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.
I love your new cut, it looks beautiful on you.
Thanks so much
LOVE, love love the haircut Jennifer. It’s so flattering!!
Love your new haircut! I did it too, much better for thinning hair!
My gray in the front hair has finally grown out to bob length. After years of a longish pixie, it finally feels right to me. As far as the style goes, I tell people I’m channeling Rosemary Clooney. Lots of blank looks followed by “is she related to???”
LOL!
Hi Jennifer–I love the hair cut on you ! I also get the reference you mentioned; I use “little dutch boy” when my bangs are cut too short!!!! I have a good hair stylist who gets it right 99.9% of time, and I hope she never retires.
Your haircut is adorable and gives you a refreshing and youthful vibe! You inspire me to strive to look my best!
Love your hair!
Your hair looks great. Makes me reconsider my cut.
I absolutely love your new hair style!
It gives the courage to do the same. I really enjoy your content. We’re the same height, but I’m heavier.
Thanks for all you do!
Your hair looks great!
Love your new haircut. You look fabulous!
Love your hair!
Love the hair and I think you lost a few years. Have you tried Nutroful for your hair. Everyone swears by it. Also a good Collegen helps with skin and hair.
I did try it, but they have me on a prescription alternative now.
Love your haircut. It makes you look younger and more relaxed. My long-time home before I retired was in a forest. When I sold it to return to my hometown, one woman who looked at it was afraid of the trees! She did not know I overheard her remark to her husband. Needless to say, they did not buy my house!
wow!
I think your bob suits you. Your hair looks thicker. I’ve had a shorter stacked bob for years. I love it! It’s an easy hair style for me to keep up. I hope the bob works for you too.
Love the cut! I swear we are living parallel lives ( physically anyway). Same height, weight, age and thin hair! I take both minoxidil and Spironolactone. My hairdresser of 30 years ( who was my hair whisperer) retired. The cut makes such a difference.
Then I am in good company with you Cindy!
LOVE your new cut! Are you growing out your bangs? You look even younger if that was possible
I am going to try to. I may always need a tiny fringe so we’ll see.
I absolutely LOVE the new cut!!!!
I just cut my hair to a chin length “sort of bob”. I’ve had long hair most of my life and I still feel odd when I look in the mirror. I went from hair that was half way down my back to this cut. The beauty of it is that I can hide my thinning parts and I can curl it a lot or hardly at all. It only takes me 20 minutes from wash to finish versus the 90 minute drying, curling, velcro rollers thing. I’ve been surprised at the reactions, especially from men. All my grown sons and many of our friends have stopped me and told me how much they love it. At 75, a change was long over due. Bobs are the latest thing, girls! Give them a try!
Yay!
Your hair looks great!!!
Agree on the overpowering Sephora smell. When I go to the Nordstrom Store in Seattle, the beauty department has the same issue. I rush thru it as quick as possible. It’s too bad, because I would like to look at products in person but just can’t deal with all the fragrance. I am so used to shopping online that I think I must have sensory overload when I am actually in a store and maybe that is the reason the smells bother me so much. Good to know I am not alone!
Great haircut! BRAVA!
The cut looks great on you.
Your haircut looks wonderful. So modern and fresh.
I love your new bob haircut. It looks more updated, refreshed and very attractive on you. Great hairdresser too!
Really love the new bob!
Love the new haircut! Stick with short hair. So much more flattering.
Love your new hair cut
And I too feel the same about Sephora – its just too overwhelming for me and I like make up!
Thanks for all your musings! What type of bra would you recommend for a 60 something who can’t find one that fits !
Thank you,
Patricia
You may find some good ones in this post about bras.
Love your haircut, Jennifer! You look beautiful. I, too, tried layers thinking it would make my hair look thicker, but going to a blunt cut really helped.
You look amazing! Great cut.
We share the same hair issues, Jennifer. I so appreciate your ideas and trials. This haircut looks like a winner. Very becoming, and hopefully, easy to maintain. I may have to copy.
