braids

Hair braiding is an ancient art, that truly does span all races and hair types, and I, for one, have always been fascinated by braided hair. I used to do my little sister's hair in 20 or more thin braids, secured by the teeny rubber bands they gave me at the orthodontist for my braces--I didnt know about the Nubian hair supply stores back then, and would use up all my teeth elastics on doing tiny braids. I have always loved the idea of having long, loooooooong hair that hung down my back in 2 braids, only to be undone at night like Ma Ingalls, or a mystical queen.

I like braids on boys and girls, men and women. they are fun to touch and they look awesome. Braided hair can mean so many things for so many people.

For me, I think that I look kind of dumb with long hair that is hanging there. BUT, UNLIKE everyother time I grow my hair long, decide I look lame and chop it all off into a neat and tidy little BOB, this time I am going to triumphantly ignore all those despicable hairdo-mags that tell you "if all you do with your long hair is pull it back then you need short hair"!!! I say NO WAY!

I LOVE having long hair, for the specific purpose OF putting it into a pony or braid or braids, so there! I almost freaked out today, this very afternoon, when I pulled out my ponytail for a sec and saw the lumpy bumpy dry and funky mass that is my hair. I wanted a soft and well mannered socially acceptable cheek length bob that lovingly cupped my head and never acted up soooooo badly. But then I remembered: THAT IS NOT ME ANYMORE!!!! I AM NO LONGER INTERESTED OR CAPABLE OF "PASSING" AS LUXEY LAYDEE!

So, I am NOT going to cut off my hair, even if it is all freaky and damaged and uneven and mismatched and home-made and strange. Because so am I, and it is going to be super super beautiful, to me, someday. Long and wild and green and blue and decidedly, intentionally, happily, unique and uplifting and cheerily, radically, me.