Well, I quietly passed my 7-year mark last month, --- the actual date of my devastating Y2K short haircut being June 21st, 2000... WOW, a whole 7 years of growth, with only a sparse few professional trims along the way (my last one being May of '04)! Anyway, this particular pic was taken in Dec. of just last year; but my mane has only grown a couple of inches since then, so no point in taking any new pics just yet (lol)!! And besides, even though I 've recently gotten a new camera, I still haven't had time to read about how to work it yet! New pics will EVENTUALLY be posted sometime this summer; but don't expect anything too "exciting" in the growth dept. (lol)!
- Ken
Looks fantastic Ken =)
Much appreciate the compliment, Bobbo! BTW, how do you pronounce your handle name, --- with a long "o" or short? I like it, regardless!
- Ken
Hi Ken,
Congratulations on achieving over 7 full years of growing, and thank you for being such an inspiration to so many of us here on the hyperboard. The important thing to remember is that your mane is STILL growing, even if you think ithas slowed down lately, so you still have not reached terminal length. It is only a small percentage of guys at our age who can claim to have belt length hair, and you are one of the fortunate few, so I am sure you are happy with that.
I am looking forward to your latest pictures, when you get the hang of using your new digital camera. With the awesome California scenery as a backdrop, I am sure the pictures will be awseome.
Take care,
David
In your reference to, "guys at our age", I'm sure you realize, of course, that I am only in my late 20s... As in: very, very, VERY "late 20s" (as late as any stretch of the imagination can still call "20s" - lol)!! Guys our age have to hang onto our youth as hard and desperately as we can, --- right (lol)? Well, in any case, seriously now, thank you SO much for the nice compliments, David! And may I also say again how much I love love lvoe your avatar pic, --- it is hands-down hearty-warmingly BEAUTIFUL!!!
I just wish you'd come out and visit the West Coast SOONER than '09, --- that's just too long a time to have to wait to meet you!!
- Ken
Hi Ken,
Yes, I agree about the youth thing, we are only as old as we feel, and I sure don't feel my age right now, late 20's, that sounds PEREFECTLY fine to me, lol!
Thank you for your very kind words about my avatar. It's ironic, in a way, I am always cursing the eternally windy weather in Nova Scotia. However, as so many of us have found out recently, wind really is nature's best stylist, and really brings out the natural look that makes having long hair so much FUN!
And Ken, about your own avatar, even though it may be a couple of years old, PLEASE don't ever change it. The warmth and friendliness that you have always shown to everyone really comes shining through in your avatar, you look so happy!
I agree about 2009, it seems SO long to wait to meet and greet for the first time. But they say the BEST things come to those who wait! I am counting down the days to retirement, 391 calendar days today, lol (that's when I turn 55)! Then I can make my plans for my trip in earnest. In fact, having the opportunity to meet you is one of the main reasons I am planning my trip in the first place. Sometimes, I have a burning desire to actually live out your way. However, all my family and friends are in Nova Scotia, and the ties are too hard to break right now.
Take care, Ken and my very best to you,
David
Ken, the results are beautiful! Late afternoon or early morning? The lighting in the shot, AS IS YOUR MANE AS WELL, is superlative! Even take it? Whoa. Beautiful. I like how you have two or three natural shades comin' in now; mine's like that, too, although not as light as your color.
Yeeee-ha, Urban Cowboy! Keep it growin' and goin'!
Yours in longhaired (and bearded) camaraderie,
Quenyan (+:-)}
Thanks, Quenyan!
Yes, the shot was taken in the late afternoon; and yes, Even did indeed take the pic, --- we are BOTH not "morning people" (lol)!!
As far as hair color goes, I have a lot of grey now (actually, more like "white"), --- especially coming in closer to the scalp. But, from in back is where you see all the remaining blonde shades from my younger days... But, I'm fine with the white hairs, --- I've never dyed my mane, and have no plan on doing so in the future; but I do joke about prefering to step outside only in the early mornig or late afternoon, when the angle of the sun is most flattering to my hair color (lol)!!
Take care, --- and thanks again!
- Ken
Looks great Ken, I am jealous... :)
Hey there, Chris! You have nothing to be jealous about, really, --- your mane is far thicker and fuller than mine, as far as I can see.... and you're not going grey yet, either! I'll trade ya (lol)!!
