Today call me unlocked.
Today call me unlocked.
I know. An awkward shot. I call it A Portrait of the Artist as a Middle-Aged Woman.
And no. Although I adore TLC, I’m not auditioning to be on the next season of Sister Wives or 20 Kids and Counting. I promise.
Here’s what I was actually getting ready to do:
Ten inches (and a decade of long-ish hair) off the back in one snip.
I know. The ponytail looks shorter with the curl. But she used the measuring tape. I promise.
I don’t know why the lighting in most salons is set to highlight wrinkles. Still, I couldn’t help smiling. So.
As a side note: After I wash it and become the responsible party, my hair will never look like this again.
Here I am later – surprising the family and hoping the dogs still recognize me.
For the record, they did. After all, it’s only hair. And please note the awkward positioning of my arms. It’s because Bailey was coming to jump on me and I was bracing myself.
It’s also why I will never be on America’s Next Top Model. (Yes. That’s why.)
So.
One hunk of hair, a plastic bag and an envelope later; I had this to offer up to my mail carrier for less than $2.00 postage:
The best reason to become unlocked. Ever. And the least I could do to support anyone brave enough to fight the good fight.
Until, that is, we kick cancer’s ass and everybody wins.
You can click on the envelope above or on this link to find out more about making a donation to Locks of Love.
Because giving is the most PHUN you’ll ever have.
I promise.
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77 Comments to Today call me unlocked.
by Deb
On September 28, 2011 at 7:16 am
Beautiful!!!! You are beautiful, inside and out!
by Michelle
On September 28, 2011 at 7:20 am
There is a lot to be said about somebody who is kind and generous. Not to mention GORGEOUS!!!!….You look great my friend!!!
by Colline
On September 28, 2011 at 7:21 am
This past week both my girls cut their hair for cancer. They were part of a group of girls in their school who decided to donate their hair. The 14 girls donated enough hair to make more than one wig for a child undergoing Cancer treatment. Kudos to them – and to you for donating your hair.
by KLZ
On September 28, 2011 at 7:24 am
What a great cut! I love locks of love and have donated twice – makes your head feel so much lighter!
by John
On September 28, 2011 at 7:25 am
That is so very awesome, Julie.
I remember my wife got a fancy-schmancy haircut when we were on our honeymoon. She had grown out her hair for the wedding, but she was done with it. So, she had it cut at a salon in Vegas . . . only, after it was cut, the woman cutting her hair said “if we had taken another inch, we could have donated this to locks of love.”
She said that after cutting the hair . . . Duffy would have gladly donated another inch – she figured her hair wasn’t anywhere near long enough to actually donate. She was pretty pissed.
Very, very good of you to do. And, you look great (but you already knew that . . . or, if you didn’t, you should have)
by Annabelle
On September 28, 2011 at 7:29 am
Beautiful!!!
Love it. Love the cause.
Did I mention you are beautiful?
: )
by Amanda Austin
On September 28, 2011 at 7:29 am
Your hair looks amazing. Don’t you wish you have a personal, live in stylist to make your hair look that great always?
My Mom is a breast cancer survivor, so on behalf of her and every other woman who has sported that wig (and bandanna when they sleep), THANK YOU.
by Kate
On September 28, 2011 at 7:32 am
God, you’re good-looking. As a rule, I try not to be friendly with truly good-looking people, since it really puts a dent in my own homely self-confidence. I make an exception in your case because you are vastly talented and generous. FEEL SPECIAL.
by Melissa
On September 28, 2011 at 7:34 am
How inspiring and I love the new haircut, you look awesome. I’m honored to know such a generous and thoughtful person. BTW, the haircut is just in time for your bday, the new “do” makes you look younger yet classy, hmmm, food for thought!
by Katie
On September 28, 2011 at 7:46 am
DUDE! It’s like you’re me! I was JUST thinking of doing this same thing!!! But I have a feeling you are WAY cuter with short hair than I am. Plus I am not sure I have the 10 inches required without making my hair all Sined O’Connor.
