Yep, that is the tattooed forearm of my hairstylist showing off her latest hair trophy…my two long-ass ponytails. After painstakingly growing out my hair for the past five years, I decided it was time to chop it—to shed half a decade permanently and embrace the new.
It’s no wonder we gals get so attached to our hair. That hair’s been attached to us for years—through good times and bad, through boredom, through adventure, through love, and through sadness.
Of course, there is the obligatory idea that long hair on a woman is more beautiful, more youthful. We see celebrities wearing extensions to conceal their short hair from the public, we are told that only soccer moms and older women go short, and there’s a rumor that men prefer long hair.
Funny, but Mr. H likes short hair. Something about seeing my face better, which is quite sweet.
I had an interesting chat with one of our cool neighborhood bartenders a couple of days before the Great Ponytail Massacre. She was rocking a new pixie after a lifetime of Rapunzel hair. She felt liberated after letting it go and she looked it, like a weight had been lifted off her entire face and body.
As “pretty” as long hair can appear, I won’t miss the obscene shampoo budget or getting caught in car doors and automatic windows. The moment my ponytails were cut off, I didn’t get teary-eyed or feel regret.
I felt freaking awesome.
Now there is no mass of hair for me to hide behind. It’s just me.
Along with this newfound sense of freedom, I decided that it was time for me to take a hiatus. Last year I did a little experiment and took a two-month break from blogging and social media.
That’s right…cold turkey.
- No weekly blogging. All email notifications of likes and comments were turned off. Commenters would receive responses after the hiatus.
- No blog socializing. Though I kept up with my blogger buddies I am subscribed to through email, I refrained from my usual liking and commenting.
- No social media. This included my Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook accounts (personal and author). Email notifications were turned off and to avoid any slip-ups, all apps were removed from my smartphone.
It was my version of a going to a deserted island for a while. Though in reality I was still in Milwaukee, working in my cubicle, finishing my Yoga teacher training, and busting out my first draft of NOLA FRAN EVIE.
My intention for this experiment was to take some time away from the chatter to find focus, the kind that I was craving to achieve some personal milestones.
And, I did find it. Hell, I even nailed my first headstand after many months of hard work.
(If you want to read about my hiatus experiment last year, check out So You Want to Take a Media Vacay.)
This time my intention is quite different. Believe it or not, this go-getter doesn’t have any big life goals. The only thing I know is that I will hunt for inspiration through nature, books, and human experience.
I am searching for rejuvenation. Most of all, I simply want to be.
Rather than two months this year, I’ll be out for the month of September. I’ll still be keeping up with my favorite blogs, but I’ll be one of those lurkers who never makes their presence known. I’ll respond to any social media and blogging comments upon my return. Naturally I’ll miss you guys, but I know that you’ll all still be here when I get back.
If you miss me, you can always contact me the old-fashioned way…through email.
And, ahem—for those who still haven’t read my latest book NOLA FRAN EVIE, you know what to do. (Hint…buy it today on Amazon!)
I’ll be around until Sunday the 31st and would love to hear from you before I go dark. Thank you all for your gorgeous support.
Oh, here’s my hair…
Britt Skrabanek 
Your hair looks FAB!
Thanks so much, Wendy! I definitely feel WAY more fab than before.
Love the new do, Britt! Happy hiatus – I will feel happy in the knowledge that you are lurking in the background 🙂
Thanks, sweetie pie! I’ll be your very own silent stalker with the stylish bob.
I’ve always wanted one, haha!
I was starting to think we weren’t going to get the big reveal 🙂 Looks great. I’ve had very long and very short hair – love the short for the ease of it, but I’m somewhere in the middle now with a bob. Have a great break, hope you get lots of peace and inspiration 🙂
LOL! Funny, but I almost forgot to include the pic for you guys at the end! That would have been too much of a tease to wait until October for the reveal. I’ve had all lengths myself and now I remember how much easier and lighter short hair truly is.
I’ll see you in October, honey!
Your hair looks fabulous! I’m going to make a change soon too. My hair has been long and straight for years, and though I’m not ready to cut it short, I’m going to add some layers. For me that’s a big thing because I really love the ease of a ponytail. But I need a new look.