I joke about the fact that I only step outside nowadays in either the very early morning, or very late afternoon, --- when the angle of the sun is most intensely orange, and best flatters what few blonde hairs I still have left (lol)! The pic I included was taken in the late afternoon... it's those little photography tricks that make people jealous!!
Thanks again, Chris!
- Ken
Hey Ken
Does your long hair ever look GREAT! Thanks for posting the pic.
Though I have not met you in person....(yet), I tried and arrived at the best colours I could (most natural looking?) in less than a minute until you are able to get that new camera that you want.
But, going on the photo you supplied, it shows magnificent long hair...........no question about that! :-)
All the best -
Justin~
Thanks a bundle, Justin!! Yes, this does indeed look more like what my hair in "real life" looks like... Of course, I try my best to fool everyone, and only step outside into the world during the hours of 7 - 9AM, and from about 6 - 8PM, --- when the angle of the sun looks most flattering into fooling everyone that I am a total natural blonde with no grey whatsoever (lol)!! But, just like Cinderella at the stroke of midnight, the minute the sun goes down in the evening (or up too high in the daytime), I rush indoors to hide (lol).... It's tough getting into my late 20s now.... And I'm into my very, very, VERY "late 20s"!!!
Thanks again, Justin! And, oh, by the way, i DO have a new camera; it's just that I haven't had the time to learn about how it works yet (lol)!!
- Ken
Ken, You are definitely an inspiration to all of us growing out our hair. You are blessed with lovely long blonde healthy hair. I am really looking forward to seeing your new pics sometime this year. Can't wait! Thanks for sharing this inspirational update with all of us! See you around the ranch, Partner! lol. Take care Ken
Thanks so much, Chris! Yes, sometime this year I will indeed learn how to work my new camera... But, I am SO SLO-O-O-O-O-OW at learning how to operate new techy things, --- it's like going to the dentist for me: I just put it off and off and off and off.... Hopefully I'll learn how to use the damn thing before digital cameras start being called, "dinosaurs" (lol)!!
Thanks again, Chris, --- and it is a pleasure having you part of the regular "ranch" scene!
- Ken
I really like that pic Ken! The hair and the whole scenery fits so well togeher, someday i would love to visit California, as there seem to be so many interesting stuff to see there.
By the way, do you dye your hair? As you seem to have such different colours in it, anyway it looks great!
Take care!
Simon
Thanks so much for the kind words, Simon! Yes, California does indeed have many wonderful things to see and do; but, I could say the same for Scandanavia as well (aren't you from Sweden? I think that's where I remember reading you are from)...
As far as my hair color goes... No, I have never dyed it (or permed it, or done anything chemically to change it, etc.); but I do joke about trying to step outside only in late afternoon or very early morning, when the angle of the sun is most flattering into making my hair look its blondest (lol)!! I have a lot of white hairs; but, I'm fine with that (I've "earned" them - lol). When I finally get around to taking pics with my new camera, I''l try to remember to include some close-ups of my hair, so people can see all the colors (including the while - lol)!!
Thanks again, Simon!
- Ken
Yeah Scandinavia is truly a beautiful place as well. I live in the northernmost city in Sweden named Kiruna, it's a rather famous place in the winters just because of all the snow we have, and of course many tourists come and visit the ice-hotel wich lies in Jukkasjärvi, about 9 miles from here, maybe you've heard of it before:)
Simon
Hi again Simon,
I have indeed heard about the famous ice-hotel (isn't it also called the, "ice palace"?); but, that could be because my late step-dad was/is Danish, --- so, I used to hear him talk a lot about many aspects of Scandanavia. The exact names of the cities you mentioned, though, are totally unfamiliar names to me... Some day I'd love to visit your beautiful country, though!
Take care,
Ken
Hi Ken!
First thing I have to say is that your hair is truely awesome and that the past seven years have to be some of the best of your life.I too get the feeling that maybe I've maxed out on growth but it could be I'm paying too close attention to it.Once you get to waist length I'm sure the inches of additional growth are less noticable possibly.Regardless I'm happy with what I do have as more would be just icing on the cake!LOL.Like others said you are an inspiration to all here with your wonderful hair and of course your wisdom too.Thanks for being the great participant to this board that you are. This board would not be the same without you.Mark
Thanks so much for your kind words, Mark!
