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Print Dear Gabby, I’m a brand new Christian in my 50s and am trying to let my hair grow. Can you give me ideas of what to do with it? Please! It looks tangled and unkempt and I don’t know how to make it look at least somewhat human. Are there Pentecostal secrets to making it look attractive? The ladies around me at the church look great but I’m beginning to look like I’m 108 years old—instead of half that. Can you help me out Gabby? Sincerely, New Long Hair in New Hampshire Dear Ms. New Hampshire, I learned to crochet when I was young but I never made anything except a small doily until three years after I married my dear Harry. My Grandmom had taught me the basic chain stitch but my poor effort was so dreadfully unlike her gorgeous pieces of needlework that I put down the needle and yarn and gave up on the whole process in six year-old disgust. Then I met Lucy Emberley, a few years after Harry and I got married. Even though she spent her days in a wheelchair, her needlework was amazing and as we’d visit with each other over tea and homemade cookies, the most marvelous and enchanting items would emerge from her knitting and crochet needles. Our conversations were engrossing, but I’d still find myself distracted by what she was assembling. Everything she created looked effortless and lovely. I had no idea how she managed to make the beautiful items and my eyes were so continually drawn to her fast-moving fingers that I had a very difficult time concentrating on what she was saying. Finally, one day, after a long pause, when it was obvious that she’d asked me a question and I was so busy watching her hands that I didn’t hear what she’d said she repeated, “Gabby, would you like me to teach you to knit and crochet?” “What?” I asked, still distracted by her moving hands, and the black beautiful sweater she was creating. “I could teach you to knit and crochet if you’d like.” “I’d love that!” I said. And she did teach me—over the next few months. She patiently taught me to knit, to purl, to cast on, and cast off. Lucy educated me about crocheting, including single, double and triple crochet stitches, the chain and popcorn stitches, and about reading patterns, including the world-famous pineapple crochet pattern. She even took the time to coach me on the tools and the yarns and shared with me many, many secrets of beautiful needlework. Before long, my own needles were happily clicking away and, although it took a long time to get comfortable with chatting and crocheting at the same time, I finally managed it. And a few years later, one of my knitted sweaters even won an award (for artistic creativity) at the county fair! So what am I saying to you, Ms. New Hampshire? I’m saying that you need to find someone who’s comfortable and relaxed about her own hair and ask her to teach you the tricks and the secrets of working with long hair. Lucy Emberley enjoyed teaching me so much that she ended up becoming a needlework teacher at the craft store for many years. There’s no reason to be frustrated about something you don’t know. Just find a teacher! I’m guessing that your pastor’s wife could point you in the right direction. Before long, your glorious hair will look as gorgeous as everyone else’s. Oh, by the way, I just want to add that, now that I’ve lived past the century mark, 108 years old doesn’t sound too terrible to me! And I hope that, if I make it to that advanced age, I’ll still look good—at least not a day over 100. Sincerely Sincere, Gabby
ninetyandnine.com © 2006, ninetyandnine.com ---------- Gabrigail VanBurden has been offering advice for longer than most of you have been alive. Email your practical Apostolic life questions to Gabby@ninetyandnine.com and be prepared for some straight answers! |
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