Locks au Naturale - Color Wonderful Part 1, Introduction to Henna

Nothing new to report on the house, so back to hair.

This week I'm going to introduce you to henna.  Reader, meet henna.  Henna, reader.

Next time I'll get into the practical nuts and bolts and how to's and befores and afters.  Ready?  Okay.

The Anne of Green Gables movies are among my top 5 favorite movies of all time, and every time I watch them it is at this precise moment that I know in my heart I was meant to be a redhead.

  

Perhaps it's also because of my Scottish roots, but I always wanted to be a redhead, marry a redhead, and have redheaded babies. 

 

Alas, God didn't get the memo.  I do tend toward reddish highlights, but my natural hair color is mouse brown.  Over the years, I have dyed my hair every color from blonde to black and even blue, but red was the color I always tried the most...every time I watched Anne. It was also the color that always disappointed the most.  I would love it for about 2 days, then it would fade to brassy, ugly lifelessness and turn into a vicious cycle of spending money, dying, frying, and fading.  I put a stop to it a long time ago, embraced the mouse, and have rarely looked back.  

Recently, however, I stumbled across henna.  I had heard of it before, but it was more a buried memory than something on my radar.  I was intrigued and started to read.  For me, one of the most appealing things about it wasn't even about color, but that it thickens and conditions your hair.  The more I read the more I wanted to try it.  Not only is it not toxic and scary, but it's actually really good for your hair and scalp!  And I could try being a redhead again!  So:


Pros of henna:

•  All natural and plant based  
•  Nourishes and heals scalp
•  Adds strength and shine to hair, thickens and improves texture
•  Lovely color options from light red to brown and black (using combinations of henna, indigo, and cassia obviata)
• Option to treat hair for benefits and not color it using cassia obviata or "blonde henna"
•  Ability to custom mix colors - endless options!
• Doesn't fade like conventional hair color 

Cons of henna:

• Time consuming and messy

 

Other notes:

• Henna will not lighten your hair.
• Henna will dye your hands, clothes, sink, etc.
• Results vary according to time left in and condition of hair.

So far I've tried a subtle auburn and neutral henna and been very happy with both.  Next week I'm going to try a brighter red, and I'm a little nervous, but I will photo document the process and results for you.  Fingers crossed!

 

It was a very full weekend, so the title of this update may end up being longer than the actual update itself.

The contract fell through, but the buyer is still very interested and is adjusting their financing.   Now we have a little longer to find a house.  This is a good thing.

A Crunchy Meltdown

I recently spent some time with friends who were poking fun at someone they knew who's wife asked him to cut their grass with a scythe.  I chuckled along with them at the "crazy lady" then later started to think about feeding my imaginary laying hens grass clippings marinated in exhaust fumes and wondered how hard it would be to cut the grass with a scythe.  There's something wrong with me.  On the other hand, who wouldn't benefit from a little manual labor?

On a scale of 1 to crunchy, I'm Mountain Rose Herbs.  I've almost completely stopped shopping in stores, so when I went with my sister to the mall today, I experienced a bit of culture shock. What used to be something as commonplace and innocent as a trip to the mall has become the spark that ignited the flame of a crunchy meltdown.

 

It's exhausting feeling like the world isn't safe, and no one knows.  I walked around the mall feeling assaulted by synthetic fragrances (among other things) and thinking, "People don't even know!!"  But never mind their endocrine systems, what about the condition of their hearts?  I'm learning some faith lessons on this crunchy, gravel path. I was able to feel in a new, very tiny way what Jesus must have felt.  I don't know if I will ever understand how He did not walk the earth in utter despair, knowing how many would not choose the life He would give His for.

Is the red pill worth it?  Knowledge may be power, but it is also responsibility.  Sometimes I don't want to take the time to figure out a healthy meal.  Sometimes I just want to forget the vegan vs. paleo debate, take 30 seconds to nuke some GMO corn chips with some cellulose coated cheese, chase it with some fizzy death syrup in a BPA lined aluminum can, cry for a little bit and take a long nap.

As a believer, I know that fear and isolation are inappropriate responses, but where is the line between trusting Jesus to save me from toxic everything and being responsible for what I have learned?  I don't know, but until He gives me a deeper revelation, I'm walking the tightrope as best I can.

Houston, We Have an Offer!

Just a few days ago, while half the family was out of town, we received an offer on our house.  Yay!!!   :::Panic:::   Pray.  

We had 24 hours to make a decision: 24 hours in which we would not be able to be together to discuss and process together, so all interaction had to take place via phone and text.  As usual, we had a variety of responses ranging from reluctance to, "What are we waiting for??"

Ultimately, we thought it was a good offer and didn't feel any "red lights" from the Lord, so we accepted.  Now we have less than 2 months to find and close on a new house.  I believe that because the Lord sent a buyer, He has a place for us to go.

If you would like to agree with us in prayer, this is what we are asking the Lord for specifically:

• wisdom and sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit 
• agreement and unity among family members
• no more than 20-25 minutes away from the church building
• in the Yukon/Mustang area
• at least 5 acres with some trees and preferably water
• in the price range we have agreed on as a family

There are many other things on our list, but those things are the most crucial.  We appreciate your prayers, support, and encouragement.  We are trusting Him.

Thank you!