I get a big kick out of the hyperboard, as you can probably already figure out (lol), --- so it is just as much a joy for me to be a part of this place, as it is to hear others have enjoyed my contributions here as well...
As far as "terminal length" goes, once I find out for sure that I've reached it, I may shorten my mane a bit to whatever length/style i liked most; but, we'll see what happens as time marches on...
Thanks again, Mark, --- and I've enjoyed seeing all your recent updates as well!
- Ken
Thanks so much, Walter! You have always been so kind in your responses towards me, which i greatly appreciate!! Your update pics have also been inspiring to see recently, --- especially since i remember that it wasn't all thatlong ago that I remember you making the decision to have to cut it due to damage... It was heart-breaking at the time; but the pay-off is definitely starting to show now, --- and your curls are hands-down MAGNIFICENT!!!
Thanks again, Walter!
- Ken
7 years and still growing a few inches!. I think thats great!.
Your hair always looked good!. Too bad with the y2k thing, but it seems you are doing great this time.
Restav
Thanks, Restav! The good thing that came out of my Y2K haircut was that it more or less made me realize the value of making a COMMITMENT to long hair... Prior to Y2K, I approached the whole thing rather casually, falsely assuming that maybe growing my hair out was just a "phase" I wanted to "try out".... Well, I tried it long for a total of 9 years back then, --- and when I cut it, I was shocked and surprised at how much I missed having it... So, to make a long story short: I guess i had to learn the hard way that I'm a, "longhair for life!"
Thanks again for you kind words, Restav!
- Ken in San Francisco
Well, excellent hair as always. The thing I look forward to with your updates is not so much an increase in length as it is the interesting settings and animated expressions.
See you then, Bragi
Thanks so much, Bragi!! OK, now i have to admit that I'm a bit worried: not so much about the, "interesting settings" as I am about providing the, "animated expressions" (lol)!!
Finding cool backgrounds here in San Francisco and Northern Calif. in general is almost as easy as simply stepping foot outside the door... With the dramatic Pacific only about 5 miles away from where I live; the giant Redwoods about 45 minutes away; the "city by the Bay" at my feet; the towering Sierras a half-day's drive away... I have a ton of choices to have some fun with!
But, "animated expressions"??? Uh-oh... I'd better look back into my updates from the past to see what you might be talking about there (lol)....
Anyway, thanks so much again, Matt!
- Ken
Ken your hair is simply gorgeous. Looking forward to 10 yrs and beyond. Is Even snapping the photo? If so you you need to find a third someone to snap the both of you side by side. Double the pleasure double the fun! Blind us with blondness even if it is on the other board.
peace, jonalbear.
Lol, --- OK, your "blind us with blondeness" request will eventually be fulfilled, jonalbear... Your wish is my command; but, WATCH OUT: you may need extra dark glare-resistant sunglasses in order to withstand looking at it (lol)!!
In answer to your question... Yes, Even did indeed take that photo, --- in fact, I took one of him that same day! I just asked his permission to post a pic of him from that scene, and will do so right after I send this reply off....
Thanks again for your kind words, jonalbear!
- Ken
Here's that pic of my "other half", jonalbear, who was my photographer that day... you'll notice he had a multitude of small braids here!
- Ken
Well, you can't have it All, now... ;-) (jk)
Carol
Why not???? I mean, us cowboys are a pretty selfish lot, you know, --- especially us URBAN cowboy-types (lol)!! We "want our cake" AND we eat ALL of it, too (lol)!!!! If I can't have hair dragging on the floor where i trip on it every morning on my way to the bathroom, then... (sigh)... I guess I'll TRY to be "happy" with just belt-length...
- Ken
WOW Ken it looks great as always! take care and looking good!
Thanks, Steve, --- and eventually, I promise I'll get around to a more current series of update pics SOON (since that shot was taken back in early Dec. of '06), once I get familiar with my new camera (as well as have the spare time to take some of those pics)!
- Ken
Well first off Ken congratulations on seven years - WOW!! Your hair is so long, I never realised it was belt length, it looks absolutely superb. You look like you live in a beautiful area too, and the evening sun really compliments the mood.
Thanks for updating us!
All the best Dave
Thanks, Dave! And as far as the evening sun goes, that's how i can stay, "forever blonde" (lol)!! The secret is this: no matter how many white hairs I get, I just make sure to step outside only in the early morning hours, or in the very late afternoon... No hair dye needed, as everyone will think I'm still 100% "natural blonde", because the angle of the sun and stronger orange color make it forever possible!
