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After this post, I decided to try a slightly different approach for my portfolio headshot to see if I could come up with something more creative, and that offers both more personality and more clarity as to who I am & what I do. So I got my new glasses and decided to try displaying some books, but in a clever way. This is the result. My boss was truly amazing and took the pictures for me, so I could focus on balancing this stack on my head. I cannot say that this would have ended well had I been using a remote! I'm really happy with this picture, and very excited that it turned out as well as it did. This photo may seem typically librarian-y, but from what I've found, I'm one of the few students graduating in December with any interest in working with adults in public libraries. Also, I sure as hell ain't shushing anyone, so there's that.
For those wondering, the books on my head, from top to bottom, are:
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell: I've never read this book, but I thought it was apt to have it on the top of a pile of books on my head. Gladwell is a very attractive author for readers who want to learn about social sciences but don't want anything aggressively over their heads.
Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple: Only a handful of books have been able to make me laugh like this one did. A favourite RA go-to book for anyone looking for a smart laugh.
To America with Love by A. A. Gill: Another book I haven't read, but I wanted to include a more recent nonfiction book and Gill writes about United States minutia that fascinates a lot of readers. Great for Americana fans.
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach: Hands down one of my favourite books of all time. I read it every October. Great for an intelligent reader, readers who like dysfunctional families and dramas, and strongly character-driven books.
The Influencing Machine: Brooke Gladstone on the Media by Brooke Gladstone and Josh Neufeld: An excellent graphic novel about the history of media and how the industry has had a lasting influence on society. Graphic novels are excellent for reluctant readers, and a couple of the guys have really enjoyed this one. Also good for teens in civics classes.
I plan to include the information listed above--or at least the titles and authors--with the photo that will be the opening page of my portfolio. I think it adds another touch of personality to have that info there instead of leaving the reader curious but straining to see the titles of some of the books.
Also: what's up new glasses!
Everyone wanted to know how I achieved the glorious hairstyle in this post, so here is the step by step process in all its glory!
1" curling iron | hair tie or hair clip | bobby pins | music of some sort
These are the items you will need. Hairspray is optional. Music is not.
Step 1. Start with bedhead, because there's nothing classier than sharing a photo of your bedhead with the internet.
Step 2. If you have any dampness in your hair like I usually do in the morning, get rid of it. This is also a good time to seal in or adjust your part if necessary. To do that, part your hair where you want to, then blast it for a bit with cool air. If you don't have a blowdryer, make sure to do this when your hair is entirely dry--manufactured curls do not hold in even slightly damp hair, especially if you have stubborn hair.
Step 3. Gather your supplies: music, curling iron, and hair clip or hair tie.
Step 4. Clip/tie up half of your hair, & pin back any bangs or loose strands so you don't end up curling the wrong thing at the wrong time. Part the loose section down the middle. Curl the hair, going away from the face. I recommend pulling the stand down right after curling it so you get more of a loose, wavy curl than a sun-will-come-out-tomorrow look.
Step 5. AWAY from the face.
Step 6. I AM NOT JOKING IF YOU CURL TOWARD YOUR FACE YOU WILL LOOK LIKE A SOCCER MOM.
Step 7. Keep going until it's all done. It usually takes me about 45 minutes to do, but I have an exceptional amount of very thick hair. For hair of average thickness or shorter length, I wouldn't estimate more than 25 minutes of curling.
Step 8. Unpreen. Finger brush it to loosen the waves. You can also use a soft bristle brush if you prefer that, but tousle it a little bit afterward--unless the 1940s movie star look is your thing (and it's a good thing to be a thing!), in which case stop here.
Step 9. If you want to or think you need to, give all of your hair a quick sweep with the hairspray. I use this stuff simply because my mom stopped using it and there's still like three fourths of a can left. After that, back comb the ends a bit with your fingers for added volume/insanity.
Step 10: Bask.
Although this is a pretty straightforward tutorial, I'm really not sure how it will look on anyone else's hair. I think mine looks good with this style because of the amount of layers I have in my hair, so the curl is defined from cheek height all the way down to the ends. I don't know if it will look as brilliant on women with blunt haircuts, but I'd love to know so tell me if you decide to try this out!
I thought you all would enjoy a little view into the history of my hair, as told by the numerous cards in my wallet!
So from left to right, little stories about each one:
My casino ID. I worked in a casino when I lived in NJ (in human resources, not on the floor), and my picture was terrible. I mean awful. So I fixed it! I have no idea why I still have this ID, because it's useless.
My college ID. The day I took my photo for my college ID, it was hotter than hell in summer at school. It was my first day on campus as an accepted student and I was really nervous about meeting people. My future neighbour (and still good friend) said that on that first day she was terrified of me and that I looked like a real bitch. The picture conveys that well, I think. I hang onto this ID because it still gets me student discounts at the movies & in museums!
My Biltmore member ID. The Biltmore Estate's a swank place, y'all. My parents and I are all members and take friends/family up there when they haven't gone, because it's a site to behold. They started issuing IDs, and the day I took this picture it was also hotter than hell in summer. Sarah was with me that day. It was good stuff! I think this was my favourite hair ID photo.
My Library of Congress reader card. I have a purpose for this one, it wasn't just for fun. My dad claims that his senior thesis on international trials blahblahblah is in the Library of Congress, because it was original research. Anyone can get an LC reader card if they have research to attend to, and my research was researching my dad's research. So I had the card made. My hair covers so much of me here that I may or may not be naked. (Spoiler alert: my dad's paper is, in fact, at the Library of Congress!)
Last but not least, my debit card. I look weird in this picture and my hair is not in finest form--the lady made me take off my glasses and push back my hair to see my face--but that picture was taken on this day, which was actually a very good hair day indeed.
Curious, isn't it? How I can get so much older, but my hair really stays the same. I wouldn't have it any other wa, though. I love this shrub on my head.
