Monday Musings: Birds, Bobs, and a Television I Can Tolerate
We’ve been in Vancouver for a week now, and it’s been exactly the kind of break I needed. My daughter and I escaped to the forest one day, and I soaked up every minute of it. There’s something about being among the trees that settles me almost immediately, and whenever I’m up here, I try to get as much of that as I can. We breathed in the cool air, listened to the birds, and used the Merlin app to figure out which birds were making all the noise.
I also got my hair cut into a bob. Which I haven’t worn since probably my late forties or early fifties.
My hairdresser here in Vancouver is very careful and precise, which is important because when your hair is thinning, every strand matters. A few careless snips can take months to recover from so I can’t go to someone who’s casual about that.
We talked through all of it…my face shape, hair texture, the thinning, and what might actually help, instead of just sounding promising in the chair. At one point, I told him I didn’t want to look like Little Lord Fauntleroy. He looked vaguely confused, and that’s when I realized the reference may have expired with my generation.
For years, I’ve added layers in hopes of creating more volume. This time, we did the opposite. He cut it blunt, straight across, so you don’t see through the ends as much. He only took off about two inches, but it feels like a completely different approach. I’m still playing with it, but I think I love it. Or at the very least, I’m not standing in front of the mirror feeling like my hair looks straggly. We briefly chatted about going even shorter but I chickened…maybe next time.
We also did something this week that I don’t think we’ve done in more than 24 years. We bought a television.
I realize that sounds completely unremarkable, but it felt strangely significant to me.
I grew up in a house where the TV was broken for a long stretch. The screen didn’t work, so I remember sitting on the floor as a little girl listening to Bewitched and trying to figure out what that funny little sound was. I knew Samantha was twitching her nose, but I couldn’t actually see it. Eventually, the television got fixed, and we’d watch Star Trek together as a family on Sunday nights, but that was about it. My parents read. I read. Television was never the center of our home.
The TV we have in California was handed down to us by our son about 15 years ago, when he upgraded and realized we didn’t even own a smart TV. That tells you pretty much everything.
So walking into a store and actually choosing one together felt deeply out of character. I cared less about the technology than I did about how it would look on the wall. I didn’t want a giant black rectangle looming over the room like a modern monument to poor decorating choices, so we chose a Frame TV. I suspect I’ll appreciate it even more once I can make it pretend to be art.
Which is apparently what happens when your design preferences finally overpower your lifelong indifference to television.
My daughter and I also spent some time browsing the Sephora sale in person. I don’t know if this is universal, but every Sephora I walk into has the same overpowering smell. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t enjoy being sold products I already know I don’t want, which is why I usually prefer shopping online. But it was more fun with my daughter because she has a much higher tolerance for retail chaos than I do. The place was packed, and I was reminded very quickly why I like to click “add to cart” from the privacy of my own home. Still, I did manage to replace a few things. You can see my other favorites in this post.
So that’s been my week: forest air, a new haircut, and discovering I apparently do have opinions about televisions after all.
Your hair looks great! Looks fuller and very chic!
Love your hair. I have gone shorter, too. And I’ve gotten more compliments.
Your hair looks great and not at all Little Lord Fauntleroy. 😂
I love that there are still some wispy pieces around your face. It’s very flattering!!
I love love love your new haircut!!
I’ve had a Frame tv on a feature wall in my great room for five years. I use the photo mode to display pictures I’ve taken over the years on our travels. The “art” filters are sometimes useful, occasionally make things downright ugly. It’s something to play with. Splurging for the picture frame border extra enhances the overall feeling of art, rather than tv, something we did not do.
You have a keeper on the hairdresser….he’s done a great fabulous job with front of the cut and softening around the face. Looks great and is a great option for fine, straight hair.
Good morning Jennifer,
I’m afraid I also am familiar with Little Lord Fauntleroy; guess that dates me as well! Your stylist did a great job; love your hair cut! You wear it well.
Hi
Your hair looks great! Is it also parted differently?
I switch my part from left to right every few weeks which gives a bit of lift at the roots.
Your new hair style looks great!
And I can relate to all of this, the TV, fresh outdoor air, and Sephora. And Little Lord Fauntleroy. 😉
Love your new do! I am going through the hair thinning too. Not only that, but my naturally curly hair is growing out flat. You have me motivated to make a big change. Fingers crossed!
Your haircut is fabulous. I hope it continues to work well for you. I’m seeing a new stylist this week. Recommended by 2 women who have great cuts. I’ve let it grow a bit longer to give her some options. I hope I am as lucky as you in finding a better style. And I’m like you with television. When my husband was in bed for a year with spinal issues I never once turned it on. I’ll watch with him but honestly I’d rather read.
Jennifer, I do like your hair! Your new bob really suits you. As to references which will expire with our generation: Tell me about it! Happens to me more and more often:))
For what I can see of your hair. cut it looks very chic,
Our tv broke, when I was a child, and that was that. We read, played board games and didn’t really miss it. When a military move was upcoming, our parents promised us a new Tv and it had color! Like you, was never really the center growing up in our house. I love your hair! I used the little dutch boy on the paint can reference once and was met with a blank stare. She had no idea what I was talking about! The walks in the forest sound amazing. What a treat! Have a great Monday-
LOL, I remmember the little dutch boy:)
Your hair looks amazing. I think it really suits you. Very sophisticated!
Congratulations on taking the plunge.
Absolutely love your new bob. Looks so refreshing, fun and youthful on you.
Love your new hair cut!
J…38 year hairdresser here…..the cut is FAB. Took years off and blunt is the way to go for you….deep side part also. Bravo❤️
Thank you!
Love love your new hair!!!
Your hair looks great 👍🙌
Your haircut looks great!