That is Finn and Monica back there.

Last week at the park we met that lady and her sweet boy.  He's 8 months old and I thought it was so cute she brought him to the park and was showing him all the stuff.  Very friendly woman, which didn't feel very familiar to me...usually the other parents at the park are annoyingly nerdy or something.  Anyhoo... It was fun.   And I have long adored the name Finn, but felt like I couldn't name my boy that due to my heritage, like the Finns would misinterpret his Irish name.  Maybe I still will someday.  So just don't tell me you like that name because I said it first and I have dibs.

This little climber is so Queen of the Castle.  She is just beaming!

More about those cards. And my client/stylist relationships.

The reason why I ever hesitate (to do a mailing out to clients we haven't seen in a while) is... well, I suppose it is multi-layered. First, I hate the feeling of pestering someone or begging. It is good to think of it as a simple reminder. Second, why did this client leave? Did she not like her hair? (GASP! what on earth is wrong with her?) Why not?

 Sometimes I know a style doesn't turn out to be what she expected,  it can take working with a person's hair a couple times before it makes sense. Imagine trying to replicate a dress, creating your own pattern, with  results very similar to the original garment expected, but using different fabric--that is weight, texture and print. It is difficult when a woman (I have only ever had one guy who was particular and liked to talk about his hair so long I had to book out an extra 15minutes) finds a photo, assuming it will work as well for her as it does for the model. Showing me a photo of a hairdo she likes is very helpful, but then I ask her to point out another picture (or I show her that style in a different haircolor, or different angle), to see if there is consistancy. I can get a better idea of what they are going for, and if neccessary, I explain that we can go for the feel of that style; this is what will work, and this is where we'll have a similar feel. There are clients who are really good at describing.  There are clients who just speak my language.  Those are my loyals.  I love them!!  One person "fired" me, over the phone, and very respectfully.  It was a little uncomfortable, but I appreciated knowing what went wrong.  She liked me personally, I could tell, but I changed her hairstyle.  And she found a girl from her church who was doing hair, and this client just wanted to let me know she was moving on.  I don't think I could do that, but I was glad she did.  Other clients have silently fired me by not coming back.  Those are the ones I am afraid to send the card to, but I don't know for sure who they are. 

Bangs are such a big deal at MOE. And probably every salon. I design my own cuts around how I want my bangs. Often women will show me a photo, and then clarify, "I do NOT want bangs." or "I NEED my bangs." There are scars under a lot of bangs. And high foreheads, and birthmarks, and worry lines. Those sweeping bangs are cowlick management, ponytail 'something by my face' accompaniments. And layers, unless they are stepped, and disconnected (think deliberate punk or runway) are not numbered. There is no 'first layer, second layer'; they are differentiated by length, and direction of the cut. If you want some volume in your layers, they shouldn't be much longer than 5 inches in the crown. If your hair is long, shorter layers will often make the ends look thinner, because there is not as much going on down there past your collar bone. Variations of the shag will always be instyle. It just depends on how you want to rock it.

If you are never going to use product or blowdry your hair, tell your stylist this. She or he can then talk about the way your hair will react to the cut you are interested in. And People, if you have found a look you like online, or in a magazine, THERE IS PRODUCT IN HER HAIR, AND IT HAS BEEN HEAT STYLED. NO, YOU CANNOT GET A PERM THAT LOOSE, BECAUSE IT IS EITHER A) NATURAL CURL, OR B) CURLING IRON STYLED. Phew. I feel a lot better now.  By the way, aside from shampoo and conditioner, my hair ususally has about 3 or 4 products in it.  Root booster, often a 'plumping'/volume spray, volumizing gel, pomade, and hairspray.  If I don't use a conditioner in the shower, I use spray leave-in reconstructing conditioner.  It takes 10 minutes to dry my hair, and if I don't use the blowdrier, I am always sorry.  My hair is too flat in the crown, and too weirdly waved/bent everywhere else.  I rarely use my flat iron or curling iron.  Maybe on the second day, or for a date.

