grey hair | Qglenda

30
Oct 16
4

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 28, 2016

Going Silver: 3 years and NO COLOR!

Tags : going gray going grey going silver gray hair grey hair highlights lowlights silver hair

I made it … three years with no highlights or lowlights! What you see is my natural color: my own highlights! If you check out the photo gallery below you will see the magnificent colors that appear under different lighting and in various settings. I still have my moments when I look in the mirror and wonder who the heck that is … but, more often than not I look in the mirror and say, “Dang girl, you look great!”

The picture below, was taken on November 5, 2013. I hope to recreate the shot in the next few weeks. Let’s hope the fall colors cooperate, so I can share “before and after” photos soon! It’s so exciting to get to this point and I’m proud of myself for persevering! I’ve met some naysayers along the way, but far more people have encouraged me to buck the cover-up trend and to “be me”! I’m so glad I did, because I am much more confident today than I was back in 2013. Further, this process of digging under the layers of cover-up has made me realize that deep down, I am truly awesome and do not need to hide! In fact, I learned to celebrate my sparkly silver strands as a badge of honor for a life well-lived! And, I encourage you to do the same!

Going Silver: Highlight, Lowlight, Nolight

Fall has always been my favorite time of year, but even more so now … as I move into the “fall” period of life … I find it is a time of reflection and celebration. What an awesome opportunity to look inwards, to discover the richness that life experiences offer, and to shine and sparkle with all my silver might! How refreshing, exhilarating, and empowering! So, to all you wonderful people who are on the fence about letting those silvers shine … I say, buck the trends and be yourself. It will change your outlook on life, you will learn to love yourself THE WAY YOU ARE and, as a result, you will love others in a much more vibrant way!

And, if you need some encouragement along the way … sign up for my blog! I plan to keep posting about my experience. I run into people on a daily basis who are ready to give up coloring their hair … you are not alone! So many are afraid! I realize a lot of people just need to see their friends and neighbors standing strong and accepting their age and everything that comes with it! So, join me and many others on this journey down Silver Linings Lane!

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 18, 2016

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 21, 2016

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 28, 2016

30
Sep 16
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Thirty-five months, no color: Sep 29, 2016

Going Silver and Ageism

Tags : "This chair rocks" ageism ashton applewhite Cindy Joseph going gray going grey going silver gray hair grey hair pro-age revolution

My thirty-five month journey down Silver Linings Lane has opened my eyes to how ageist our culture is in America. In “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism”, Ashton Applewhite writes, “Although we age in different ways and at different rates, everyone wakes up a day older.” Well, well … isn’t that the truth and something we all need to ponder!? She goes on to say, “Longevity is here to stay. Everyone is aging. Ending ageism benefits us all.” I concur!

Blogging about my “Going Silver” journey is a way of standing up and saying … enough of looking at silver strands as something unattractive and in need of covering up. Enough of the shame. Be proud of the silver, it’s your shiny medal for living a long life. Think of all the people six-feet-under who would love to trade places with you right now. Get over the drama and live in the present.

Tune out the anti-aging ads for creams and cover ups to disguise WHO YOU ARE! Like Applewhite says, “The next time you see a product touting its “anti-aging” prowess, remember that “anti-aging” actually means “anti-living”! Wow! That is so true! I’d encourage you to purchase Applewhite’s book and look into Atul Gawande’s book, “Being Mortal”. And, google Dr. Bill Thomas’s website and check out his: The Age of Disruption Tour: What if nearly everything we think we know about aging is wrong.

If you need more encouragement, here’s another Pro-Age person, I’ve mentioned Cindy Joseph many times throughout the years, check out her video on ageism (below). She rocks!

http://blog.boombycindyjoseph.com/agism-against-yourself/?utm_campaign=Agism+SWC+Video++9-8-16+%28t5vrLK%29&utm_medium=email&_ke=cWdsZW5kYUBnbWFpbC5jb20%3D&utm_source=All+Subscribers

You are not alone! We are not alone! There is a tribe of Pro-Age Revolutionaries out there! Join us. Wear your age as an honor badge! Stand tall, raise your voice, show how amazing you are and what age has to offer the masses! Let’s be frank about our age, talk about it … check out what Applewhite had to say in her last blog post. It’s time to unpack the age-related baggage, process what it has done to our culture, evaluate how we unconsciously perpetuate ageism, and with that awareness educate others. It’s possible. With awareness and mindfulness, individually we humans can rewire the way we think and start new patterns that will spread. Join the revolutionaries I’ve mentioned above … I am!

