And while I love your blog for the pictures, it’s the writing that moves me and makes me think and keeps me coming back for more. Thanks for sharing your stories with us!
Susan
Linda MG in Soquel, CA says
I figure i have EARNED every single one of my gray hairs! Ha..Just like I have earned my stretch marks…and laugh lines on my face…You are beautiful. Love from your Blog Mama ~
Bianca says
I am twenty-two and I have had greys coming through for years. I probably have a lot more than you! So count your lucky stars it took them so long to show up at all!
m says
I’m 22, so I don’t have grey hairs yet, at least I think so. Maybe it is naive from me to think and say it, but I really would like to have grey hair as I grow old(er), to get old with some style and courage and confidence. It always was nice to see an old lady, with a long grey hair, there is something so peaceful and wise in how she’s wearing it all. Oh well, I’m just rambling over here π Anyway, I am your loyal reader, and your posts always warm my heart. Just wanted to say that and send kisses to your two beautiful girls.
Donna says
Kelle, two things……first, I am #28 Nutmeg Dark Brown too! I really only noticed those white hairs popping up around my forehead in the time period between my daughter’s birth and her 2nd birthday…..there might be a correlation there, I don’t know. π
Second, thank you for turning me on to my instant favorite blogger, Casey Wiegand. Trust me, I don’t start following blogs easily, or even stay following…..so it’s a big thing. You made my day. Thanks!
genderist says
Why must they be curly & wire-y?
I, too, have several premature grays. (come on, I surely can’t be old enough to have earned them, right?)
My Mom went for the salt & pepper look, my husband sports more salt than pepper these days, & I’ve not decided if I’m going to embrace them or use a wash-in & pretend like they’re not there.
Tammy says
Hahaha
“The smirking chick on the Nutmeg Dark Brown box”!
I sooooo get it!
Have a great week!
[REBECCA]scheerer says
I LOVE the picture of Nella crossing her fingers at the top. I just noticed that my son, Wyatt started doing the same thing! I wonder if that is an extra 21st thing or just coincidence! Have a great day!
Erica Ladd says
Thinking of first time kindermamas like you when I wrote this from the teacher’s perspective today
http://www.laddventure.com/2012/09/kindergarten-from-other-side.html
Tara B says
I’m totally gonna use that “swipe” trick. I have the same problem of trying to turn off the brain at night – and during the day. Ugh.
Oh, and the photo of the woman holding Nella…her arm looks just like my arms – freckles! Funny that I noticed that!
Leah says
I hear you about the grays. I am late 30’s and I was trying to be nice and let my hair have a break from dye. How does it thank me? By letting gray hairs pop up. No thank you. Dyed it a couple weeks ago. I get whatever brand I grab at the time.
merlin says
my hairdresser informed me that my gray hair is in fact “non-pigmented” hair….this did not make me feel better, gray sounds wise and gifted, non-pigmented has nothing redeeming, but maybe you will like the label better than me. I was also told that non-pigmented hair blends better with the blond hues, so maybe you will want to trend that way in the future. Until then, gray to me means a wise sage and you are definitely that regardless of the color of your hair.
Fay says
Funny that I visit your blog and the post is about gray hair! I’m in the middle of your beautiful book and first of all, I’m so glad I picked it up. Second of all, your mother is gorgeous and has amazing hair! Girl, I say don’t color, embrace it and see if it’s like hers!
Julie says
Did you use that color yet? I think my natural hair is kind of the same color as yours and I find the colors are so much darker than their name/they look on the box! I just used #20 Medium Brown last weekend and it looks DARK!
Amy says
I use the same hair color…that snarky girl gets me everytime, too. But if you think about it, obviously she has to dye her hair, too, so the joke is on her! π
Lydia Frangipani says
I am really dreading gray hairs. I’ve been lucky not to have to dye my hair, but I guess it is just a matter of time. The thing I’m trying to keep remembering is that I’m a daughter of God, and while looking nice is important, what is really important is what is inside. I was recently reading a book called Wrapped Up: God’s Ten Gifts for Women, http://www.teresatomeo.com/Books-And-Media/ and that was one of the things I took from it; that I’m His daughter and that he loves me and he has gifts for me, if only I will accept them. So, enhance your beauty but realize that your beauty comes from within. Love the blog!
