OK, I’m going to start this off because I hope it will inspire others to share their pics with us all. I’ve found silver shines in the sun, and gets you all kinds of compliments, wherever you go. But I stayed pretty close to home this summer, which isn’t all that bad when you have a house in a beach community. Lots to do. Lots of fun to have. Here, I’m at an antique car rally. Really wanted my pic snapped by a gorgeous silver Oldsmobile convertible. But I settled for the Buick. Hey, my grandparents drove a Buick! PS: And I also got a cut! Here I am with my longtime fave stylist Kevin Maple at his salon in Southampton. Ya gotta love your stylist!
Hello everyone!
Here I am kicking off summer on a cruise from Boston to Bermuda! Nice to test some tanned skin color next to the newly minted salt & peppers after a long and dreary New England winter. Once on the island we made like pirates and got some black rum - here I am running with the ginger beer to mix and make those ‘Dark & Stormy” drinks! As you can see by these photos ‘styling’ my hair beyond wind blown was merely optional! Ah if only everyday could sail by so smoothly:-)
Hi, fellow silver foxes!
Here I am vacationing in the Southern tip of Italy. A little town called Puglia—just love it! And the local boys seem to love my hair. Or maybe it’s not my hair, whoever knows? (Okay, the great Dame didn’t send in this shot, but thought it should go in here for inspiration. Is this bikini-clad 63-year-old not smokin’ hot?)
Dede and her husband took their new camper to Caprock Canyon State Park for some hiking and kayaking. Apparently, the heat got to Dede, from the looks of the second shot! Actually, she said she took it just to show us how her gray is coming along. Yeah, sure, Dede!
Shara, her husband, and their beloved Coton de Tulear, Monty, just returned from Santa Fe, New Mexico. And here we see her shopping the art galleries on Canyon Road. Unabashedly sporting her charcoal/red mix, she says she’s getting used to it and looking forward to January when she can be dye-free. With hair more like her husband’s—and Monty’s!
Lisa, our newbie2, and that great guy who has been so supportive of her throughout her transitioning process, went on holiday to Nova Scotia in mid-July. Here we see them along the breathtaking Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Island. Lookin’ good, Lisa. And now that we see your sweetie, hey, he’s going gray, looking great, too! Oh, but wait. Let’s look at the scenery!
Recently-joined “Newbie” Ruth writes us: “Here I am on Guinella pass, a nice loop drive near Denver, Colorado (USA) at the end of July. There are hikes here, but this time we just drove up and over for a fun short camp trip on the other side. It was nice to be cool for a while! The braids have been a recent fun (and dorky) way to wear my hair on the weekends. Kind of like a graying rockabilly hipster! My boyfriend loves the braids. But there were no comments from the wildlife up there.”
Lulubell sends us this “postcard” taken at their youngest grand-daughter, Leah’s, graduation from daycare to kindergarten. They took their motor-home to their daughter’s home in Temiscaming, Quebec (about six hours north-east of Toronto, Ontario). All of which thrilled Leah, as she “loves to have sleep-overs in the motor-home with gramma and grampa!” Lulu reminds us that this photo was was taken just one day after her last hair color appointment. And, as she says, “I do mean LAST!”
Here’s our first Newbie Grad scaling great heights! Or at least the climb up Half Dome in Yosemite, a challenging 20-mile hike. Yikes! Her climbing partner is her 25 year-old son, Brian. Jennifer said “Brian and I made a perfect hiking partners, which made me feel terrific! This is his 3rd time and my 5th-- and I hope to go until/when I’m 70 and he’s my age.” Ok, we’ll be watching! If you notice, Jennifer’s hair is a wee bit longer.
This isn’t exactly what Dusti sent in for “how I spent my summer vacation,” but I bet she spends a lot of time in the summer with her horses. Dusti writes that she has a horse farm in East Tennessee and lives at the foot of the Cherokee National Forest and across the street from the Hiwassee River. She says, “Every morning I wake up to the mountains staring me in the face - WOW!” Originally from Atlanta, Dusti wouldn’t change where she is for anything. Keep the city, she says, she loves her mountains and rivers.
