Happy New Week Loves. The last two days have been cold, and I have been indoor tending my ailing canine friend. ;( It has been hectic and upsetting, as the vets, my family and I try to figure out what is best. I did finally get a my long hair shaped and cut! I know in this society, there is a tendency to not have long hair after 50, but this is easy for me. I have delayed this hair cut, for a while now, since my dog has been ill.
The weather has been beautiful for so long. So warm past the season of warmth. My dog looking and acting like a puppy until recently. She is 14. everyone asks how old my puppy is, and when i answer 14 years old, they are surprised. We have that it common, our energy appears to belong to a younger being. But back to my long hair, and the stuff of fashion blogs.
My long hair is something that I like about myself. Long hair after 50, actually seems life affirming.
It is the same color and baby-fine texture, as when I was a wee-one, toddling with my twin. It is reassuring to have something stay essentially the same after decades, although I do color my tresses now and blend in some grey. I love my long hair as I find it easy to manage. So simple to style in a ponytail or top not. You usually see me wearing my hair swept to one side or with very simple do. Simplicity is a priority for me: getting ready fast with minimal maintenance is great.
But below I let Aracely, from the Keratin Bar , style my hair. I needed the lift. Having long hair after 50 makes me feel like I am getting bonus time. When you are ill, looking well is a good thing, even if it creates confusion.
Aracely is magic. Full spirals curls come to life after I leave her chair. This uplifts me, but not for long. This was the last day I was out for any length off time. I have been home with my fur baby, in her last days, once it became apparent to me that my elderly dog was acutely ill. Below, bouncy curls but not smiling.
.
Below, the day I went for my haircut was a picture perfect one. This was last week, when the temps were like what one would expect in early September . I enjoyed the city vistas from up high. Again, bonus time.
Long hair – blowing in the wind. Ah, this feels good; the sun is at my back and my long hair feeling like a silky caress, against a face that has been flooded with tears recently.
There is a tradition in this society, that expects women of a certain age to cut their hair and don a bob. I like that hair cut. I am tempted. But I know that for me, this style is easier and more versatile. I have been wearing long hair for so long that I can do a top knot while composing a grocery list in my head, without even a mirror. I like having long hair after 50, i am okay to bend ( break?) this rule !!
More importantly, most importantly….. My long hair is healthy, bouncy and soft. I am not trying to sell shampoo, I promise. But I have been taking a mild chemo drug that thins for hair for 8 years, so the very fact of long, full hair is somewhat of unusual thing. I also have been on Prednisone for the same amount of time and am still pretty thin, without the characteristic moon face many get. I eat well, drink a lot of green juice and walk, walk, walk.
I am celebrating my shiny long hair, because I have been lucky enough to keep it. Pure and simple. It tells me that despite my illness, that I am relatively, outwardly well.
Exercise and a good attitude helps. Appreciating the beauty of the city, and the kindness of its inhabitants helps too, even when faced with headlines that insist we are a tribal, contentious lot! NOT! I also attribute my relative good health, despite a dire autoimmune disease to a good family, a strong marriage , to two adult children who make me proud every day, and to friends that have been like family. And to my dog…who is sick, and to whom I may have to say good-bye to soon. Too soon. She is old, and its her time, but how did the time go by so very fast?
I know this. I will not keep her in this world to please me. If the doctors can not help her and she is suffering, I will act. I am not as well this week myself, tending to her and thinking about this prospect, and the grief is having its way with me.
Do you notice that these two pics of me are cut off in a strange way? That is because a part of me feels missing. I cropped them to reflect my feelings. I know you understand. The worst part is telling, and involving my adult children, yes they are adults, but when it comes to pets- we are all children .
I will do my best to keep up with blogging this week. Your blogs cheer me. But while I am blonde, I am not having much fun this week. Closing with a cool image. It is a floral arrangement, inside a brick facade, from an Upper East Side Co-op.
It reflects the street, and I find it hard to know what is background and what is foreground. So for that reason, and the lovely florals- I enjoy this shot and the confusions that it engenders. There is so much more that meets the eye. I wish you, as always much love and peace, and the clarity that only comes from confusion, until it settles into wisdom.
