Have I told you I am afraid of birds? (Thank you, Alfred Hitchcock and his dreadful movie,
The Birds.)

Although this fear of feathered friends has not stopped me from reaching the age of retirement, I
have decided to include birds in my future vision.
Meet Miss Piggy, a Gyrfalcon. At our first meeting, Miss Piggy was only 17 weeks old, but not small in size by any means. She was already on her way to a possible 63 inch wingspan. Ms. Piggy will grow to become one of the largest breeds of falcons in existence. This raptor is known for its size and powerful hunting abilities.

Why would I even consider entering her cage, and how would she be connected to my vision for retirement?

In the above picture, Falcons are hooded by Falconers to remove their primary sense of sight, which is extremely sensitive. This allows for safe transport and controls their environment to focus on training. Removal of the hood indicates the time to hunt and builds a trust relationship between falcon and falconer. When the hood is on the falcon, it is called being hoodwinked

Recently, I have been focused on expanding the list of publications I query. The beauty
industry included. I have stored a collection of journals from my forty years of
practice that are jammed on every shelf of an old refrigerator.

In my past, I have neglected to send even one article to publications specializing in cosmetology, barbering or simply beauty for one simple reason. I was hoodwinked much like Miss Piggy in the above picture. Hoodwinked by one critic’s remarks.

Years prior, I had queried a well-known beauty industry organization proposing an article for
their publication. The rejection came quick in one sentence, “We only accept articles from our visionaries.” No apology or no let me down gently with an, “after review, we simply cannot…”Just a blunt, “You are not one of our visionaries.”

A single rejection ended my querying in the industry I spent decades contributing to in so many ways, from simply styling to owning a business, and mentoring. And although rejection and writing go hand in hand, this response sliced my heart. I felt hoodwinked into being a chicken!

Placing your work into the public eye is like presenting your soul on a platter. Rejection is the serrated edge that shreds it into pieces. I was not confident enough to try again at that time.I can tell you one thing: At this age, I do have a vision. I will be writing and submitting as I turn the corner in my next chapter of life. This time before submitting, I reached out to the publication editor, “Just whom do you consider a visionary?”  To my surprise, she answered. “We have a visionary team, consisting of our largest sponsors, you know, Redken, Goldwell, TIGI etc…”

Well, I too am a visionary, and I will not be hoodwinked again! I decided my future retirement will include inspirational people and organizations who offer more than a simple rejection.
Organizations like Talisman Therapeutic Riding Center, which bring hope through equines and people like Jon Shaw and, of course, Miss Piggy.

When I heard about Jon Shaw through a fund raiser at Talisman. I immediately was intrigued. I had to research this man who is a lifelong expert on the ancient art of Horseback Falconry. This is not a sport but a form of hunting before even the invention of the musket. When he invited me to join Miss Piggy’s socialization training as she learns to hunt on horseback how could I say no. Never suspecting I would truly become an involved participant.

Notice my eyes are shut. But I am smiling at this accomplishment not only for Miss Piggy but mainly me! Thankfully, Yuma (the equine expert) was relaxed for all of us and a pro at her job!

My retirement vision:

Don’t be hoodwinked,

join the hunt, face your fears!

Please join me as I write future articles (and novels) about the journey with Miss Piggy, Jon Shaw, and Talisman Therapeutic Equestrian Center, where they deliver hope to so many.

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