Sallee spends her summers being a work of art—literally! She does 30 performances in the “Pageant of the Masters,” which she says is like 30 mini-vacations. This is Sallee’s 6th year of being a still-life, and while these paintings look for all the world like the real deal, they actually paint their bodies (as well as the sets, of course), to look like famous paintings. The first picture is Sallee’s “piece” from this year (Sallee’s on the left), the second is the recreation of Edward Hopper’s Western Motel. That’s Sallee, all right, and in this piece, as they were moving the set off the stage, she uncrossed her legs, smiled and waved! I’ll let her tell you about performing as a nymph tending to Apollo when we all get together! Now THAT’s a story! She’s also done one sculpture piece, and tried to ignore the pesky onlookers who wanted to distract—and touch!
Melody and her husband took a road trip through Wisconsin and into Minnesota, enjoying the beautiful vistas around Lake Superior. They had a wonderful time, and Melody’s beautiful silver-white hair is still shining in the sun! Here we see her in Minnesota, at the lift bridge in Duluth, and at Gooseberry Falls. What a gorgeous part of the country.
Diana...YOU NEED THAT CAR!! What a great photo! Your shirt, your hair, that car...they were all meant for each other! I can just see you now with big a big pair of shades on and a silk scarf blowing..all while your gorgeous silver hair SHIINES ON!!
LOOKING GREAT!!
~dede
Posted by on 07/15 at 06:47 AM
Yeah, and then I’ll drive it down to WTX! 
But ya shoulda seen that silver Olds. Unbelievably beautiful. Cars were so long and swank and gorgeous back then. When everyone could afford gas!
Posted by on 07/15 at 07:16 AM
I agree with Dede, Diana! You and that car were meant for each other! Thanks for sharing your pix with us; I’m sure this is the beginning of many “how I spent my summer vacation” entries.
Posted by on 07/15 at 10:30 AM
And that means YOU, Debdo!! Be sure to take some shots! 
Greeneyes, load that camera. And, hey Beth, weren’t you just in the Big Apple?? Karate Mom—let’s see some Maui wowie! Everybody else, too! This is going to be our silver summer scrapbook!
Posted by on 07/15 at 11:26 AM
Yes, I agree, you and the car are a perfect match. You’ve certainly started things out with a bang, now the rest of us gotta see what we can do with the summer pics.
Posted by on 07/15 at 11:45 AM
A perfect match? Ya mean vintage?? 
Posted by on 07/15 at 09:45 PM
Looking gorgeous Diana
Posted by on 07/16 at 01:12 AM
Diana - A match… as in rarity, colors and beauty...not AGE! :o)
Posted by on 07/16 at 06:01 AM
WOW!!! Great picture Diana! Classy Lady with a classy car!!!
You look terrific!! 
Posted by on 07/16 at 07:08 AM
Hey, welcome back, Elizabeth. Where ya been? Thanks for the compliments, everybody. Just got vacation snaps from a member. Soon I won’t be the only one up here! Stay tuned. . .
Posted by on 07/16 at 10:00 AM
Dawn - Great pix; looks like you had a great trip. Love your hair!
Posted by on 07/16 at 01:27 PM
Everyone looks beautiful!
Posted by on 07/16 at 02:18 PM
Morningstar!!!
I finally get to put a beautiful face to a name! You radiate!!! Thanks for sharing your pictures! It was worth the wait.
Happy Sails to You!!
Posted by on 07/16 at 07:06 PM
Morningstar - I have to ditto Elizabeth - it’s nice to put a face with your name...I have always wondered why we didn’t have a picture of you yet! Your color is really pretty and so glad to finally see you.
Posted by on 07/16 at 07:26 PM
Hello Morningstar, the tan and the coral and white outfits show off your hair beautifully.
Posted by on 07/17 at 12:36 AM
Thanks everyone for your kind words! All of you, Diana and this site have all been an inspiration. I hope everyone is having a great summer and look forward to seeing/hearing what you all are doing to celebrate it!
Posted by on 07/17 at 03:21 AM
Dawn- you look great! .... so is the hair color, the cruise or the ginger beer drinks that bring that youthful glow we see in the photo?
Diana- great photo! and I love this new feature...yet another way to lure folks into sending photos, hmmm?
This past weekend we bumped into a classic car show in New Hampshire.. beautiful cars from the 20s, 30s and 40s..
take care- the summer is flying by- Helen G
Posted by on 07/17 at 05:06 AM
Lure people?? 
