Friday, July 06, 2007

The Latest Batch of Nothing

I was hoping to brew up a deep, meaningful, reflective post that would make up for my absence of late. But it's not coming. Yes though, I'm still around. I'm really testing the loyalty of my blog friends, I know. But we all need a vacation now and then to refresh and regroup, right? I've just needed a long one I guess. I hope you're all well!

I cut my hair last week. I went from waist-length hair to shoulder-length hair, and I'm still getting used to it. It's shorter than I'd normally go ... okay, to be honest my hair hasn't been this short since high school. And it's kind of freaking me out.

But I suffer this strange follicular amputation for reasons other than near-middle-age identity crisis. I donated my hair to a foundation that makes wigs for children battling cancer, who have lost their hair during chemo treatments. I didn't do it to be a hero - I did it to be nice. I prefer my hair to be longer than it is now. But it seemed ridiculous to leave 6 or 7 inches of hair on the floor when only a few more inches can help rebuild a little life. My hair will grow back. And hopefully what was becoming a nuisance to me can now be a blessing to someone else.

I spent the better part of my afternoon at an exhibit today. The exhibit displays the intricate inner structure of the human body through dissected human specimens preserved with acetone and polymer. Individual body parts and systems were on display, but also complete bodies, many posed in actions such as playing basketball, sitting with a drawing pad, and conducting an orchestra.

If you thought about it too much it was a little creepy - but I'm way too fascinated by science and forensics to let it get to me.

The exhibit was fabulous. I went during what is normally a work day for me and most of the population, so the exhibit was not crowded. In fact there were times I was completely alone in the rooms with these displays. I had lots of nice, quiet, unrushed time to spend reading and studying. Learning and wondering.


There are several similar exhibits touring around the country and the world. If you ever have a chance to see an exhibit like this, GO. It was amazing.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm still here ;) (God Bless Google Reader)..my daughter donated her hair to Locks of Love...perhaps the same organization that you did...it is always traumatic for me when my hairdresser cuts even my bangs too short so I know how you feel...not quite yourself. I have heard alot about this exhibit through other bloggers...but none posted photos....it is creepy, but the scientist in me is fascinated by it. You don't need to be reflective...I'm doing enough for both of us lately ;)

River Rat said...

I've been having some blah moments my self as of late, totally understand you there. Locks of Love is a wonderful thing, I did it my self a few years back. I've been seeing that exhibit in the news for a while, I bet it was fascinating to see! Have a great weekend!

Martie said...

What a nice gesture....donating your cut hair.....! Yours will grow faster than you think and you will feel like yourself once again.

I have not heard of this exibit.....not sure I would go; kinda creeps me out!

Hugs

bigwhitehat said...

Looks fun.

Glad your alive.

Lori said...

Hi Clew! We all have times of absenteeism from the blog world, so no worries there.

My hair hardly grows at all..it's always been slow-growing so I admire your ability to be able to do this. I bet you look fab with your new 'do'!

There is a creepy factor to this, definitely, but it is also interesting. I loved my P&A class in college so think I would find this fascinating.

Spin_Doc1 said...

Looks like you have not lost your blog family, welcome back.

Nelly said...

That is a cool exhibit...we have a similar one around here somewhere and it gets rave reviews. Thanks for mentioning it here.

My cousin donates her hair all the time to Locks for Love. She's done it 3 times I think. Her hair grows like a weed! Good for you woman! I'm sure it feel really good to do that. I don't think anyone would want my "nappy" hair! ha ha ha ha! LMFAO!

Anonymous said...

Daaaaang, you posted??? I'm 10 days late but uh...you posted?!!

:)

Glad you're still around buddy and that exhibit thing does look neat, yeah...I said "neat".

Anonymous said...

Hi Clew! Just checking in and letting you know I am thinking of you ...thanks for stopping by and saying hello...I know those 'times of nothin' well ;) If you have never read Bird by Bird, I highly recommend it...immediately...I believe there is a muse or two hiding between the pages for you discover...you are an awesome writer...put that on a sticky note and post it on your bathroom mirror, okay?? ;)

Lainey said...

Very interesting. I didn't go when this was in Houston. Now I wish I had.

How are you liking your hair cut? You must have thick, healthy hair for it to grow so long. Locks of Love is a great orginzation.

Joy said...

Hi Clew! so good to see you blogging again!

Anonymous said...

Such an exhibit is now in Charlotte. Looks neat. It is educational.