Pretty Pretty Bang Bang

Yesterday Steve and I decided to devote time to yard work. We’ve been so busy these past few weeks that the yard gets very little attention and it’s starting to show. Plus, Michael and Suzanne (master gardeners) are coming this weekend and we didn’t want to be embarassed by an unsightly yard. We worked for about four hours (Steve did more than I did) and things are looking much better. We bought some cedar mulch because it’s supposed to keep away bugs and now the front yard smells like a gerbil cage. All that’s left is the side of the house by the driveway and we should be good for a while. At least we won’t be too mortified when M & S arrive on Friday!

Three years ago I asked for and received a copy of “One Hundred Years of Solitude” for my birthday. I had read “Love in the Time of Cholera” by the same author, liked it, and assumed I’d like this one. I’d also been on an Isabelle Allende kick and thought more Mexican/Portugese-type writing would be great. Alas, this is my third attempt in reading this book. I just cannot wrap my brain around it. For some reason, it reminds me of Anna Karenina with all the characters having three or more names. I actually finished that Tolstoy tome, but am struggling with this one. However, I will prevail! I am determined to finish it this time! I originally planned on completion by June 26, but I doubt my busy schedule can handle the task. This isn’t a book I can ready quickly. My goal is July 4. Then I can celebrate my independence from Gabriel Garcia Marquez!

Once again it’s time for me to step up onto my fashion soapbox. Today’s rant? Sequined purses. I am so tired of seeing these bedazzled and bedraggled bags being carried by everyone from 6 to 60. No matter what the cost, they look cheap and tacky. Plus, the sheer volume of sequins make them dangerous to carry in direct sunlight. The flash is retina searing! I want to take all of them, put them in a large hole and burn them. However, due to the high plastic content, I’d probably end up with a large melted mess. And just imagine the smell! I’d settle for just throwing them away. If your summer purse is stained, torn, ripped or shredded do yourself and favor and invest in something new. May I suggest a nice straw bag with wood beads? How about something in a soft metallic? Just please stay away from the sequins!

I made my jewelry debut in Des Moines this past weekend with a trunk show at From Our Hands Gallery. It was at the same time the East Village was having their annual fundraiser Vino in the Village wine walk. I started on Friday night and that was a bust so I was a bit apprehensive about Saturday, but all went well. The place was packed and people seemed very receptive of my work. I completely sold out of round Kinetic earrings and my new Mod Circles single hoops. The owner, Ann Harmon, made a nice purchase of pieces to have my work in the gallery.

So while I didn’t like the 6 hour trip, having a good show and spending time with Ralph, Blair, Lydia and Julia made everything great. Next up: party plans for my big 4-0!

As mentioned in my previous posting, I’ve cut my hair which leads to the question: why in the world didn’t I do this sooner?! Now that I’ve lived with the new ‘do for a few days, here are my top 10 reasons to have shorter hair:

10. Ponytails are nice, but are no substitute for a great hair style.
9. Thick hair is always desirable, but thick hair in the summer is just hot.
8. The shorter the hair, the more risks taken. For example, I always chose "safe" color because I didn't want to mess up my long hair.
7. I'm just not a long hair person. It really isn't flattering on me at a certain length.
6. Short hair dries much faster.
5. Short hair is kicky, trendy, chic.
4. Short hair stays out of my lipgloss.
3. My peripheral vision is back since I no longer have curtains of hair on either side of my face.
2. I no longer have to worry about singeing my hair with my torch.
1. Short hair can always be grown long if I want to do it again!

I took the plunge today and cut off my hair. How liberating! I wish I’d done it sooner, but I’m glad I waited until I was ready. Now I’m sporting a sassy new ‘do and ready to hit the town. I almost wish I didn’t have class tonight so I could show it off, but there will be time for that later.

Ah, I feel so much lighter and free! Plus, as an added bonus, my lipgloss doesn’t get stuck in my hair because my hair’s too short to reach my lips! It’s true that the best things in life are the little things.

Last night was the first night on the new mattress. Steve awoke and announced it was the best night’s sleep he’d ever had and it was the most comfortable mattress he’d ever slept on. I awoke and felt…the same as I always do. I think I had a hard time relaxing because my mind kept thinking the mattress had to magically give me perfect sleep. Also, I have this bizarre way of twisting my body when I sleep and I think that’s why my back hurts in the morning. It’s just stiffness from twisting. So I’m not ready to write it off and I don’t think it was a bad purchase, I’m just not sold on it yet. I’ll give it a week and see what happens.

Ok, today was the big haircut/color day and I chickened out on a drastic cut. Instead, I got bangs. Again. Actually, they look nice with my ponytail. However, I’ve come to the realization it’s time to cut this hair. I’ve looked at recent photos of me with the long hair and I don’t like them. I honestly don’t think I’m a long hair person. Sure, the ponytail is nice and easy, but I really like having some sort of style. Brook, my stylist, said she’d cut my hair next week if I wanted it short, but she wanted me to really think about it. I’ve thought about it. It’s time for the hair to go.

After all, it’s just hair. It’ll grow back! (Famous last words)

Today is new mattress day! Hooray! Our old one is 11 years old and has hit the wall. I told Steve I was tired of waking up every morning with a back ache. On Memorial Day we ventured to Dillard’s where we purchased a Simmons Beautyrest mattress. A huge selling point was that the sales woman had the same one and her husband had back surgery around the time I did. They both love it.

More tomorrow after our test sleep.

I love linen for the summer. I love the coolness of the fabric, the wrinkliness, the way it dries instantly, the give of the fabric. I just love it. However, the love is beginning to fade. You see, linen, when used for pants or shorts, tends to stretch out with just one wearing. Now, wrinkly knees are one thing, but a saggy, droopy butt is another. Today I’m wearing these adorable linen crop pants with silver threads woven through them. The first time I wore them I received so many compliments! Today is the second wearing and I’m noticing that the seat has stretched out and is sagging almost to my knees. This does not make for an attractive silhouette. So these babies are headed straight for the wash when I get home so they can shrink back into their original shape. Only to become saggy again next time I wear them. Sigh.