LeslieAnn Butler

Female

Portland, Oregon

United States

Profile Information:

Relationship Status:
Engaged
About Me:
I'm an artist and author living in Portland, Oregon. I've had aa for about 45 years. My award-winning book, "If Your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing!" is still available at a number of online sources including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Written a few years ago, it's not completely up to date on medical findings, but these are readily available on this site.

Here are a couple of reviews: This "how-to" book provides a much needed text on dealing with emotional and cosmetic aspects of hair loss, whether from alopecia areata or chemotherapy. It details where to find and how to use products for compensating with this loss. It is written in the same bold and bright style that characterizes LeslieAnn's illustrations." -Janet Roberts, M.D., Portland Oregon

"This book is helpful, hopeful, funny and fabulous. It's full of practical advice about wigs, intimate encounters, the inappropriate questions from strangers, and other issues you face when every day is a bad hair day. Women with alopecia, LeslieAnn Butler is your new best friend " -Margie Boul , Columnist, The Oregonian ..

"An essential read, whether you've lost hair, or care about someone who has. Leave it to Leslie Ann to bring humor and glamour to a difficult topic. She is a living testament that the lack of flowing locks is no reason not to live your most glamorous and joyful life. Be inspired and uplifted by this remarkable woman's personal journey." -Nita Lina Howard, Author of A Woman's Journey is Her Legacy


I wrote "If Your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing!" to help other people -- particularly women and girls --and it's one that I wish I had been able to find when I discovered I had alopecia years ago.

I have stumbled through all the stages of grief (feeling guilty because, after all, there are worse things than alopecia), figuring out how to look normal, bouncing from one treatment to another, buying and ruining or rejecting dozens of wigs, losing every single hair on my body, figuring out how to tell guys I was dating, living in fear of the wind and someone touching my head…all in all, going from heartbreak to acceptance to joy and confidence. And it's all in the book, along with experiences of others, advice on wigs, makeup, products, treatments -- and how you can celebrate your life with alopecia areata, go after your dreams, and know you're not alone."

Hear a live interview at http://www.insidescooplive.com/author-pages/Butler-LeslieAnn-readin....

Visit my artist web site at www.leslieannbutler.com.
Do you have alopecia?
Alopecia universalis
Are you age 18 or older?
Yes - I am 18 or older
Your Website (Leave blank if you don't have one):
http://astore.amazon.com/ngp-20/detail/1933449586

Comment Wall:

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  • Gina

    Hey Leslieann,

    Thanks for the hello and it looks like I need to do some reading! :) I look forward to it, sounds like an awesome book.

    G

    Aug 26, 2008

  • Dorothy

    It is rare that I come across someone with the same severity and nearly as long dealing with alopecia as myself. Sure would have been nice during the early days to have had some support.

    Aug 26, 2008

  • Dorothy

    Yes support would have been nice, but a doctor who knew what he was talking about and doing would have been even nicer. Even today I know more than the doctors do, my GP doesn't even talk about it, I don't think we have discussed it once.

    Self taught, pretty much describes the last 35 yrs.

    Aug 26, 2008

  • Kristine

    Good idea. Thank you for the comment and I look forward to buying your book. Stay beautiful ! Kristine.

    Aug 26, 2008

  • Lacey

    Awesome, i will definitely pick that up! Is it in book stores? My mom is usually a bit sketchy about ordering things online aha. I was talking to her about scanning my pictures and she said she would do it for me soon so i can most likely send them to you =)! I hope you like them, there very realistic., allot of them are of boys.. i'm a little boy crazy aha.
    ttusoon!
    hugs
    Laceey

    Aug 26, 2008

  • Lacey

    Oh thats great,
    I most definitely will let you know. By the way your wig is so cute i would have never known.

    Aug 26, 2008

  • Sidney

    The Spotted Saddle horse main blood line is Tennessee Walker, and I love Tennessee Walkers! but she didn't get very tall, but she is still very pretty.
    Quarterhorse's are nice too, but I like lighter horses.

    Aug 26, 2008

  • Dorothy

    Well at least I was spared the word "cure", all I ever got was we don't know and we could try this,but it is not likely to work. just felt so alone, they just did not tell me I was not the only one.

