Vive la silver revolution Goldie
Perceptions CAN change. I now see such beauty in silver hair and am amazed now that once I did NOT see it.
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 06/11 at 04:04 PM

Here’s one:  “I think dyed hair could look good on a woman--but only if she’s also in good shape”.

I’m really fascinated by conditioning....how we’re conditioned to think of certain things as “good”, others as “bad”...it’s all conditioning...not truth at all.  It’s so wonderful to begin to find what is true for oneself...to question that conditioning.  Gray is a great place to start, I’m finding.  It’s all so very interesting....thanks for sharing your thoughts.  I really enjoyed reading them.

And, as an aside, I think you’re really beautiful.  It’s really great to look at your picture b/c I think my hair is going to look similar to yours when its transitioned--very much alike in the silver to black ratio, and the patches in the same places near the temples....dark eyebrows with blue eyes.

Posted by Underneath It All on 06/11 at 04:42 PM

Beautifully said, Goldie.  I like what you said about value, respect, and admire.  I wish this is how we could truly see each other, as well as ourselves - the world put be a much greater place.  Thank you for writing this article.

Posted by grayme on 06/11 at 04:43 PM

Thank you everyone. Of course we know that we are all on Team Gray, here. But what a wonderful springboard to continue changing the world’s perceptions!

When I ask myself, “What can I do?” I read one of my favorite quotes. Helen Keller said this: “I am only one, but still I am one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

Posted by Goldie on 06/11 at 05:16 PM

Bravo, Goldie!  I enjoyed your story so much that I shared it with my DH, my own silver and gray fox.  He was impressed and thought it was well written.

Underneath it all, I agree with you on the concept of conditioning.  Unfortunately, we ARE conditioned to believe things based on one’s perspective. How cool is it that we are changing the perception of what others think of gray, white, silver, charcoal, and pewter. We can do this by being confident in who we are.  I for one, love my icy white with charcoal lowlights. We are at the forefront of the silver revolution and I am proud to be a member.  Go team gray!

Posted by Aziza on 06/11 at 06:31 PM

Ooooh—love the Helen Keller quote.

I think this “spin” Goldie put on it is so relevant. Imagine if perceptions really did change. I should say WHEN they change, because we all are a mighty army.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 06/11 at 06:37 PM

I especially liked this part:
“An older woman missionary touches down on African soil. She instantly draws a crowd. Sweet, ebony hands reach out to touch and stroke her long, silver hair. They consider her a goddess. Why? The rarity of an object usually increases its value. In this corner of the world, people don’t live long enough to see their hair turn silver. Their perception sees a treasure, a jewel, a goddess of a woman with desirable hair”.  Maybe I am hormonal but this part made me tear up.

I have been on this journey with some trepidation at the start (and no photos either to show you) but have come to really enjoy how my hair is changing.  I had been freaked out at the thought that I had to cut my hair but have left it long until I have that feeling that I KNOW what I am supposed to do with it.  Maybe I will be the long haired siver goddess/crone.

I have run into people I haven’t seen for quite some time lately, a woman I went to high school with and a woman I haven’t seen for over 10 years.  Both women are about my age and told me how beautiful my hair was, one said she had been thinking of going gray too.  After having these exchanges I couldn’t beleive how I had had trepidation over going natural.  I am so happy I have done so because I feel authentic and a bit rebellious!

Posted by Scorpioanne on 06/11 at 06:50 PM

Dear Scorpioanne,

The woman missionary is a dear friend of our family. She has always had long, silver hair. No one was more surprised of the response to her hair than her.  She is not what society sees as a beautiful woman. But her heart is pure gold.  I can tell you that since her return from Africa, she is reborn.

Surely you can be a long haired silver goddess. But the crone part is up to you alone. Remember, our perceptions of ourselves matter.

That you have come to the place of authenticity about yourself is a wonderful gift.  Even though you may not have photos to show the beginning of your journey, we would love to see the silver goddess you have become!

Posted by Goldie on 06/11 at 07:07 PM

ohhh goldie you win the the pulitzer prize...i think you said it all so PERFECTLY ....
oh no not another BLONDE hair...you are soo witty and very eloquent...thank you for putting it perfectly!!!!