As always, see below some pictures of my 35th month of no highlights and lowlights! Check out my natural highlights in the back. Is that cool or what?! It’s me … ala natural!

Thirty-five months, no color: Sep 29, 2016

Thirty-five months, no color: Sep 26, 2016

31
May 16
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Going Silver and Acceptance

Tags : accept acceptance aging going gray going grey going silver gray hair grey hair humor life lessons pro-age revised life script sense of humor wisdom highlights

Watching my father adapt to having Parkinson’s Disease has not been easy. But then, that’s how life lessons work. It’s uncomfortable to face change. At times we are forced to make changes and at other times we can hide from reality behind something like “hair color”. Our family is not hiding from the harsh realities of Dad’s diagnosis and we aren’t sitting around crying about it either. We are accepting the revised life script and making the most of the time we have together. One thing I really admire is how my father has kept his sense of humor. He’s coping the best he can and keeps us laughing.

That is exactly how I am moving through the phases of going silver and “aging” in general: accepting the stages with open arms and a good sense of humor. Join me as I celebrate 31 months in the “no color” zone. If you want to read more about acceptance, check out my blog post from 2015. 🙂 It’s full of spunk!

If you just decided to “Go Silver” … welcome! You are in good company. If you need encouragement along the way, subscribe to my blog and speak up. Let’s do this together. Or, join a forum or two on Facebook. I have found some incredible women who have encouraged me to continue my journey down Silver Linings Lane. Whatever you do … know that there are others who are going through the same thing. Join us … as we keep it real!

Thirty-one months, no color: May 3, 2016

Thirty-one months, no color: May 27, 2016

Thirty-one months, no color: May 28, 2016

Thirty-one months, no color: May 29, 2016

Thirty-one months, no color: May 30, 2016

Thirty-one months, no color: May 31, 2016

30
Apr 16
2

Going Silver and Unsolicited Input

Tags : going blonde going gray going grey going silver gray hair grey hair hair color highlights no color silver hair silver sisters

Well, it was my turn to hear some not-so-flattering words from a friend. Recently, I was walking through my neighborhood and met my neighbor (who is my age) and her mother. It was a bright sunny day and I was feeling especially good. I had just returned from a trip to Hong Kong – Taiwan – Shenzhen – Dubai! They excitedly asked me about my trip and I regaled them with my tales. Out of the blue, the daughter asked, “Glenda, when are you going back to blonde?” I was puzzled and replied, “After 30 months of no color, there’s no way I’m going back to blonde highlights. I love my hair. It looks better and feels healthier–to me!” She responded with, “But, it will brighten up your face and make you look and feel younger!” I thought to myself, “Hm?! I feel good and definitely don’t think I look like I’m stepping into the GRAYve!” 😉 Take a look at the picture below … I think you’ll agree with me!

Thirty months, no color: Apr 3, 2016

I went on and expressed how embracing my silver and my age was invigorating and liberating. But my neighbor kept pushing, to the point where her mother started to agree with me. When I responded, I was mindful that they both color their hair and didn’t want to say anything that would come across as judgmental. I simply stated that I am comfortable with my age and everything that comes with it. As I walked home, I realized that my neighbor’s comments didn’t hurt or make me question my decision. I thought of my mother who has embraced her silver strands and started me on this path by setting an excellent example of living life to the fullest. And, I thought of all the beautiful souls on Facebook Forums who have encouraged me on the journey down Silver Linings Lane. I am so blessed. I am at peace and wish the same for others. So, I will continue to share my story and pictures hoping that my experience will help others break free from the social pressures of coloring their hair to “look young”!

Thirty months, no color: Apr 4, 2016

As always, I added pictures to my gallery from this month–my 30th month–of Going Silver. As you can see … I am living life to the fullest! Check out this video of me on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa! Oh my!

If you enjoyed this post, please sign up for more! And, please … feel free to comment. We Silver Sisters must support one another.

Thirty months, no color: Apr 1, 2016

Thirty months, no color: Apr 2, 2016

Thirty months, no color: Apr 3, 2016

Thirty months, no color: Apr 4, 2016

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Jan 16
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Twenty-seven months, no color: Jan 22, 2016

Going Silver: And Your Friends

Tags : cycles of life going gray going grey going silver gray hair grey hair highlights lowlights no color silver hair silver sisters

Sharing my journey down Silver Linings Lane hasn’t been easy–it takes courage to stand up to social norms. Recently, a dear friend of mine confirmed that speaking out and setting an example is a good thing. Check out her Facebook post:

Wow, I inspired my friend! I’ve heard this from others–privately–but, was overjoyed to see Valerie’s post on Facebook. Our story has a unique twist. You see, Valerie inspired me–years ago. When I met Valerie we were in our 20s and she had prematurely gray hair. I thought it was cool, she carried it well, and looked great! When I considered going natural, I thought about Valerie and how good she looked with silver strands back in the day. Here are some pictures of us back in the 90s.