    Aug 27, 2008

  • sharon

    Hi LeslieAnn!
    I just want to say hi and I love your hair! Are you wearing a human hair wig,or a synthetic? I love your cat and your dogs they are so cute!
    Sharon

    Aug 27, 2008

  • sharon

    Hi Again
    I was just on your website and I love Sharons Birthday! I have a few Artists on my wall like Jimmy Rizzi and Leroy Neiman and some collectable animation art that moves! I have been Au now for almost 17 years now,I lost all my hair @ age 29. I am going to buy your book!
    Sharon

    Aug 27, 2008

  • sharon

    LeslieAnn:
    I certainly will! How does the Noriko wig feel I only wear human hair I have worn wig pro and louie Ferre, and Gem collection is the lastest remy human Hair,I want to buy a wig by Henry Margu called sophicate,it is a blend of fiber and human 25%..I want to try a synthetic wig but I hate to waste money, because you can always highlight a human hair wig but not a synthetic.Any Advice I would love it!
    Sharon(:)

    Aug 27, 2008

  • sharon

    Thanks so much for the advice! I will post more recent pics of the band when we giged at a few local clubs a few weeks ago.Just your book says...If your hair falls out keep dancing !so I will keep singing and dancing!
    Sharon(:)

    Aug 27, 2008

  • sunshine

    Hi LeslieAnn:

    Thank you for the warm welcome. A BIG congratulations on your book - I have to get it.

    No, "sunshine" isn't my real name although I do remember my parents saying "good morning sunshine" to me since I was an infant in a crib! I like to use sunshine as an online name because it serves to remind me of how wonderful the sunshine is and how happy it makes me (and I think everyone). We all need sunshine in our lives!

    Look forward to chatting with you. I love your pics - looks like you really enjoy life!

    Aug 28, 2008

  • sunshine

    For sure, I will let you know when I've read your book. Always interesting to see how others experience a similar condition/circumstance. I will probably have to get it from Amazon or NAAF as I don't have paypal (guess I'm not that techno-savy yet LOL)

    Aug 28, 2008

  • sunshine

    Thanks for straightening this out for me - see, I wasn't kidding when I said I an not techo-savy LOL. I was just looking at the Amazon.ca (as I am Canadian) site and see that if I spent over $39 there shipping is free so I might go that route. Thanks again.

    Aug 28, 2008

  • Jols

    Thankyou for leaving such a kind comment! I'm always looking for new things to read: I will definitely check out your book!

    Aug 29, 2008

  • Taline

    Hi LeslieAnn, thank you for your comment. I am doing good. Different days, different feelings. At the moment I am just experiencing hair shedding. I don't know where it will go, but with my experience through the years I have to keep confident and hope for the best. This place makes me feel a lot more hopeful and confident. I think you are a beautiful person and your attitude is what I wish all of us could have! Hopefully I can go to the bookstore and pick up your book...Talk to you soon, Taline

    Aug 29, 2008

  • Rozalin

    yes I view your page and saw that you have written a book..what inspired you? Will you write another one

    Aug 30, 2008

  • EMILIE

    Thank you so much! I look forward to finding and reading your book... Heaven knows I need all the support from people that actually know what I am going through.

    Thank you again

    Aug 31, 2008

  • Helga tavares

    Hello!!Thanks, we are very happy to find so great persons in the Website!!Is great to share experiences and learn more about Alopecia!!

    Aug 31, 2008

  • Nezz

    Hi Leslie, how are you?
    Thanks, I immediately ordered your book, must be on the way to me now :)
    Will let u know what I though when I've read it,
    Take care
    xxx

    Sep 1, 2008

  • Rozalin

    I will definitely have to order your book it sounds very interesting.

    Sep 1, 2008

  • TC

    thanks 4 stoppin on my page...im doin ok im so glad i came across this site...
    even tho i knw im not alone with this its just nice now 2 knw that ther r men & especially other women goin through the same thing...least now i have people 2 chat!
    hows things with u?