I think of it more like friends swappin’ summer pics. Besides, I love to see us all having fun, but I’m a pic fanatic! I like looking at wedding albums, too! Nooooo—please don’t send! 
Posted by on 07/17 at 06:41 AM
I’ll be heading off to Solvang with my mom and sis next week. A lil’ vacation for just the 3 of us. My grey has finally grown out longer than the dye at the tips so I’ll be posting pics after the trip.
Thanks for all the inspiration and info! It’s made this transition an easy one! Even my mother-in-law is going grey!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Posted by on 07/17 at 09:21 AM
So - hey what’s everyone doing this summer?? Tis the short season for most of us! Let’s make the most of it!
Diana - was the car show on my hometown turf of LI NY? PS You make the car look even better than it already does!
Posted by on 07/18 at 07:29 PM
Yup. If you’re referring to the one near a very funky beach bar! Didn’t know you hailed from around these h’yar parts! Stay tuned, Morningstar—sounds like we’re going to get more pics soon! Aren’t we, Great Grays?
Posted by on 07/18 at 09:13 PM
Diana, Thanks for sharing Helens summer vacation picture…
I just turned 40 this past week and she is definately an inspiration!! I’m not gonna lament any longer over the “loss” of the body of my youth!! It’s time to look forward!
It’s obvious by seeing Helen, being in shape and looking “sexy and silver” is alive and kickin’! There is NO age or hair color barrier! She looks absolutely fabulous!!!
I guess it’s time to add another mile to my run!
Posted by on 07/21 at 09:32 AM
Hey, Elizabeth—Happy Birthday to you! So when are we going to see some “Fab at Forty” pics? About adding another mile to your run—whew—some of us wish we could DO a mile!
Posted by on 07/21 at 09:38 AM
Hi Diana…
Don’t think I can compete with Dame Helen!!! She’s smokin’!!
Gotta do something to help me keep up with 3 teenagers and 4 youngin’s! 
Posted by on 07/21 at 09:43 AM
Blimey! Dame Helen looks AMAZING. (I need to get back to my healthy eating regime....)
Posted by on 07/21 at 10:57 AM
Oh Dede!!! What a wonderful getaway…
There’s nothing like the great outdoors! You sure do look peaceful!
Your hair and color look amazing...you camp with style!
Posted by on 07/22 at 06:58 PM
Dede, you hair looks lovely, so soft and shining.
Posted by on 07/23 at 02:13 AM
Dede- you look beautiful! your hair is so shiny! hope you enjoy the camper… Helen G
Posted by on 07/23 at 05:08 AM
THANKS! We love the outdoors and spend all of our vacations enjoying nature! This trip we had a WhiteTail Deer graze right up to our campsite...we just froze in our lawn chairs and let her enjoy her dinner. We were also on the hunt for the Painted Buntings that were singing in the trees around the park, the couple camping next to us had seen two, but we never got a look at one. Then, on our way to a favorite hiking spot, we caught sight of a wild sow and her piglets crossing the creek bed ahead of us.
I appreciate the comments about my hair looking shiny...sometimes I don’t think I have as much shine as some of you Great Grays out there! Everyone is looking just GREAT!
~dede
Posted by on 07/23 at 08:34 AM
Wow - to both the adventure and your hair! You’re looking great! Are you finished transitioning? Pretty, shiny, silvery hair.
Posted by on 07/23 at 08:57 AM
Love the hair cut, Diana!! You look just GREAT! Your glasses are wonderful too! Are they silver? You have developed a really spectacular look...true CLASS!
Debdo-Thanks for the compliment!! I have one more cut before all of the color is off of the back...it’s not much...just little tips of the last color I had. I find myself looking at the strands of hair that aren’t gray/silver...and they really look more red than anything else...so maybe I really was a red-head all of these years and didn’t even know it!!
~dede
Posted by on 07/23 at 09:28 AM
Aw dede, you say the nicest things! About my glasses—they’re more charcoal than silver. Silver looked too light and pale against my skin.
Hey, when you’re ready to “graduate” to Gallery Girl, just let me know!
Posted by on 07/23 at 03:28 PM
Diana the cut is gorgeous! Dede your silvers look amazing! As for Dame Mirren....Diana ...if this doesn’t give an incentive to get back to the diet and exercise program nothing will...
