So, I’ve been so wrapped up in the start of Kindergarten and crying while looking at Caroline’s baby pictures that I haven’t even talked about what a great weekend I had.
It started out with a little bit of a glitch when Sophie called to let me know that the extremely helpful Continental Airlines had decided to cancel her flight from Houston to San Antonio.
Well done, Continental. Way to establish trust and consumer loyalty.
Sophie was trying to figure out what to do and I just tried to be helpful by continually yelling into the phone, “JUST RENT A CAR AND DRIVE HERE! JUST RENT A CAR! IT WILL ONLY TAKE 2 1/2 HOURS! RENT A CAR! IT’S JUST A TWO HOUR DRIVE!”
Needless to say, she got off the phone with me and went in search of someone who could provide an actual solution.
In the meantime, I was able to spend some time visiting with Amanda and we had more fun talking about life. She’s just starting to potty train her little boy and I offered helpful tips along the lines of “POTTY TRAINING IS SO HARD! GIVING A TODDLER CONTROL OF ANYTHING IS A NIGHTMARE!”
Seriously, I’ll put that pep talk on DVD and make millions.
Sophie finally arrived in San Antonio around 3:30, which gave us just enough time to go in search of chips and guacamole before heading over to the Alamodome for Living Proof Live.
Right as it started, Gulley met us there and I got to see all my worlds collide. Hello internet world, meet real life world.
What ever happened to that sweet girl who was afraid to use the email?
Travis and the praise team were awesome. I mean, ya’ll, they can flat sing. Every single one of them is so incredibly gifted and I could have listened to them all night.
Beth spoke about our inheritance from God and if we would only realize that we are all heiresses of God we wouldn’t give ourselves away so cheaply. It was so incredible and God used it to continue to speak to me about how much He values us. In fact, one of Beth’s points was that not only is God our portion, but we are His. He delights in us.
I love when God uses a theme.
After it was over, several of us went to Mi Tierra to eat some late night Mexican food. It was just like being back in college except I hadn’t spent the evening drinking cheap, warm beer out of a plastic cup.
Throughout the weekend I was able to meet so many sweet women that I’ve met ON THE INTERNET over the last couple of years. It was so great to finally be able to hug people who have been such an encouragement and blessing to me. I loved every minute of it and can’t wait until we can do it again.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the most important lessons I received over the weekend.
On Friday night before the event, I was talking to Beth’s daughter, Melissa, and I asked her exactly how she fixes her hair. We have similar hair but mine is missing something. She told me the trick is hot rollers (which I already use on a regular basis) and then asked me if I back-combed my hair because it looked like what was missing was some back-combing.
So not only did I get a word from her mama, but Melissa ministered to me with some valuable hair wisdom.
Although, Melissa has a backcombing advantage because she was not a teenager in the 80’s. I guarantee she has never used a comb to do this to her hair.
Once you have backcombed your hair to achieve a full, sassy mullet, it’s hard to pick up a fine-tooth comb again.
But I can’t be held back by the sins of my past.
I’m ready to try again. I need some lift and I’ll do what must be done to get it.
In fact, I am so committed that I even purchased a brand new comb yesterday at HEB.
As long as I don’t start carrying it in my back pocket, I think I’ll be okay.
Mel says:
Well, if you DO stick that comb in your back pocket, watch out for those skating rink boys who will fly by and steal it from you!!
August 27th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Joni says:
Oh, please bring the look back. When attending future Living Proof events,you could be introduced as Big Mama of Mullet Ministries.
August 27th, 2008 at 5:31 am
Theresa says:
Oh I just love that theme, it’s something that I struggle with ALL THE TIME!!!!
Joni, I think you have something there, I’m with you.
August 27th, 2008 at 5:33 am
chocolatechic says:
Someone please tell me what back combing is….please?
August 27th, 2008 at 6:00 am
E says:
Backcombing? Oh, just call it what it is… Hair Teasing! (Or am I alone in my red-neck world here?)
