A.J.'s Barber Shop

[a-j-barbershop]

Heat Wave = Haircuts

Anyone else feeling the heatwave these days? Doesn't matter if you are on one continent or another, seems like everyone is getting effected by it. Causing more and more of us to linger indoors rather than fraternizing outside, no matter that it is summer time after all. But it is peak time for summer, July just ticked over the halfway mark this past weekend. Which then begs the question:

Have you had your haircut yet this season?

And a real haircut, I mean. The barber takes no prisoners, especially ones who have neglected since before and after the Fourth of July. I see those stragglers from outside my window. That thatch isn't helping so much now, is it? As you duck for shade under any possible awning on Main Street.

Why not take a step into my shop? A seat in my chair? Its open, and waiting for you. Feel the nice, cool air I've got pumping through my vents. That feels nice, doesn't it? Oh, look at that sweat dripping down the side of your face. Here, let me wipe it down, as I guide you into my chair. You know I have an opening right now, and its so hot to go right back outside. You said you were on a lunch break? Well, then you've certainly got some time. I'm certainly going to need the time, that's for sure.

As I sort my fingers through your tresses, winding them this way and that. Wondering what on earth am I going to do with you? You said you were on lunch, so you have some time. So sit back, relax, I've got some ideas. I'll even throw in a shave, seems you forgot to clean up yourself this morning. And once I'm done cleaning up with you, you'll go forth into this heat stronger and better. Why, I think you're gonna start to enjoy summer a whole lot more...

[a-j-barbershop]

Lonely Thursday

As I open the blinds, bright and early this morning in the shop, I peak through the gaps to see if anyone is about town yet.

I sweep up my already pristine shop in the first hour, waiting for someone to come in, lifting my head up every several moments to see if any passerby is lingering through the window. But at the moment, it's just those headed to work with their heads down.

I sit in my chair with the paper, flicking through each page after carefully combing through every single word as careful I would a clients hair as it is slicked back, or made of even stubble across the top of their head. Surely one of the older geezers might come in for a trim, no? Or a child or teen finally off from school?

I sit out on my bench, sunglasses on, starch white tunic glistening in the sun like my severe sides and back, my biceps poking out from underneath, as I nod and smile at those who come by, but none decide to walk through my door. I can hardly blame them, I suppose, I'm very eager to have someone in my chair, almost too eager, as my eyes catch business men out on their lunch breaks. Those floppy messes in the summer air, how good those tresses would better look on my tiled shop floor.

Perhaps it will come after 5, I'll stay open I suppose, I have nothing better to do. Maybe then a gentleman or five will trickle, maybe all I need is for just one to show up and the rest to see and follow suit. But men need their haircut at some point, before the holiday weekend begins. And even if they wait till Saturday, I'll still be here. And I'll make sure they leave my chair with the gift of what happens when you make this barber wait to do his duty...

[a-j-barbershop]

New blog here: content to come soon...