It will be interesting to see if there is much response from the cards.  And hopefully this week will be better. I'm guessing cards and appointment calls will arrive Tuesday...fingers crossed!
 Kind of makes for boring reading here, but, "I DO WHAT I WANT."  WAAAAAAHHHHHAAAAAA! Christmas is less than 3 months away.  I hope you are getting a hair do twice by then.

I sent out a few cards yesterday.

I printed these at Costco and stuck 'em on some blank cards. I wrote a note to everybody, with a little customized offer. Some people I haven't seen in over a year, and figured what the heck. Some people are my loyals, and I offered a little treat for them, too. I will work on more cards on Tuesday when I get back to work. The cards and the list are sitting on the manicure table waiting for me. Turns out my handwriting is rather messy since the only thing I really write by hand anymore is my grocery list and my signature.

when you're green you are growing...

when you are ripe you rot.

Thank you all for the support and suggestions.  But, I have decided to retire from the salon. NOT.  I just wanted to see what that felt like.  A time like this (last night it dawned on me that September IS ALWAYS slower, but with people spacing things out a little further, the books look even thinner), I do realize it is not a good idea to make that kind of decision.  Because when I am busy, I am so happy.  Probably I need to have a little sit down with MOE, and tell him my worries seriously.  I just make comments about it all, dripping with sarcasm or tight with hope.  And with your support, I have come up with a little promotion for the holidays.  I am going to offer a travel size of my favorite hairspray or shampoo with the purchase of a gift certificate.  We have a referral program, but I need to send out cards reminding my loyal fanatics to send in their mechanics and hygienists, and maybe change the offer.  Right now our offer is: Send in a referral, get 5 bucks off your next service. "Friendly Money."  But I think we should offer a percentage, like 25% off for both the loyal oldie and the new potential. 

I just don't want to be too still over there at the MOE, because I do love my boss and the flexibilty he and his wife allow, and part of the love is that they don't do drugs or create drama. Very important to me.

One good thing about having a "vacation day" yesterday, I wasn't exhausted when I was getting ready for bed.  Habtamu played outside with the kids for a while so I could pout.  Ha!  Thats what I chose to do, but I think he was hoping I'd find other inspiration.  Then he was able to get the grass cut while I sat with the kiddies on the front step.  The neighbor boys are always over when we are outside, last night was no different, so I helped them burn off some energy by playing games and being the hider helper.  You know, I am sure it is only due to the low English level of their Dad that I don't get huge Thank You cards for watching them, keeping the younger one out from under the traffic, and refereeing the brotherly fights.  They so owe me.  Today is a new day.  A rainy new day.  And tomorrow I do have some heads to work on.  Real live heads that come with people attached and wallets in tow.  Yippii!!

Also, the new blogger format...i can't find a spell check. and i really need it. what do i do about that?

I've been wanting to post these photos...so I am just adding them into this randomness!

I saw a very handsome man standing on a park bridge, flower in hand, as the kids and I made our way to the playground this week.  I couldn't resist and said, "This is just like you are making a movie!"  He was so smiley and nervous.  Then I saw the woman walking towards him and a HUMONGOUS smile broke out across her face.  They embraced and talked and then moved to the bench next to this one in the foreground.  Romance lives right there in St Louis Park!

                Miss Independent finding her own way. 

I

Theo investigating new to him vines.

On wednesday evening just before writing "Well."  Golden Valley

what was that again?

Can anybody help me figure out what i am meant to learn from having 2, yes TWO, days with absolutely no clients.  No appointments filled.  No Bookings. Period.  Do i need to take some more classes?  Work on the customer service?  Gratefulness?