Oh…and one more thing. Nice Joyce reference. Yeah, that didn’t get by me. I hated that book.
by Hollye Dexter
On September 28, 2011 at 7:47 am
You look beautiful! Especially on the inside. : )
by JButt
On September 28, 2011 at 7:49 am
Love the new ‘do. And the way hair stylists massage my head when they shampoo it.
Yay, Locks of Love! You know it takes 20 ponytails to make one wig? Generosity is a very good thing.
PS, Can I come lounge by your pool? Kaythanks.
by Lori Dyan
On September 28, 2011 at 7:51 am
You sassy, sassy lady. LOVE the new hair and inspired by your generosity. Does that mean you had – gulp – virgin hair??!?!? Tell me what that’s like…
by Julie
On September 28, 2011 at 7:56 am
Lori –
In my first draft, I actually referred to having “ten inches of virgin hair” but then figured it might sidetrack the post.
(Or inspire weird Google searches…correction: weird-ER!)
All that hair down my back is virgin. I clipped up a top layer that was shorter (and I do a light weave on it twice a year). It wasn’t long enough and you can’t donate hair with highlights.
You CAN donate colored hair (just not if bleach is involved) and they even sort shorter layers and grays.
Not that you have grays. Duh.
You’re way too virginal for that.
by Kelly K @ Dances with Chaos
On September 28, 2011 at 7:58 am
Locks of Love is partly why I walk around with my shaggy mane of hair for so long.
My past habit: Grow my hair out for two years, whack it off, donate it to Locks of Love.
Sadly, the last chop I had was several inches short. I either could no longer stand the extra weight and heat (because this summer was miserable) or I just really wanted my hair to look cute again after the post-pregnancy fall out.
And now it grows again, and I want it cut, but I want to donate it…
I always ask before my haircut if they donate to it. My current stylist actually gives a $10 discount on the cut if you donate, which I think is awesome.
Now to see if my hair will cooperate and grow 10 inches before I hit the wall and have to cut it…
Oh, and I have the same issue with haircuts: I can never get it cute again….
by CDG
On September 28, 2011 at 7:58 am
I’ve always wanted to do it, and then I grow my hair out, and then I forget I’m not supposed to dye it and I do. And then I swear profusely and go get a haircut.
I pretty much suck.
Unlike you, beautiful Julie, whose heart is far bigger than even your hair was long. And lady? the new ‘do is HAWT. Someone bring me a fan!
by MommaKiss
On September 28, 2011 at 7:59 am
I was in the same position as John’s wife once…One more inch, we could have donated it! JEEZ! I would have totally done that.
Your hair looks amazing and your donation hits a soft spot with me. You’re good, woman. Good.
Your side note? I never ever get my hair to look like the stylist does. They have magic powder in their salons.
by Ostriches
On September 28, 2011 at 8:16 am
I really really like your new hair cut. It’s gorgeous. AND YOU DONATED it so that makes it extra wonderful. Even if you looked like a troll I would say “YAY!” because of the great cause. But, thankfully, you do NOT look like a troll.
by Di
On September 28, 2011 at 8:34 am
And having seen you yesterday, all I can say is you look marvelous! So proud of what you have done and glad we could celebrate your altruism!
by Julie
On September 28, 2011 at 8:48 am
CDG –
For the record, they will take dyed or colored hair, just nothing that involves bleach. I do a small amount of highlighting at the crown of my head twice a year – so I clipped up that part. (It wasn’t the requisite 10 inches, anyway.)
I have a ton of hair (very thick) so there was still plenty of virgin stuff for the ponytail.
And then on the floor of the salon, as my friend Kari shaped it.
Into a style I can never approximate.
Holy cow.
In any case, my dear, you do not suck! Hair is a pain. I’d be on board with EVERYONE shaving bald so no one ever felt the need to wear a wig. Male or female.
But. Until we evolve to that state, I’ll keep trying to donate.
Hooray!
by Miss Marina Star
On September 28, 2011 at 9:08 am
Awesome! Love the haircut and the reason behind it. You even mailed it yourself which is just amazing.
by nannyk
On September 28, 2011 at 9:09 am
Crap! Now Mom’s going to fawn all over your adorable hair “style” and I am going to have to work extra hard to un-seat you as the favorite child once again!!
