Arts in the Family: A Family of Artists Just Trying to Make a Living in the Wilds of Texas

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Saturday, January 29, 2011

Friday Roundup on Saturday Night


Friday got away from me so I didn't get a chance to post my recap of the week so I'm doing now. I had a couple of Doc Ed presentations at the Scenic Hills Elementary School on Friday afternoon. The folks there were very nice. The teachers were very helpful and they were nice enough to take a few photos of the presentations for me. One of the perks of being Doc Ed is that I essentially am myself when I appear as the character of Doc Ed. Pretty easy. The drawback, for me anyway, is that Doc Edwards has a specific look for his hair which means I have to cut my hair regularly. As my wife will tell you I generally let my hair sprout like weeds in a vacant lot until I have no choice but to cut it. For the last three years I've had to keep my hair neat and trim. Over the holidays when there were no Doc Ed presentations, I didn't bother cutting my hair so it was a little bushier than normal. I kept promising I'd cut it well before the day of my first presentation of the New Year. I didn't.

Fast forward to Friday the 28th. I've my first official Doc Ed presentation scheduled for midday and I needed to get my haircut quick. I check out the nearest Super Cuts- type place near our house. I walk in and there are two stylist there... all on one side of a very large room. One is busy cutting a patron's hair while the other is in a slump/ reclined position on his chair. Both looked at me when I walked in but said nothing. There was an awkward pause and silence which I broke by saying "good morning" and "I'd like a haircut." The stylist busy cutting hair asked me to sign in. Now keep in mind that other than the one patron getting his hair cut I was the only other patron present. I sign in anyway. "When in Rome", as they say. Besides you don't question the logic of someone with a sharp instrument in their hands.

Now as soon as I signed in the half slumped, half reclining stylist guy stood up and in a weary, raspy voice asked me if I was ready. I assumed he meant ready for a haircut. I replied in the affirmative. My assumption was correct. At that point I could have easily turned and left the building but I needed the haircut. I sat down and told him how I wanted my hair cut and he asked me if I wanted him to use the shears or the clippers. I usually like to leave such matters to an expert but apparently my advice was needed. I was simultaneously flattered and frightened. I replied in as calm a voice as possible, " Whatever you think is best." I scanned his station to make sure the proper credentials were on display. He starts cutting.

The reason he sounded raspy was because he had what sounded like a very nasty cold which required him to sniffle up his very runny nose. I'm not sure that's the best way to write that but you get the picture. I don't recall him ever reaching for a tissue but my eyes may have been closed. Thankfully he worked fast. I paid him and left wondering "Why me?!" I don't know if there's a real lesson to be learned here but if there is I'm sure I'd soon forget it. And even if I did remember that lesson I'd probably just ignore it. Nuff' said. Good night.


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