When I fix my little girls’ hair with hot rollers (which, I too, use on a regular basis) my husband will ALWAYS yell out, “Mama, make it bigger!” Now? My girls say that to me when I am fixin’ my hair.
August 27th, 2008 at 6:12 am
suburbancorrespondent says:
I’m still trying to remember how we ever managed to sit down with that big piece of plastic sticking in our rear every time we tried.
August 27th, 2008 at 6:18 am
Lori says:
This “back-combing” issue has been on my mind. I love the look of the lift and the pony-tail. It must be an art, because I cannot seem to get it right. Please consider a video tutorial for those of us who are hair-impaired.
August 27th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Cabana Maam says:
You know what you need?! Check out the September edition of In Style magazine. There is a great article where Oscar Blandi teaches how to properly blow out your hair.
And it’s idiot-proof–I tried it yesterday and got LOTS of compliments on my hair.
August 27th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Ohhollyf says:
hair teasing-back combing, bring it on sistas……..just tell us what hairspray !?
August 27th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Dena Hancock says:
You are so funny…I love reading your blog!!! I grew up in the 80’s also, I can totally relate.
My last child just started kindergarden this year..know all about the tears!
August 27th, 2008 at 7:41 am
kay says:
and so life goes on even after kindergarten…. I LOVE your stories!
August 27th, 2008 at 7:51 am
lori says:
Girl I love a recap from you, and that picture, priceless.
August 27th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Gabby says:
I, too, was a victim of the big hair phase. I was blessed with such COARSE, THICK, CURLY hair, that I never needed to tease or back-comb. It just grew like it had a life of it’s own. All day long the humidity of South Carolina would do it’s work and my TOO long, curly mess would expand until my face looked like a tiny spec in the midst of a huge, hair explosion. I did use a hair pic at times (because you could not get a comb through it!).
I know you are jealous you were given “flat” hair, instead of that mass. (We sometimes want what we don’t have, and don’t like what we’ve got.
I was thinking about that in terms of your Beth recap lesson also.)
I am so sad I missed the Fiesta. Thank you for the recap.
I am also jealous you get to talk to Amanda and Melissa in real life. So cool.
I would post a picture of my hair days, but I can not even do it. It is too painful to relive.
August 27th, 2008 at 8:17 am
Kim says:
Ok, chips, guacamole, and Miss Beth… I’m over my head in jealousy! My girlfriend heard Beth speak years ago about using velcro rollers (I’m sure that wasn’t her entire message:))…. so my friend immediately purchased some assuming that was her missing ingredient to perfect hair. One of the rollers got STUCK ~ completely tangled in her hair…. the only solution? CUTTING IT OUT! Be careful of the comb!
August 27th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Ann says:
“A full sassy mullet” oh, I laughed and laughed and laughed. Yes, what we did to our hair in the eighties should scare us into never touching hair products again! Loved the first day of kindergarten too. So funny and so true!
I’ve been discussing with my first grader that she may indeed have to give up playing “princess” at recess and move on to “power rangers” or gasp, “mad scientists”. I don’t know that she can let the princess in her go!
August 27th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Beth_C says:
I think it’s ok to keep the comb in your back pocket as long as your name isn’t imprinted on the handle in metallic lettering.
Um, er, not that I ever had one like that…**cough**…ahem….
August 27th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Amber says:
I need some roller advice! I have been wanting them to give my hair some volume and style. The problem is, I don’t know what kind to get! And do you put them in when your hair is wet, damp, dry? Do you just to the topish layer for volume or all over? As you can see I need some serious roller help!!!
August 27th, 2008 at 8:28 am
shayne says:
God bless you for your courage in displaying the mullet.
I had one, only mine looked a lot like Richard Marx’s in that video “Don’t Mean Nuthin’.” And that was without the backcombing. All I can say is…when you’re tryin’ to make a livin’ there ain’t no such thing as pride. Oh no.