Posted by louann on 06/11 at 07:16 PM

Hi there, I just wanted to clarify, I meant crone in a GOOD way as outlined in this article about women coming into that authenticity.
(link deleted:mon.)

Posted by Scorpioanne on 06/11 at 07:19 PM

Bless you louann. Thank you for being one of the trendsetters!

Posted by Goldie on 06/11 at 07:20 PM

Aw rats, that is a fabulous article, I wanted to share it with you as just as we are reclaiming our silver we are reclaiming our cronehood,that aspect of our womanhood that is coming into our wisdom. :0(

Posted by Scorpioanne on 06/11 at 07:30 PM

I agree with you, Scorpioanne, that crone is not a negative word. I believe that monitor objected to some of the graphics. Don’t know for sure, but that’s my guess.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 06/11 at 07:38 PM

Point taken Scorpioanne! Guess what? You just changed my perception of crone! Thank you!

Posted by Goldie on 06/11 at 07:41 PM

Women with silver hair have a glow and a vibrancy about them - they’re real.  Thank you for making me smile Goldie - this article really highlighted so much. 

Jane xx

Posted by Jane on 06/12 at 12:40 AM

Scorpioanne
Fortunately the link came through in my email notice so I was able to read the article even though the link has disappeared from this page. Very interesting and it has inspired me to read more of Germaine Greer’s words after reading her quotes.
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 06/12 at 01:08 AM

Goldie
I think I would like to meet you one day!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and stories. They are wonderful.

I always ponder why going grey is so tough on us emotionally, on our friends and family and on society in general? It is weird as we are in the age of doing what you want. Look at all the piercings, tatoo’s, going green anitiatives.

It makes you wonder that is for sure.

Katie

Posted by Katie on 06/12 at 05:06 AM

Goldie - great article. I like the way your mind works. :o)

Posted by greeneyes on 06/12 at 05:26 AM

I’m glad I made you smile, Jane. Thanks Katie, pondering gray is one of my new favorite subjects!

Greeneyes- Thanks! I am looking forward to reading your works!

Posted by Goldie on 06/12 at 06:05 AM

Goldie, I loved the article. You are a very talented writer. And the story about the missionary is just priceless. Thank you for sharing it. I always look forward to reading your posts.

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 06/12 at 07:47 AM

Thank you, Nadine! I am enjoying watching your transformation, your real hair color is divine!

Posted by Goldie on 06/12 at 07:56 AM

Goldie, such a wonderful article indeed.  I thoroughly enjoyed it, you are charming, witty, funny and lovely!! Oh by the way, I am happy to hear that you decided against the tummy tuck, Ouch, ouch ,ouch Don’t change a thing, you are perfect just the way you are!!! Oh, you can however keep up the transition back to your silvery “look!”

Posted by lulubell on 06/13 at 03:57 PM

Right back at ya’ lulubell!  Yea, when the little nurse brought me the paper with the $8000 estimate, they had to get out the smelling salts!! Haha It wasn’t just the $$, I’ve helped to nurse my sister after these surgeries and they are a major league ouch!!!

Although hers was not a quest for perfection, it was the road to normal.  For me, I decided on the proverbial $8000 worth of acceptance.

Posted by Goldie on 06/13 at 04:43 PM

Spot on Goldie!  Thanks!

Posted by morningstar on 06/14 at 08:20 AM

Love this Goldie, thank you.  My fave is the true story.  How beautiful it is to live a long full life and silver is proof of it.

Posted by Marisa on 06/14 at 08:34 AM

Thank you morningstar & Marisa!

Posted by Goldie on 06/14 at 08:54 AM

I am so blown away by this page that I can only say one thing ... AWESOME!  Goldie, you are one amazing, imaginative, witty individual!  You never fail in making me laugh with your posts.  And now you have made me think, think, think.  This is the best perspective I have ever read on going gray.  Thanks for taking the time to write and share with all of us!