Posted by on 07/24 at 03:52 AM
I love the photo of you with your stylist Diana. A good stylist is worth his or her weight in gold (or should that be silver?)
I’m in a quandary… the excellent stylist who cut off all my dye and gave me my short cut has emigrated!!!
Posted by on 07/24 at 04:08 AM
Oohhh. I hate it when that happens! Well, maybe when you go on “the search” you’ll find someone you like even better. Just ask some women whose cuts you admire. . . it will lead you somewhere. I also hate it when “they” discontinue a favorite lipstick color. In both cases, you feel completely abandoned.
Posted by on 07/24 at 07:22 AM
Wow, all of these vacation pictures are fabulous. Diana, I was actually on Long Island in Fort Salonga. I got my hair cut in Huntington by a great stylist. Then we had Tasti D Lite--I am going through withdrawal because they don’t have it here yet in AZ.
We were going to go to the Hamptons but didn’t quite get there, but I did dip into the ocean at Robert Moses State Park. I grew up on LI and really miss the water.
They took some beautiful pictures which I am waiting to get emailed to me.
Diana, your cut looks fabulous--I love the photo with your stylist! I have a similar color on today and find that it really looks great with my silver.
Morningstar--I love that pink! You look great!
Dede you look beautiful and relaxed!
Oooh, it’s hard to get back to the daily work routine, but I will look forward to future vacations!
Posted by on 07/24 at 07:49 AM
Beth-
Where are you in AZ? Have you been there long? We moved to MO about 7 years ago - after living in Scottsdale for 16 years. Always thought I would retire in AZ, but it just got so “busy”! As much as you love the ocean, I must be a desert girl because I sure do miss AZ! Tried to get hubby to go back there for winters, but he opted for FL. I know the AZ summer isn’t so pleasant, but you live there for the rest of the year.
Cathy
Posted by on 07/24 at 12:42 PM
Diana -
I love your new cut! That’s about the length mine is right now. Makes me wonder if I should continue to let it grow! Having come this far though - I have to let it get longer just to see if I like it. Both styles look great on you.
Cathy
Posted by on 07/24 at 12:53 PM
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for asking! I came to Arizona in 1999 from New England (NH). I first lived in Scottsdale, then North Phoenix. Then in 2003 I moved to Tucson to attend UofA graduate school, graduated in 2006 and moved back to Phoenix to take a job. I really liked Tucson but I couldn’t find work there.
I just moved last March from 44th St and Thomas in Phoenix to North Glendale, to an apt in the Arrowhead Ranch area which is pretty nice. I love the climate here but all my family is still back East. I know, I have thought I would be in AZ for the duration but lately I have been missing those on LI, someday I might return--might be hard to face those Winters though. I have been told they are not as bad as the ones I use to face in NH!
I don’t mind the summers here, I work all day in A/C and the winters here ARE the best I’ve found anywhere! The best thing would be to live by the water in the summer and here in the Winter, but alas, I am not in the position to that currently.
What part of Florida do you go to? My sister lives on the Gulf Coast.
Beth
Posted by on 07/24 at 02:50 PM
Nice cut, Diana. Shorter, but not short. I like it! :o)
Posted by on 07/24 at 04:39 PM
Beth -
I grew up in Tucson as a kid. Left there when I was 14 and was lucky enough my husband got transferred to Phoenix 20+ years later for our 16 years in Scottsdale. I loved Tucson too - many good childhood memories, but it has changed a lot since then!!
We go to Hudson, FL. It is just north of Tampa - so also on the Gulf side. They have been having some “weather” there the last few days.
Cathy
Posted by on 07/25 at 08:30 AM
Cathy-I bet Tucson was beautiful then before the big influx! I loved looking at the foothills and mountains and would go to Sabino Canyon. My sister lives in the Tampa area too (Largo). I visited her and enjoyed going to Clearwater Beach--beautiful. But yes she does worry about the hurricanes.
Posted by on 07/25 at 12:19 PM
Gee—Guilty as charged! Haven’t checked Summer Vacation out in awhile until putting in new pics today. So just want to thank CathyD, Greeneyes, Beth and Morningstar for their nice comments about my cut.
