A Couple of Days Lunch

Saturday I carried a boudoir client to the beauty shop to get her hair and makeup done. I always go with my clients and sit with them just to be part of the process. It also gives me a chance to get to know them a little better before the shoot. Most of the girls are very nervous and I want to think that the little time we spend at the beauty shop helps with the nerves.

While waiting for my girl to get dolled up and little lady came in and had a seat next to me. In one hand a bag with some hair products in it, in the other hand a photo album. She bragged to another beautician about having pictures from her renewal of her vowels after 50 years. After showing the girls in the shop she leaned over and said, "You wanna see them?" Of course I did.

She went on and on about how the church was decorated in gold for the golden years. They received a golden rod. A beautiful plant that really doesn't cost that much at all but the branches were filled with money. She bragged about how the church supplied the cake, the reception food and how wonderful it all taste. As I turned each page she pointed out people in her family just like I knew them. She showed me the beautiful antiques that were brought in from the era they were married to decorate the tables with. She told me when they were married 50 years ago it was just a simple ceremony and she wore a dress her mother had given her.

Then she carried me back in time to when they were married. Told me how young they were. They didn't know what they were doing and started having kids early. They didn't have much money and had she went on about the sacrifices she had made for her marriage and her children. Then she boasted about her children's lives now. She told me of their achievements and told me all about her grandchildren. She was so proud of her family.

Mid sentence of taking me back 50 years she said, "I have always wanted to have that done." She was pointing at my client having her makeup done. I told her she should go for it. Then she gave me that look that told me she never would and that phff under her breathe.

As soon as she was "called" back to get her hair done she was gone as fast as she appeared. For some reason I had this urge to do something for her. I just felt like if I didn't she never would and she deserved it. Every woman does even if they are 78 years old. She bragged about that too.

When my girl was through I asked the beautician that checked me out to add a makeup package to the bill and give it to the little lady in the back. Don't tell her who it was just keep it between us and make her make the appointment. If it had been my grandmother she never would've followed through. As far as I knew no one else would ever know but the beautician and myself and it felt good to do something for her.

Later that afternoon I got a phone call. It was the little lady. The "secret" was out and she had my phone number too! She thanked me and told me how surprised she was. Told me she had seen some of my photography and she had a huge extended family and would make sure I was thanked through business. Embarrassed I didn't want her to think I had a motive, I told her it was meant to be anonymous and I wanted her to enjoy it for her. She told me she had made an appointment, telling me the day and time. I bet she said thank you 100 times.

I could honestly see her smile through the phone. It made me smile too. It was $15. $15 to make her day. I spend $15 in a couple of days for lunch. I hope she follows through. I do believe that big things can be done with little effort. I didn't know her from Adam's house cat but I instantly felt connected with her. Maybe she will pass it on or do other things for herself.

Maybe you could pass it on or do other things for yourself. Its only $15, you can eat left overs for a couple of days right?...Until then

Keep Rockin