I’m not sure if that makes much sense to anyone but myself.
August 27th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Amber says:
to E:
You are not alone! We called it teasing. I’ve never even heard of “backcombing”. Oh, I also just got my hair done and the stylist used a product called “queen for a day”, she sprayed it at the root and then lifted while she did the blowdrying. Definite volume!
August 27th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Fran says:
Wasn’t it a Word or what??? I tell ya, this was a new scripture for me and I was soaking it all in. The part where we drew the box and put the 4 points around it….I wanted to go there for days!!!
Have a great day! Let us know how the hair ministry is going.
Love,
Fran
August 27th, 2008 at 8:33 am
NancysLostandfound says:
Someone has already asked this, so at least I’m not alone in my remedial level of hair care…what in the world in back combing? I understand teasing, but never heard it called back combing before. Is it really the same thing or something else completely different? Oh, I have so much to learn.
August 27th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Kelly says:
Awwww….. the back comb. My hair is so thick that if I back comb it - I look like Miss Mississippi 1993 (Only fatter and not as pretty) - but I have pageant hair none the less.
You worked that mullett. ha!
August 27th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Kristi says:
I’m not usually a commenter, but this post has absolutely MADE MY DAY! I started humming “My Angel is a Centerfold” (our local skating rink anthem) just looking at that pic…..PRICELESS!
August 27th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Annabelle@Christian Momma says:
Sounds like fun!
August 27th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Lucy says:
I too had a mullet back in the day. Of course I also had a perm and therefore needed to backcombing to acheive massive mountains of hair. Ah, the good old days. Go easy on the Aquanet and good luck this time around.
August 27th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Angela says:
I’m hopping around visiting all the Siesta Sisters this morning. I’m a friend of Gayle’s (WestieCrew) and have been so blessed by everyone’s posts about the weekend.
Blessings~
Angela
August 27th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Amanda says:
Ha ha ha! Melissa will love this. Sending her the link right now.
August 27th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Mary Hess says:
Woah. That picture brought back too many memories of my own personal mullets and high bangs and big hair. Whew. I need to lie down. My heart is palpitating and my stomach is all queasy. Where’s my therapist?
August 27th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Kelly @ Love Well says:
Or, maybe God was just sowing some big-hair seeds back in the mullet-infested 80s. Remember, He never wastes anything. He has a plan for you and your comb, Melanie!
August 27th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Honeybee says:
My much younger and trendier sister in law backcombs her hair. Her hair has loads of volume and she always looks so sassy!
Also the conference sounded lovely!
August 27th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Amy from Texas says:
Oh yeah… looking good! I have a picture just like that! ha. My hair was parted down the middle though. I wasn’t as cool as you. Later, it turned into 4″ high really crunchy bangs. Gotta love the 80’s.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Holly @ Crownlaiddown says:
Oh the back pocket comb is classic! Hilarious to picture, too!
I am so glad that you got some hair ministry from Melissa. However, I must say that your hair? It is a beautiful thing to behold! As is your heart…
August 27th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Melissa says:
Girl.
I have no words.
Silence.
Now gathering words.
Let me just say that I would have been much more gentle about back-combing if I would have known of your dark past. What a thorn in the flesh this must have been for you.
Made my day!
August 27th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Mrs Lemon says:
And didn’t we all droop across a wicker chair and dreamily smile away from the camera lens so as to appear casual?
August 27th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Michelle says:
I share your dark past as well, but no way am I posting a picture of my mullet on my blog!
August 27th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Tater Mama says:
You know what they say….
The higher the hair, the closer to God.
Amen.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Rhonda says:
My daughter just got her pictures taken for Junior High and I just had to tell her about my 7th grade picture. I was sporting a blue terry cloth shirt and a blue silk flower clip in my feathered hair. Fashion doesn’t get much better than that! Remember penny loafers? I used to put a dime in mine. That’s just how high class I was! Good times.
