Every profession has its hazards, and hairstyling is no exception. Although not as death-defying as a skyscraper window washer in New York City, working with the public can be challenging.

Some client issues seem simple and merely unpleasant to others, yet these
concerns can have a lasting effect on one’s morale.

On Tuesday, I was needled the entire day by a painful problem that was ignited after my first client, Lois. Lois is a long-time, loyal patron.

Although always well overdue for a haircut, she generously brings me homemade soups, always praises my work, and shares genuine conversation, which usually touches my heart. Her hair carpets her head in luscious waves so thick it seems impossible to penetrate to the scalp with shampoo.

Lois’s eight-week appointment was like any other. With such longstanding devotion, I take extra time talking. We shared our happenings, both happy and sad, while I was trimming away. After Lois left, there was enough remnants on the floor to make
a shag rug which I swept away. Unfortunately, she had left me with something else. Lois had speared me with an unbearable problem. No matter what I did to forget her, she had burdened me with a constant stabbing reminder that would not be resolved until the day was over. I was stuck with Lois all day.

Sticking to something can be good unless it is Lois doing the sticking. Take for example, Liberty Cunningham, who can stick on a horse like glue even if
she is dangling from the side or flipping on the backs of two galloping steeds.

Here I am with , Liberty Cunningham, Pro Rodeo Trick Rider,
Roman Rider, Liberty Horse

Liberty has been riding since she could walk. But her real dream was trick riding. Now as a mere teen, through her determination, she is a national sensation. She navigates several horses in jaw-dropping performances. Thoughts of Liberty are cemented with me as I work on an article about her amazing feats. Please check out Liberty at the Equine Affaire in Ohio just two weeks away, and savor her fascinating show.

How about a friendship that sticks for decades. Take Lucy and Ethel. True friends are always there with a helping hand no matter the physical distance that sets them apart. They stick like Liberty to a horse.

Please join me at The Ohio Equine Affaire, April 11 and 12, where equine and non-equine friends stick together. I invite you to visit me at booth 113, The Plaid Horse Magazine and pick up an April issue, free!

I will be graciously sharing The Plaid Horse booth with Fran Severn Levy, author of Riders of a Certain Age. Come witness Liberty Cunningham, other incredible stars, and, of course, the breathtaking horses. This is an event that will stick in your mind forever!

As for my client Lois, she was still clinging to me when I arrived home on Tuesday night. I frantically stripped in the hope of ripping her away. One of the dangers of hairdressing is actually hair. When hair is cut in small sections they transform into an armory of terrorizing weapons know as hair splinters. (Certainly a form of torture in medieval times.). Some people have fine, soft hair, others coarse or unruly, but no matter the texture, when hair is cut the individual strand becomes a needle splintering into your clothes and your skin. Call it a job hazard.

Lois was nestled in my shoes, in my socks, in my pants, in my shirt, in my bra and other undergarments. She was jabbing me like steel pins. Lois’s hair splinters were roosted against me the entire day and quite annoying. But seeing Lois every eight weeks is worth the poke.

The lasting memories of clients like Lois far out outweigh the pain and will stick with me for a lifetime. Sticking to the dream is what life is all about!

A good book can stick with you, too. That was my hope when writing the Silver Cowgirls, which is based on four women who reconnect after three decades. That friendship is rekindled in The Silver Cowgirls Ride Again. And perhaps the Silver Cowgirls will gallop into a Golden trilogy?

Join me on a renewed writing journey and enjoy my latest series.
Your support means the world—happy reading!

Order your copy today:
TabortonBooks
Amazon