Whatnot Wednesday & Re-Inventionators: 1

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
The Scoobies and Birdie (magnified)

Whatnot Wednesday

Hello, all.  The Scoobies are on hand to help us over the midweek hump.  They’re my dearest whatnots.  In their conversation Daphne (left) and Velma (right) included a couple of tiny thrushes who have gotten into the habit of sitting in the diamond-shape “links” of the side gate — inches away from a window.  I only managed to get one in the photo though.  Their topic of discussion?  Modern Art.   

Daphne Velma in window

Daphne:  ..Maybe Birdie knows…
Velma:  Hmmm, maybe. Let me step up onto this edge-thingie so I’m a couple of inches taller.  Birdie only seems interested in teasing us.  I don’t believe her story about a chupacabra for a minute.

Daphne Velma thrush-2

Velma:   They’ve had it propped against the wall since before Halloween.  So maybe it’s a Halloween decoration.  Or, I know.  Maybe it’s modern art!  The neighbors gave us some modern art for our window view.  Or not… I don’t understand art beyond artfully barfing a hairball.
Daphne:  Your guess is as good as mine.  Maybe it’s…  Hey, I bet Rebecca Budd at the Chasing Art blog would know.   Here comes Yummy Human maybe she can ask Rebecca.  
Velma:  Hang on, I’ve got it.  Definitely art.  Those two long stick-thingies symbolize sticking-it-to somebody, like the way the neighb— Sorry.  We’re supposed to be examples of positivity.  Anyway, and the wheel must mean… ummm…  Oh! That’s for the cute UPS man. The wheel symbolizes his dedication to bringing our food.  Or something like that…

Daphne Velma looking out the window at wheelbarrow

Scoobies, why are you so interested in that wheelbarrow?
Daphne:  Wheelbarrow?  Well, I guess the neighbors didn’t make art for us after all.
Birdie:  I’m telling ya, the chupacabra did it.

Re-inventionators: 1

Who the hell am I anyway?

Last week, I hinted at a new series of posts coming up (click here).  The idea began recently while I was feeling disillusioned, disconcerted, and downright discombobulated.  Then I had an epiphany.   “I don’t know who the hell I am anymore!”
Over the past several years, there have been a lot of mostly “ungood” changes in my life (add that to the Teaganese Dictionary, because I’m trying very hard to avoid any negative self-talk).   Those changes and other events culminated in that self-question above.  There have been several times when I’ve reinvented myself, to one degree or another.  I realized that it was time to do so again.  (But only on a personal level — my “author self” remains the same.)
I knew I wasn’t the only one to have had that sudden “Who am I?” feeling.  So, I’ve invited a few people to discuss topics related to self-reinvention and life-changes.  I’ll share snippets of my own throughout the series.  Although because of my abused past, I can’t safely share a lot of details.  Try not to be frustrated when I sound vague.  Anyhow, I’m calling the series “Re-Inventionators” (another bit of Teaganese).

“Hit the reset button!”

Re-Inventionators: 1

Video below:  Hair by the Cowsills, 1969

They say people come into your life for a purpose — and after that they move on… although the departure might not be right away.  Up until recently, I had a rather difficult friend.  In the past year her already objectionable views and values became stranger, more intense, and even reprehensible… Well, you know how that kind of thing goes.  We drifted apart.  During the many years of that challenging friendship, one thing stands out to me as its “purpose” for having come into my life.  It was something she quoted her mother as saying:  “A woman can’t change anything until she changes her hair.”
Now at first that sounded utterly shallow to me.  Then looking back at myself, I abruptly realized it was true!  (Before you jump to the conclusion that it’s superficial, I’ll disclose that some of the worst abuse and bullying of my younger life centered on my hair, mostly due to the contrivance and manipulation of my worst abuser.  Although once my violent psycho-ex caught me by my long hair once when I was trying to run away from him during a foreign vacation.  I can’t help thinking of Absalom…
Back to the point and back to the present.  So, like I was saying, I suddenly realized that part of my discombobulation was feeling like I don’t know who the heck I am.
Terminator robot choosing a wig
Terminator robot choosing wig-forms (heads) by Teagan via Night Cafe
Often the inside manifests the outside… and the outside manifests the inside.  That’s my take on my ramble below.
The remark about having to change your hair before being able to change anything else came back to me, loud and clear.  I thought, “Hit the re-set button,” meaning my hair color.  Yes, it’s that big a part of my self-identity. I make no apologies for that.   Also, I’ve never made a secret of the fact that the red is from a bottle.  Two of my most respected and famous influencers were bottled redheads, Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball.
That was step-1 in my ongoing self-reinvention.  Go back to square one so I can figure out who I am.  Maybe I’ll be a redhead again when I’ve figured out who I am.  It’s the hair color of my soul.  Or maybe I’ll go… lavender.  Who knows?  I sure don’t.   Stay tuned and I’ll introduce you to other Re-Inventionators.