Very Chic!
Love your cut, I’ve always loved your hair style, but this one stands out!
I can relate. I told my hairdresser that I had a “Twiggy” haircut when I was 13, and she had no idea what I was talking about!
LOL, I had one of those at around the same age.
Your haircut is stellar. Polished. You could easily go shorter with no worries! Younger look?
Nothing better than a reset in the forest with a great haircut. You’ll love the Frame TV, you can upload your own photos free of charge. The artwork requires a subscription.
Your new haircut looks really chic! I have to say though that until your doctor treats your thyroid correctly the hair will continue to thin out. Check out Stop the Thyroid Madness online. Hopefully you can find a doctor near you who will treat it correctly. Ive been fighting with this a good share of my life, I’m grumpy about it. A lot of our sensitivities and intolerances also stem from not being treated correctly. Your best bet will be a naturopathic doctor.
I am looking into one, you’re right
I love the new cut on you. I’ve had a Bob in some form or shape since my 40’s. It seemed to work best with my always very fine hair. Now it’s thin (have now started on oral minoxidil because of you) in addition to fine. I’m in need of a change and now want a few layers….or a little more texturizing. However, hate “see through” hair, so I can’t do too much. And I know exactly who Lord Fauntleroy is…..it’s how I describe my hair….so you know how old I am!!
LOL
I love the new bob. And we are obsessed with Merlin. We use it around the city and especially like using it in Golden Gate Park identifying everything from parrots to hawks to hummingbirds.
We are too. Now I know a Raven without checking the app
Jennifer,
Loving your new Bob!! It’s stunning and looks perfect on you: youthful, elegant and so very stylish!!
Keep this hairdresser!!
💕
He’s a good one, thank you!
Your hair looks amazing!
Love the outfit
Love the Bob. I have no patience to grow it out to get it to the Bob stage, but I am tired of the short pixie I’ve worn for 20 years.
Maybe in stages?
After a bad haircut, I told my coworkers my bangs looked like Mamie Eisenhower. The older people laughed, the young ones had no idea.
Your haircut looks wonderful.
LOL!!
Love your haircut!!
Love your new do… my hair turned curly when I turned 60. It has taken me a while to get accustomed to it and now I’ve had to go shorter to cover those bald spots from the thinning hair, thank you to age and Hashimoto’s. I think the curl might be leaving after enjoying it for a few years. Your thyroid… it’s an uphill battle that changes with every doctor. This last change has left me gaining 5 pounds overnight about every other month regardless of trying to get out and walk for 30 to 60 minutes a day. At my age, I’m not sure anything will bring it down unless I starve myself, but then that promotes holding onto all the stored fat so it’s not a win-win situation, but a fail-fail for me. I’ve been dealing with Hashimoto’s for 30 years… Wishing you the best in finding a doctor that actually listens to what you say since you know your body the best! I’m still trying to find another one since I leaving the last one who actually heard me. I certainly love reading your daily emails! Not everything is a fit, but most everything speaks to me about something, clothes, health, something personal. I appreciate the effort and time involved in what you do for our age. Thank you! I don’t know if you have done something with bras as I am fairly new to getting your emails but I thought it would be interesting comparing bras for our age. There are so many places to choose from online and in stores… Soma, Victoria’s Secret, department stores if you can actually find a brick and mortar anymore. I’m with you, the sense in some of the stores keep me from entering them anymore. Sometimes just to get to the store and what you have to pass through. If it’s a closed in mall is terrible, especially when it affects asthma. Under wires are painful, but I feel good in them because I’m not using my jeans to keep the girls in place if you know what I mean.
Your haircut looks great!
I love the “forest bathing” term used below. My husband and I went up the mountain near us yesterday and did the same thing, big breaths of fresh air in the pine trees as we walked up the trail. So restorative.
Your haircut is perfect. Don’t go shorter to what I call the “I give up haircut.” I think a blunt cut is much better for those of us with thin hair. Diane Keaton supposedly had thin hair, but she always had a blunt cut.
