GingeRED

Growing up as a redhead was far from easy. In the land of plentiful blondes and brunettes, I stuck out like a sore thumb. From being called names to being a magnet for unwanted attention from teachers, it was an exhausting life, and not one for which I had much appreciation. To combat this, my mom searched high and low for examples of redheads depicted in a positive light, as many of the stories we read in school and the programs we saw on television showed redheads as everything from class clowns and bullies to ogres and monsters. Books about mermaids, fairies, and angels filled my shelves, and paintings and postcards were tacked to my walls.

As I grew older, and grew into my wild mane of red, I began to develop a deep appreciation for my hair. As much as adolescents yearn to fit in, we all want to possess something that will set us apart. I was born with my unique quality, and wear it everyday. Being a redhead gave me the personality I have today - of resilience, confidence, a little sarcasm and humility. For better, I know what it's like to feel different, even in my tiny bubble of white American living.

Today is Redhead Day, or Roodharigendag in the Netherlands, when all those redhaired gather on the first weekend of September to revel in their color, to be proud and powerful carrot tops. In other words, Love a Ginger Day.

Gotta get me some of these...

Photo credit:  http://mumbrella.com.au/