Glenda and Valerie in 1992 – You can’t really see the gray in this pic, but you can in the next. I just wanted to show us together!

Valerie in 1992 – Now, you can see the silver streaks!

And, here is my response to Valerie’s post and her story in her-own-words …

And, this is my beautiful friend now … on her way back down Silver Linings Lane.

My friend Valerie

We each have our own way of moving through this phase, but I have found a common theme. Once we’re on a roll, we see the stunning silver, and want a full head of it! Valerie told me, “I’m getting impatient already! My gray coming in is so pretty!! I do plan to eventually have a few lowlights periodically to break up the totalness, but it will be so much healthier and require less maintenance. I’m very excited for the journey.” And, so am I … for those of you who aren’t so sure about going silver. Just do it! There are others like me and Valerie who are happy to support you! Please subscribe to my blog and feel free to share your thoughts and emotions along the way. You will experience a lot of them – good and bad. We all have! But, it’s worth it … you will see! I’d love to hear from you! Let’s do this!

Twenty-seven months, no color: Jan 2, 2016; I really like my natural color – from the shoulders down you can see the old highlights/lowlights, but the top is all me!!

Twenty-seven months, no color: Jan 22, 2016

Twenty-seven months, no color: Jan 30, 2016

31
Dec 15
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Twenty-six months, no color: Dec 8, 2015

Going Silver: All that Glitters is not …

Tags : going gray going grey going silver gray hair grey hair hair color no color silver hair

GOLD! Not the way I see it … I’m all about letting that glittery, shimmery Silver Shine! In early December, I went to the salon for a hair cut and as my hairstylist started to blow out my hair, she marveled at the natural silver highlights cascading down the back of my head. Other stylists and customers chimed in. Interestingly, my former colorist remained silent. She’s the one who warned me that sooner or later I’d be back in her chair. Hm?! It’s been 26 months and I haven’t been back for more color torture. I had no idea these silver highlights were hiding underneath my high and low lights! I’m so psyched! I wish others would go natural … we never know what glory might be hiding under all of that dye. Yep, glorious highlights that are “dying” to be seen! 🙂

Twenty-six months, no color: Dec 3, 2015; check out the mix of colors!

Which leads me to the fear of not coloring. Why are we so afraid to be WHO WE ARE?! Why are we constantly covering up our true essence in order to look like someone else or to hold onto a younger version of ourselves? And really, do people enjoy spending ridiculous amounts of time in an uncomfortable chair making small talk or every few weeks buying a bottle of dye and making a mess in their bathroom? I’d rather spend time doing what I enjoy; like hanging out with people I love and adore or going for a work out … and I get it, not everyone enjoys working out. But, you get my point, right?!

Not long ago, I attended a birthday party and talked to a guest who stated that her colorist charges $400 for each session. Now, that’s a lot of money. She can afford it, but I know others who can’t and still put tons of money into coloring their hair. Just think if you could save that money and go on a fabulous trip to another country and learn about another culture. I’d rather make memories like that instead of cling to some old version of what I used to look like. Life is about moving forward, not hanging on to the past!

So, as we close out 2015 and move forward … join me and your other Silver Sisters as we celebrate who we are in the moment! Check out the photos below and the ones in my Silver Linings Photos. If you are thinking about going silver, please speak up. I’d love to hear from you. And, please sign up for my blog. The more we band together on this, the more we will deconstruct the social norms that going gray or going silver is a bad thing! Let’s celebrate every stage of life for what it is! On that high note, I wish you a Happy New Year … let the celebrations begin! 🙂

Twenty-six months, no color: Dec 3, 2015; check out the mix of colors!

Twenty-six months, no color: Dec 8, 2015

Twenty-six months, no color: Dec 15, 2015

28
Nov 15
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Twenty-five months, no color: Nov 3, 2015

Going Silver: Natural Highlights

Tags : accept your age going gray going grey going silver gray hair grey hair hair color no color silver hair

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like to declare how grateful I am for the natural highlights bestowed upon me. Were it not for my non-conformist courage to stop highlighting/lowlighting, I would not have known the true beauty woven into the many strands of hair by the Great Creator.