- Ken
Hey
Ken
Great mane you have awesome very cool indeed as you cant really tell in the avatar but i do like your avatar, Awesome finally taking to you in the Chatroom to
Axel
Hey Axel,
It was fun talking with you, too in Chat, --- only my 3rd time there! Anyway, thanks so much for the compliments, as I much appreciate it!!! Take care, Zig!
- Ken
Hey Ken..
Whats up man? Wow.. your hair looks great at that length! -and super healthy too. It truly is an inspiration for all us long hair "wanna-bees"
Hopefully one day I'll be there as well...
Be Blessed..
Tristan
Hey there, Tristan, thanks for the nice compliments! In my opinion, every stage except "short" is fun (lol), --- including, from my perspective, even some aspects of the, "awkward stages"... Right now I want to see how long my hair will grow untl it grows no more, AKA "terminal length"; but there may come a day when I might want to go back to a slightly shorter length, --- like, for example, I remember really enjoying it around shoulder - shoulder blade length. I wore it down & loose more often back then than I do now, because San Francisco can be a cery windy city, --- and the longer your hair gets, the more of a hassle it is to get untangled all the time! So, even though this pic is of me with my hair loose, I rarely actually wear it that way day-to-day: usually in a braid, bun, or multiple hair-ties down the ponytail... that's the price you have to pay once it gets this long (lol)!!
Thanks again for your nice comments!
- Ken
Ken,
Your hair has a ruggad look to match the terrain, waves to compliment the ocean, and highlights that pay tribute to the sun. Outstanding!
Mouse
Thanks so much for the VERY kind words, Mouse, --- I'm blushing (lol)!!
Truth be told, as I mentioned to some of the others in my replies, I jokingly state that I now only step outside during either the very early morning hours, or only at the very end of the day, --- in either case, the strong color of the sun at the steep angle at those times of the day give my hair a "forever blonde" look... which hides all the grey (lol)!
You are so lucky: you have a drop-dead GORGEOUS red color to your hair, --- not fair (lol)!! I saw your most recent update (although it was already waaaaaaaay down the page by the time I saw it, so I didn't reply at the time): and my compliments back to you as well!!!
Take care,
Ken in San Francisco
Thanks for the compliments, Ken. I tend to stay inside around midday as well...though for different reasons. With my fair skin I don't just sunburn, I go up in flames! lol.
Hi Ken
I had no idea your hair was that long. I imagine you've posted a length pic in the past but I must have missed it. You have a really great mane one to be envied most definitely. Post a few more if you have time as I know you work a lot of hours and more than one job
;)
Kevin
Thanks so much, Kevin! Yes, at some point I will indeed post more recent pics; but as of yet, I have not had the time it takes to sit down and learn all about my new camera, --- and every time I attempt to, I'm too tired to stay awake and read anything (lol)!! But, I do love photography, --- and hair as well as good background scenery being 2 of my favorite subjects to photograph, I'm hoping eventually to have some fun pics to share later this summer or fall... we'll see!
Thanks again, Kevin!
- Ken
Your hair is great and you obviously take very good care of it. This could be a poster with the caption: "What good hair care can do". It shows. Excellent.
WOW, thanks for the kind words, Stan! Yes, I do try my best to take good care of my mane... and it's certainly more work than when my hair was much shorter! I might even post a close-up pic, if I can find one I like in my iphoto files, --- although then everyone will see just how much grey I now have (lol)!!
Take care, --- and thanks again!
- Ken in San Francisco
Congrats on the awesome milestone for last month, and I LOVE the way the hair colour matches the background. Excellent growth :)
Well, i PLANNED it that way (lol), --- let's just call it my own interpretation of being an honor student graduate of, "Urban Cowboy's Hair Design School" (lol)!!
- Ken
i love the stripes! thank you for keeping your natural coloring! i can't help but wonder what mine will look like as i age, because my hair is naturally striped already. (brown with streaks of gold and auburn.) but i hope it looks as lovely as yours!
Wow Ken that is a stunning picture, not only the length but the colors shows quite well in the sunlight. The grey streaks add considerably to the coolness of the look :)
Looking forward to your future updates (when you get the camera worked out!)