Damn you and your altruism!
I mean…what a lovely gesture.
whatevs
by Kristy @PampersandPinot
On September 28, 2011 at 9:15 am
Your new hairdo looks FABULOUS!
by dale
On September 28, 2011 at 9:20 am
a cute bob and for a great cause … nicely done
by Ally
On September 28, 2011 at 9:38 am
First of all – gorgeous hair! Love the cut. And I adore that you donated your hair to Locks of Love.
Now about that salon lighting… I KNOW! Why? I am getting cut and colored on Friday and was just this morning thinking how much I dread sitting in that chair seeing my face under those lights for over an hour!
by Tommy Christianson
On September 28, 2011 at 9:46 am
You look gorgeous, Cuz!
by Poppy
On September 28, 2011 at 9:52 am
I have had boy hair my whole adult life. A year ago I decided to grow it out just to see what it would feel like to have long hair before I got too old to pull it off. I wasn’t sure how long I was going to go, but I think long enough to donate to Locks of Love is a good goal.
Loved this post and your haircut. You could totally be a hair model. Ya know, if they cropped your chicken arms out.
by Stephanie
On September 28, 2011 at 9:54 am
That is a fabulous haircut!! And good for you for donating it
by Mad Woman behind the Blog
On September 28, 2011 at 10:10 am
Well there you go, being all inspirational and cute.
I guess I can suck it up for a few more months so I can lop all this mess off in the spring. I wonder if it’ll cut my time on my next tri?
What? I can’t benefit from being charitable? I’m not Phoebe, you know.
Seriously, I couldn’t adore you more. Unless you offered to take my rotten toddler.
by Carri
On September 28, 2011 at 10:20 am
Wow! Your new cut looks amazing! It’s so fresh and stylish. And the best part? Someone who could really use your hair will get it!
by Missy | Literal Mom
On September 28, 2011 at 10:33 am
Good. For. You. Both of my kids are doing that right now. I am so proud of them. Why am I not? Because, ahem, Locks of Love can’t accept hair with too much product (also known as “color”). Girl’s gotta stay blond somehow! I’m so proud of you for doing it (and for being a natural blond)!
by Kelley
On September 28, 2011 at 11:13 am
You are so awesome! I think that is wonderful that you shared your beautiful hair that way. You look so stinkin’ cute with your short hair! I really love it!
by Galit Breen
On September 28, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Um, you? Are amazing!
{And totally hawt!}
Go you!!
by Leigh Ann
On September 28, 2011 at 12:39 pm
How cool! I love the new haircut! I wish my curly hair could pull off a look like that. And what a great reason to cut it all off.
by Kristin @ What She Said
On September 28, 2011 at 12:42 pm
I love it!!! It’s so cute and chic and it suits you so well. Although I had to laugh at “becoming the responsible party” after you wash it – so true.
And I love that you donated to Locks of Love. You completely rock.
by Julie
On September 28, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Absolutely totally and completely gorgeous!!! Love the new do, love the reason for getting it. Bravo lady.
…and don’t you hate that first post-cut wash? I always put it off as long as possible. I’m all, “Oh well, back to me doing my own hair. Poorly.”
Anyway, you look amazing.
by Nina
On September 28, 2011 at 12:57 pm
You looks AMAZING!!!!!! My hair is getting so long . . . makes me want to chop it off. Maybe I’ll wait until it’s really long enough.
by Julie
On September 28, 2011 at 1:10 pm
You all are so fabulous with your compliments, really. I appreciate the support more than you know.
But I can honestly say that knowing I had a reason for the deep cut made it not scary at ALL!
I didn’t flinch or think twice about it. And I know if I’d just gone in for a new “style” I would have balked a bit.
So I highly recommend donating if you have a lot of hair and are looking for a change. For a little freedom.
For that feeling that you’re making even a small difference.