About a week ago, I sauntered into my chiropractor’s office and signed-in at the front desk under the bright office lights. The two women at the reception desk commented on my hair, the color, how healthy it looked, and how it shined under the lights. So, I shared my Going Silver story with them. They were shocked that my hair was “all-a-naturale”! One said it looked as though I had just been to the salon for highlights. And I said, “No need! God did it for me!” 😉 This led to a conversation on culture and the pressure for women to look a certain way. The two women have dark hair and lamented that it is much more difficult for those with dark hair. That us blondes have it easier. They have a point.

Twenty-five months, no color: Nov 1, 2015; Check out those natural highlights from the top!!

That said, I had an interesting encounter that made me question their response. I was sitting at an outside café sipping a latte while waiting for my car to be serviced at the shop. I was reading a book, but looked up each time someone approached the front door of the café. It was an interesting mix of people, all of whom I exchanged pleasantries. But, there was one that I wish I had taken more time to engage with. It was a middle-aged, dark-haired woman who had the most beautiful mix of silver! She was aglow … she radiated confidence, happiness, vivaciousness, and kindness. I wish I could roll back time and ask for her Silver Story! I need to go back to that café soon … maybe I’ll run into her again. That’s the kind of Silver Role Model I want to be … one that inspires others to be who they are! There is a profound sense of beauty in authenticity!

In contrast, I see other pasty women with skin stretched back on their face and bright bottle-colored hair as they attempt to reach back in time to a day that has passed them by. Why?! Grasp the moment you are in … revel in the beauty around you! And, don’t buy into the cultural norms that tell you aging = ugly and over. Look around you and see the Silver Haired women (and men) out there who are simply radiant and totally enjoying the present moment! And, look in the mirror … see the beauty and rock it!

On that high note, let me ask you once again to join me on this journey down Silver Linings Lane … check out my Silver Linings photos to see my journey, subscribe to my blog, share your thoughts (this includes my Bestie for the Restie) and worries. We’ve all had them! We can do this together!

Twenty-five months, no color: Nov 1, 2015; Check out those natural highlights from the top!!

Twenty-five months, no color: Nov 1, 2015

Twenty-five months, no color: Nov 3, 2015

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Oct 15
2

Twenty-four months, no color: Oct 20, 2015

Going Silver: Made it Two Years – NO COLOR!!

Tags : accept your age celebrity going gray going grey gray hair grey hair hair color nocolor silver hair silver selebrity

I’m so proud of myself for embracing my age and accepting the changes that come with it! I feel as though the entire Universe is celebrating my two years of no highlights/lowlights. I have had nothing but awesome compliments this month! Some from people I know and some from strangers. I’ve had so many compliments that I feel like a Silver Selebrity! 😉 These comments came from people ages 23 to 70+, a mix of men and women, several different nationalities, and from varied backgrounds. I’m walking on a cloud of silver! Check out the photo gallery below!!

I was in Minnesota recently and a dear friend I hadn’t seen in a year asked if I had just highlighted my hair. My response was, “These are natural, sparkly silver highlights from God above!” Her response in a beautiful British accent was, “Well done!” This conversation took place on the tarmac at the airport in full sun! Other conversations took place in low light settings and I was quick to say I’ve had no highlights or lowlights in two years – these are natural highlights! 🙂 It’s awesome! And, guess what!? Men of all ages still give me a double-take!!

The more I accept my age the more confident I am. Let’s face it … none of us are getting out of here alive. We are not Methuselah! Further, we are more than just a physical form and must drop the attachment. That doesn’t mean we should stop taking care of ourselves. In fact, I see this as an act of love and compassion for my body – less chemicals and stress worrying about my roots and appearance! On that high note … lighten your load … enjoy your time on this planet … none of us know how long we have to enjoy this time! Get out of the salon and see the brilliant blue sky, go for a walk and listen to the birds, watch a brilliant sunrise or sunset! God is a much better highlighter and lowlighter … notice the nuances of nature and let them steal your breath away before you have no breath left!

Join me on this journey down Silver Linings Lane … subscribe to my blog, share your thoughts and worries. We’ve all had them! We can do this together! Yes, we can!