Jennifer,
Your new haircut looks great and is very flattering. Perfect length.
Enjoy!
That was a fun read. I think your hair looks great like that. I have the same problem and am going to try Instant Coverage Hairline Powder by Prime Prometics as soon as I have the time to watch the video. It doesn’t seem like it’s going to be difficult to use but I want to make sure I know what I’m doing.
I love your hair. When mine was thinning years ago from hormones I needed to take that’s what my hairstylist recommended and I stuck with it for years. Since having chemo I’ve kept it short. We love walking in the woods too. I think that’s one of the reasons I like to golf. Your outside and it’s so pretty. I’m not ashamed to admit that I might be addicted to TV! I’ve loved it all my life. It’s one of my first memories as a child, laying on the floor with my brother watching TV.
I love the new haircut! 👍
The new haircut looks great!
I think your hair looks chic and beautiful! I love it and your style.
Your hair looks so much better
Jennifer- I love your new cut, but then I always admire your hair. I have worn a bob for too many years to count, yes probably since the days of perms!
I get your adventure in the forest. We are headed to the southern OR coast tomorrow. It is where we find peace and relaxation.
I enjoy your sense of humor.
Be well!
Your new hairdo looks great. I too have thinning hair and your minoxidil oral has slowly been helping. Thank you for that. What’s left of mine is curly. A daily barometer 🙁 It looks best with a blow out but if there is any humidity it’s a waste of time. So I go curly most of the time.
We leave next week for Japan and a cruise from Tokyo ultimately landing in Seattle. Packing is proving to be a challenge. We’ll be walking quite a bit in Kyoto and rain? Then on the cruise dressing up a bit most nights. On to Alaska where it may be wet and cold. Trying to pack light? That ship is sailing fast.
Have a fabulous trip Cristi!
Great new haircut!
Sounds to me like you had an awesome week, spent with family and that is what’s most important. I, too, have a very low tolerance for shopping malls and crowded stores. Add to cart works best for me.
Love the haircut! You look great and youthful! I have a similar haircut but a darker version. My problem is I have a colic at the back top that splits my hair and seems to be coming out more since my hair is thinning. I have to tease it a little to cover up the split. That part I do not like. Any suggestions?
I do not…ladies, any ideas?
Love love your haircut. A keeper!
Love your new hair cut!
Sounds as if you had a lovely week, for sure! Well, perhaps with the exception of your Sephora trip. Jennifer, I love the Bob haircut on you! And yes, it’s does make your hair look thicker. My husband and I bought a “smart” TV three years ago and just now feel we know how to operate it. Things change so quickly these days!
Have a great week, Jennifer
I remodeled my kitchen recently and my main request was a frame tv. I love it ! Also your new haircut is fabulous
I love the bob! It looks very good on you. Very youthful!
The stinky Sephora must be a universal thing. I’m on the East Coast and I’ve given up on going in person to a Sephora. I can’t bear the overwhelming, perfume-y smell. My local Athleta did a renovation and the first time I walked in, I had to walk out for the same reason. Luckily there’s another Athleta not far that does not pump out scent into the store and I will only go to that one.
The Best Buy where we bought our TV smelled almost as bad! I didn’t know they pumped out the scent. It makes sense. I thought it was a result of what’s on the shelves!
Haircut looks great- ✅
Forest bathing is a thing. I am lucky to have my own 100 acre wood.😉☺️
You are so lucky
Hi Jennifer, I do love your Monday Musings! I also have fine, thinning hair and will be going on Thursday for a cut. I had let my hair grow a bit in preparation for a trip to New Zealand and Australia – I wanted to be able to put it up because of the warm temperatures. But now it’s time to go back to a bob; last cut I told my hairdresser I wanted to grow out the layers, and this cut should complete that mission. Your hair looks great!
Thanks. I have several more cuts before all the front layers are gone. Hopefully I don’t get impatient.
Great hair cut. Looks beautiful on you.