Posted by grayincali on 06/14 at 04:25 PM

Grayincali- I have just sent one of the kids out to get the wheel barrow to cart my swelled head around! Heee.. These were really words born from cumulative thoughts of issues we all think about. (Shows you how much we women THINK about hair!)

Thank you for your wonderful compliments! Personally, I look forward to a day when I can meet you in person & then you can show me how to wear a headband properly!! (I’m still workin’ on it!)

Posted by Goldie on 06/14 at 05:13 PM

Like this - a lot!

Posted by silverlake on 06/15 at 01:49 AM

Thanks, silverlake!

Posted by Goldie on 06/15 at 07:12 AM

Boy, you can’t stop Goldie! She’s now taken an “author’s turn” at the Gray & Proud group on Facebook. She created a new discussion “Experience what grays worldwide are calling Home” with lovely comments about the site and sisterhood.

If you’re on Facebook, please go post a comment to her discussion. Get the conversation ball rolling!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 06/15 at 08:14 AM

Nice job...and good points!
Ruth

Posted by ruthmgon on 06/15 at 06:27 PM

Thanks Ruth! I love it that you are a perception changer in the great state of Colorado!

Posted by Goldie on 06/15 at 08:12 PM

That was absolutely beautiful! Thank you.

Posted by CindyLu on 06/16 at 10:21 AM

So surprised to see that only one of “us” chimed in to support Goldie’s FB discussion under the Gray and Proud group. I know a lot of you are on Facebook. We can just as easily support a Silver Sister there—PLUS help attract more here. You say you want a revolution? Well, that’s how it starts, gang. Remember, all those women can only chat in that group—they can’t get involved, they can’t post pictures, they can’t find out stuff that GGLG offers. There’s a real difference, and those ladies need to know.

I’ll ask you again— please go post!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 06/16 at 02:56 PM

Wow Goldie! I haven’t been on the site in a few days-busy at work. Way to go. I like the way your mind works. Thanks.

Posted by kim on 06/17 at 02:44 PM

Hi Goldie,
Gorgeous lady and friend of mine. I love this website and especially because you are here. Well, my problem with going gray is my family. My sweet husband doesn’t care what color my hair is as long as I let it grow.My 4 children feel the same way my husband does. My mother is totally against me going gray, she always critizes me when I decide that I am going to not dye anymore. My youngest sister is the same way. I guess because of them critizing me, I look in the mirror and look aweful! I then run to the store and get me a bottle of dye once more. Then I feel better. My mother says that I look so old and ugly when I don’t dye my hair. I love her dearly, but her comments really hurt. What should I do?? I also feel that my weight and gray hair don’t help my looks.(Maria)

Posted by browneyedlady54 on 06/21 at 09:26 AM

Hello Maria (browneyedlady54, Sharon here.
I’m sorry to hear your mother and sister are giving you a hard time about going natural. My mother was exactly the same when I told her what I was doing. She told me I would look old and gave me a hard time. I decided I was going to go ahead regardless of any opposition because I knew it was the right decision for me. It is my hair, my body, my life and although it is nice to have support from family members it is me who has to live in my body. Eighteen months on I am now fully transitioned and both my mother (late 60s)and my grandmother (who is in her mid 80s) still dye their hair. I suspect any disapproval of my grey is more about the other person’s insecurities. I love my hair natural, I appreciate the freedom and I feel authentic.
Maria, I hope you find the strength to be the you that you want to be.

Posted by Sharon on 06/21 at 09:51 AM

Hey, Maria!! Soooo glad you are here!! First, let me say that your beautiful face & bubbly, loving personality are a force to be reckoned with!(Hee,hee, not only that, who better to keep “spoily” in line?!!...wink,wink)

As for Mom’s & sisters, what can you do? Trying to please both is an impossible task. For the most part, I think a Moms & sisters reservations of the gray is about their own aging, not yours.

I have the kind of relationship with my mom & sis that I can say- “Well, now I know how you feel so, no need to tell me again.” Sometimes people say things (especially relatives) without thinking. Kinda’ like a gumball machine that you don’t have to put a coin in! The gumballs keep coming out & they give you cavities!!

