The Mane Attraction

It is something every human has in common. Hair. 

Be it long, short, thin, or thick we all have a unique relationship with our locks. 

What is it that makes our hair such a BIG deal? 

There is an undeniable psychology to hair. It is a non verbal indicator that can tell 

a lot about the health, personality, and lifestyle of a person. 

 Confession time - I am going to get personal with you.

I have not cut my hair in YEARS. I had a bad experience getting a "Trim" at a cheap hair 

cutting place in a strip mall and ever since, I have been afraid to mess with my mane.

I learned to french braid and that was my way of dealing with these long locks. 

However, my hair was taking over. 

After yet another summer in the sun my head was full of split ends and broken pieces.

No amount of fancy hair product or conditioner could fix my frizzed mane.

 Worse yet, I felt like cousin-it from the Adams family!

My hair was around 19 inches long. Long hair works well with tall people - but, I am not tall.

I am 5' 4" and my hair length was disproportionate to the rest of my body.

I had to do something to tame the mane. 

I had about half a foot of hair was cut off! 

I was a little sad looking at all my old locks on the salon floor. 

After my hair was blown dry and styled I was thankful I found Amber, 

at Blake & Co. Hair Spa. 

After moving from the DC area to the little town of Front Royal, Virginia 

I was hesitant to try something new. However, a "Hair Spa" was just what I needed.

The first thing I noticed as I entered the was how clean everything was. 

I was greeted with a nice welcome and offered a choice of beverages to sip on while I waited. 

I received a large mug of hot coffee and looked through a few pages of a 

current fashion magazine, while I sat on a comfy couch near a large bay window.

My haircut started with a consultation. Then my hair was given a shampoo. 

While the conditioner soaked into my hair I received a relaxing head massage. 

This was a great treat! The massage really helped to relieved any underlaying anxiety. 

After my hair was cut and blown dry I was feeling and looking like a beauty queen. 

I was also impressed that there was not any high pressure add-on product sales.

I was informed of the product used on my hair and was told they are available, if I wanted.

After this experience I am now looking at getting a haircut as more of a treat, 

and less like an ordeal.

 

If you find yourself in the area and your hair is in need of some TLC,

 stop in and say hello to Amber & Blake.

Click on the image above to book your appointment and save some cash!

Fading Into Fall

This is the best time of year.

The seasons are beginning to transition from summer into fall.

Everyday you see more gradual changes taking place in nature.

The longer nights and cool morning temperatures are comforting 

changes from the long, hot, and humid summer days.

Take time to enjoy this brief transition as fall takes over, and summer

 becomes a distant memory. It will not last for long!

The Last Of Summer

The last official weekend of summer has now passed us by.

 It has been a great summer full of adventures and outdoor fun.

It is hard to believe it is all coming to an end.

I hope you take an opportunity for one last summer adventure,

before the cool weather of fall arrives.

Out At The County Fair

Going to the County Fair is an American summer tradition. 

The County Fair is a celebration of agricultural heritage and in rural areas 

it is an event that is not to be missed!

Summer afternoon thunderstorms are to be expected in this area.

While the rain poured down outside, we explored the exhibits inside.

This display shows off ribbon winning local produce.

Fresh tomatoes from the garden are one of the best gifts of summer.

Here are this years first and second place winners.

Half the fun of going to the county fair is seeing the animals.

 I always find my way to the bunnies.

This lovely lop is one of the most unique rabbits I have ever seen.

It was the grand champion.

Sitting on a wire floor cage will hurt a rabbits feet.

This smart bunny found a comfortable alternative.

This little rabbit took first place.

Truth be known, I really like chickens.

Someday I hope to have a few egg laying hens.

The plumage on this chicken is my favorite.

We followed the sound of music to find Linda Lay and The Springfield Exit

 bluegrass band preforming.

I was impressed with the way they all harmonized together in song.

They are extremely talented musicians.

Instruments have always fascinated me.

I really liked the simplistic design of this electric standing bass.

After the sun had set and music had faded away, we made our way back to the car.

Going to the County Fair shows you the true heart of a community.

The experience also offers a connection to a greater tradition 

that is shared by many. 

I hope this post inspires you to enjoy a summer tradition of your own!

Monday Motivation

A new week calls for a new and fresh perspective. 

You cannot always change the world, but you can change the way you choose 

to perceive the world. After all, we are what we think. 

Use your thoughts to change your world.

On Little Wings

This is the time of year that butterflies are numerous in many places including

 Shenandoah National Park.

On my recent hikes in the park I have taken many butterfly photos. 

Here are a few of my favorites!

The Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly is extremely striking.

 The bold orange and black pattern demands attention.

The male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail with a wingspan of 4 to 5 inches  is slightly smaller 

than the female.

The female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is distinguished by the blue coloration 

on the bottom portion of the hind wings.

The female Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly is also distinguished by the 

additional blue coloration. 

If you look closely you will see the faint under markings on the wings of the 
Spicebush Swallowtail.

Slightly smaller than the swallowtails, the Red-Spotted Purple butterfly 
is one of my personal favorites because of the brilliant blue coloration. 

The little Summer Azure butterfly barley the size of a dime,

 also has a beautiful blue coloration on the top side of its wings,

this is best seen when the butterfly is in flight.

Many moths are also out in the woodland at this time of year. 

This Lichen Moth is not a typical moth, 

the bright orange coloration gives it a more butterfly like appearance.

This little brown moth has more typical characteristics.

This moth belongs to the "Drepanidae" family.

This family contains about 660 species worldwide.

The Luna Moth with a wingspan of 4.5 inches long, is the king of the moths.

Luna Moths use black walnut trees as a preferred host for their eggs.

As soon as the caterpillar turns into a moth, it will no longer eat. 

The moth will live in this winged state for only about a week,

 flying at night in search of a mate.

I hope you enjoyed these photos, and they inspire you to take a closer look at the

 little winged creatures around you.

Time Of Transition

Moving into the second week of August, I am starting to see hints of autumn.

The days are becoming shorter and the nights are cooler. 

Black berries are ripe on the vines, while acorns are falling from the oak trees.

Soon the leaves will be displaying the bright colors of fall.

This transition from summer to winter is a welcomed change.

 Autumn marks an end, and celebrates a beginning.