Any thoughts about long hair after 50? Have you had, and lost, a pet recently? Did you have to make uncomfortable decisions on behalf of the care of your elderly pet? Share if your care to.
Wishing you Joy . If you have a pet, hold him or her close.
You have such beautiful hair, Elle!! I was trying to grow mine out, but it’s so thin and fine, that it didn’t look nice to me!!!
But it’s fabulous that we have options now!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I love your hair Jodie! It looks fabulous short, so I would just be happy you have. A great style that works for you!
Xoxo, Elle
Hi Elle, you look like a beautiful ice princess in the first image. Just stunning. I lost a pet years ago and haven’t adopted one since. It was just too painful.
Fitting, I suppose, I was trying is hard to keep it together. I do love my new haircut, my my pet has
Me very sad. We put her down yesterday…there was no path for her to recover..
Xoxo, Elle
You look absolutely gorgeous, Elle! Love your long hair. You look amazing as always!
Stay fabulous!
Have a wonderful day!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
XO
Thank you dearest Len!
I too hope your week is fabulous!
Xoxo, Elle
So beautiful! Thanks for leaving such a lovely comment on my blog.
Enclothed Cognition
Thanks,
I love the original and engaging content of your blog!
Xoxo, Elle
Hello Elle! As you know, I have long blonde hair and I am 58. I wish we had taken a photo together but I am sure we eill meet again. Your hair is beautiful and I can’t imagine you with short hair.
How wonderful to hear from you! Next time we will take a photo together! I like shirt hair too, it is just easier for me to manage my long hair!
Happy holidays. Let me know when you are in nyc next !
Xoxo, Elle
Elle, I will! I would love to see you again. I really feel the same as you about my hair. I had breast cancer ….my consultant knew I didn’t want to lose my hair and in the end it was my choice whether to have chemo or not. I said no. Now I am on drugs that stop oestrogen production and can thin hair but my hair is healthy so I am happy! So sorry about your dog.
Lorraine, I am so sorry about the cancer. I know cancers that are not aggressive often do not require chemo, and I hope that this is the case for you. Love your hair and hope to see you soon, ❤️❤️
So sorry to hear that your dog is sick. It must be so hard. I think you have gorgeous hair! I love long hair too and will keep it long for as long as it’s healthy enough to do so!
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thank you Gemma!
It is- was hard, we put her down yesterday. Nothing more could be done that would be helpful and pain free for her, As you as your hair is healthy, wear it however you like!
Xoxo, Elle
Elle, your dog and you have definitely in common that you both look incredible young! Your hair is still a dream and I agree, you look like a princess. Can’t believe you are much more than 50 years … you look at least like 25.
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Thank you so much Rena, that is kind!
My geriatric dog was often confused for a puppy, she had this lovely energy. I did have to say goodbye to her yes… the doctors could do no more of her, except for things that would cause needless suffering.
Xoxo, Elle
Elle, your hair is adorable. Enjoy it and don’t care about age. This is only a figure these days. Have a great day.
Love, Esther
https://lifestyle-tale.com/erdemxhm/
Thank you Ester! I do enjoy my healthy hair, it is a wonder! I agree, the norms are changing and I am glad!
Xoxo, Elle
At 60, I still have long hair. I have always had it except when I lost it all during treatment for breast cancer. It took a long time to come back and when it did, I was doubly determined to keep it long. I don’t care if it is fashionable or not; it is me. This summer when I retired, added a touch of purple. It is subtle, most people don’t notice it. But it is a gentle flouting of “rules”. I am sorry for the illness of your beloved pet. I, too, know the pain of that loss. I… Read more »
I totally identify with that, I am pleased for your long hair hair and like that you added some lavender / purple .
I am comforted and happy that you write this, with your cat on you lap.
Thank you for your lovely wishes, they mean so much.
We put our pet down yesterday, the medical options to extend life would have caused my pet pain, so it seemed pointless and cruel to do so.
Thank you Susan for your loveliest of comments.
Xoxo, Elle
Lovely! You’re a doll!
❄ MARY MARÍA STYLE ❄
Thanks Mary!