AND to remind Beth to get those vacation shots in!! Unless you’re still searching for a Tasti-D Lite 
Posted by on 08/02 at 08:03 AM
Hi Diana--LOL, alas they don’t have Tasti-D Lite in Phoenix --I did check online. 
I’m going to hook up my digital camera today and see if any of the vacation shots I took are good enough--my family keeps promising to email the great ones they took, but not until next week.
And...Of course now that I have my hair ultra short I want to grow it back like yours or to a short to medium bob like I used to have--I am never satisfied
Thanks for the reminder about the vacation shots,
Beth
Posted by on 08/02 at 08:50 AM
Hi Shara,
Wonderful photos--sounds like a wonderful vacation in Santa Fe.
Your beautiful natural hair is coming in great! Exciting!
Posted by on 08/02 at 08:56 AM
Thanks Beth! Your cut looks great on you! Wish I had the courage to do that but I’ve committed to just letting it grow and being that calico look for a few more months.
Posted by on 08/02 at 11:53 AM
Go Shara!! you’re making progress!
thanks for sending pics of Santa Fe- one of the most beautiful places in the US… I spent a week camping there (in a state park) many years ago when my boys were little. They still remember eating sopapillas and honey...yum
Posted by on 08/03 at 08:18 AM
Thanks THISYEAR for the good words. Yes, Santa Fe is certainly beautiful as are sooo many lovely ladies I noticed wearing their gray to the fullest. One night we went to the opera and I couldn’t help people watch, especially for women with different shades of gray. I was struck with how many age 40 plus women there were, very well put together with gray enhancing clothes and accessories. All that silver and turquoise really can add the light. It gave me a lot of ideas once I fully transition.
Posted by on 08/04 at 06:21 PM
Shara and Lisa - Thanks for sharing your vacation pictures! You both went to places that I hope to visit some day and you are both looking so good!
Posted by on 08/05 at 06:10 AM
Shara and Lisa - fun to see both of you sporting your natural colors in beautiful surroundings, and also to see your silver men.
Posted by on 08/05 at 07:33 AM
Thanks Debdo and Greeneyes!
Debdo, I have to tell you, your latest newbie photos are great. Your natural color and short cut works! Greeneyes, thanks for being such a support sister on this site. Your comments are always helpful to so many of us transitioners.
...Lisa! You and your guy look terrific. Thanks for sharing those beautiful photos. What scenery! Did you notice too how most of you ladies are wearing shades of pink, rose, red? Those colors really compliment the grays. I never wore those colors since it clashed badly with my red hair. I can’t wait til the winter (thought I’d never say that!) when I hopefully will be dye free and can put on a bright magenta sweater!
Have a great summer everyone!
Posted by on 08/05 at 09:21 AM
Shara - Isn’t it great how we all are support sisters! This site is like one huge group hug!
Posted by on 08/05 at 10:40 AM
Hey Shara,
You’re right! Even Dame Helen is wearing a bright pink/red! It’s true that I’m choosing different colours; last summer I would’ve bought an orange or even brown bathing suit (that’s a bathing suit top I’m wearing with my white capris), but thought the magenta worked better with the gray.
Everyone: It really has been (and continues to be) fun sharing this journey with you!
Posted by on 08/05 at 12:01 PM
Group hug!! Yup—that’s what it is. You got it, Greeneyes, and Lisa, too, for saying we’re just having fun! Gee, do ya think blondes have a website like this? Or, Shara, redheads? My greatest hope is that when all of you achieve the level of gray you want, you’ll stick around. Lots of advice still to give, lots of things still to share.
Posted by on 08/05 at 03:31 PM
Hi Ruth--Welcome to the site! Love the braids. You’re fortunate to have so much lovely silver!
Lisa
Posted by on 08/12 at 11:52 AM
Thanks Lisa Newbie2.
I love the site. Your holiday trip looks lovely too.
It never seemed like a positive thing when I was trying to cover it up..y’know?
Posted by on 08/12 at 07:32 PM
Ruth,
Welcome! Enjoyed your trip photos. You are progressing nicely with your transition. Ditto to the comments about your braids.
Posted by on 08/13 at 12:10 AM
Hi Carole,
Thanks for the positive feedback. Are you the Carole from Oklahoma?
Posted by on 08/13 at 03:14 AM
Yes Ruth, I’m the Carole from Oklahoma - currently living in Arkansas.
