0

Orbit

49

Southwestern Ontario

Canada

Profile Information:

Relationship Status:: In a Relationship
About Me:: Smooth and silky! I have AU (Alopecia Universalis, I grow no hair anywhere) and have had some form of Alopecia my whole life. These days I try to live my life with purpose, kindness and compassion. I know that growing up with AU has made me a more sensitive and caring person. The fact that I am bald doesn't deter me in any way. The fact that I have no hair is just one of the reasons that I am special, I have accepted it and am happy to help others going through the same thing. I am Happily AU Naturel!

Having this condition is not really as bad as it seems, honestly. I am so used to now I don't know what I would actually do if I did grow hair! The thought of shaving my legs scares me, the extra maintenance and upkeep, oh the horror! Being soft and smooth has its benefits! I choose to mostly wear wigs and I have a lot of fun with it. I've completely embraced the my versatility and I like to be chameleon like. Day to day I am a redhead, and I wear a colour that is very close to my bio hair. I do like to spice things up with different colours and styles. Long and dark one day, short and brown another, curly and blonde, you get the idea. Sometimes it looks great, but next to my shockingly pale skin I think the red is the best. I haven't really got the nerve to wear my bald look out in public (mostly due to the fact that I have big ears!) but do so often around the house especially for strenuous exercise.

I know there are fellow alopecians on here with lots of questions about my wigs and just whats the deal with them?! No mystery, just find something that suits you and work with it. Do research, inform yourself, shop with a trusted friend, and most importantly don't get discouraged! Look outside the box and trust in yourself! You are the most important person in your life, so give yourself break! Remember that CONFIDENCE CAN BE FAKED! All you have to do is hold your head high (bald, covered, with a wig whatever) and SMILE! You'll start to beleive it and so will others! I guarantee that your positive energy will be contagious! I'm happy to answer any questions and help in any way that I can!

