Vidal Sassoon Memory Repost of January 17 — “Cut” back: A fond view of a life chapter

10 Thursday May 2012

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Recently I had the delight of watching a film made about a former boss of mine. It was more of an autobiography. The film recounted (mostly in his own words) his childhood, his youth, his service experience, and the world he experienced which helped to shape his ideas through instruction and training. Finally, his assent and recognition in the fashion world as a cutting edge innovator—that acclaim he probably did not expect, but it was and is well-deserved as a truly remarkable icon.

The places he visits in the film gives the viewer connectedness to his early, formative work years. Along with accompanying still-photos, this serves to bring his ‘back story’ forward. Many of his early years I didn’t know about or how he formed his unique perspectives and ideas and then infused into his trade, which is what brought him fame and reinvented an industry.

I smiled and chuckled often hearing his distinct voice and intonations, his hand gestures, and the animation in his facial expressions–still unchanged in my view. The difference I saw was his snow-white hair, which was brown when I worked with him, and his stylish eye glasses; otherwise, he’s not changed much (of course, I’ve not changed either!).

I enjoyed the few years I worked with him. I learned things that expanded my worldview and he respected what I brought to his office environment with my work skills and techniques. I made friends with colleagues and associates inside and outside the business itself; and I enjoyed the many times I spent with his family members and personal staff as we often worked from his home. The office staff had a great time including intentional hard work sprinkled with much laughter and fun.

The boss would frequently suggest that I visit his Beverly Hills salon and get a redo of my do. I didn’t trust those crimpers with my long do, so I kept it tied tightly in a bun whether visiting the salon or working in the office. Wouldn’t he laugh to see me now and the un-constricted style I wear right from his fluid designs.

The style is supported with great talent and care by another former employee of his; one whom I met only via phone back in those work days. He and I spoke regularly. I was located at the headquarters office in Century City; he at the school in San Francisco. The serendipitous event which brought us together years later began when I chased down a woman on the street admiring her do and asked for a referral. This brought my working past into my current life. I am grateful to Lloyd, my friend and stylist crimper, for over 20 years.

So, Vidal Sassoon, where are you? My most sincere greeting to you! Do you remember when the company shared the brown salon t-shirts with the office staff? I still have mine and it still fits! (Of course, we didn’t wear them to work then, much too casual for that time in the corporate world.) To sit with you and catch up would be a wonderful reunion of the past and present, certainly for me. Do you recall when I gave you a Pet Rock as a gift? Didn’t we roar with laughter as I explained its apparent use and purpose as a companion for your midnight walks when creativity most often descended upon you!

I thoroughly enjoyed the film and acquired a deeper perspective of your life’s history, even as I was pleasantly reminded of the years we worked together. I was saddened to hear of your losses but thrilled to discover how you’ve been royally honored. It was charming to get a peek of your home and the life you now share with your wife, Ronnie. If memory serves, I think it is your birthday this week. Happy birthday to you!

Warmly, a long-time fan and former assistant, Ellen

The Journey

06 Sunday May 2012

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To what is owed this distance, this separateness, this sense of loss. Is this the area of abandonment about which so many speak and others have known? Or, is it a reality of unexplained feelings, perhaps unfamiliar feelings, the pain of the unwitting victim–confused, shocked, humiliated, laid bare. Oh God! Hear my timid, weak cry for help, assist me through this dark tunnel, show me what tools you have already supplied to guide me along. Can I make it through?

I believe there is freedom at the opposite end. This incident is the teacher. Help me to learn the lesson now so that in the stillness of my being I am secure in the preparation process to embark this path once more, because I will be required to retrace these steps again and again. Let them be less scary and less treacherous each time they are taken.  Help me to greet them with the confidence of a path frequently walked with little fear that I will stumble and less fear that I might fail.

After all, this will soon become a well-worn ridge—one I know I can survive, through which an inner strength will be forged. Not stoic in nature, but seeking the possibility of a new hidden lesson there to be found, perfected and accepted each time it is journeyed.

God let me be keenly mindful that I never face anything alone!

~1992

(c)

Trust

31 Tuesday Jan 2012

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“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”  ~Corrie ten Boom, author The Hiding Place

Trust is tricky, isn’t it? I wish to trust others as I desire for them to trust me. But, it can be the biggest challenge as we fear the hurt of betrayal from trusting another whom we assumed to be trustworthy. Levels of trust are as widespread as the arenas we can find in which to place trust: financial institutions, merchants, service vendors, and alas, friends and family–perhaps these two last categories are the most difficult.