Posted by on 08/13 at 09:40 PM
Carole,
I read your profile, nice to meet you! Hope you are having a great summer.
Posted by on 08/14 at 04:52 AM
It has been a great summer. I haven’t traveled anywhere - just some day trips to Eureka Springs. Getting my son packed and ready to head out for his sophomore year in college. Bittersweet. It has been such fun having him home this summer. It’s nice to meet you too!
Posted by on 08/14 at 02:45 PM
Jennifer, looking good!
Posted by on 08/29 at 05:51 AM
Hi Jennifer: You look great and those views are just breathtaking!
Lisa
Posted by on 08/29 at 07:30 AM
Thanks! It’s a really great hike and great way to spend time with the kids. Last time my son and daughter both went-- lots of time to talk (when we can catch our breath)…
Posted by on 08/29 at 07:38 PM
Jennifer,
I think it says a lot when you can keep up with a 25 year old hiking! What great photos of you in Yosemite.I never made it up the dome, just to the rest/falls area about half way. Those stairs are something else!
Posted by on 08/30 at 05:45 AM
The Stairmaster from H#ll, I call it. The cables the last 1/4-mile are tough too. But the falls area is beautiful and still a long hike. Yosemite is one of my favorites…
Posted by on 08/31 at 01:00 PM
Jennifer,
Your photos make me want to go back, that is for sure. I am sure I would think of Tolkien’s hobbits climbing the stairs if I went back these days. I tend to get distracted by the flora too easily to be a fast hiker.
Posted by on 09/03 at 04:48 PM
It helps to do the first 90min in the dark… and it helps to have to keep up with your son! 
Posted by on 09/03 at 08:51 PM
Great Hiking Pics, Jennifer! You look so super! Your hair absolutely fits you perfectly! I try and imagine the same photos with your long colored hair...and it’s just not the same impact!! Well done!!
~dede
Posted by on 09/04 at 06:28 AM
Jennifer! You look striking with that backdrop of silver falls and gray/blue rocks....did you plan even to wear those gray shorts and pink scarf just to follow it through ?
Truly, you are an inspiration.....as always this group continues to dispel the myth that gray means old. And how wonderful to share your love of hiking with your son. Go Mom!
Posted by on 09/05 at 04:35 PM
Thanks, Shara! I dressed at 3AM, no attention to appearance-- funny I was so coordinated and lucky my hair looks decent! But yes, we are dispelling myths all over the place, and I love it!:)
Posted by on 09/05 at 07:26 PM
Dusti!!!! You look absolutely AMAZING!!!!!! Journey on Silver Sister!~
Now about that book cover....
Posted by on 09/10 at 11:56 AM
Well, the little horse in the picture and his buddy were rescued by me and my family. They were not being fed properly and we took them in and gave them love and they have found a forever home! He is skinny in this picture but boy has he filled out now. We have 7 horses, all makes and models. Speaking of food, brownies, etc. I started a diet (ALLI) and have lost 7 lbs. in a little over a week. I’m eating better and feeling better. So, I’m on the way to a new and better me! Gray hair and a svelte body - haha! Take care all! {P.S. If there is going to be a book can I pick the leading man? TOM SELLECK!!!!) Don’t tell my hubby.
Posted by on 09/10 at 12:21 PM
Dusti - looking great! How nice that you and your husband rescue horses. Good luck with your diet! How’s the Alli working? I’ve heard of some (hmmmm) issues . . .
Posted by on 09/10 at 12:27 PM
ALLI is super! My ob/gyn told me about it - she was on it. You get 15g of fat per each meal. If you exceed that, you MAY have what they call “treatment effects” - I call it poopin’ in your pants. It has not happened to me thank goodness. I did tell my best friends at Church Sunday morning that if they see me running out of the service, that’s why. HAHA That only happens to maybe 50% of the people taking it (they say). I have not had any issues and have been tickled with the success. Only been doing it for one week. I will keep you posted. No accidents yet…
Posted by on 09/10 at 12:32 PM
Dusti
you look great in the photos. so does the horse. Glad Alli is working for you, didn’t for me. Figured out that I pretty healthy (i.e. not much fat) - just too darn much 
here’s to a fit, fabulous, you!
Mika
Posted by on 09/10 at 02:21 PM
I meant to say....
I EAT pretty healthy, just too much.