A bit more about me, I am a second generation Canadian Leathersmith who owns and runs my own business. I wouldn't have it any other way! I'd like to get a chance to explore more of my artistic side when I get a little spare time. I love to paint, do sculpture, work with reclaimed materials and recycle stuff into art. While I am not musical myself, I really enjoy a whole range of music from all over then world. I like to sew, and do anything that keeps my hands and brain busy. I think its important to honour our heritage (I am a mixture of Scottish, Polish and German decent). I thinks its very important to keep the dying crafts alive. My grandma taught me to crochet and my nana taught me to knit, both of which I love to do. In addition to that I have my own strange style of embroidery and beadwork. I like to doodle and scribble down poetry. I try to continuously educate myself, I'd be afraid my brain might turn to mush otherwise! All outdoor pursuits are of interest to me, specifically I most enjoy: Canoe back country camping, hiking, biking, gardening, sailing, and snowboarding. I practice Yoga and meditate often. I like to exercise to blow off stress. I enjoy walking my Portuguese Water Dog. I'm concerned about the state of our planet and try to implement "green" alternatives whenever I can. I try consume as many organic foods as possible. I'm a big fan of the "Slow Food" movement. I like to garden and love spending time in the forest. I am a vinyl junkie and have a huge LP collection - I just love the warm sound of records! I'm a pinball junkie, I admit it. I really enjoy a nice glass of red wine or single malt scotch. Friends tell me I'm just one of the guys.

~~~~~~ I am Happy, I am Healthy, I am Whole and Complete ~~~~~~
Do you have alopecia?: Alopecia universalis
Are you age 18 or older?: Yes

Comment Wall:

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Kristen

I haven't heard of that particular company but it looks like good stuff. Down in Austin mostly have limestone so I was checking out the quality of those holds in particular. Tell him job well done. :-)

I posted some pictures of me climbing on my profile now. It was such a huge part of my life for awhile. I don't climb as much now but when I climb indoors - I mostly boulder. Outdoors - I rope up. Strange, eh? :-) It's because I have a huge fear of heights and when I'm indoors I feel okay because at our gym we have padded floors. Outdoors, I like to have the rope to make me feel a bit better. Either way - I love it all!

Where have you gotten to climb? So excited to meet other alopecian climbers. :-)

May 6, 2008
Kate

Hey there, thanks for the advice. I did wonder if it was the conditioner I had been putting on the hair which was giving me the pimples…or my inability to keep my hands away from my new locks! Still not quite used to them! I am terrible though and seriously need to put more photos up…my excuse is that my internet security ran out last week and I am lazy and haven’t fixed it yet! Anyway, I am on a mission to get it sorted tonight, and pictures up!
Hope you don’t mind, but my boyfriend and I were looking at your photos and think you look amazing. You are so pretty…your fella is a lucky guy!
Anyway, watch this space for pictures! x

May 7, 2008
Kate

Heh heh! Thanks!
I actually splashed out and bought 2! The other is even blonder and long! I was a natural blonde in January, so it wasn't too long ago that I had a full head of my own flowing locks, so the wigs are great! Anyway, I will get my blonde one up soon, and maybe some real-hair photos too! Very odd as everyone I know knew me when I had hair so I have had too many surprised looks but it is really interesting to see what you thought as you haven't seen me with hair. It is kind of like reading a book, you form the face of the character in your mind and then if they make it in to a movie, your character doesn't look anything like them!!
Hope you are having a good one!
K x

May 7, 2008
jennifer

hi orbit,
your wigs are beautiful and so are you! :) how do you make your eyes look like they have eyelashes? i have au and i can't figure that part out? where do you get your wigs and are they real hair? this au thing is sort of new to me and i think i want a good wig. thanks for your help. jenn

May 8, 2008
Ever

thank you for adding me, I 've had a really warm welcome - I appreciate it

May 12, 2008
Sara

what's a LP?

just kidding

May 14, 2008
3mee

Hi Orbit! Thanks for adding me - I really appreciate it.

May 16, 2008
Fitzy

Hi,

I don't wear too much make up during the day so i don't have that problem too much.

They gave me an oil that I put them in for 15 mins after I have taken them off and that seems to get all the glue etc of. I think it is some kind of baby oil, you should try it out.

i also haven't been wearing them every day as the main wig i wear has a fringe, so I sometimes cant be bothered putting them on. means I have to get up earlier. haha. xx