Video above: Historical Hairstyles by Weird History

Some (maybe most?) people are able to easily go with the flow.  Have you had a life-changer that altered your perception of yourself?  Have you ever delt with the question “Who am I?”  If so, feel free to discuss it in a comment. 
Keep it friendly.    Thanks for joining me on this odd whatnot of a rambling post.  
♣ ♣ ♣
I must include the obligatory shameless self-promotion.

Real Steampunkery Tech: True Contraptions of the Steam and Diesel Eras

Revised cover "Real Steampunkery Tech: True Contraptions of the Steam and Victorian Eras

Universal Purchase Links E-book:  relinks.me/B0DHC6JFVT Paperback:  relinks.me/B0DHD9BSJB

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56 thoughts on “Whatnot Wednesday & Re-Inventionators: 1”

  1. Pingback: Re-Inventionators: Guest, Olga Núñez Miret – Teagan's Books

  2. Oh, the hair! Sleeping on rollers or orange juice cans was the worst. Suddenly I have this tuft of white hair right in the front. I like it, I think there’s a message there.

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  3. I love that the bird is taunting the girls, lol. There are a few birds that seem to know exactly how far Bond’s leash reaches into the backyard when he’s on the patio. I’m all for reinvention!

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    1. Those two tiny thrushes were fearless. The other day I saw Velma in the living room window, looking in an odd direction — There was a male on the roof of the front porch. Little guy was singing his heart out, just like he was singing to Velma. I know that wouldn’t really be the case, but it was a cute thought. Hugs.

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  4. My mother used to dye her hair red up until she had breast cancer and her hair fell out. When it grew back white, she left it that way. My hair has been more or less blonde most of my life. I am a bit lazy about my hair and only go to the hairdresser twice a year. Good luck with your proposed change.

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    1. You have always seemed like a person who is comfortable in her own skin, and that’s a great compliment.

      I guess it will depend on “who” I end up finding somewhere inside myself, Robbie. I’ve been trying to visualize positive “parts” of myself. (We all have parts and/or layers.) I haven’t been able to see it, so I’ve been looking for sort of role models — and not finding many “women of a certain age” who show a self that reminds me of anything positive about me deep inside. So the reset button will be flipped on until I figure that out. Big hugs.

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  6. I forgot what I was going to say before I starting reading the comments!😂 Love seeing the Scoobies watching the bird! I have had many very dramatic hair transformations, every color of the rainbow, long, short, straight and curly, I have to agree it does have an effect on my attitude! Also, loved seeing you posted Hair by the Cowsills, I happen to be good friends with Paul Cowsill! 😉 (not featured in this video) Thanks for the midweek pick me up Teagan!

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    1. Hi, Tiffany. Ha! I’ve had that happen to me at other blogs when I started reading interesting comments. I’m excited to have such great conversations going with this post. Thanks very much for joining in here. What a fun coincidence about the Cowsills!
      I’ve known many women who “pretend” their dyed hair color is real, even with beautiful (although rather outlandish) multi-shade highlights. But I’ve always been upfront about it, switching shades and even going from long to short suddenly. Mine grows fast, so I don’t care. Once I did get more than I bargained for with a self-applied spiral perm. (Before I ever colored my hair, which didn’t happen until I was 40.) My hair was at least waist-length. I used 72 of those curlers. I honestly thought it would only hold a couple of weeks. That was as long as a salon perm held in my hair. Well, fortunately it turned out great and I loved it but… SIX MONTHS later it was still going strong. LOL.
      I’m so glad this post gave you a smile. Hugs!

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  7. Reinventing has been constant for me lately. The one thing I promised myself is that whatever I do, I work from love. That’s as far as I’ve got this round. I’ve had many life changing moments that require reflection. As for hair, I’m all for adding color to that and everything around me. You should see my walls…lol Love the girls’ reflections, too. I know they have deep thoughts. Hugs xo

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    1. Denise, this is such a wonderful comment. To work from love… what better commitment could there be? To kickstart a shift in mindset is a true reinvention.
      LOL, I’d love to see your colorful walls. In three rooms I did double accent walls in aqua and honey-gold. The rest of the walls and in the other rooms are pale yellow. Yes, I need to be surrounded by colors! Although part of the negativity tied to PTSD/agoraphobia has been a clothing transformation from wearing wonderful colors — as been to only going outside wearing gray clothes. It helps me feel “invisible.” But one step at a time. I feel completely unsafe without my red hair. Yes, I absolutely love having red hair, but in truth, it’s also a disguise, in case my abusers should ever… well… Anyhow. Thanks for joining this conversation. Hugs winging back to you.

