new hair + figuring it out

don't-think-too-much-you'll-figure-it-out

Ta-DAAAAA! That is a MUCH lighter head of hair. It’s been thinned out, layered and chopped up “real good.” (in a good way). As I revealed in my Liebster answers, a possibly surprising ‘Henna fact’ is that I haven’t had my hair cut (professionally) since I was 18 years old. That’s a decade +2 if you’re counting. I mean, I chop it willy nilly whenever I get the urge, but quite honestly there’s no rhyme to my reason. (I don’t know what I’m doing). Well friends, the streak has been BROKEN. Or has it? If you recall, this new length is the unplanned work of my friend Angela, who although a very talented interior designer, is not actually a hair-dresser. Nor is her living room a salon. She does have the confidence of a professional. That counts for something, right?

We laughed afterwards about which was better — that I said “sure” (without thinking twice) when she asked if I wanted her to cut my hair. Or that she took scissors straight across and watched half a foot of hair hit the floor (without thinking twice). Quite honestly, I think she’s the braver one. She actually checked in the next day to see if I had any regrets (and possibly make sure we were still friends). My answer was easy. I don’t have many regrets and my hair is most certainly not one of them. Hair grows. And anyway, I looove it.

hair-cut-4

Leave it to me. I can’t just REVEAL/show-off my new hair without it making me thiiiiink. I’m an odd mish-mash of dichotomies. I’m the girl who is spontaneous enough to buy a ticket to Japan (with the last $1,000 in my bank account) because I’ve been invited by someone I’ve had a few good lunch conversations with. And omg, tickets are on SALE. (opportunity, why think?!). The girl who buys ONE-way tickets to Europe. (you can always go home if things don’t work out!). Who will let her friend take off half of her hair on the fly. (it’s just hair!). But then I’m also the girl who will sit with a knot in my stomach for two whole months because I’m afraid to make a phone call, or afraid to show my work without 1,000 apologies for why it’s not “good enough.” The “think too much” goes along with “judge too much” and “worry too much.”

new-haircut-red

One of the qualities that attracted me most to my husband, Andrija (Aki), is that he’s the type that says, “I’ll figure it out when I’m there.” If he wants to learn something or do something, he just makes the decision to go for it. He’s not hung up on the fact that he doesn’t know how to navigate new waters or have the skills (yet) to succeed in a new area. He says, “I’ll figure it out.” And he does. There’s the analogy of “throwing your hat over the wall” just so you’ll have  to climb over to get it. I’m guessing that strategy produces more results than sitting and looking up at the wall all day. Confidence in yourself means you can worry less about HOW you’re going to get there and more about WHERE you want to go.

It makes sense that Angela was the one to cut my hair, and why she’s the crazy person who doesn’t worry that she doesn’t actually know how to layer hair. [Side note: if only there was a transcript of that whole process! — "Do you want layers?" ... "Maybe if I just twist it and then chop?" ... "You seriously have the hair of four people!" ... "Oh wow, it looks way better on this side. I'm going to fix the other side."]

1

For the same reason that I was attracted to Aki, I was intrigued by Angela. When we met, she was just about to launch a furniture/design shop online. I asked if she was excited and whether she was nervous. Her response stuck with me. She said something to the effect of, “I don’t really get nervous. I just focus on what I want to do.” She describes herself as somewhat of a delusional dreamer (hello, kindred spirit!). Funny thing about delusional dreamers — in the next two years I saw her written up in Remodelista, Rue, Chicago Magazine, and Ummmm, Elle Decor Italia (!) just to name a few. There’s something to be said for dreamers who just focus on what they want to DO.

I have wasted a lot of time in my life sitting in a puddle of nerves and not trusting myself to move forward or go out on a limb. It took me a long time just to start this little blog. Really. I even considered keeping it a secret. Part of my confidence has come from facing fear and another part is from the support around me. I’m thankful to have people in my life who see me for my full potential and who are believers and do-ers themselves.

new-hair

These days I don’t have the same paralyzing fear to show my imperfect thoughts or my imperfect work. Or even to reveal that I don’t KNOW exactly what I’m doing (in any of my roles). Believe me, I could talk your ear off about what is wrong with every little thing that I do or make, but it’s not as important to me anymore. I want to learn and I want to move forward. Every day that I create, my confidence grows. And luckily, my taste is killer. ;)

It’s funny that this post began as simply a haircut reveal. I like where it ended up. That’s life isn’t it? We set out in one direction but find new inspiration along the way. And if I may be so bold, please don’t worry too much, or think TOO much. Trust that you’ll figure it out. And don’t forget to remind me when I forget. I’ve also heard it said that we are the five people we spend the most time talking to. It’s important to guard who we keep in our lives. Be around the people who see you for the best version of yourself. That’s my two cents you didn’t ask for. ;)

And MOST importantly, do you like my HAIR????