Then again, trusting oneself may be the biggest rib. But why? I trust myself — but I also second guess myself. I have a new buzz term, “OT”, over thinking. You know you do it too! I’ve teased close friends recently with this OT phrase; I’m hoping it keeps me and others in check. We cannot possibly know all aspects of outcomes or implications which push us to the decisions and actions we make. It doesn’t stop us from making needed choices and even placing trust in others. I trust myself, based on my own track record, to give my best effort with the knowledge, energy and intention I put forth.

When I am paralyzed with indecision and OT-ing, I commit to trust my unknown future to a known God. I remind myself of where my trust can be safely placed and leave it there. Then I wait and watch for the miracle to unfold.

“Cut” back: A fond view of a life chapter

17 Tuesday Jan 2012

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Recently I had the delight of watching a film made about a former boss of mine. It was more of an autobiography. The film recounted (mostly in his own words) his childhood, his youth, his service experience, and the world he experienced which helped to shape his ideas through instruction and training. Finally, his assent and recognition in the fashion world as a cutting edge innovator—that acclaim he probably did not expect, but it was and is well-deserved as a truly remarkable icon.

The places he visits in the film gives the viewer connectedness to his early, formative work years. Along with accompanying still-photos, this serves to bring his ‘back story’ forward. Many of his early years I didn’t know about or how he formed his unique perspectives and ideas and then infused into his trade, which is what brought him fame and reinvented an industry.

I smiled and chuckled often hearing his distinct voice and intonations, his hand gestures, and the animation in his facial expressions–still unchanged in my view. The difference I saw was his snow-white hair, which was brown when I worked with him, and his stylish eye glasses; otherwise, he’s not changed much (of course, I’ve not changed either!).

I enjoyed the few years I worked with him. I learned things that expanded my worldview and he respected what I brought to his office environment with my work skills and techniques. I made friends with colleagues and associates inside and outside the business itself; and I enjoyed the many times I spent with his family members and personal staff as we often worked from his home. The office staff had a great time including intentional hard work sprinkled with much laughter and fun.

The boss would frequently suggest that I visit his Beverly Hills salon and get a redo of my do. I didn’t trust those crimpers with my long do, so I kept it tied tightly in a bun whether visiting the salon or working in the office. Wouldn’t he laugh to see me now and the un-constricted style I wear right from his fluid designs.

The style is supported with great talent and care by another former employee of his; one whom I met only via phone back in those work days. He and I spoke regularly. I was located at the headquarters office in Century City; he at the school in San Francisco. The serendipitous event which brought us together years later began when I chased down a woman on the street admiring her do and asked for a referral. This brought my working past into my current life. I am grateful to Lloyd, my friend and stylist crimper, for over 20 years.

So, Vidal Sassoon, where are you? My most sincere greeting to you! Do you remember when the company shared the brown salon t-shirts with the office staff? I still have mine and it still fits! (Of course, we didn’t wear them to work then, much too casual for that time in the corporate world.) To sit with you and catch up would be a wonderful reunion of the past and present, certainly for me. Do you recall when I gave you a Pet Rock as a gift? Didn’t we roar with laughter as I explained its apparent use and purpose as a companion for your midnight walks when creativity most often descended upon you!

I thoroughly enjoyed the film and acquired a deeper perspective of your life’s history, even as I was pleasantly reminded of the years we worked together. I was saddened to hear of your losses but thrilled to discover how you’ve been royally honored. It was charming to get a peek of your home and the life you now share with your wife, Ronnie. If memory serves, I think it is your birthday this week. Happy birthday to you!

Warmly, a long-time fan and former assistant, Ellen

Remarkable — addendum

09 Monday Jan 2012

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Addendum to the recent post—

Pleazzzee excuse my blunder earlier today. In my many ramblings, it happened!! In the midst of my ever-expanding creative writing process I attempt in this blog-world (in which you may be a reader or blogger), I made a blunder to “publish” when I wanted to “draft”. So, I confess my error and incomplete post. Thank you for indulging a newbie along the way.

You may have surmised that I am in a professional association and write in a monthly newsletter. I did think the word play would be a fun way to energize everyone in the new year. I hope the updated version is less “association-esque” but heartfelt nonetheless.

Extraordinary, Notable, Amazing, Outstanding, Noteworthy, Significant, Incredible, Astonishing — these are synonyms for “remarkable”.

I am involved in a group where this single word, remarkable, is highlighted as part of the current year’s motto. How many of its synonyms fit comfortably in your personal dialogue? Let’s see.

Think of the times you do things that are notable (important), significant (momentous), incredible (unbelievable), outstanding (exceptional), extraordinary (surprising), and amazing (marvelous). I try to remind myself that I am these things as well as owning various skill sets which are different than others. Each of us is a distinct, unique individual. How we see the world, how we interact in it, and how we use our different skills. We can and should use these remarkable-related words when referring to ourselves.

Happy Remarkable New Year!