Just when I think we are getting things sorted out around here, this happens.  What am I doing WRONG?  Help me focus, and tell me what would make you go back to a hairdresser you stopped going to.  Is a discount enough?  Free product?  An appology?  How about an additional service for free?  Like free manicure with a color? Or conditioning treatment?  My boss just called and told me that "Unfotunately, your schedule hasn't changed. But your once a year client's husband just bought her a gift certificate for her birthday today."  That is good.  But what about today?  I am not even going in because it is too embarassing to hang out with an empty chair.  MOE's clients must wonder what I do there? Ugh.

well

Today i feel as if i am standing at the edge of a wishing well seeking a reflection from the depths. Knocking in a pebble just to listen for the response as the water's surface is broken by the topside intruder. Impact. My choices are impactful. I could use the pebble to build, keep it in my hand to remember the place i first saw it, let it rest as it is. Which way from here? I am straining to keep my balance here at this well. Leaning too far over some moments-woah! Steady. Afraid, "Ohpleasedontletmefallin." Too scared to step down, to ease my cumbersome self back to earth. Too busy looking for my reflection to reach for the hand of my Lover, too entrenched in my sorrow to feel refreshed in the winds of change, or see clearly the path to safety God has laid out. I want to reach, feel, see, know- it is time to surrender. Sigh. The sun is setting and my Lover is calling. Homeward now.

Sunday afternoon shoot shoot

I have such a difficult time getting Suvi at a moment when she is not moving...I took about 30 photos of her, but they are all blury, or not quite the expression I am looking for. Yes, I'd have a little better luck if I sat with the window BEHIND me, but i love how the light is from my perch, and how her curls give a glowy halo.

I said "Pick Me"

and that is exactly what that sweet baby Izzy did.  Dave Ramsey, My name is Elbs and this here is my husband, Habinator, and we are pleased to make your acqaintence(watch your video with other people)/view your course online.  (I didn't even investigate if there is a seminar here, because I was sure we wouldn't win.)  I am now going to be an expert and financially forward moving.

And Thankful.  What a gift.  Mindi is Magic.  And so generous, and obviously the smartest, coolest, rockin'est Ladeh on the web.  *happy sigh*

mirror image

I have a beautifully accurate mirror. Sometimes I beam with pride when the mirror is sparkling bright, reflecting all the favorite parts. Other moments I want to close my eyes and ears, ugly echoes much louder than everything else. My mirror is about 3 feet by 10 inches and it should never (although sometimes I have to admit I imagine doing this), ever be hung on the wall. It has short brown curly hair and wears a size 7 shoe.

Suvi woke us up early this morning and I would be lying if I said it wasn't a challenge and I am as chipper as ever. I made 8 cups of coffee this morning, and its looking like the pot will be empty by noon. She was starting to get a little sticky, my darling baby girl, and I proved to be full of resistance. Who crabs at a perfectly adorable 18 month old babycake? "Suvi. YOU are going to BED." I probably wouldn't have even noticed my weakness in this case, if it hadn't been for Theo repeating me in such an ugly voice that I almost dropped to the floor in shame.

I AM SO THANKFUL CHILDREN'S HEARTS ARE FULL OF FORGIVENESS. I snuggled her for a few minutes, then asked her if she was ready to go back to bed. "Ya," she said as she lay down in my arms and jammed her blanky into her mouth. (I never said she isn't weird, just perfect.) Theo said "Nigh'nigh," and my Suvi girl talked to herself about Elmo for a few minutes until she fell back to sleep. Sweet baby.

Now, I MUST go shine up my little mirror. Sweet boy. (just turned around to see why his play got so quiet. he has rolled up the rug to make hills. oh brother)

 

here we go again...

I'm having some mixed emotions.



The neighbors on either side of me --us-- are in foreclosure. It is anxiety inducing for me. I really really need to enter Mindi's drawing, just in case I win the awesome give away, which would help save my sanity. If my husband were to lose his job, we would last about 5 minutes in this house. That just freaks me right out. We really haven't adjusted our lifestyle spending to our current life situation. Eew. Hello? Jen? Habtamu? Get with it already!



