"What a difference a year makes"
Monday, October 25, 2010 at 08:17PM Has it really been a year? A year since I've had something of significance to say? I think I've had a lot to say. However, significance is relative to the reader. I as a reader want to read something that touches me in some way or connects me in some way to something that I hadn't before connected with. Whether it is informative, thought provoking and/or emotional. Something that maybe makes me think or possibly learn from or maybe even see something from a different perspective. I suspect I'm not the only one out there with this desire? I initially wanted this blog to be interesting stories and possibly helpful insights and tips and trends with regard to my 25 years that I have spent in the beauty industry. It seemed like a good idea at the time and those trusted confidants that I spoke with about my idea agreed. "The Voice from the Chair" Yes, a fresh perspective from me "the stylist", and she/he "the client" in the hair/make-up chair. God knows after 25 years, I have heard it all. My idea was to take some of these stories and do some tweaking, name changing, and fancy foot work. Make them fun, interesting & relatable. All the while sprinkling in some cool hair and make-up tips. Some of you may be saying, "Yeah, wow, great!", while others may be saying, "Please spare us, not another hair & make-up artist who thinks she really has something that we haven't heard before". In my opinion, you have heard it all before and many times over. What with all the accessible information available to us from the internet alone, not to mention editorial, and all the media chatter, you can get your daily dose of beauty tips easily. As I mentioned, the other part of the blog was to be dedicated to the countless stories and banter that I have heard and participated in throughout the years. They usually fall into 4 categories. 1)Dating/Husbands & MEN, 2) Dieting/Body Image & MEN, 3)Sex & MEN, 4)Misc.. Children,family,shopping, everyday life,& MEN!!! Anyone notice a pattern here? Maybe the "hair chair" is conducive for this? I am honored that those who have sat in my chair over the years have felt open and comfortable enough with me to spill the beans on their life whether it be a small problem such as say "getting a parking ticket", or something more significant like "a death in the family". I am equally thankful to have been trusted enough to be somewhat of a therapist if you will. The countless intimate details of one’s life that I have been privy to is endless. I've always said that I think people are more apt to open up when they are being physically touched. I have heard stories and tidbits from most every walk of life. From the bubbling, blushing bride (pre/post wedding), to the hard working single mother doing her daily "juggling act", to the "well to do housewife/socialite" These are just a few general references with regard to lifestyle. I believe humans are much more complex than this and should never ever be put into boxes, and to generalize is short-sided, and judgmental. The truth is I think we all just want to be heard. We all just want validation. Maybe those that have sat and continue to sit in my chair feel this sense of "its ok" to open up. I have built many close & personal relationships from "my chair". I am also an equal participant. As a matter of fact, on quite a few occasions, some of my trusted clients have heard my stories. Happy, sad, angry etc… From relationship quandaries to finding a great pair of shoes and everything in between. My trusted clients and I have shared it all. We've seen each other through the best of times and worst of times. How wonderful! Human connection. Isn’t this really what it comes down to? Isn't this really what we all want? Isn't this why everyone has a blog, twitter, Facebook etc..? Humans need to connect. After all, we are somewhat evolved animals in a human jungle. We all want to be heard. We all want "A voice from the chair". Some of the stuff out there is really great. However lately, more times than not, I seem to come across folks that just want to hear themselves talk. It seems like anyone and everyone has a forum. I am in no way judging. After all, here I am, just another mere mortal with a blog. Which brings me back to the point of, "We all just want to connect and be heard". It's about how we are doing it. It has become so easy for all of us to sit back and click away on our computers and put a voice to any thought, feeling, or viewpoint we have on any given subject at any given moment. We can let everyone on Facebook and Twitter know that we just ate a "tuna fish sandwich" for lunch, or give explicit details along with pictures in our own personal blog about the renovation of our kitchen. Don't get me wrong, I truly believe that a lot of what's out there is fantastic, helpful and informative. Unfortunately, I believe that social networking and blogging, although informative, easily accessible, and fun has created more distance between us humans. It's become "All reach and no touch". In many cases, it seems to have become a way to be close to each other, but at a distance. As much as I dislike talking on the phone (gives me a headache…), I miss the days of hearing that voice on the other end. Texting has replaced talking… Hey, it's awesome for confirming dates and plans or letting someone know you're running late, but c’mon "building and/or sustaining a relationship?" really? No thanks!! If I can't see ya’, I'd much rather hear ya’ then look at a bunch of letters strewn together on a hand held device. It's become all so impersonal. But here I am blogging about how impersonal and narcissistic blogging has become. Life imitating art??? or something like it…
So if you're still with me after all of this, I would love to continue my "antiblog" blog. I may even change the name to "The Anti-blog". (The irony of connection in the 21st century)