    Sep 1, 2008

  • TC

    not right now i don't really need 1 (im able 2 cover it with my existing hair) but in time i gues i wil. there r lots of places wer u can get cheap wigs but i wont go 4 those 1's. its quite funny coz earlier i came across this website www.headcovers.com/wigs/womens-wigs
    & i woz so impressed with sum of the wigs that they have they look so real, i knw many women wud feel comfortable strutting their stuff in them includin me! lol

    Sep 1, 2008

  • Gina Choate

    LeslieAnn,
    Hey, thanks for the note. I love your pictures. I have a sister named Leslie Ann. I have not read your book, but was laughing at some of the notes about it. Can't wait to get it.
    Currently, I wear a human hair wig that I use glue to keep on, it was so great at first because I can shower, swim, and whatever else, however, the "glue situation" is starting to get to me.
    I'm wondering about the vacuum wigs by Peggy Knight.
    Later, G

    Sep 1, 2008

  • Lori Powers

    Hi LeslieAnn - So nice to meet you! I'm doing just fine thanks! I love your pictures as well. Beautiful skylines - I'm a huge fan of cityscapes.

    I'm planning to order your book - I do a book review blog in addition to my regular blog - wonder if you mind if I talk it up after I finish reading???? ;-)

    Sep 2, 2008

  • Johanna

    Hello! I'm fine today, thank u! How are you? I've got one week left at my vacation, trying to enjoy even though it rains all the time :P
    Have a nice day!
    /Johanna =)

    Sep 2, 2008

  • Rachel

    I just ordered your book and I'm really excited for it to come. Can't wait!!

    Sep 2, 2008

  • Linda

    Hey Leslie Ann, just stopping in to say hello and how are you, I love your art!

    Sep 2, 2008

  • Lori Powers

    Leslie Ann - I am well into "Dance"... Love it. Thank you so much - I have a feeling this is going to be a well loved and well used book for passing around to friends and family.

    Sep 4, 2008

  • Gina

    Hi Leslie Ann,

    I just ordered your book and can't wait to read it....This is one of my not so happy weeks I guess :-( sure your book will help :-) Alopecia has changed my life...Hope you're doing well

    Sep 5, 2008

  • Vicsta

    Hi Leslie Ann

    Thanks for being the first to comment on my page! What beautiful photos you have.

    I am doing fine thank you, just lying in bed thinking about things and enjoying the fact that tomorrow is Saturday!

    How about you? How is your day going?

    Vicky

    Sep 5, 2008

  • Courtney

    thank u!
    ya they are. but no one knows but my fam and 2 closest frens.

    Sep 5, 2008

  • Gina

    Sure, I'll let you know. Lumigan? Never heard about it before, I'll ask my doctor about it. Thanks :-)

    Sep 5, 2008

  • Vicsta

    Sounds like a nice evening to me. I hope that you have a lovely meal.

    Your paintings: Laughing and The Reunion, are very appealing to me. I love art, but don't get enough time for it. I am leaving my job soon and shall be taking a watercolour class once a week. I have never worked with watercolours before - only acrylics and oils - so it should be interesting. I am very much looking forward to the therapeutic effects and associated benefits! I work in tax so my spirit is starved of creativity.

    Vicky

    Sep 5, 2008

  • Renee

    Hi and thank you. My daughter and I are doing great. She got a wig but doesn't want to wear it, YEAH to her. Her hair is coming back, I've been giving her Biotin vitamins and using lavender, tea tree, red thyme and rosemary oils. SO far so good.

    Sep 5, 2008

  • Heather Marie Brown

    She has good days and bad days. Meeting other teens with it has helped her a lot. She has an appointment with a Dermatologist again; I realize that it may not help but if it makes her feel better we'll try anything.

    Sep 5, 2008

  • Vicsta

    I wouldn't call myself an artist although art and the creative side of my life is something I wish to expand on as some of my happiest times were when I studied art in my last two years of high school - I used to sit outside and sketch. I particularly enjoyed lino cutting and screen printing. However, my strongest mediums are probably acrylics and pencil drawing so how I will fare with watercolours I am not too sure. I always felt they seemed too delicate for me!!