If you find inspiration in “imperfect beauty,” check out Mablle on facebook. Mablle is Angela’s beautiful, new, and exciting pet project set to launch Fall 2013. I like to be a part of a new beginning, join in. You can find me over there sometimes as well.

 

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25 Thoughts on “new hair + figuring it out

  1. Valerie Dowdle:

    Love the haircut. And perfection is boring, anyway.

    • luckily we’re never boring. ;) I miss you, Valerie!

  2. The hair is super cute! I love that Aki’s motto is, “I’ll figure it out when I’m there.” Too often, we spend so much time mapping out the route we want to take in our lives that we never actually get THERE.

    • I’m so glad I’m tied to a “DO-er” ’cause I am an expert at over-thinking and sike-ing myself out! But then again, half of my life has been big spontaneous moves. I don’t get me, ha. :)

  3. liz:

    Yes! Love your cut! and I can relate to being a blend of nervous over-thinker and spontaneous believer/do-er! My boyfriend, Vincent, is rubbing off on me though. His mantra is “Just keep it moving!”

    by the way, this may be an odd question, but do you have any pisces in your chart? Us pisceans are the ultimate delusional dreamers! :)

    • I don’t know much about signs but I’m totally a gemini. It’s funny because the friend (Angela) who cut my hair will literally have nothing to do with geminis because we’re so extreme, but I’m a good gemini. :) We’re lucky she didn’t ask my sign when we met ha.

      • I love your boyfriend’s mantra! Just keep moving! SO TRUE. Something will happen if you just keep moving.

      • liz:

        haha..I used to feel the same way about Aries, but now I’m dating one (going on 5 years years :)
        If you’re ever curious, you can have your astrological chart done here for free: http://alabe.com/freechart/ you just need to enter your exact time and location of birth. It will let you know your Moon sign and Rising sign – I have a feeling you have at least one in pisces or cancer.. “Your moon sign reveals your inner self. It can give insight into the way you handle your emotions and fears; it can also give insight into the way you love and feel. The moon also governs your moods.” “our rising sign—also known as your ascendant—represents the way others see you, your general impression on people, and your spontaneous reactions. ” I know astrology isn’t for everyone, but I just thought you might find that interesting :) http://www.divinecaroline.com/self/horoscopes/what-do-your-moon-and-rising-signs-mean

  4. JaeHi:

    Wow! Looking at life through spontaneous hair cut! Great job!

    • With me I guess every random experience is a chance to go off on some tangent, ha.

  5. LOVE IT! Actually love love love it, it looks fantastic and your pictures are so awesome.
    xo

    • thank you Hanna. eek, I’m glad you stopped by. I love your blog and style. You made me smile. xo

  6. I totally love your brave and carefree attitude when it comes to life experiences! I, too, will spend my last dime and dollar to buy a one way ticket, and if there’s anything to worry about, I’ll figure it out on the flip side. But I’m so level-headed in other areas of life: I’ll pay bills as soon as I get them and I’ll bulk-buy ketchup so we don’t ever have to stress about running out.

    It’s weird I guess, but I’m a firm believer that life is all about experiences and not about material things. I would much rather spend what could be a down-payment on a house on a trip around the world. Not sure this is a sustainable life philosophy but I guess time will tell!

    And yes, your hair looks super awesome!

    Maria xx
    http://www.cheekypinktulip.blogspot.com

    • aww, Maria I love this comment. It looks like you really are another kindred spirit. And haha, you made me laugh out loud at the ketchup stockpile!

      Yeah, it’s funny…we’re all such complicated mixes. I feel like Andrija and I are so practical..like we really are (especially him)…but then we also want to be open to all of the opportunity and possibility that life has to offer outside of the everyday routine & practical necessities.

  7. Angela:

    I only cut the hair of gorgeous people because you can’t screw it up. Fact.
    Like I said via text, YOU fill up any empty spaces of my heart. You make my life complete. Ha. Sooo cheesy, so true.

    • you’re not dramatic at all. we’ve got quite a blog romance here, don’t we. haha. you’re my favorite. xo

  8. Catherine:

    Great Hair, great pictures, great post. And inspiring, as usual! Love it! Keep up the killer work!

    • thank yoouuuuuu. :) I love that you left a comment just to make me feel great. :) (yeah, it worked). :)

  9. Lovely post! ^^

  10. love the cut, it fits you perfectly!

    • thanks! I’ve had long hair for so long. So funny that this choppy shorter look immediately feels so ME! loving it. :)

  11. Pingback: let’s get dressed: for Spring-ish | HENNA BLOSSOM

  12. lo:

    oh my gosh- i love it! you are a pretty lady.

  13. I never saw this either! I love it. I think I might have to read through the old blog again. Too many gems. You crack my up. And yes, I LOVE your hair.

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