(And yes. Since I turned 40, I’ve gotten annoyingly sentimental. My apologies…really.)
by Ryne
On September 28, 2011 at 1:33 pm
You look great! You know, I cut off all my hair 25 years ago. Yep. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it
My niece has done Locks of Love twice, so kudos to you who actually grow hair to donate.
Ryne
by Cheryl @ Mommypants
On September 28, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Beautiful, Julie. It looks amazing and is perfect for you. You must feel so liberated!!
by The Flying Chalupa
On September 28, 2011 at 2:41 pm
First, your hair looks GORGEOUS! I love that cut. And 10 in? Holy cow! What a perfect cause.
PS – I agree with you on salon lighting. I always look hideous. Why do they do that to us?
by JamieAnne
On September 28, 2011 at 2:45 pm
what a wonderful and awesome thing! I like the cut. It looks nice on you.
I never get my hair to look the same as it did when styled in the salon either. It’s some rule or something.
by Hopes@Staying Alfoat!
On September 28, 2011 at 3:46 pm
What a WONDERFUL cause!! And HOLY COW mama, you are rocking that new hairstyle! Absolutely gorgeous!!
by Alison@Mama Wants This
On September 28, 2011 at 4:05 pm
Sigh, I just love your new do, years have lifted off you, and that is not a lie. Your hair looks thick and luscious.
Such a good cause too, you are truly lovely.
by Donna Cummings
On September 28, 2011 at 4:08 pm
I love the hairstyle, I love your style.
My hair is too long lately, and I’m ready to cut it, but don’t know that I can donate anything. (I have “natural blonde” added to my hair a few times a year.) I will definitely check into it though. You’ve inspired me, as usual.
by Jamie
On September 28, 2011 at 5:04 pm
Wow. You look awesome. It inspires me to do something with my hair. Good for you. Made me smile.
by Janie Fox
On September 28, 2011 at 5:40 pm
My middle daughter does Locks of Love. My youngest is our stylist…thank God she is going off of maternity. I usually get a cut every 4 weeks. After this maternity leave I look like an old Beiber. She does a cut- athon every year. This year it is in Oct for Down Syndrome Awareness.
BTW i think your modeling stance is just what might get you a contract. Suck it Tyra.
by Kari Marie
On September 28, 2011 at 6:32 pm
Oh Julie! What a wonderful donation. I love the new “do” too!
by Theresa Sonoda
On September 28, 2011 at 7:44 pm
Yeah Yeah Yeah! I am so proud of you! Such a worthy cause. And your new cut looks gorgeous. You rock.
by Leighann
On September 28, 2011 at 8:08 pm
Your hair looks great.
What a wonderful gift to give to someone fighting cancer.
by Jamie
On September 28, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Best #iPPP ever! A decade!!!! You look amazing, the cut is sooo cute and all for a good cause! Yay you!
by Carolina Valdez Miller
On September 28, 2011 at 9:33 pm
Gorgeous!!!!! I love it. If only I could look so good in short hair. The problem is my hair is naturally very curly, so I end up looking like a poodle. Long, if I don’t straighten it, I still look like a hobbit, but at least that’s humanesque.
I hope Bailey is a hunky stripper with the face of an angel. I don’t know why, but it would make me happy.
P.S. You are incredible.
by Courtney
On September 28, 2011 at 9:34 pm
Love. Love. Love. You. The Gesture. You. XOXO
by NotJustAnotherJennifer
On September 28, 2011 at 9:51 pm
So, so beautiful! Love it!
by Chase McFadden
On September 28, 2011 at 11:13 pm
Looks good, Julie. Awesome of you to do that. And I thought the arm positioning was badass.
by Jessica
On September 28, 2011 at 11:34 pm
Your hair looks fabulous and you are fabulous for sending it to locks of love.
by Amy
On September 29, 2011 at 12:09 am
I had to laugh when you said your hair will never look like that after you take over. I’m the same way! What a great thing for you to do…that takes a lot of patience and growing! Your hair cut looks great, too!
by San Diego Momma
On September 29, 2011 at 8:10 am
I love it!
LOVE IT love it.
You’re so fresh! So stylish! So givey-backy!
And not at all wrinkly.
Also, I would like to have your arms.