Perhaps, the next time they say something hurtful- tell em’ it hurt your feelings! (Then give ME their number & I’ll call em’ for YOU!!)

The only way you’ll ever know for sure if you want to embrace your natural color is to fully transition and see what you think! If you really don’t feel better, you can always go back to the bottle!! XXOO

Posted by Goldie on 06/21 at 10:16 AM

Hi Sharon,
Thank you so much for the encouragement. It really makes me feel better to know that there other women out there to support us newbies of this site. God bless
I just don’t like the way my hair feels after I dye it, and I don’t want it to start falling out because of all the amonia in hair dyes.

Posted by browneyedlady54 on 06/21 at 02:48 PM

Hi Goldie, my beautiful friend,
How is “Spoily”? Is he behaving? You are such a blessing in my life. You are not only beautiful on the outside, but you are so beautiful on the inside also. I am so glad that you are my friend.I am going to be brave and continue with my gray, and I will keep you posted. Beautiful baby! Looks like grandma, well maybe alittle like spoily grandpa!!!
love you always and you are always beautiful!!!XXOO

Posted by browneyedlady54 on 06/21 at 02:53 PM

Hee,hee..well, “Spoily” is still, um spoiled, I’m afraid! Thank you, Maria, you’re such a sweetie!!

I think you need to send your pictures to Diana, so we can continue your silver journey together!
(He is a beautiful baby!)
XXOO

Posted by Goldie on 06/21 at 04:37 PM

Very cool...a fun read.  It is a revolution...it is an edgy trend that is growing moment by moment as we all join forces. Showing the reluctant world that silver hair is an awesome color to have no matter what age a person is.  It has always been my favorite...even when I had brown hair!

Jade

Posted by Jadejou on 06/27 at 08:29 PM

Thanks Jade!  With your beautiful long silver hair, you are one of the inspirations showing the way!!

Posted by Goldie on 06/28 at 05:59 AM

Hi Goldie,

I just read your article and it touched me deeply. With my best-friend Leslie on hospice, the value of life is even more precious, so the story of that missionary friend of yours, with the silver hair, hit home with a different slant. Leslie had lost all her hair again, because of chemo, early this spring, and when she did have hair, it was a beautiful shade of brown. At 46, she hadn’t started turning gray yet. Now Leslie won’t live long enough to see her hair turn silver. I just talked with her husband this afternoon and she’s just hanging on by a thread.

You know what? Now I’m going silver, not just for my husband, not just for me, but in Leslie’s honor too! ..and who knows what color her hair will be when she gets to heaven?! ( She was telling her teen-age daughters the other day that she can’t wait to have hair again.)

“Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die tomorrow” (just read that off of my DOVE chocolate wrapper, as I had a chocolate with my coffee..a good reminder.)

Posted by heart to heart on 06/28 at 04:15 PM

Dear heart to heart-

What so you say when there are no words?  That’s when your very souls speak to each other, if you let them.

When we lose the people we love (for now, at least)it changes us. It lays us bare. But it is those barren times, when all is stripped away, that we may see more clearly.

What a personal & profound testament to your dear Leslie.  With every inch of silver that grows, let your story, and Leslie’s story be told.  I have said before, that every woman has the ability to touch others like the ripples in a pond.  No woman is an island.

Truly, no one knows how long they have on this earth.  I believe dreams do live forever.  Thank you for being here and sharing your story & Leslie’s story.  Indeed, this will be a very special silver journey.  Please take care & my thoughts & heart go out to you & Leslie, & her precious family.

Posted by Goldie on 06/28 at 05:25 PM

Thank you Goldie… you understand, and that touches my heart deeply..more that words can express. I’ve heard it said that the word encourage means “to pour courage into” and your words of encouragement are pouring more courage and more strength into me, to continue something Leslie and I started together.

Leslie’s a gifted speaker. She’d speak and I’d sing, for women’s groups, here in town. I recently recorded a CD of songs I’d written ("Songs of the Heart"). I’d asked Leslie to write a companion devotion/journal to go along with the CD.

