This is the first time in my married life that I’ve been able to decorate for Christmas. ^_^ (You know the drill: click to enlarge.)

This is a year of Freedom.

This is a year of Decisions.

This is a year of Awesome.

“Well enough to decorate” is a wonderful thing.

This Independence Day is important for a number of reasons, both historical and personal. I may not be at leisure to say why, so I’ll do this instead:

Time for some new hair.

I didn’t want it drastically new. Nothing I’d regret tomorrow morning. I spent some time playing with “your photo, other hair!” sites, which was less than helpful. (For the record? I and my zits will not be going bang-less. Ever.)

So, I made the appointment. Here’s the before:

And here’s after!

Duane calls it Naughty Librarian. I can definitely live with that.

The curl won’t stay, but that is oookay. We redid my bangs and layered the all-one-length mop, shaping it to frame my face.  She even cut some of the layers specifically so the wee bit of natural curl I do have would make waves.

Hair is like writing – even when it does nothing but grow.

This whole experience got me thinking about writing. (Who’s surprised? *stares at virtual sea of unraised hands*)

Hair is like writing – even when it does nothing but grow. As long as you’re alive, it’s growing – and so should your writing be.

Haircuts are a necessary part of that, too. Sometimes we just need a trim for extraneous words or broken end(ing)s. Sometimes we need a reshape, like I got today, keeping the basic “layout” but modifying the structure.

Sometimes we need an out and out makeover, length, color, and all.

“Restructure” is where I am with Kingmaker. I’m loving this new rewrite, and I’m learning tons as I do it.

What about you? Any projects in your life going through the stages of trim, makeover, color, or growth?

This is a heavy kitty post. You have been warned. ^_^

I am so modest. Can't you see?

Coming Home for the First Time

Checking Out My New Litter Box

I am a Sphinx

Adorable? Yes, I Am

Look Into My Eyes

Love Me!

I Am Art Cat

One of These Things is Not Like the Other

Ignore My Mom's Messy Bathroom

Getting Some Duane Love

Look How Happy I Made Him!

Me, Modeling As Me

Behold My Glow

See this photo? It makes me think of my story.

My book has nothing to do rusted angels, or sculptures, or nifty cars (though there are wings involved). This picture inspires me anyway. Something about the whimsical nature of this – the randomness, the work it took to achieve, the vision involved, even the oddness of fantastic wings over legs that are out of proportion. Looking at this makes my story feel alive. So what about you? Are there any images that inspire you? Post them! Let’s make ourselves a thread of pure visual inspiration!