Life Gets a Little Hairy Sometimes

The Journey

Walking into the bathroom, I caught a glimpse of myself. Surprised by how I looked, I leaned in across the sink and took a long investigative look. Then, it was clear to me. This was my surviving face.

People have their “Going to Work” face. “Going on a Date” face. “Pumping up for the Big Game” face. But I never realized that there was an, “I’m Just Surviving” face.

I’m sure that there are many reasons why someone might suddenly see their survivor face show up in their reflection. The loss of a child, going through abuse, depression, or (in my case) struggling to heal from a surgery. And, when that face snuck up on me, it caught me by surprise. Normally, I see my “Let’s Do This” face. But, not today. So, I stared at it for a long while soaking up what was so different and wondering how I got there. As I shuffled out of the bathroom and to my bedroom, I shared my epiphany with my husband. He just looked at me and said, “So, that must be your surviving hair!” I turned and viewed my reflection in our bedroom mirror. My locks were raised in high quaff with strands randomly coming down around my face. At least, in that heavy-hearted moment, we were able to have a good laugh. Because, hair!! It can be crazy and add a whole new dimension to the surviving face.

Inspired Designs

Doesn’t hair inspire all of your fall décor choices? Well, believe it or not, my front planters definitely took shape when I found hairy faux floral elements. Pampas grass and yellow tail berry bush came together to create a focal point in my planters.

Usually, I go for fresh flowers and greenery only. But that can get expensive. And, since watering falls to my inconsistent and easily distracted 7-year-old, I thought I would settle for a compromise. Most floral arrangements have a taller center so that’s where I started. I recycled my birch and willow branches from last year’s winter planters. Then, the yellow grasses added a punch of color to the area. To complete the look, I mixed in 2 small mums and a cabbage plant. Overall, I like how they worked together. Even when my mums weren’t in full bloom, the arrangement had a nice pop of color.

Once my planters were completed, I focused on the front door. A while ago, I was on the hunt for a versatile basket or container that I could hang on my door that would bring out the wood tones from our cedar pillars and porch roof. Etsy did not disappoint. I was able to find a vintage purse that has been great for every season. I picked through the faux flowers from my spring display and reused the ones with yellow and orange hues. Then, to tie the basket and the planters together, I added in some cuttings from the pampas grass and yellow tail berry bush. What an easy and inexpensive way to update the front door.

To complete the overall look of the front porch, I chose to add a personalized item. This cute hand painted metal bucket brings a smile to my face every time I look at it. My reaction comes not only from the message of “Give Thanks” but from the special lady that gifted it to me. My grandma! She was always making, creating, painting, and drawing things to give to her family. This piece (that we use in our cubby area during the off season) is one of the few treasures that she gave to me before she died. I will always give thanks for that special reminder of her love for me.

I hope that adding color and personalization during the celebration of this Thanksgiving Season communicates that those who come to visit are welcome (even if their hair is a mess and resembles my planters more than they would like).

Life Gets a Little Hairy Sometimes

The Journey

Inspired Designs

Washing Out The Negative

Beauty in Imperfections

Rally ‘Round

. . . Back to Bed