48 Hours in Toronto: A Little Fall Fun & A Whole Lot of Freedom
Ahhhh, fall! 🍂 The leaves are changing, the days are getting shorter, and just as we're settling into sweater weather, here comes Booby Ball and the Sunday Best exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Two events in 48 hours, sweeping in like a brisk fall breeze, and I'm here for all of it!
Friday kicked off with Booby Ball, a fabulous fairy-themed gala presented by Rethink Breast Cancer. This Canadian charity has spent 25 years championing advocacy, education, and support for young women affected by breast cancer.
One of my besties and I had the pleasure of attending, and I mean, who doesn't love an excuse to get all dolled up for a wonderful cause?
This was my first time attending, and I was excited for more than just the event itself. I had some beautiful scalp embellishments waiting to make their debut, and I couldn't wait to show off my crown in all its glory!
Now, if you've been following my alopecia journey, you'll know that getting ready to go out wasn't always this enjoyable. There was a time when getting dressed came with a whole production of its own. The anxiety of trying to achieve perfection so "they couldn't tell" was always at the forefront of my mind. Was my wig wigging? Was everything sitting where it should? Was it secure? Could anyone tell something was off?
The thoughts were endless.
Mind you, I presented well. Nobody looking at me would have known just how much I was struggling internally. Behind that carefully put-together appearance was a woman constantly worrying about whether something might give her alopecia away. Even when my scalp felt like a stovetop on high, my scarf became that security blanket, helping to suppress the discomfort while I tried to look and feel like everything was okay.
Looking back, I realize just how much energy I spent trying to feel comfortable enough to enjoy myself. But I suppose part of that comfort came from the protection I thought perfection would give me. And somehow, on most days, I'd manage to pull it off, only to return home feeling defeated and mentally drained.
But Friday? After twenty-plus years of healing from alopecia, which clung to me like a shopper holding on to the last pair of size 7.5 shoes at a Black Friday sale, this Friday hit different. And I mean that in the best possible way!
Dolled up and out the door, bald and free! No wig checks, no adjusting, no wondering whether everything was still in place. Just me, myself and I (Beyoncé voice), rocking gold peep-toe shoes, a butterfly purse, and a pop of Playmate courtesy of The Lip Bar. Now that's my kind of fabulous!
Now Saturday brought a completely different energy, including a hoarse voice. A visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario to experience The Sunday Best exhibition. This time, it was all about a casual sweatpants look paired with a cute beret (and don't sleep on the dollar store; they've been coming through with some cute beanies and hats lately... you're welcome! 😉), and some thick black frames from Vooglam. Because who’s gonna check me and tell me I can't jazz up a pair of sweats?!
What I loved about both days was having fun with my appearance. No disguises, no distractions. Just me as the star of the show, not my alopecia. And there's something wonderfully freeing about that.
I don't share this because every day is fabulous or because I've somehow figured everything out. I share it because I remember when alopecia occupied so much space in my thoughts that even the simplest pleasures could feel complicated.
These days, I'm making room for so much more.
Sometimes that looks like getting all dressed up for a night out. Other times, it's throwing on a pair of sweatpants and heading to an art gallery. Neither requires me to be anything other than myself.
And if you're still navigating that complicated relationship with your appearance, I hope you give yourself room to discover what it means to feel comfortable, beautiful, and free for you, on your own terms. It doesn't have to look like my version, or anyone else's.
So here's to fall, great company and two fun-filled days in Toronto.
And to think, I almost didn't pick up the camera! 😂💗
You're Welcome
Your Bald Bestie
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