Comment by Mary on July 23, 2010 at 4:35pm

I loe this, Norm: "What you're actually asking is, "what can I do that allows me to keep some sort of head covering on?" when the real question should be, "How the hell do I cope with doing whatever I want without being bothered about anyone seeing me as nature's made me?"

I've ended up looking at head covering the same way you suggest - my head is just another part of my body. I don't wear a coat or jacket while exercising or in warm weather, and my head's no different. I know it's not for everyone, but somehow it turned out to be the best way for me to get on with my life. Basically, I truly don't give a flying you-know-what what people think anymore. I didn't used to be this way...maybe it's Alopecia's gift to me!

Comment by Tallgirl on July 23, 2010 at 6:38pm

But...that's exactly why I started this blog: to explore the culture we have created for ourselves, and what we have convinced ourselves is worthless or laughable (like dumb jocks) when we ourselves were once tomboys, ran, loved volleyball...

Comment by Mary on July 23, 2010 at 6:45pm

You started a very lively and fun blog! Thanks!

Comment by Norm on July 23, 2010 at 8:29pm

OK then, TG, all your "fun" years were the ones with hair. So.... doncha think it's about time you created some real good memories of the bald ones?? "When we were once tomboys..." what's with the nostalgia? (it's not what it used to be, y'know.) What's stopping you having fun NOW?
Ars longa, vita brevis... well, dunno about art being long, but life deffo IS short! Don't waste it!! ;)

Comment by Mary on July 23, 2010 at 10:01pm

Since becoming bald in 2008, there are many active/outdoor things I couldn't have done if I weren't willing to be seen bald - most recently my week camping at a music and dance workshop that I had skipped for 2 years because I wasn't ready to be there bald. I would've had to stop teaching my weekly dance class (which I love doing), because I get too hot and sweaty to have anything on my head. Here's a blog from my first bald scuba trip:

http://www.alopeciaworld.net/profiles/blogs/report-and-photos-from-my

I wish I could somehow help other women get to this point of "It's just who I am...BFD."

I''ll shut up now. ( ;-)

Comment by Mary on July 24, 2010 at 1:40am

I've never been to NAAF, but I'm ASSUMING that there is time available during the day for a bunch of us to go to a nearby public park or square with a boombox and video camera and do this. Could someone who has been to the convention (rj? Cheryl?) who is reading this tell us whether it's feasible in terms of the schedule? Maybe during a lunch break?

Comment by Lisa Santer on July 26, 2010 at 7:11am

I've lost and regrown my hair several times, with more bald than hairy adult years. It's been many years since I wore a wig; and when I did for my last job I switched my look with my mood. I've found that most people follow my lead. When I'm relaxed about being bald, they are too. In part, I think I'm making it clear to them that being bald isn't a dirty secret or a tragedy. In another deeper part, I think that trying to hide my hair loss also meant being less open and real with people--not a good foundation for the relationships I want to have.

I think places where there's lots to look at (like the beach, hiking trails, and parades) are where people are least likely to stare long or say dumb stuff.

WHAT I GAINED: *Liberation from the tyranny of needing to look good to be accepted or loved. *Knowing there are lots of ways to look good, and clean-headed is one. *Perspective: other people have lots more on their mind than what's on my head. *The joy of feeling water and wind and hands move over my smooth head. *Being quick to get ready.

Comment by Mary on July 28, 2010 at 1:56am

Lisa, I love what you wrote...it's exactly what I've experienced! When I act relaxed and like there's nothing unusual about being bald (and at this point, for me there isn't), other people do follow that lead. We ARE making it clear to them that there's nothing to hide or be ashamed or sad about. Everything you wrote really rings true.

Comment by Tallgirl on July 29, 2010 at 10:39pm

FLASH! I played two games of volleyball with my students today! The wig stayed on, even though I got SMACKED right in the face, nose and glasses with a ball at close range! I made a lot of jokes about it, and had the male teen students later create a fake sports commentary (stapler for microphone) in English class on my coming out a 30-year retirement to try the game. It was hilarious! I got hammy, went on to plug my own line of geriatric women's fashions for age-57 volleyball players!

Comment by Tallgirl on August 1, 2010 at 11:49am

I danced and partied with four women I met at the state fair Saturday...what an absolute blast! We heard blues, drank wine, and became a show unto ourselves...with a few hundred onlookers!

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