Posted by on 09/10 at 02:22 PM
Dusti, I envy you. I use to live in the country. We had two horses, lots of dogs, and cats. I once watched the sow house and helped to deliver 32 little baby pigs. Only lost one. Anyway, I loved it. I love where I live now too, but I do miss the country. 
Posted by on 09/10 at 04:35 PM
i walk ..walk walk walk..up and down hills ...where i live i can walk to Mullholland Drive ( where marlon brandos son accidently killed someone..remember that??) anyway i can see the ocean from one direction and the snow topped mountains from the other...it is quite a nice site…
hardly feel the hustle and bustle of this big town!! (la)…
dusti
you better not be on the alli when we have our pot luck…
you might have to do like that astronot and wear a diaper!!!
louann
Posted by on 09/10 at 04:37 PM
Lainla, sounds like you’ve got a great view when you walk! Nothing exciting where I live, just walking thru a neighborhood in Ohio. I’ve thought about trying Alli, but I take the bus to/from work (about 45 min.)and wouldn’t want to be surprised! Good luck, Dusti!
Posted by on 09/11 at 05:23 AM
Louann - You are crazy! You started my morning off great! hahaha So far no accidents but everybody has been warned if they see me running get out of my way! Ya’ll have a great day and remember all those who lost their lives in 9/11. May God be with all you gorgeous ladies today! Diana, thanks for everything and for bringing us all together in this sometimes crazy world!
Posted by on 09/11 at 06:21 AM
Hi Dusti—all of us have our own memories of 9/11, and the days that followed, especially if you live in New York City. It was an extremely frightening time. We all hope and pray the world is safer from unconscionable terrorists these days, but in reality know we must all be vigilant, wherever we live. Tonight will be beautiful, though, when those twin beams of blue light shoot up from where the World Trade Towers used to be. It always gives me goosebumps.
Posted by on 09/11 at 06:41 AM
Yes, we all remember 9/11 today. I think it was a day that changed us all.
And on a much less serious note...have you all heard of TMI? (Too Much Information!) I have obviously seen Alli and heard a bit about it, but ya’ll! You are sharing more than I ever knew. :o) I will stick to my regular diet plan I have lived by since 6th grade (I had been overweight since babyhood and made a change in 6th grade)...cutting portions and more exercise! I lived it out all of these years and it works for me. And no side adverse affects. :o)
Posted by on 09/11 at 06:58 AM
Greeneyes, we do the same diet! I just love to eat and after 45 I couldn’t just stuff my face and not worry about it. I just had to cut down on my portions, as you do, and it does work. Smaller plates are good. Walking is my exercise of choice. Love the beach to walk on and love to take my dog, Bomber to the dog beach. Of course, Southern California you can walk year round so I’m very lucky that way.
We were talking about 9/11 this morning at work. One of those days you will always remember where and what you were doing when you heard. I have never seen the twin beams Diana is referring too, but it must be an awesome and sobering sight.
Posted by on 09/11 at 10:57 AM
Sallee - As a child, food was my best friend. I was only in 6th grade, but had already tried various diets. Finally I wanted a diet where I didn’t have to give up any certain food(s) forever, a diet I could live by for the rest of my life. So, I watch portions and eat a balanced diet over-all. It’s worked through all of my adult life, through 2 pregnancies, and even now into my 40’s. I’m also a walker. I don’t have the beach nearby, but I take my Golden Retriever , Solomon, on a couple of walks a day. I also jump on my elliptical (aka torture machine) 5 times a week. Then I do some light weights.
And what I meant to say in my previous post, no adverse side affects! I feel great, like I am still in my 20’s...until I look in the mirror! :o)
Posted by on 09/11 at 11:40 AM
Sallee - so interesting! Thanks for sharing your pic’s. I just don’t think I could sit or stand still so long! And when people would stare or worse, touch - no way could I keep a straight face. Great concentration and discipline!
Posted by on 09/12 at 07:16 AM
Sallee, wow! How interesting; I don’t know how you do it.
Posted by on 09/12 at 07:20 AM
Amazing Sallee! This is one of the coolest things I have ever seen! How long has this type of artform been around?
Posted by on 09/12 at 07:31 AM
Well, it was the Pageant’s 75th anniversary this year. It started as a way to hopefully bring people to Laguna Beach so all the local artists could display there work. It’s just become it’s own event over the years.