    Vicky

    Sep 5, 2008

  • Vicsta

    You're most welcome!

    I shall dig some out and take some pics with my camera when I get a moment.

    x :o)

    Sep 5, 2008

  • Sandra Dubose-Gibson

    Hi Leslie. Thanks for your support. Congrats on the success of your book. I am going to check out your site and read all about it! Peace and light.

    Sep 7, 2008

  • Dame

    Thank you for the welcome!! I love that you wrote a book about Alopecia and that you use art to express yourself as well! I am going to check out your book :). I'm excited to get to know a lot of people on this site and I'm always excited to get to know another artist :)

    Sep 8, 2008

  • Casey

    im doing okay, i had to drop my baby off at the baby sitters for the first time this morning and it made me sad and im nervous! she is very colicy and noone else but me has been taken care of her so im hopin she will be alright! plus i start work back today as well and im not lookin foward to it. it will be a different day today! im gunna miss my boo!

    how are you

    Sep 8, 2008

  • Esther

    Hello Leslie,

    Thanks for the welcome!!!

    I appreciate you reaching out and welcoming me to the site. I look forward to chatting with you more.

    Esther

    Sep 8, 2008

  • Samantha

    that sounds like alot of funn!
    i had to go to the doctor today! =/
    it sucked big time..
    yes daniel is my boyfriend!
    he amazing..i could send pics of me and him to you if you want me to...
    i could definatly do that for you!!
    i have alot of pics of my animals on my camera! lol!
    hugs!! :D

    Sep 8, 2008

  • dollydreadful

    Its a great painting very bold and alive - I draw and write a little its a great way of expression and also self exploration

    Sep 8, 2008

  • Casey

    I love the fact you paint! I always was interested in art when I was in school! I use to love to draw and paint! not near as talented as you but it was fun! I dont know what happened? I just stopped.. I also use to write and that faded too! hmmm,..
    Anyways! Have fun with your painting! Cant wait to see more

    Sep 9, 2008

  • Casey

    Oh! I just realized you lived in Portland! My mom and dad just arrived home from over there! My mom blows glass and she and my dad go over that way for Glass Stock every year, and I get stuck at home taking care of the puppies! haha! But this year I had my daughter so no complaints there! My mom and dad say its sooo beautiful out that way and that i would fall in love if I ever visited! One day I hope to fall in love!

    have a good day

    Sep 9, 2008

  • Vicsta

    Hi Leslie

    Just stopping by and hoping you have been having a wonderful day today.

    I am about to go get my ZzZzs before going to work tomorrow - only got 6 and a half days of work left ;o) then I can unwrap my creative side again and give it a dusting down.

    Sep 9, 2008

  • Taylor-Jean

    Dear LeslieAnn:
    It has taken me 2 months to actually get started here and I'm not really sure why........maybe because I was just plain scared. Anyways, my daughter, Taylor-Jean is 8 yrs old and has had Alopecia since she was 2. It started with a very small patch (about the size of a loonie), and then it grew back. Each time her hair started falling out again, the patches and areas got more and bigger. Last year she lost almost all of it and the process was about 8 months long. I have felt probably every emotion possible. I think the biggest one is guilt. I wonder if I did something wrong during the pregnancy and so on. I wish it was me and not her. I usually can fix most things when it comes to my children and when things go wrong....... this I can't fix. We just moved to a new town and the kids are at a new school. We have to start all over again with people getting to know what is going on and being informed. The Principal wants me to get as much info as I can and he has suggested putting together a presentation so that the teachers can go through it with their classes and teach the children so they canlearn about Alopecia and what it is all about. This way the whole school can learn and Taylor-Jean might not have to deal with all the teasing and bullying issues all over again. I would love to order your book and do you have any videos or know of where some can be found? Any help would be greatly appreciated and I'm really glad that I finally got on the computer and started to talk. All the best
    Cynthia (British Columbia, Canada ).

    Sep 9, 2008

  • Taylor-Jean

    Dear LeslieAnn:
    Thank you so much for that info. I will be ordering your book and getting the video for us and the school. I look forward to talking to you again.
    Cynthia (B.C., Canada)

    Sep 10, 2008