May 18, 2008
Stephanie

Hi Orbit, thanks for the add. Both those wigs look really fantastic on you, especially the red one. Alopecia and fashion sometimes seem diametrically opposed, but you pull it off just nicely!

May 19, 2008
Stephanie

I like to think I've adjusted pretty well to Alopecia. It's just one example of how impermanent things are in life. I'm really happy to have discovered this great little community, though. I grew up thinking this was the "biggest secret" that I had to keep hidden. Now the secret's out!

I'm looking forward to getting involved with the art and film community in Toronto. So many wonderful festivals in that city.

Hope you're having a good day!

May 21, 2008
George Blackwood

Hey Orbit

I was born with Univeralis; as far as I know through my 12 year association with NAAF, the only one they know of. Were you born Universalis? Mine hasn't changed ever; except for very sparse eyebrows.

just curious, if you want to share.

When I have a moment to share more I will. Currently in a very demanding pre-vet med program in Newfoundland (demanding in the sense of having to get 90-100 % in everything) and running not too far from you this weekend in ON (the Ottawa marathon).

You mentioned a love of outdoor activities; I don't suppose you're into marathon/triathalon?

By the way I love your dog/that breed.

happy trails

george

May 21, 2008
Galvin

Thank you Orbit. I look forward to reading your
blog. I enjoyed your pics. Congratulations on
your engagement.

May 22, 2008
Elline Surianello

Hi Orbit, at my salon (which is headquartered in New York City but has branches in Philadelphia, Chicago, Phoenix, Toronto and Calgary), the process begins with a consultation, where we would take your measurements and then select the desired hair, color, texture, cut and style of your hair system. Then we’ll take a diagram, mold and hair sample and begin creating the hair piece (all of this is done on premises, by a staff who works one strand at a time!). We use 100% Italian hair, which is hand-tied into your existing hair. And, when there isn’t enough hair to work with, we use water-soluble attachments and clips. Please feel free to check out my blog or YouTube channel for more info, or just shoot me another message and I’ll be happy to respond.

May 22, 2008
Imbi

Thank you for adding me to your friends list and you have wonderful pictures here:) All the best!

May 27, 2008
Gabrielle

aw thank you:D
you are SO beautiful!
how long have you had alopeica?

May 27, 2008
LeslieAnn Butler

You are lovely! And doing so well.
Just wanted to tell you.
LeslieAnn

May 28, 2008
T

You are so beautiful! It's nice to 'meet' you too!!

Jun 1, 2008
Allie

Nice to meet you too, great to find fellow sailer's

Jun 2, 2008
Jenn

I enjoyed reading about your journey. Thanks for sharing.

Bald Girls Rock!
J

Jun 2, 2008
Karina Louise

Hi Orbit!

Thanks for your comment on my blog post! I love the colour of my new wig too, it's almost exactly what my hair used to be like. Redheads rule!

And yeah, I do find it comfortable (at least it is when it put on properly, which is taking some practice - it takes me a few tries to get it on right at the moment). It's certainly more comfortable then my old wig, which used to itch a little. The suction felt weird at first, but it didn't take long to get used to it. It's quite an odd feeling - not pressure exactly but I'm not sure how best to describe it.

It is quite hot, I sweat quite a bit under it but not unbearably so (and I have exercised in it). The sweat can sort of excape but not completely, a couple of times I taken it off to find my entire head drenched in sweat :0

And don't apologise for asking questions, I don't mind at all. If you have anymore, just ask :)

Hope all's well with you.

K.

Jun 6, 2008
Anon

good to meet you. thanks for the add.

Jun 10, 2008
Scott

Hello Orbit!

Thank you for the friend request.

Hopefully you are having a great day or night.

Jun 10, 2008
Roger

Thanks!

Nice of you. Yes, im very excited about the trip because its the first one for me.

Yes, im planning to go to Canada in the near future. Do you live near Toronto?

Roger.

Jun 16, 2008
Zanie

Hi Orbit, thanks for the compliment! I love your postive attitude, and I think it's great that you lead it and it doesn't lead you. No, I don't go Au natural at the salon, I do however everywhere else I go. Most of my clients know about my Au and are completely supportive if I decide to not wear hair, I guess in a strange way I am a little concerned about how my boss will react, shes a bit complacent yet very passive aggressive so I have to think on it :) How about you do you wear hair to work? To anyone else that would be an odd question! :)

Jun 16, 2008
claire

hi hope your well

Jun 17, 2008
Joel

