One of the true luxuries in Markdown Mom’s life is getting her hair done.  Always on the lookout for a new style or color, MDM has become a favorite patron since her hair reflects her zest for something new, something different, something fun!  This has meant a rainbow of hair colors anywhere from chocolate brown, to blonde, to pink–yes pink.  That did not turn out as well since it was right before having emergency surgery and the fever dyed all the hospital pillowcases pink which kind of reminded her of when her great aunt Gertie came to visit, blue hair and all! 

Another part of the attraction of going to have your hair styled is that a hair salon is a place to let down your hair–literally and figuratively. A good hairstylist is also a good listener.  They follow your life stories, the ups and downs, and provide the positive affirmation that would cost you $150/hour at a therapist.   Anyone who has had a disaster at the salon, knows that a good stylist is worth her weight in gold.  Once you find him/her you will follow them wherever they go.  This year, MDM’s stylist has moved 3 times, and MDM has followed her each time– the latest to a salon within a major discount retailer.  Now this location is ideal for any shopper or bargain hunter like MDM since you can shop before or after having your hair done without getting in your car and driving somewhere else. 

The venue for this present workspace attracts a unique cross-section of today’s population.  While waiting for my "do,"  my youngest daughter occupying the chair before me, two sailors came into the salon with a cart full of supplies that they had just purchased inside the store.  One sailor was in his 20’s another around 50 something.  The Duluth-Superior area is a shipping hub with sailors from lakers picking up grain, taconite, wood products, etc., and we even get the occasional international ocean vessel.   Not wanting to haul their purchases to the neighborhood bar, they negotiated a deal whereby they would leave the cart at the salon, get a cab to a  local spirit constabulary, imbibe like the good old boys that they were, return before closing and recover their packages, call another cab, and head back to the ship.  A good plan considering their state of inebriation.  For services rendered they left a $10 tip.  While this was being negotiated, another client came in direct from court to High 5 with his stylist his divorce, minutes old–ah, sharing the joy of the holiday season–what could be better than that?  Maybe, it was the Ukrainian seated next to me complaining to his stylist "Last time I got bad haircut.  You were busy so I had someone else cut hair.  Did a terrible job."  When asked who cut his hair the last time, he would not say.  "No, I will not say, just lousy haircut."  "Why won’t you tell us who it was?" queried the stylist, "Why didn’t you say something at the time?" Getting caught up in the moment, MDM piped up, "Maybe he didn’t because all of you had scissors in your hands!" LOL!!!  Well, it was funny at the time.

To make a long story shorter, the seamen returned, swaying, and extremely grateful.  They picked-up their packages wished everyone a Merry Christmas and said "See you in a couple of months."   MDM’s stylist secretly informed her that she was leaving once again and, yes, MDM will follow her loyally if somewhat reluctantly.  Where can you get a great style and be entertained at the same time?

Remember someone who makes you feel special; remember your hair stylist this Holiday Season !

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