Like the weather

I am naming this photo, something new for me. It's Beauty From the Bottom Up. The title and photo are inspired by my marathon visit to the "beauty shop". I spent over 3 hours there today. That's unimagineable to me. If you'd asked me five years ago if I would spend my precious weekend hours fighting away gray hair and delighting in freshly polished toenails, I would have laughed at you.

But, here I sit tonight, pretty pink toenails, freshly dyed and styled hair.

Overheard while I was having my toes whipped into shape:

Client: Leave it full in the back like you usually do.
Hairdresser: Full and beautiful, of course.

I think the same should be said of my full and beautiful "back."

Like the weather
Each year one of the largest neighborhoods in my town holds a yard sale. Not only is it HUGE, but there are always lots of quality junk to be had. Last year I happened upon the sale by accident and hit the jackpot: someone that read the type of books I love had opted to clear out her bookshelves. I was in heaven. She was in heaven knowing they'd be appreciated. It was a marriage made. . . (you guessed it) in heaven.

The bounty left me wanting more, so this year I marked my calendar. I arose early this morning, made myself yard sale presentable (not to be confused with grocery or gym presentable) and headed out the door. I was ready!

1. Digital camera to snap photos of humorous junk. Check!
2. Canvas bag to carry bounty. Check!
3. Bottle of water to replenish a parched shopper. Check!
4. Cell phone in the event I needed to consult with other junk collectors. Check!
5. Cash with which to buy said treasures. Check!

Much to my dismay others had gotten out early and were pouring over table after table of stuff I might just have to have. After finding a precarious parking spot, I went into action. I had a plan. I would not stop at each house, I would survey from the street in order to maximize my time. This worked well for a few houses, but then I got worried that I was missing some hidden loot, so I found myself hitting each and everyone. I was disheartened as I passed the home bearing last year's big finds to see a "for sale" sign and no tables of books. Alas, the moment had passed. Our marriage dissolved.

I realized at one point that I had ventured far from my car, so I decided to head back. I didn't want to risk missing my hair appointment. Matters were complicated as I had not planned well and the flip flops I sported were digging into my feet in no time.

As I was limping toward the car I realized that I had nada, nothing. I was so disappointed. No cool prints. No great novels, not even a funky old hat or two. Not even a piece of pottery.

Then I saw it: an old metal fan. I don't know what it is about old tabletop fans, but I cannot resist them. Maybe it's the memory of one sitting at the edge of my bed, my only defense against heat stroke in our unairconditioned house. I dunno, but I had to have it. The fan, in good condition, save a little cleaning up and a new cord was only $2. Sold. I carried the very heavy find back proudly.

Another stop yielded a book or two a few CDs, but nothing compared to the find of 2004. Oh, well, there's always September 2006.

By the way, fall is arriving. I can feel it. I can smell it. This morning I was tempted to take a jacket, a sure sign autumn is approaching.