Greeneyes, only when the Pageant of the Monsters is performed, in October every ten years, are people able to be close enough to touch us. The regular show is done in an outdoor theatre venue and no one can get that close so easier to keep your pose, of course unless a bug flies up your nose, in your mouth, a bird lands on your head or shoulder, all of which has happened. We of course are allowed to breathe and blink, but NOT move if at all possible.
Debdo, Each piece is shown for 90 seconds, give or take. There is music played by a live orchestra for every piece and sometimes it depends on how they play the music. There is also some narration about each piece done live every night by a gentleman who’s been doing it for, gosh, a long time. Sometimes the pose you have to do can make it more difficult to hold still, but after the first few performances it gets easier. And I’ve always been able to be perfectly still for some reason. I’ve actually had people think I was a mannequin a few times because I had been sitting so still and scared them when I moved.
Elizabeth, it is way cool. There are other places that do this type of thing but not on the scale of the Pageant of the Masters. I’ll be taking my granddaugher, Isabella, with me this coming January when auditions are held, as she will be 5 by then and that’s the youngest you can be to participate. I’ve been very lucky to be chosen every year since I’ve been doing it. I’m hoping one year Isabella and I will be cast in a piece together.
Posted by on 09/12 at 09:18 AM
Sallee-this is way cool! The sets (and those on them) absolutely look like paintings. I love it! It would be wonderful to bring your grandaugter in on this art form. I hope she is chosen.
Posted by on 09/12 at 09:25 AM
Thanks, newbie2. I’ve been lucky enough to do two pictures that had never been done before, this year’s was one of them. They do repeat pieces, but not for at least 5 years.
I hope Issy is chosen too. She hadn’t even been born the first year I did it, so it will be so exciting to take her. It’s always and adventure when you do a piece with a child. I substitued in a piece called Hide’n Seek. It was just me and a little girl about 6. Before the kids (and adults) get into full makeup and costume they like us to make sure we won’t have to “go” after we’ve been made up and costumed. Well, of course, this little girl forgot to “go” and as we’re performing the piece I hear this tiny whisper, “I can’t hold it I have to pee now”, so, she did. I don’t think the audience noticed and I felt so bad for her. So, before I even check into wardrobe, guess where I visit?
Posted by on 09/12 at 10:24 AM
Sallee,
I am so impressed! I would love to see that performance. I wish I lived closer to where they have it. Ruth
Posted by on 09/12 at 08:46 PM
Hey Melody!!!!
I know where you are!!!! I’ve sat on the same group of rocks to have our family pic taken in front of the Falls! Go look at my story and you’ll see them! Too funny! It looks like you had a great time on your vacation! If you’re ever back in town...let me know!
You look beautiful! I love the color of your hair!
Posted by on 10/01 at 05:21 AM
Melody-
Great photos! You’re hair looks fabulous! What great pictures...certainly need to add Gooseberry Falls to our long list of beautiful places to see! I went right to Elizabeth’s story and there they are! Great connection!
Congrats...you look great!
~dede
Posted by on 10/08 at 09:21 AM
Jennifer,
I just looked at this page b/c of your post on the newbie page and your thoughts on the pixie. Wanted to see your pics .... great shots! How exciting! And you really do look great with short hair. This gives me inspiration! You’re right though ... I too have got to stop thinking so much about my hair!!!
Sallee,
I wanted to say that I think it is so cool you do the Pageant! I LOVE the show and my husband and I go every year. It’s one of our favorite events of the summer! I’ve even thought about volunteering one day to do the show, but I know it takes a lot of commitment as far as time goes. With 3 small children, that’s probably going to be a long way off for me. I applaud you for giving of your time in the spirit of art!! Awesome!
Posted by on 10/14 at 09:04 PM
Suzanne, I’ll bring some other pictures of the pieces I have done. I’m really excited because this January I’m taking my granddaughter with me to the auditions. She will have just turned 5 and that’s the age you have to be to participate. It would be so cool to have us both be choosen for a piece and even better if we were in the same piece.
And thank you, I really do love doing the Pageant so it doesn’t seem like a commitment, it’s just part of my summer. I’m just really good at standing still.
Posted by on 10/15 at 10:08 AM