Tuesday, April 10, 2012

APRIL 10th ReCharge & ReFocus Time


Hi Journal & Friends,


I've been wanting to do something for myself for years and years, yet always put it off, thinking it should be "earned". Such as a reward for when I got to X amount of weight loss.

Last week, I realized that I was worth it NOW. Sure, goals with little rewards along the way are fun. But this was different. I felt almost punished for having to wait so long. So... I did it. What did I do??

I couple of weeks ago, I went to a "real" hair salon and got my hair cut by a "real" hairdresser. Then last week I returned and had her put in "real" caramel highlights. 

It might not sound like a big deal to some of you, but it's been over THIRTY YEARS since I darkened the doors of what we used to call a Beauty Parlor. And I was nervous. But she was so nice and patient, and I feel maaahhhavelous that I did it!

Here are before pics:




And here's the after:



It doesn't look like "my" idea of caramel, but I like it fine. Maybe next time I should take a "paint chip" in with me. :-D 

Lastly, I just wanted to mention that I plan on taking the rest of April off from this blog, and do some thinking and catching up. 

I'm excited and motivated, and want to do some long-term planning. I might pop in occasionally to read a few blogs, and will try to keep up with my art blog (Here)  . And I'll probably sneak a peek on Facebook (my Facebook page)  now and then... but my intent is to hugely reduce my computer time. 

So... I hope you all have a wonderful April. I sure plan to! See all you wonderful people in May.



My book quote for today: "Being a warrior is not about the act of fighting. It's about being so prepared to face a challenge and believing so strongly in the cause you are fighting for that you refuse to quit." --Richard Machowicz, Unleash The Warrior Within

My verse for today: "Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord."

My quote for today:  "If you want to get there, you can't be a shrinking violet." --Craig Sigl

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta
=^..^=

DAY 967

28 comments:

MargieAnne said...

It's just a cunning way to get me to follow your art blog. LOL.

Have a wonderful April.

And I love your hair.

Blessings.

carla said...

YOU LOOK LOVELY.
love the hair.
adore you.

xo

mamajuliana said...

I love the new do!

Have a nice time 'off' and enjoy.

Anonymous said...

First, I love the warrior quote! Love it.

Second, LOVE the hair. 30 years!!! And I thought I was ad about going to the beauty shop. (I go about every 3 months.)

Third. Yes. I've been off the computer most of the week and have been feeling like I would be scarce for a while. Partly, of course, is that it's now hard for me to actually read blogs now that my eyes have had one more defeat, but beyond that, I've just felt the need to "reset".

Last night, I actually reduced the blogs I follow to about 8--and most of those are not regular posters.

I have had several thoughts on this, but since it's not my blog-I'll stop now. :}

Hugs, Girlfriend. Enjoy the time off and don't get all "responsible" feeling about keeping up. :}

Deb

Jules said...

Oh girl...30years....way to long and hell yes you are more than worth it.

I remember last year when I finally gave myself permission to get my nails done and a pedi on a somewhat regular basis for me.... LONG time coming and yes it feels SO GOOD!

Funny thing too....went to see a financial planner a few weeks back...young girl...no kids...not married...maybe a year or two out of college....

One of the first things she started listing that I SHOULD do ....just by my appearance...was to stop getting my nails done, stop coloring my hair, and not buying another "midlife" car when this one is paid off this year........and start putting that *waste* of money away in an IRA....

I smiled politely and when I walked outside and got into my "midlife" car...(an 05 convertible) I laughed and remembered that wonderful scene in the parking lot in the movie fried green tomatoes!

It took me YEARS and YEARS (and will continue to take more) that none of that is a "waste", it is a pure investment in my self....

Can't WAIT to see what the less computer time produces....I know it is changing things for ME!

'Yellow Rose' Jasmine said...

Good for you. The hair makes you look even younger yet. You are anti-aging right in front of us! Have fun on your 'break' and we'll see you soon. :)

Retta said...