August 27th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Robyn says:
What the picture probably fails to show are the acid washed, high waisted, tight rolled jeans and either some Keds or Tretorns with colored, scrunchie socks.
I mean, that’s what I’ve been told. You know, because I never had big hair. Or a mullet. Or blue eye shadow, Or paper mache’ earrings.
Oi.
August 27th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Fuschia says:
What always amazes me about you is that you REMEMBER everything that I have apparently blocked out from high school! Those big ‘ole back pocket combs!
August 27th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Wendy says:
I know how you feel about Caroline and school starting - I just took my son Adam for his first day today. He’s my fourth child, but it doesn’t seem to get easier - maybe because he’s also my LAST child. I’m on vacation this week (so I could go with him for his first few days) and my house seems VERY empty - I keep wanting to check to see why it’s so quiet, which usually is a bad sign meaning somebody’s up to something. He’s definitely gonna be handling it better than I am.
August 27th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Mamasphere says:
Backcombing? I’ve never heard of that! You must show before and after backcombing pictures.
August 27th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Emily says:
Hey there! I just dicovered your blog after this past weekend in San Antonio and what a treat! This post is hysterical with the back combing thing! I am cracking up. I lament now over my past days without a flat iron…equally as tragic as a mullet for someone with a natural fro like me!
Where’s my Aqua Net?
Thanks for sharing your heart too, I also heard some wonderful, life changing things from God this weekend…He is my Inheritence and I am His!
August 27th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Lisa @ put-it-on-the-list says:
Been there, done the backcombing, bought the Aussie Sprunch Spray. ‘Course, in those days I had a huge perm in my straight hair, and now it’s gotten wavier as I’ve gotten older.
Do we really have to go back? Really? Say it isn’t so…
August 27th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Amy says:
Themes. He uses them to reiterate areas that need to be developed in my faith. This theme of inheritance has been on my mind for several years and was such a refreshing word to receive from Him. It was incredible to meet you, even though I think I said all of two words, “Melanie? Hello!!!” Your warmth was evident and your caring spirit palpable. It was an amazing weekend! My sister loved the music also and we could have sat for weeks and listened to them and Beth minister to us! Although, at some point, I guess we have to get back and apply all that we’ve learned!
August 27th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Ashley says:
Hey Big Mama,
I am not trying for a shameless plug- I PROMISE- but it is the only picture I have of this….the very BEST thang I’ve found to tease hair. And, at Sally’s, they are about $2-3…..anyway, if you scroll down and look at the pics, you’ll see this “Little Wonder” by Spornette. After decades of trying to backcomb w/ a rattail, this West Texas girl has found the answer! To see it…… http://sassygalglamour.com/2008/03/11/little-wonders/
August 27th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Rena says:
Is your hair really fine? Oh, sure, I know…it’s “fine” and all…but is it fine? It looks fuller than mine in your pics. I am a woman in desperate need of volume! If that’s where you’re heading…I’d like to join!
Rena
August 27th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Stephanie(ocean mommy) says:
I was getting all emotional and pondering the weekend word when you go and throw that picture up!!! I’m so glad a siesta enlightened those of us who didn’t know what backcombing was!
August 27th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Shonda says:
Hi Melanie,
I saw you at the Siesta Fiesta with Travis’ old photo and just heard the interview on the all access podcast so I came over to visit.
I too have very fine hair. For the Siesta Fiesta, I tried the back tease as well as root lifter and volumizing chemicals from Sally’s and nothing worked on my hair in the San Antonio humidity! I think the Lord is teaching me to like my fine, straight hair and stop coveting those with cute curly hair.
Nice to “meet” you.
Engrafted by His Grace-
Shonda
August 27th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Dena says:
Love the post and the picture. I’m an early 80’s grad, but still have a picture like you do with the huge wicker chair! The main difference is that big hair hadn’t been blessed to us yet at that time. We were still perfecting our sausage rolls. We were so glamorous.