My dream was to also start a link for women, from our church website,called “From My Heart To Yours” and we just got that link up and running this spring. The format is: you can listen my song and read Leslie’s devotion. Then, you can respond with your own thoughts and insights. Leslie was never able to complete the devotions to go along with each of my songs, because the cancer came back with a vengeance.

So Goldie, when you said,"I believe dreams live forever”, it kindled the hope that this dream of touching women can continue with this music and these writings and the music of other women I’m meeting here in town.

When Leslie was put on hospice, I didn’t put any more of her devotions on the link, because the ones related to my songs are still in rough draft form. Her writing has stopped, but I want her to live on.

So.... I need input. Do I continue the dream, by writing something in memory of her and then continue from there?
I would love your input--- Goldie, Diana, and anyone else who has some insight. Thanks so much…

Posted by heart to heart on 06/28 at 08:14 PM

Wow heart to heart. I am so touched by you and your friend Leslie. Only you can ultimately decide whether or not to continue, but helping and being supportive of others can be healing to you and Leslie’s family as well. Just as this site is to all of us who write and share our insecurities and joys with each other. I’m always happy to see women helping each other. Sometimes we forget how much we all need that reenforcement and encouragement, and to know that we are not out there alone.

Posted by kim on 06/29 at 03:49 AM

Heart to Heart...I’m so sorry to hear about your friend.  I am a songwriter/singer myself, and when I read your story I had the thought of you writing a song out of Leslie’s devotions and words.  I think it can also help you grieve and heal, as only singing can.  I think if you take her words and meditate with them in a private place, singing the words in the emotional tones that you feel, it will come to you what to do.  Her words and your own feelings will guide you.  If something manifests from it, I hope you’ll share it with us.  Thanks so much for sharing this.

Posted by Underneath It All on 06/29 at 04:57 AM

I think that’s a great idea, Underneath it All! I know, as a writer, sometimes you don’t want people to see your rough drafts. Yet, they often are the closest thing to what you really want to say—they come from the heart. Then you go and doctor them up and “polish” the words, and they get farther and farther away from your heart.

But, heart to heart, if you took these words and turned them into your own song, you would truly be celebrating Leslie’s deepest feelings.  And it would be a true union.

I also vote that you continue the link, reach out to other women to share and write devotions. I’m sure Leslie would want to know that what you two started will live on. And both Kim and Underneath it All are so right about it being part of the healing process.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 06/29 at 05:25 AM

Heart to Heart, my heart goes out to you. I remember something that ALAN JACKSON (country singer) said about the song he wrote “Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning.” He said he wrote it to help HIM heal after the tragedy of “9 11” not to have a hit record.  Turns out it was released and helped so many people in their effort to “heal,” me being one of those people.  Music is my escape when things are tough for me.  I am not a singer but I love to listen!!  Great idea Underneath it ALL.  By the way, Alan Jackson won “Song of the Year” at the “Country Music Awards”

Posted by lulubell on 06/29 at 06:21 AM

heart to heart~ I absolutely agree with what everyone else is saying here.  I love the idea from underneath it all about writing a song.  I also believe it would help with the healing process.  Sending a big hug to you!

Posted by Aziza on 06/29 at 09:03 AM

Heart to heart- I have had computer problems all day, so I am just now reading your earlier posting.

I think you already know, in your heart, what you need to do.  This moment is so hard, because your wound is so fresh.  But, we are all in various stages of healing in our lives. Changing, evolving, in a continuous thread.

My husband & I became acquainted with a young woman with a disease that eventually took her life. We wrote a song together & had it recorded. (At my brother-in-laws music studio) The proceeds from its sales went to her foundation she started before she died.  That foundation & song live on to this day.

And how special the link. Continue it, evolve with it, reach out...this world needs more of that!

Posted by Goldie on 06/29 at 02:36 PM

Wow...thanks for ALL the caring support and input. It really means a lot, more than words can express…

Leslie went home to heaven Sun night, at 11:34 pm. Her husband Brad was by her side and he’d just told her that Drew, their 18 year old son had arrived, so now “all the cubs are in the den, Leslie, everyone’s home, safe and sound”. As soon as he’d said that, she breathed her final breath on this earth.