Kelly Cach says
I used to pride myself in never having colored my hair. But, for 2 years now, I’ve had to consistently color my “skunk stripe”….if I don’t, I start to look like Lily Munster!!! What’s-her-name from What Not To Wear makes it look fashionable, but I’m just not ready to accept it yet. So, L’Oreal’s Medium Ash Brown it is! I dread the day I have to do my whole head. And it’s getting close….coloring a clump was easy, but now they are starting to scatter!!!
Lexie Loo, Lily Boo, and Dylan Too! says
Your pictures are stunning. Your girls will treasure them when they are older!
I haven’t found a gray hair yet, but I just found a few dark brown curly hairs in my straight dark blond hair! My doctor said hair texture and color can change after you have a baby! Weird!
Julie H. Schaal says
Platinum blonde roots? Me, too!
Jordan says
When I first saw thist title I thought you were doing a “Shades of Grey” review of some sort π
CB_Wilson says
I see hints of Glennon at your church of the Isle of Capri! I’m so excited that you two are coming together. It seems only natural that you would, given my love for the two of you!
Kelly Sheehy says
I have recently discovered a couple of gray hairs that have popped up; actually my husband has discovered them, and teased me about them – I’m still kind of in denial about them! π
Kim says
You know what they say about gray hairs? You pull one, and then two pops up in it’s place! Beware!!! lol My grays are saying bye bye for a little while tomorrow…. they’ll do their disappearing act for about 4-5 weeks…. then they come back to haunt me and taunt me and tell me that I’m getting old! I’ll show them!
Lisa says
Grays stink, I agree. I go every five weeks to get my roots done. When I got my first grays I couldn’t believe it! Oh well, guess that means we’re grown ups now π
LyndsayW says
My moms hair is now just starting to turn gray to the point where you can actually tell from a distance that she has a few silver lines in there. I love it. I beg her every time I see her to not dye her hair (She’s closer to 50 though, so it’s ok if you do it π ).
MidwestSparkle says
I hate leaving this comment, but I felt I had to..and I feel like such a debbie downer but I knew if my mother had known sooner she would have been relieved.
I have one stylish mama..sort of wore things that were brand new in LA when we live in South Dakota mom. Love her to death. I love the style wisdom she has imparted to me although i will never truly live up to her full stylish self, I have found my own “my friends call me a little slice of her.”
Anyways I vividly remember in 4th grade, I had moved to a new town from Minneapolis to South Dakota and was constantly made fun of for what I was wearing. Style was something that made my mom happy she adored dressing me up. I adored shopping with her, getting the attention and playing the little model so to speak π I remember in particular one pair of purple velvet overalls, that I would wear with my hair curled and a cute lace long sleeve top underneath. EVERYONE made fun of me. I was miserable and sometimes just wanted to wear “normal clothes” to fit in. I never told my mom because I knew how happy it made her. My advice..if she wants to wear something not so fab for a few days, cue in that there may be other reasons. We all grow into our own style at our own time and yes our mothers are a huge influence but gaging how far our shy selves are willing to step out and make a statement in the schoolyard is something that comes with time.
Alicia says
Yeah!! I’m a San Diegan and my sister and I are big fans of your blog. Wherever you are, wherever you go, we’ll be there!! (Why does that sound stalker-ish? lol)Can’t wait to meet you next month. I want my Bloom book signed by you and both your girls. π
Olivia says
Bonjour Kelle! I love your writing, thank you so much for this blog, also congratulations if I may!
I couldn’t resist to mention an awesome woman who has embraced her grey hair – Sarah Harris at Vogue UK – please check out how it’s possible to have grey hair and look fabulous (when you are under 40yrs)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1368239/Why-todays-women-going-grey-25.html
Best wishes, Olivia
Ruth Schulte says
I just started coloring my hair, too! My oldest daughter said to me, “Mom, you’re too young to have that many gray hairs.” She’s only seven, but I think I’m embarrassing her already. I used the same brand and color as you, I think, because it washes out in three months. I didn’t want to have a line.
The grays are just starting to peak out again. I got my first when I was 19! I use to pluck it! Ha.
Ahhhh … the days when I could count them!
At first I was horrified. My hair was so dark! It took me a few days to get used to the color, but now I love it and the returning gray gives me alarm.
*sigh*
SuperMilf says
I heart Casey…her blog is so beautiful and really touches your soul.
Me and my gf (who actually introduced me to your blog) are DYING to come to your San Diego signing!