lydia

Sun 10.10.21

I’ve had my hair done by an orthodox Jewish woman with a black hat on her head, a black sweater and a long black and white skirt.  Lydia, a Russian, from Uzbekistan, works quickly at my hair and is done in no time.  A woman in her late 30’s, early 40’s, 15 to 20 lbs. overweight, dowdy, she is earning a living, and the more clients she serves the more she makes, I conclude as she works swiftly.  She is upfront about it and tells me she would rather be home with the kids than working.

Does this sound like an unpleasant experience?  Quite the contrary, I find her to be straightforward, frank, and an interesting woman.  She’s a grown-up, that’s for sure, an adult.  When I ask if she is Orthodox. She says “Yes.  Was it my clothes?”

“No.  The hat.”  It’s not a bad hat; something you would see a cool jazz musician wear.  Elvis Costello has one.  She tells me she is going to Israel on vacation in a couple of weeks, has been a number of times.

“Are you afraid of the danger?”

“You could also get killed here too,” she says.  No, she’s not worried. 

What attracts her to Israel is its spiritual significance.  “It’s a modern country with a lot of attractions.”  She also adds. 

When was the last time a service person told you they were seeking a spiritual experience?  I can’t imagine Lydia laughing gaily, or feeling sensuous, taking long baths by candlelight and wearing silk underthings, but I could be wrong.

“My people are from French Canada,” I tell her.

“Oh, yeah?  I’ve been there,” she says.

Wonder what her husband does?  “You’re a traveler?

“Whenever I’m able to.”

She quickly finishes my hair, as a gentleman is waiting for a haircut.  At the counter she gives me a card with her days and hours (my regular stylist is on vacation) and I give her a gratuity wishing her a great vacation in Israel.  We look into each other’s eyes (for the first time; I don’t consider looking through a mirror at each other the real thing) she gives me a sweet smile – Yes, we are sisters.

“You did a really good job with my hair,” I say as I walk out.

The favorite post this month has been the podcast, Luhrenloup’s Path