Yesterday, Brad asked me to come over and help him write her obituary---what an honor and so healing to do, as we gathered around the kitchen table with a couple close friends and family and her older daughter, Chelsea.

Today, I was at Starbucks and picked up a morning paper and there it was. I sat down, read it, smiled and thought,
“Now I’m ready to update our link, with a tribute to Leslie and a song of comfort and hope, called “Where Can I Go?’ “

Goldie, you said “I think you know in your heart what you need to do” You’re right. I just didn’t know how to do it, but everyone’s input helped a plan to gel this morning, at Starbucks. (I’d read your wonderful posts last night and then promptly fell asleep!)

Kim, Diana, and Goldie...all three of you shared that continuing the link can be a source of encouragement and healing for friends, family and for myself as well.
..and Diana, I think you are right, Leslie would want the link we started to live on and evolve.

Underneath It All and lulubell,I like the idea of writing a song, based on Leslie’s devotions and words---my husband’s been telling me a song might come out of all of this…

Aziza, thanks for the hug and understanding…

p.s.How good to know you write music too,Underneath It All and Goldie..that’s great---I think we have a pretty creative bunch here at GGLG, in all the colors of the rainbow!

Posted by heart to heart on 06/30 at 03:14 PM

Heart to hear I am sorry you have lost your friend Leslie.

Posted by lulubell on 06/30 at 03:49 PM

Of course I “meant’ to say heart to heart not heart to hear.

Posted by lulubell on 06/30 at 03:51 PM

Oh heart to heart~ I am so sorry for your loss and that of her family for your dear friend, Leslie.  I am happy to hear of your decision to go ahead with a song in tribute to your special friend.  I’m sure it will touch the many hearts of those who knew her and others as well.  If you would be willing to share your link to your church website, I would be interested in reading/hearing what you have to say.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Posted by Aziza on 06/30 at 05:02 PM

Heart to Heart - My condolences on the loss of your friend, Leslie.  My heart and prayers go out to you. Cherish your memories of her and hold them close to your heart until you meet again.

Posted by jules on 06/30 at 05:05 PM

Heart to Heart, I’m so sorry. Even your words on these pages made Leslie seem so real to all of us, so I am sure your song will be equally touching. Write what’s in your heart.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 06/30 at 05:11 PM

lulubell, Aziza, Jules and Diana...Thanks for cheering me on with your encouragement and concern. I will write what’s in my heart, as a tribute to Leslie.

Aziza, you can find the link at http://www.CrossRoadsTucson.com
On the left is Video Gallery. You will see: “From My Heart To Yours” Click and you’re there.  How sweet of you to ask..I hope you enjoy it.

Well, off to Word Pad to write--I’m all inspired now, thanks again! (I’ll be sending it to our webmaster and I’m hoping he’ll have the tribute and new song on the link by morning.

Posted by heart to heart on 06/30 at 06:09 PM

Heart to heart, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your friend Leslie. My sincere condolences to you and her family. Remember, grief has many stages and it will be different for all of you. There is no way around-you have to feel your way through, and that’s ok. That’s what makes us human. I too have lost one of my closest and dearest friends to cancer 5 years ago, so I know where you are now. Be good to yourself, and encourage Leslie’s family to take care of themselves and each other. We never really get over the death of someone so dear to us, but we must accept the reality. I’m sending you lots of hugs and prayers.

Posted by kim on 07/01 at 02:26 AM

Heart to heart, I just listened to the music and it was so lovely, thanks for the link.

Posted by lulubell on 07/01 at 05:22 AM

Heart to heart- On the wings of angels to you & Leslie’s family go many prayers to get you through these times.  Thank you for so intimately sharing this time with everyone here.  Music can be a great healer.  I see you already know that.  Keep us posted of your coming tribute to Leslie.

Posted by Goldie on 07/01 at 07:13 AM

Heart to heart~ Thanks you so much for sharing the link.  I found it very inspiring and beautiful.  Blessings to you and a big group hug too.