And the rest of your tonedness.
XOXO
by Jeanie
On September 29, 2011 at 8:59 am
Love the new ‘do, Julie! I live mere blocks away from the Locks o’ Love offices here in W. Palm Beach, and I’ve seen firsthand the good they do. Their office space is a bit unsettling–a huge room with lots of volunteers opening individual packets like yours and sorting them according to color and texture into dozens of large plastic bins–but it’s a wonderful gift and it makes an incredible difference to recipients.
So kudos to you AND your new ‘do!
by Bridget
On September 29, 2011 at 9:47 am
I love it!! You look fabulous. You do look like a model too. In fact, I’m going to mimic that pose next time Sadie pounces on me:)
by tracy@sellabitmum
On September 29, 2011 at 10:56 am
I loved you as Mary on Little House on the Prairie – but love you even more as hot and sassy vixen. So wonderful my friend.
by Jessica
On September 29, 2011 at 11:13 am
Oh my gosh, wow. You look fantastic. Where you nervous to cut it off? I’m thinking of getting mine chopped and I have NEVER had it short.
by Tonya
On September 29, 2011 at 12:45 pm
Very hot stuff!! You look like Jennifer Aniston!!
by Lady Jennie
On September 29, 2011 at 1:00 pm
Oh thhhhhhat’s why. So so cool!
And it looks great too. I wish I could be both altruistic and beautiful at the same time like you.
by JW Moxie
On September 29, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Simply amazing – both your donation and your stunning looks, which would be good for anyone, middle aged or not.
The funny thing is that I’ve been looking for a new haircut and have been considering getting it whacked off to a bob similar to yours. I may just print your picture out and take it to a hairdresser. A *better* one than the one I went to a few months ago. I asked for Keri Hilson. What I got was Dora the Explorer. o_O
by Renee Schuls-Jacobson
On September 29, 2011 at 6:23 pm
Omigosh! I can’t even. I don’t even. I had no idea your hair was so.
This is the nicest thing a person can do.
And your new haircut looks fabulous. All shiny and sleek.
You are a good person, Julie C. Gardner.
You make me want to be a better person.
by Mrs. Tuna
On September 29, 2011 at 6:58 pm
I did that about 10 years ago, the short hair is super cute.
by Alexandra
On September 29, 2011 at 7:37 pm
Oh, that new haircut is so sexy.
What did your husband say?
I love it.
by Sweaty
On September 29, 2011 at 8:22 pm
Wow, hats off to you, lady. You walked the talk! And those who did good clearly reaped the rewards, because you looked AMAZING with your new do!
by Megan (Best of Fates)
On September 30, 2011 at 7:23 am
Fabulous. You new hair looks SO GOOD!
by Hallie
On September 30, 2011 at 9:50 pm
Love the new haircut and how sweet of you to donate to a good cause. Looks like a win/win!
by Charlene Ross
On October 2, 2011 at 7:23 am
Wow! Gorgeous! Beautiful cut – and you look stunning. (And I bet you style it just fine.) Locks of Love is such a worthy cause. What an awesome way to give. You rock Julie!
by Grumpy Grateful Mom
On October 3, 2011 at 1:58 pm
I love that program, and you look amazing with your new cut! Good karma for your great deed.
by Suniverse
On October 5, 2011 at 8:43 am
Love that haircut! You look amazing.
And what a nice donation. My hair is too awful [coarse and dry] for anyone to want it, so I applaud those who cut and donate.
by FranceRants
On October 10, 2011 at 2:37 pm
you rock that cut baby!!
i am catching up on reading my bloggy friends.
and my writing is non-existent because i think i have psyched myself out that it will be bad, thus i have walked away from it all….
am i crazy??
by Beth
On October 18, 2011 at 11:38 am
I love it! Really I do. You look Hawt! In fact, I just may do the same thing. A copy cat is the highest form of flattery so THEY (the They powers that be) say.
Oh, and I know that ‘brace yourself’ pose well having been taken out a time or two myself by our over zealous Lab. Although mine isn’t quite so sexy and eventually evolves into something resembling a standing, contorted fetal position.
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