Enjoy your social media break! Everyone should do it from time to time. 🙂
Thanks, doll! I remember you saying that on Twitter, or somewhere. You should totally make that change! Layers are an easy way to mix things up without too much drama like my Great Ponytail Massacre.
Yes, social media breaks are crucial for our sanity. : )
I love the new do, Britt. It’s great to change every once and a while 😀 Have a great break. I’ll miss you, but look forward to your return 😀
Thanks, sweetness! I feel like I haven’t seen you because of your computer debacle and now I’m outta here for a bit…darn! I’ll miss you lots. : )
Loving the new short style 🙂 I have had short hair for years now and love it. Happy Day – Happy Time Off!
Thanks, Renee, my short hair buddy. I don’t even know what you look like! Maybe one day I’ll get to see your hairstyle. : )
I am usually the one behind the camera, so I barely have a few photos of myself – ha! Here is one of me from a few years back http://cravesadventure.wordpress.com/about/ 🙂
Your hair looks fabulous! I wish I could chop my hair off, but with mine it’s more of a hassle short than long. On account of it being curly, it’s difficult to control it and keep it out of my face if it’s not tied back or held with a clip. =/
You’ll be missed! But at least it’s just one month this time. 😉 I hope you have a wonderful break!
Thanks, honey! I have a friend with SUPER curly hair that does manage a bob. Half the time she keeps it wet, gelled, and slicked back in a bun. But when she leaves it down and styles it, it looks really awesome. I know it’s more difficult though.
Yes, one month is not as long as last year. I just needed a mini-hiatus this year, since I don’t have as much going on. I’ll miss you. See you in October!
Your hair looks amazing! Good on you for braving the chop! I felt the same when I got my hair cut recently. The hair stylist kept asking “Are you ready?” as if I was making a mistake. But I didn’t feel any hesitation or regret at all. I STILL keep using WAY too much shampoo/conditioner though. Guess I’ll learn eventually.
Naturally I’ll miss “having you around” over the next month but happy for you to take this break to focus on what you need. We’ll all be here waiting for you when you return. Muah!
I remember when you first busted out your chic cut. Such an awesome change, isn’t it? That’s so funny about your hairstylist. In fact hair in general is so funny. It grows back, people! : )
I’ll miss you too, sweet thang. Can’t wait to travel some more with you…lurker style! I’m like your happily little stowaway. Muah!
You do look good, Britt– long or short– but I like the new do. Enjoy your quiet time
Thanks so much, Dannie! I will definitely enjoy the break. See you in a bit!
You look like one of those lovely black and white movie stars – perfect for the new Nola Fran Evie look! I had to laugh when I saw hiatus in the title – just when I’m thinking of maybe reappearing! 🙂 I highly recommend the social media breaks though. They really help with creativity and sanity and all that. Hope you have a great time away and I’ll look forward to your reappearance!
Hey, stranger! Aw, shucks..that’s so awesome to hear. I was missing that retro vibe that accompanies a shorter style, so yay for that compliment!
Haha! Maybe I needed to vacate the blog premises so you could reenter. It sounds like your break has been incredible for you and that you’re ready to come back. If one of your fabulous posts pops up in my inbox, I’ll definitely be lurking. See you soon, pretty!
Your hair looks smashing!
I can’t pull off hair any shorter than chin-length, but I am intimately familiar with the feeling of freedom and lightness after a haircut 🙂
Thanks, hon! Shorter than chin-length is pretty daring stuff, I know. I went pixie once before but would never endure the growing out process from that length again. So much freedom…lovin’ it!
Happy Hiatus! Don’t lurk too much; get out and enjoy being a looker with your sassy new haircut. Was your hair long enough to donate to the people who make wigs for cancer patients?
Thanks, Gallivanta! My lurking will be pretty laid back. I’ll keep up with my blogging buddies so I don’t feel too lonely, but the inspiration hunt is my focus. The hair wasn’t quite long enough, though I donated once before. My hairstylist is using my ponytail as a swatch for her clients, since she loves my natural hair color and thinks other people might want it. We might see a bunch of Britt clones in Portland soon! : )