Posted by Aziza on 07/01 at 08:02 AM

I thought I would post here for “obvious” reasons!  Tonight I watched a re-run of the OPRAH show that I had missed (and really wanted to see) and it got me to thinking.  It was the show where she openly and honestly discussed her very public 40 pound weight gain and her discovery that she had a thyroid issue.  She very honestly pointed out that she “blamed” her weight gain on this condition only to discover through introspection that the real reason for the weight gain was due to her life being out of control......working too much and not making time for herself on her priority list.  She felt that she needed to love herself more and make her needs number one on her priority list.  Also she felt that if your life is out of your own control it will continue to be even if you DO lose weight and become fit, you will still be unhappy, skinnier, but still unhappy.  Isn’t that the same as making the decision to go gray??  We really want to feel good about ourselves and be accepted for who we are and for our decision to go natural and be free of toxic chemicals and so on.  Alas, we go through the transition process and finally reach our desired goal and yet something still feels “not quite right”.  We look in the mirror and see ourselves all “done” and we can still manage to point out some flaws and wonder why we aren’t happier.  Perhaps all of us should reassess our lives and where we are on our own priority lists. It isn’t just about the colour of our hair, it is about being happy and content with ourselves and our lives!  OK too much thinking on my part, but just wanted to get it out. We are not our hair and our hair does not define who we are, WE define who we are, having beautiful silver streaked hair is simply a lovely statement to all who care that we know who we are and what we want. (hopefully) Thanks for listening!

Posted by lulubell on 07/06 at 04:45 PM

Oh, that Oprah can get you thinking, no? She has a point, as do you, Lulubell.  But the thing is—it is never about the color of our hair. (Or shouldn’t be.) Any more than any dissatisfaction with ourselves should be about the size of our thighs, or the color of our eyes. Sometimes we nitpick ourselves to death, other times, if it becomes extreme (as in the case of Michael Jackson), it is a true psychological disorder. But if we get through one “journey,” we can conquer others.  I think I like the way Shakespeare said it best: To thine own self be true.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 07/06 at 05:49 PM

ahhh the journey is ALL part of it....and what a journey this has been...i have lived a LIFE at 54...some really nice some sad...and it ain’t over yet ...who knows what the rest of the ride has in store .... but faith is a pretty big part of it...and being a GOOD observer helps also… we all know there are no guarantees...and most of us were taught that being a good person will get us farther than you think…
xo
ps
remember life is what happens while you’re making plans....

Posted by louann on 07/06 at 06:52 PM

So true Lulubell, Diana & Louann, everyone of you!  Most of the time it’s all the negative “little things” that can send us over the proverbial edge.  But, at the same time, it’s the positive “little things” that can make our lives so much richer.

In the end, don’t expect someone else to change or make us happy.

Like Glenda telling Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz that she had the power to take herself home all along.

Posted by Goldie on 07/06 at 08:27 PM

Heart to Heart~ Finally got a chance to check out the website.  Your song is beautiful and a wonderful tribute to your special friend.  Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us.

Posted by Aziza on 07/08 at 08:34 AM

Aziza - Glad you enjoyed the song Thanks for taking the time to listen. Music is so healing .  I was feeling lonely for my friend and then I remembered..it was a week ago today that Leslie passed away.  felt like crying but couldn’t, so I poured out my heart through singing..I sang and sang and sang---what a good release:exclaim:

Posted by heart to heart on 07/10 at 12:17 AM

heart to heart~ sorry to hear you were feeling sad.  It is amazing how song can lift the heart and spirit.  Keep singing, you have a beautiful voice.

Posted by Aziza on 07/10 at 05:12 AM

Heart to Heart, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your friend.

Goldie, When I read your article, I thought of the injustice of the work place that asks women to “stay young” and fit a particular ideal.  I know women who spend so much time and money on coloring their hair because they “have to”, due to pressure in the work place. To me, this is ageism, pure and simple.

Posted by Proudlygrey on 08/04 at 05:13 AM

It is Proudlygrey.  And this is yet another reason why Oprah should do a show on this subject!

It is a very entrenched ideal and takes trendsetters like us to break through the barriers of their “aging” mentality!