I can understand your feelings about television, I have a television which isn’t connected to the internet or satellite dish, I use it to watch DVD’s, I don’t like the offerings from the broadcast channels here in the UK, I like nature programmes and occasional topical broadcasts, some of which I can watch on Netflix.
There is so much more to do than watch TV, read a book, go for a walk, sewing, knitting, gardening, spending time with family and friends. There is far more to life than spending every evening watching television.
Love your hair! I’m in the same boat as you with fine, thinning straight hair and in the process of growing out layers. It is not for the faint of heart. We bought a canvas TV last week and love the art. I hope you enjoy yours. It brings so much interest to the room.
Your new bob is very becoming on you, Jennifer!
Thanks
I love your new haircut
It is very flattering on you
I love your new haircut. It’s good to make a change every now and then. Keeps your look fresh.
I got stuck in a hair rut!
I love your new hairdo. It makes you look 10 years younger! It’s probably much easier to style, too. Definitely a keeper.
That’s a keeper! Thanks
I like your new bob haircut. At 55, I have thin hair as well and went with a bob a few years back when layers no longer worked for me either. The bob seems to make my hair look fuller and having a good hairdresser is key. A shoulder length or slightly shorter bob needs to be very even all the way around. My trick to this is to cut it once in the chair, then stand up and make sure it is still even. Often it isn’t due to the way I stand or how my hair hangs and my hairdresser cuts some more.
Good Morning Jennifer. Love love love your hair. And glad you chickened on shorter. It looks perfect.
Thanks Lee Ann.
So fun to read. Agree with all of the above!!!!
I love your hair! Very chic!! I laughed out loud at your “Little Lord Fauntleroy” comment. I used the exact same reference with my hairdresser and I had the same result as you did. So funny!!
LOL!
I really like your new hair cut. Very sharp and chic. As for a new tellie, I dread the day we have to replace ours as one needs a degree in technology or something just to turn the wretched thing on.
That’s what I’m worried about. Hopefully I can make the artwork show 🤣
Love love your new haircut! It looks fresh and modern!
I love your new haircut!
I love your new hair style! Mine is in a bob and goes up and down in length and layers. She wants to grow to my collarbone but mine is thick and it gets to a point where it looks bushy and heavy. I do wish they changed styles more like they did long ago. I like that yours looks light and airy, perfect for Spring!
I really like your new haircut! I think it makes your hair look fuller with more body. Looks great on you!
That was my hope. Thank you
Your blunt-cut bob has a nice swing to it! A versatile type of haircut. Mine is layered and texturized because my hair is thick and wavy. One interesting aspect was the razor cut near the nape of my neck so the cowlick would behave.
Absolutely love the Bob! Love when a simple haircut just gives our entire style a lift! My hair was getting a little too pixie and in the process of growing and trimming to see what style evolves. Hair is just so essential to our style and the way we feel, don’t you think?
I totally agree
Love the new blunt bob. I’m going to have my almost shoulder length silver hair cut back into a bob next week. I wore one for years, my signature haircut, until chemo left me bald. Then I started growing my hair out, apparently to show I could. Anyway, I’m tired of it and want my bob back!
I like the frame tv sets- no excuse to buy one as I have a small one behind double cabinet doors. The big one is in the den, where just my husband and I watch sports and stuff.
I love your new haircut! And it looks like it would be easier to take care of. Glad you enjoyed your forest time. I just took our birdfeeder out. The deer will eat it all if we leave it out at night. There there were so many birds chirping that I got my Merlin app and there are 7 birds telling us good morning. Love that app. Have a great day!
Love the new bob haircut, especially the side bang !
Great haircut and length. See how it holds up until your next haircut and judge if it stays good or needs a bit shorter.
Love your new haircut! And I agree, stores with Sephora in them permeate perfume out into the store and makes for a horrible experience for me. I can hardly set foot into the Sephora area. Why???
Love your new cut! It’s still you, but you look so polished👍
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!