August 27th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Heather says:
I cannot seem to master the back-combing, so if you get it….let us know the secret!
August 27th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
lavonda says:
okay help me. somebody PLEASE.
I read this early this morning, and
all. day. long. have been thinking about this ‘back coming’ thing.
I know what teasing is…. what in the world is ‘back coming’???
are they the same thing?
if anybody out there has a heart, please help a sister out.
August 27th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Blogaroni And Dees says:
oooh! please expound on backcombing!
maybe you or melissa could post step-by-step photo instructions on one of your blogs?
(only half-joking, just to clarify…)
August 27th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
life with the wisners says:
i believe this is what i call “the pick.” nice.
and shhh…don’t tell. i still use one. i think it’s the same one willis used on diff’rent strokes.
i’m classy. and can achieve beauty greatness, really.
so glad you had such a great time.
August 27th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Jennie B says:
I’m so glad there was clarification on the term “back-combing”! I never heard it until today. “Teasing”, I understand. I’m from the country, so sue me.
August 27th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Jennie B says:
The aforementioned “back-combing” will also help you achieve what we like to refer to in the south as “Camaro-hair”.
August 27th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Org Junkie says:
Girl all I have to say is that when you figure out this whole roller/back comb thing you must must do a tutorial about it. The world awaits your wisdom!
August 27th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
lissilulu says:
great post…
I have been in a hair fashion quaundry these past few months because my hair is reminding me of the 80’s. I get compliments all the time on it but that doesnt shake this feeling. LOL!
Lori
and furthermore….
waaaaaaaaa, you got to see Beth. But also, good for you; you got to see Beth. :o)
August 27th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Melene says:
I was blessed to be in San Antonio this weekend too. Beth Moore definitely gave me a fresh word and exactly what I needed to hear. But can I just say that one of my favorite parts of the weekend was right before you and Boo Mama talked to us and you were putting on your lip gloss….A perfect thing for our Fashion Friday writer to do! You looked very cute, by the way.
August 27th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Andi the WeevilMaw says:
Okay, gotta hair tip. It’s called “Big Sexy Hair” and it’s in a bright red tall can and it’s mousse that you spray only at your roots. And it’s cold when it hits your scalp & wakes you up if you’re still kind of sleepy(BONUS!). Anyway, I bet the BSH coupled with some back combing (with the proper comb of course) would give us all what can only be described as a modern hair miracle.
August 28th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Lindsee says:
Oh my goodness you have me rolling over here about the back combing. I did some back combing this weekend…and have a hilarious pic to prove it. I’ll let you know if I ever post it on the blog…although I think you’ve just inspired me to.
So great to hug your neck this weekend. You are too cute!
August 28th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Lindsee says:
So, I went ahead and posted the ultimate back combing picture for you!
Go check it out:
http://lindseelou.blogspot.com/2008/08/back-combing-at-its-best.html
Enjoy!
August 28th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
suzi says:
Ha ha ha ha! That ending deserves a round of applause! Too funny! Love it!
August 28th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Laurie says:
I wish I had gone to San Antonio! I love Beth Moore. . . and how she said that we are all heiresses of God and how we give ourselves away too cheaply. . . would love to hear more. . . there is just not enough of me to go around. . .maybe it isn’t just our hair that needs some back-combing and a more life. . . I mean, lift. . .
August 28th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Teri says:
I have been laughing uncontrollably at this post (not the picture..I promise)
I am a Siesta that couldn’t come to the Fiesta because her poor cupboard was bare.
No, actually I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and now taking meds..and my husband actually thought my hysterical laughter was a side effect!
I am going to put you in my favorite blog spots. Whenever I get too emotional or take myself too seriously or even get down about being sick….GOD definitely gifted you with encouragement..nothing is as encouraging as laughter..and you are great!
Blessings to you..a fellow Hairess and heiress
Teri
August 31st, 2008 at 9:00 pm