Twenty-four months, no color: Oct 7, 2015

Twenty-four months, no color: Oct 10, 2015

Twenty-four months, no color: Oct 11, 2015

Twenty-four months, no color: Oct 13, 2015

Twenty-four months, no color: Oct 14, 2015

Twenty-four months, no color: Oct 20, 2015

Twenty-four months, no color: Oct 20, 2015 Playing with mirrors …

26
Sep 15
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Twenty-three months, no color: Sep 25, 2015

Going Silver: A Youthful Perspective

Tags : accept your age celebrities going gray going gray going grey going silver gray hair grey hair hair color no color silver hair youthful perspective

It’s been almost two years since I started this journey down Silver Linings Lane. I’m not all silver, yet. In fact, I’m surprised how much dirty blonde is still coming out. Fortunately, it frames my face well for a smooth transition (as you can see in the featured image). Scroll down to see some close-up shots of my shining silver! Look for the big silver streak at the back of my head! I hope it’s a precursor … 🙂

In my humble opinion, learning to love yourself…in your natural state…is a whole new way of relating to yourself that is much more fulfilling than trying to cover up who you are. I can’t describe it. But, I’m glad I did it!

Last weekend, I went shopping with a friend who is my age. We went into BCBG in Chevy Chase (MD) just to look. We ended up trying on a few items. As we were checking out, we had an interesting exchange with two young girls who worked there. They were both in their 20s. We started out with normal chitchat about how good the outfits looked on us … I expressed surprise that my new grey shirt looked quite good with my silver hair. The lights over the register were very bright and both of the girls agreed and said they “loved my hair color”! Woo-hoo! Silver hair victory shuffle at the checkout counter!

Then, the young women started to talk about how young celebrities are coloring their hair grey … how it is a fad and they think it’s cool. The more they talked the more it hit me … they are so lucky to have this healthy way of looking at aging. I’m so proud of women who are standing up to the “norms” and feeling comfortable in their own skin. And, I’m so grateful that my mother showed me how to age gracefully and enjoy the process! We only get one chance at this thing called life … so I’m going to enjoy every phase and savor each step … and, in my case … silver step!

So, if it’s the right time for you … join me! Subscribe to my blog. I would love to hear from you. Remember … we’re in this together! Whether you color or not, we’re going silver. That’s the plain and simple truth! Accept it and enjoy the journey! 🙂

Twenty-three months, no color: Sep 15, 2015

Twenty-three months, no color: Sep 25, 2015

Twenty-three months, no color: Sep 26, 2015

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Aug 15
6

Twenty-two months, no color: Aug 8, 2015

Going Silver: Line of demarcation

Tags : "line of demarcation" affirmations age-defiance aging going gray going grey going silver gold Granny Hair gray hair grey hair hair color humor silver silver hair

For the people out there who still think I look blonde – here is a picture that shows the line of demarcation!! This was not an easy picture to take – kudos to the photographer! This pic really shows my progress. I love it! I’ve been through a lot to get here. And, as you can see from the pix below … I’m enjoying my journey down Silver Linings Lane.

This past week I was at Bed, Bath, and Beyond picking up some household necessities. I was standing in the checkout line when a slightly-turning-silver woman behind me said,

“Excuse me, I came in here to buy some hair color to touch up my roots. I had decided to let my hair go naturally grey, but because of some not-so-nice comments, I’m having second thoughts. What do you think?”

I’ll never know if she noticed my silver streaks, I didn’t think to ask. I responded with a resounding, “Do what feels right for you. Look at what I’m doing!” And, with that, I pulled out my pony tail and showed her my resplendent shades of silver. We had a short exchange on authenticity, I wish it could have been longer. She was a delightful woman. Since I was ahead of her in line, I do not know if she bought the hair color, or not. I love that she had the courage to speak to me. And, I love providing affirmations, when needed. We’re in this together!

This past week, I read a witty article by Sarah Hampson titled, “I’m fed up with the age-defiance game, so my ‘granny’ hair is staying” … what a great sense of “humor”. Her experience resonated with me. Love these thoughts she shared,

“Women of a certain age like to say how wonderful it is to discover that they don’t care what others think any more. And that’s true. We can spend our lives worrying about how others perceive us as mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, career women, etc. etc. And you reach an age, post 40, where you finally have more confidence in who you are and what you have accomplished.

We believe we’re becoming authentic but that’s the very point when we’re encouraged to cover up what is really happening with our bodies.”

So, for those who are fed-up with covering up, join those of us who are letting our hair down, or as my cover pic displays – shaking things up and having a ball doing it! 🙂 I invite you to subscribe to my blog and join in the conversation. I would love to hear from you. Remember … we’re in this together! Whether you color or not, we’re going silver. That’s the plain and simple truth! Accept it and rock it! 🙂