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  8. This is a fun post, Teagan!

    Red or lavender, you are the bees’ knees!

    Yes, I can understand how changing hair, changed you. For me, it was changing clothes.

    I need to dig up some pics to illustrate that! Then I need to write a paragraph, or 2. I’m thinking this topic will be around for a bit, so I won’t rush. (I’m super busy until the end of the month.)

    HUGS!

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    1. That is great feedback Resa. I tried really hard to make the post fun, but without seeming to make light of anything. I’ve experienced the same about wardrobe-styles changing me, both positively, and in the past year very negatively.
      Oh wow, pictures would be terrific for your visit-post! Yes, of course, whenever you have time. I’d rather it be stress-free and fun. Hugs winging back to you.

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  9. An interesting “reinvention” post, Teagan. I love it that you know you have this power. It seems that many people aren’t aware of their ability to make that choice. I often change my hair when going through big changes (something I didn’t think about until you mentioned it here). Usually I cut it off, but there were plenty of younger times when the the color would change. It’s a visual statement of change. And thanks for the video. That was fascinating! And the girls are adorable sitting there in the window. Hugs, my friend.

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    1. Thanks, Diana. I suppose that if life’s events are enough that it’s a requirement rather than an option, one grasps that power with both hands. Naturally reinvention doesn’t need to come from dire circumstances to be a positive force whether for moving forward, or feeling grounded.
      I’m glad you liked the video. The “Weird History” folks have some interesting ones. Hugs winging back.

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    1. Bushwa! Liz, that is one of the most evocative verbal images I’ve ever read. It reverberates! I’m glad you were able to get out of there.

      I hear you. I’ve had many bad jobs with toxic environments and bosses that I honestly should have sued. But taking legal action just wasn’t part of my thought process. Now, years later, I realize that in a couple of cases, the people were so terribly bad that it was wrong of me NOT to sue them, because in effect I did nothing to impede them hurting others.

      I’m glad we have you — the you that got away from that. Hugs.

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  12. You will look fabulous no matter how you wear your hair! My son commented when looking at a collage of our family over the years, “Mom, your hair is different on every picture!” I tend to get bored with myself.

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    1. It’s lovely to see you, Darlene. Actually, I know that I won’t and I especially did not intend to fish for compliments. 🐟🐡🐙🐠🐟 But thanks for your nice words.

      That’s fun about your photos, Darlene. I have that same kind of boredom. It’s why I usually keep mine long — there’s always something different to do with it.

      You’ve relocated at least a couple of times, even to a different country. Did any of those moves feel like a reinvention to you? Or was it only the place surrounding you that seemed to change? Hugs.

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      1. Yes, relocating is a reinvention of sorts as you adapt to anew environment and culture. I found changing jobs was also a reinvention (and we won’t talk about changing husbands LOL!). My dad always said a change was as good as a rest and I tend to agree.

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  13. I loved hearing from the Scoobies. They would find our patio fascinating (all sorts of birds and squirrels) while Garfield and Samantha just go ho hum. Too much input — although Samantha, who was a stray, still longs to go outside. Love the song hair! I reinvented myself when we moved to California in 1971. Had my long hair (the bottom of which was thin) shagged. A new woman. Then I colored my hair a dark reddish brown, close to its real color. Switched to blond in California and have kept it ever since!

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    1. Thanks for joining the conversation, Noelle. Cats are so funny about what bores them. In DC, we had real chipmunks (along with squirrels and all sorts of birds), and plenty of windows where Crystal could sit to watch them. Yet she preferred to watch videos of them on TV!
      As red is the hair color of my soul, it sounds like blonde is yours. That I’m seriously contemplating going back to my natural color… (Natural except the gray… my color gets truly ugly with gray. Although I’m totally gray at the temples, the rest is only a third gray at most. I’m be glad to keep the gray temples, but that’s just too complicated for someone who does her own hair.) Anyhow, for me to consider this reflects how badly the multiple changes of the past several years have gotten into my heart and mind. Because of the past events, I feel unsafe with my real hair color. Yet red stands out too much for my agoraphobia — a big part of which is not wanting to be seen… But I’ve hit my reset button, and I’m determined to figure out who the heck I am. 😀 Hugs.

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      1. You have my prayers and good wishes that your reset goes well. I have gray at my temples and hairline, which I obviously cover up. I tried going gray by letting my hair grow out and the first months were dreadful – dishwater hair with gray. So I gave up!

        You do seem like a natural redhead!

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  14. “Watch the birdie!” I love the kitty conversation. “Hair” was my theme song when my hair started growing back after I was done with my first series of chemo. Hair is an important part of your identity, even for often clueless men.

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    1. Thanks for joining this conversation, Tim. It might be even more so for men. I had talked myself out of doing this particular post until I realized that. I recall a photo of you, with very short very blue hair. 😀 Big hugs.