What a sweet thing to say!
xoxo, Elle
Your hair looks beautiful
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.be/
Thank you so much Laura !!
hugs and xox , Elle
So sorry to hear about your dog I have a chihuahua thats also 14 and looks like a young pup unfortunately they do get health complications when they age all we could do it take them to a vet and make them feel comfortable the best we can. You hair looks pretty no worries about after 50 my mom rock long hair with no problem. Age does not matter in how you like and feel with a particular look.
Thanks for those kind and wise words. I also love your long hair, and hope your dog is well. Happy weekend and almost thanksgiving! ❤️❤️
wow your hair is gorgeous!
I am so very sorry for your loss. When our pets go they take a piece of our hearts with them. I’m not sure if you’ve ever read this but it comforted me when I lost my beloved pug and lovebird 7 years ago… “It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enought, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as… Read more »
I first read your post a few days ago and couldn’t comment – we have lost two of our pets in the time I’ve been blogging, and it’s so incredibly difficult to put on a brave face. I totally understand the “half-face” pictures. I’m so very sorry for your loss – I know our furry friends will be waiting for us over the Rainbow Bridge one day. The year I turned 50 (this one!) I made the choice to grow my hair out. “F**k it, Fifty!” I thought. I’m not an old lady, I’m ME, and I feel like a… Read more »
I am so sorry about your loss.. it is hard to lose our furry friends.
Long hair is easier in many ways. And I toot celebrate the choice to wear our hair and clothes as we chose to! Love your phrase for fifty!
Lol!
❤️❤️
Elle
You look stunning dear. I love the thoughts.
Much Love,
Zarrah | The Bandwagon Chic
Thanks so much Zarrah !
I appreciate it,
❤️❤️ Elle
I agree with you, everyone cuts their hair as they get older. I plan on keeping mine long too. And I hope your dog gets better soon!
Raindrops of Sapphire
Many people do, and if they are good with styling it, it can be gorgeous. But long hair is all I know… and I just can’t give up the easy ponytail!
Happy weekend! ❤️❤️
You surely have some good hair on ya Elle. And you’re beautiful too. I love the advice in this post. Very helpful for us youngis coming. Ha!! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
http://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks love,
I am so glad you enjoyed what I wrote. I always love to hear that. Have a great weekend. ❤️❤️
You have great hair Elle and are lucky that you do. I can not tell you how many women I see with noticeably thinning hair and not just after 50 but in their 20s and 30s. And you do wonderful job with it as did Acrely!
Allie of ALLIENYC
http://www.allienyc.com
Yes, I am lucky. When growing up I had too much hair, very fine, but lots of it, as my daughter does now. So now with some thinning and processing, I finally have good hair… it took a few decades though, lol. I am not good with my hair, but I am learning…
❤️❤️
After 50?!?! I’m not just saying this, but you look much younger! Your face looks so youthful. I honestly believe beauty comes from within. Yes, doing all the things that make up a beauty regimen is great, but when you have a great attitude and show genuine care and support to others, which you’ve done with me through our conversations via blogging, it makes a difference. Anyway, I love you long hair, you wear it well! Thanks for sharing, beautiful, and I hope you’re having a great week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
THE STYLE CONTOUR
Thanks beautiful Jalisa,
Those are very kind words and they make me feel better. I do believe that my openness to others gives me a good energy, maybe if affects how I look, I do not know, but It certainly affects my state of happiness, which is solid and comforting right now. I am almost 60, and life gets better with age..
Have a wonderful weekend, and the beginning of a great holiday season.
Xoxo, Elle
You look so beautiful, Elle, and I fully agree with you about long hair. I am also keeping mine long, as it’s so much easier to style!
So sorry to hear about your dog;
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
Thank you! It is easy to style, I am glad you agree!, Thank you for your kindness.
xoxo, Elle
I’m so sorry to hear you lost your beloved pet. We lost our best boy a few years ago, also at age 14. I’ve just discovered you through Instagram and you are a lovely person. I look forward to seeing more and reading more from you and your big city life. I’m sorry you are dealing with an illness. I am as well, at age 52. I will prevail, though. 😊
I am sorry you lost your fur baby as well. I am glad you found me, what a lovely thing to say. I am sorry you are ill, it can be difficult to deal with that. I am sure you will prevail, I wish you strength and grace for the holidays, and good health, too!
xoxo, Elle