The Selfie and the Selfie Haircut

I had no idea what a "selfie" was until the cringe-worthy one by a certain moustachioed guy was plastered on the internet.  It turns out, I've been taking lots of them which I sometimes post on here.  

One of my latest projects - and my sisters advise me that it is not a good idea - is the do-it-myself haircut.  I have a short pixie that is well-behaved.  I slap some hair goo in, rub it around and I'm ready for public inspection.  I haven't used a hairbrush or comb since 1999!  It was getting longer than I liked but I didn't feel like going downtown so I started snipping off bits that were sticking out here and there.  I used proper haircutting scissors that I bought years ago and I think I did ok!  So here are some "selfies" of my haircut.

Retirement Clothing

I used to think when I retired that I would wear only clothing from Coldwater Creek while I filled my days supporting the arts, or lunching with the ladies.  Of course the reality is far different.  Mostly, its been Land's End.

I was discussing the concept of retirement wear with my sister and we thought a good retirement item would be some sort of vest or smock.   A funky garment that would have lots of big pockets to hold all the stuff you could possibly need.  I decided I would try to construct this garment.  A "utility" vest of sorts.  My first attempt was a disaster.  Ugly beyond comprehension and only good for the joke factor.  I will have to reconstruct it into a shopping bag or something.

I'm looking forward to casual wear.  A couple of weeks ago, I had to venture downtown in a business suit and it was 33 degrees.  I'm not going to miss that.  

I'm not going to be hanging out in stretchy pants the rest of my days, I'll stay presentable.  A happy medium between Coldwater Creek and Land's End with a the Utility Vest to pull it all together.  

Hobbies and Second Careers

I'm  a crafter.  I almost always have some sort of project on the go.  Lately, I've been making dolls and have sold one.  A custom doll.  I've decided the pressure was too great for any more custom dolls as it took me three attempts to get the doll just right.  Paying myself minimum wage, this doll was worth $500.00 but needless to say, I didn't get anywhere near that.

Crafting is a thankless task.  I've gone to church sales and seen beautiful hand-knit socks for $10 a pair.  That's robbery.  I have participated in Craft shows and sales and had people come up to my work (in this case intricate scarves) and scoff at a $30 price tag, which barely paid for the yarn.  They would walk away and say, "I could get my grandmother to make it for free!"  I'd like to know where these generous grannies with nothing but time to make items for demanding grandchildren are hiding.  I know mine would have said, "Make it yourself."

I'm thinking that although most of my items are made at a loss, if I pay myself minimum wage, I can still sell these dolls.  I enjoy making them and if I can recoup my costs while I'm keeping myself creative and occupied, why not?  Once I have enough dolls completed and clothed, I'll probably post them for sale on Etsy.

One of my good friends who is retired from a commercial and fine art career, has recently posted his photography which is stunning.  http://www.redbubble.com/people/bgbcreative/portfolio