Aww, how sweet of you to join me there, Anne! It get pretty quiet over there, since I've spent most of my last 2 plus years on this blog, and my art blog sort of petered out. So hopefully I can give it some CPR, and get it going again, LOL!

Retta said...

Thank you, Carla!

Retta said...

Thanks, Juliana. I'm determined to make it a productive time. :-)

Retta said...

I loved that quote, too, Deb!
It's funny... I first heard about that book from Mir/Princess Dieter, and bought a cheapie used copy on Amazon, thinking it wouldn't be too much of a waste of money if it turned out "eh".

But wow, what a terrific little book! I didn't think I'd relate to the writings of a Navy Seal, who couches everything in battle/warrior/ops/fighting terms. But whoa nellie, I absolutely did! I can totally see how the principles he talks about translate into ANY kind of endeavor, not just battle. Better stop now.. I'll start quoting the book again, ha ha ha

Retta said...

Isn't it funny the "limits" we put on ourselves?? My dear husband didn't understand paying 40 bucks to do what I've been trying to do at home with a "kit" (not very successfully, I might add). But I finally do. I may not do it often, but I now feel the freedom to do it when I WANT to, and I don't need to earn it. What a wonderful, self-loving feeling that is!! Very very nice indeed. :-)

Yep... I have this secret little project that I am working on, and wanted uninterrupted time to finish... lots of purple, yellow, silhouettes. I'm stoked! Only those brave souls who venture over to my art blog will get to see it in a couple of weeks. LOL! ;-)

Retta said...

Oh, what a sweet thing to say! I have to tell you something funny. When I took the "before" pics, one came out so horrible that I immediately deleted it! The lighting was stark and from above, and I looked about 80 years old, with bags under my eyes and all. Ewwwie! Oh well, vanity vanity, LOL!

Got to tell you... due to allergies, I make my own perfume from almond oil and scented essential oils. A couple of days ago I made two favorite scents: Vanilla Rose, and Vanilla Jasmine. See why I like your user name!? :-D

Bluezy said...

Let me put in my "hey there" before you take off. Still waiting on the books. I am positive to know that in this April you take off, you will accomplish so much to share with us in May. Have a great one!

Former Life Girl said...

Your hair looks good :-)

Retta said...

They're on their way, Bluezy. :-)

Retta said...

Thank you, and thanks for visiting!

Anonymous said...

Your hair looks beautiful! Have fun on your hiatus.

Retta said...

Thank you Nancy!

Leila said...

Absolutely brilliant! You look great-the time for Glam is now! :)

Retta said...

Thanks, Leila!

Anonymous said...

Love the new hair!!! Hope you are enjoying your time...see you in May!

M Pax said...

Some days I really wish I could reduce my computer time. Since my business centers around it, that's unlikely. But that's OK.

You're hair looks beautiful. I get my hair cut about every 6 weeks. No more hilights. I have no gray yet, so I figure I might as well enjoy my real color while it lasts.

Teresa Cypher said...

Your hair looks gorgeous! Kudos to you...

And your art is incredible :-)

Retta said...

Thanks, Mary. If I didn't have the gray taking over, I'd probably not bother either.
Enjoy while ya got it! (the natural color, that is) ;-)

Retta said...

Thank you, Teresa Cypher, and thanks for dropping by!

Betty said...

Congrats on going to the hairdresser. I just found your blog and love it. I just started my weightloss blog too and have alot to lose. You are an inspiration.

Retta said...

Thanks for stopping by, Willow. And I wish you the best on your own journey to health... yay you!

'Yellow Rose' Jasmine said...

Just finally came back around and saw the comment you left me. Funny about the before picture. Sometimes I wonder how certain ones come out so odd!
That is so cool about the perfumes. I had a barbie perfume maker as a kid and I loved the jasmine so much I mixed some into each bottle. I guess I felt that everything deserved a little jasmine.

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