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      1. Ha ha! Yes. I was going to mention that, but decided not to. You remembered. Tristan and her friend dyed my hair blue before it all fell out. That was during my second bout with cancer.

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  15. On the subject of re-invention I am very familiar. I have reinvented myself four significant times. I have to admit that conditions presented presented the need for change. The question “Who am I?” is one that continually surfaces and requires an answer. These major resets were total and involved physical location relationships, as well as, a change in the method to earn a living. The song “That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra is one I could embrace. The lines “I’ve been a pauper, a poet, a pawn , and a king ring very true. I’m looking forward to hearing more of your answer to the question.

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    1. Thanks very much for joining this conversation, John. That’s a terrific song. You know, I can see you as Sinatra. 🙂 That question does seem to keep bubbling back up to the surface, doesn’t it. A lot of my reinventions have had to do with job changes that required relocation too. Big hugs.

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  16. I do remember when I cut off my long braid in my 20s. I’m not sure it changed my life, but it did change how people seemed to perceive me. I was no longer a hippie girl, but something different –I’m not sure what. I find changing glasses can also change how and if people see you as well. At this point in life I go for anonymity but I have friends who use strange glasses to stand out. (K)

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    1. I imagine that was quite a moment for you, Kerfe. I’ve usually gone the opposite direction with length, but that was a quiet rebellion. Believe me I relate to the wish for anonymity. I’ve always *needed* color, a physical need. As agoraphobia worsened, I’ve wished for invisibility. In my mind, gray is the color of invisibility (not meaning gray hair, but clothes). Now when I have to go outside, I’m usually in my invisible gray. That desire is also part of me “hitting the reset button” and basically going to a neutral point in color, until I figure out who the heck I am now. 😀 Hugs.

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  18. Great discussion about art by the Scoobies. I think they’ve found a new calling as art critics. I know we’ve talked about identity and reinventions, so I won’t go into that. As for hair… I decided to go back to my hair colour after years of dying it, and I am not sure how I’d describe it (brown with a lot of grey. I’d love to be fully white, but that will take a bit of time, I think).

    Keep us posted on everything, Teagan. I’m looking forward to this series as well, as you know. Big hugs. ♥

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    1. Thanks, Olga. These days a lot of women are opting for natural-color hair when they get gray. My color does not gray well… looks awful. Although, like you, if it was possible, I might be happy with it pure white. Well, there’s platinum and pale silver hair dye, but I know that isn’t what you meant. 🙂
      I’m looking forward to sharing your Re-Inventionator post. Big hugs winging back.

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    1. Thanks, GP. I might find related tidbits to add to the posts. This video made by Weird History entertained me. I like their way of presenting. With these posts, I mainly intend a… a sharing of personal perspectives. I’m sure you’ve gone through some changes. If you’d like to participate, just email me. I only ask a brief writeup — at least a paragraph, but no more than a page. Regardless, thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.

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  20. I always like the Scoobies’ conversations! haha Birdie might know what’s going on! .. Interesting about the hairstyle changes having deeper meanings in life. I never thought of that, but have had many hair style and color changes over the years. 🙂

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    1. It’s good to see you, Barbara. Haha! Once, not long after I moved here. (Background, I had a metal roof installed before coming. Also here, they put AC units on the roof.) I little “door” control cover piece came open on the AC. Small though it was, when the wind started, there was such a clamor and frightful noise coming from the roof! Having no idea the thing was open, I entertained the idea that chupacabra might be real.
      I’ve always believed that styles whether clothes and or hair should be fun — and a perfectly harmless form of self-expression. I was lucky that the only job I ever had that required a uniform only consisted of a smock over my own clothes. Hugs.

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  21. I love the Scoobies’ view of the world, Teagan. I’m impressed that they share that shelf on the cat tree. All of our cats loved those shelves, but none of them ever shared.

    I look forward to reading this new series. I have read autobiographies, and it’s always interesting to see how people came to be the people they are. It’s also interesting to see where they’re going. We’re all on a journey, and very few of us are in control. Good luck with the series.

    PS, your two favorite redheads are favorites of mine, too.

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    1. I enjoyed your comment, Dan — thanks for reading. The cats were 6 months old when I got them, and easily — stretched out on that condo-shelf. Although they don’t tend to sleep/sit close enough together for a photo. Opposite ends of the loveseat sofa is as close as it gets. However, that shelf (condo roof, whatever) seems to be the designated birdwatching spot. Even though it became a snug seat for the two of them, birdwatching seems to be a peace zone. 🐱
      As a very young girl I liked Lucille Ball and especially Carol Burnett. In adulthood, learning how brilliant those two comediennes are made me really love them. Hugs.

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