Where's your favorite ride in Canada? I like the new Whistler / Blackcomb for size and some cool steep rides. I go to Red Mountain alot cuz it's close to my lake cabin. In Washington I just go Alpental. I have been to Snowbird in Utah a few times but it can get crowded? Got any must see places for me....Aaeeeh

Jun 18, 2008
tony

Hi orbit my 6 yr. old daughter has just lost all her hair bought her a wg paid 1200$ for it looks great she loves it so it was worth it but............if I'm going to have to buy more in the future, "depending on what happens", don't think 1200 is a good deal second time around are you or do you know of a company dealing with kids? Someone suggested hairclub, called them and told me they give free wigs to kids up to 17 but do you think they call back never just leave a message deal, get back if you have any info for kids wigs , thank you Tony from Toronto.

Jun 21, 2008
Roger

Do you live near Toronto?

Roger.

Jun 27, 2008
Roger

Im curious about going to Canada. I just got back from USA. Got an cold from the trip too =( so bad...

What kind of things do you do? I saw that you are working with leather. Am I right?

Jun 27, 2008
gerald

Wow, are you ever beautiful in those headscarves! You could easily be a fashion model! You are one beautiful bald woman!

Jul 6, 2008
Khabalu

Thans for adding me as your friend.
Love your beau- beau look. Very sensitive and cheerful.

Probably, you've heard that a thousand times, but you remind me of Julianne Moore.. so much. Same (what am I saying?! much more) beautiful woman :)

Hope u r doing ok.
Wish u even more smiling.

Jul 6, 2008
Cheryl, Co-founder

Orbit, I have seen you with hair and now with a scarf, your are truly stunning either way. Beautiful! Cheryl

Jul 7, 2008
Cheryl, Co-founder

Orbit, it doesn't matter how long it takes, the fact is that you go there!

Jul 7, 2008
Carol

I love your new pictures!!!!! You are gorgeous!!!! Keep smiling :)

Jul 7, 2008
Erica

Hi Orbit,

Can I ask about the wig you are wearing in the majority of your pictures (the one when you're with the dog on the rocks)? It's what I'd like my hair to look like again but at the store I went to they didn't have anything like this in stock, particularly on the NHS. I'd probably consider buying this though as though I like my current wigs, I'd really like one that was more similar to my old hair. Do you know if you can buy your one online? I know you normally wear acrylic/synthetic so I was hoping this one wasn't extradonarily expensive.

Thanks, E.

Jul 8, 2008
Mandy

Left you a picture comment. ;o) I LOVE the new BeauBeau!

Jul 8, 2008
Mandy

I'm sure I would get used to the wig, too, if I gave it more time. Although I don't wear it much, I totally still wear it out when I feel like lookin pretty. ;o) Thanks so much for your suggestion of Raquel Welch's line. I really do think hers are the best. And I could never find a wig that looks more like my natural hair or matches my natural color better. It's fabulous.

Hugs,
Mandy

Jul 9, 2008
Roger

Hi again!

Is it a new photo with the scarf? Wonderful!

Roger.

Jul 9, 2008
Roger

Youre welcome =) I use a Canon 400D. Im just a little amateur but I like to take photos.

Jul 9, 2008
Lee

Hello girlie! My god!!! I think you look better with the scarf...without hair!! You have such a beatiful face...the hair takes away from it! I've never been able to that to anyone...but its true! Absolutly georgous!! and a body to kill for! ; )

Jul 9, 2008
sgomez

Love your new photos!! You are so pretty! I really mean it! Your beau is quite the talented photographer too. Girl, you've got it goin' on!!

Jul 10, 2008
Mandy

Jul 10, 2008
Sarah S

Hi Orbit! Thanks for emailing me. I just became AU in January so it is no nice to meet other women that also have AU. I used to feel like I was the only one out there that had AU and this site has been so great for me!
I love your head scarfs!! Where do you get them from? Also, what type of wig do you have on in your pictures? It looks so natural!
Hope you are having a great weekend!

Jul 13, 2008
amanda~

Hi Orbit,
I just wanted to say hi and tell you that you look absolutely stunning. That color palate of wigs is awesome on you. What a perfect match for your skin tone. I think it's fantastic.

Jul 23, 2008
Roger

Hi!

How are you doing?

Aug 5, 2008
Roger

Wow! Lots at work? Im at my 4th week now after my long vacation....I wanna travel more ;)

Aug 6, 2008
carman

hi! how are you?

Aug 7, 2008
missmyhair

Hi Orbit! Can you please let me know what wigs you are wearing (the blondish one and the red one)? I love them!!! So pretty! I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks!

Aug 14, 2008
missmyhair

Thanks so much for getting back to me. What a bummer that they discontinued the style. It is so pretty! I appreciate the info. Hope you are doing well!

Aug 15, 2008
Mandy

Yes!!! The short cut is soooo much cooler than the long one. I love it so much that I haven't worn the other one since I got it. ;o)

Aug 16, 2008