Posted by Goldie on 08/04 at 05:20 AM

Excellent point, Goldie!  Going grey really is revolutionary!

Posted by Proudlygrey on 08/04 at 05:35 AM

It also takes more women breaking the “glass ceiling” in the workplace. Which we are, finally! As more women rise to the top of their careers, they will face graying themselves. With “revolutionaries” like us leading the way, maybe all this will become a non-issue.  We can hope!

BTW—Welcome, Proudlygrey, and thanks for getting us going on a good discussion!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 08/04 at 06:39 AM

Thanks for the welcome, Goldie! 

My aunt, who is in her 60’s and almost totally grey now, is returning to school to get her nursing degree.  Very inspirational!

Posted by Proudlygrey on 08/04 at 06:54 AM

Thanks for your insight Goldie - I have three daughters, and I’m trying my best to teach them that they are beautiful just as they are, but it’s not easy when the message they get everywhere else is that they have to conform. Sometimes I cave in to that conformity myself. It’s not always easy to stand up and be yourself. Finding the strength seems to be a lifelong process for a lot of us. Thanks so everyone on this site for supporting each other!

Posted by TheresaZ on 10/10 at 03:10 PM

TheresaZ- I just read your earlier post about all you’ve been through this past year.  Take heart & don’t be so hard on yourself. I believe we are put here & go through life experiences not just for our learning, but for those around us.  We are all connected & you never know who you will inspire by your life’s ups and yes, the downs too.

I was just reading a book of poetry to my daughter’s when I came upon this gem by William Wordsworth.  It’s entitled “The Violet”:

A violet by a mossy stone,
Half hidden from the eye,
Fair as a star, when only one
Is shining in the sky.

I told my girls that every color is unique.  Then together we said “Gray is a Color!!”

You sound like you are doing a wonderful thing, teaching your daughters about true beauty.  A big hug to you!!

Posted by Goldie on 10/10 at 03:44 PM

I have always worn silver jewelry as it looked better against my skin than gold.  Then when I went ‘silver’ and went through coloring my hair I got ‘gold’ highlights, which were awful, I would think, ‘why is silver so wrong?’ when it looks so good?  So I don’t consider myself gray, it is silver.  And truly it is, a beautiful sparkly silver.  I love it.

Posted by Kiki on 05/14 at 11:54 AM

I would love to see your sparkly silver Kiki! 

I think it’s interesting that everyone names their hair color...it’s as unique and individual as the person whose head it’s on.

I tell people I’m silver too.  In fact, some of nieces and nephews call me Aunt Silver instead of Aunt Goldie!

Posted by Goldie on 05/14 at 12:29 PM

Kiki - I have always been a “silver only” jewelry wearer myself.  Gold looks brassy against my skin.  And now with my “silver and pewter” colored hair, it really stands out.

Goldie - I didn’t realize you had a group on Facebook.  I will definitely join the club!!  Thanks again for a beautiful article.  I’ve been living with my silver variations for a year now (including the transformation) and I still love it!

Posted by CindyLu on 05/14 at 12:37 PM

I only responded with a thought on the FB group, CindyLu, it’s not a group I created.

It is my great joy to write about this journey and I’m glad you enjoyed the article.  I hope our conversations here on GGLG and elsewhere will give every woman pause to think outside the box (dye box, that is)!

I love hearing from women who live the silver life!

Posted by Goldie on 05/14 at 12:53 PM

Goldie, I totally related to your statement about the waiter talking to your red-haired “daughter.” When I’m with my sister, people usually think I’m her mother. The problem with that is she still has brown hair with gray interspersed but I’m white/pewter around my face and darker in the back. I loved reading your comments, keep up the good work.

Posted by mllegordon on 06/12 at 02:35 PM

Thanks Mllegordon! I have an older sister (blond of course) and when we are together people think of me as being the older one.  I don’t mind.  As I love spending time with her, I don’t care if they think I’m the grandma!

White/pewter surrounding your face sounds so pretty! Wear it with confidence and everyone will notice what radiates from the inside!

Posted by Goldie on 06/12 at 04:11 PM