Yeah, so these neighbors of ours...argh. One family doesn't speak much English, but from what we have scooped up from their kids, and Habtamu's keen observations (hmm...next career possibility: coupla private eyes?) the house is for sale and they will be moving to an apartment. The house on the South side is a completely different story. She retired about 2 years ago, then a few months later, like maybe 12, ahem, he apparently got laid off from his job as an electrician, commercial. I am not proud to say this but in the vein of giving you the full picture you should know that when they were out of town and his direct deposit stub was delivered to our house and I didn't immediately bring it to their mailbox and it sat on my table, after about a month, because i felt too sheepish to bring it there at that point and since it was just going in the shredder, I might have opened it to see how much he makes. YES, I KNOW IT WAS WRONG. But now I am glad I did it because it gives me more fuel to be angry at these stinky, greedy neighbors, who bought their house from his parents for 100 grand and have since taken 3, yes THREE mortgages out against this nice little house. So on Friday when they were moving all their belongings, including the stove and refrigerator (hello? don't you have them in your new house in Texas?) and he told me he is now unemployed (he told me earlier in the year that he has been working on refineries) and walking away from the house. This is the first month, or so his brother said, that he wasn't going to make a payment. And honestly, what are you going to do with a snow blower and winter coats in Texas? You want to know what is wrong with this country? Jack "RABBITS" like my FORMER neighbor. So now, with 3 homes in foreclosure ON. OUR. BLOCK. if we should want to say, move to Watertown, or even Timbuktu, we wouldn't be able to sell our house for diddly squat. Jerk faces. (because, yes, all the housing troubles are the fault of these 3 home owners on my block. heh.)

Aah. That feels better. Now I gotta go find some coupons. And get ready for step one...what can I sell to get that first 500 bucks?

Lac Qui Parle-evening

starry night

I'm really going to miss my Friday afternoon post. I like it. A Friday morning post will suffice, and give me something to think about when I am sucking in the Western sky from my tent tonight.

I made heart shaped ginger bread "cookies" today. The "cookies" are much more bread-like, or cake-like than I had intended, but the dough was too sticky to press out, so I added more flour, since it was too late to add more butter. They taste good, BUT they are not the dense, soft delightfulness that I was hoping to make. I am officially on the hunt for a new recipe. The one I used for this batch is from my Better Homes cookbook. I call it the cook book for non-cooks. It tells me how long to cook asparagus, and how to make butter cream frosting. Usually I am quite pleased with the food I brew up out of the potions in that cook book, BUT... i gotta go else where for my ginger cookies. Oh! I should look up ginger cookies, or soft ginger snaps, instead of ginger bread. NOW I figured it out. Hmm...should I mention there is zucchini in my cookies? Because we just have a lot of zucchini so it is added to everything possible? Nah. I will keep that my little secret.

So. Are you missing my kids? You are, aren't you! Well, if you insist, I'll post another adorable photo, okay, two adorable photos.

Sunday supper outside.

Enjoy the weekend and here's hoping for a real live starry night!

Yes, it has been a week since my last post.

what of it? kidding, of course.

As much as I am open here, there are some things that aren't appropriate to share with the world, and some funks that are so obviously hormonal, I don't want them to cast a shadow on my little bloggie. Cute bloggie, good girl. This day is packed with random thoughts, as the creativity well is currently under construction. Doing a bit of a refurb' on my internal studio. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders.

In unrelated news, the neighbors just got a package from UPS. I ALWAYS get a little spark of excited hope that the delivery is for me. My last package arrived from Whimsical Junk via the good ol' post office. I LOVE a good cake stand. Thanks again, Jennifer. My Mom was rather surprised, and probably not in approval of my purchase, since my funds are so very tight at this stage in our life, BUT I love to shop and sometimes I just feel like being irresponsible and indulgent. Its not like the kids didn't get their lunches that week, or I let them loose in a pile of tinder and matches, although such a non-necessity splurge could flare up the burner under the simmering guilt pot.

How do you indulge? I do run-on sentences and pick up the occasional cake stand.

Happy hump day!