I was newly married, new to New Boston, and new to Ruby's Beauty Shop. It was 1974. Her hairdresser was retiring and she was looking for someone young, someone who would not retire on her. She tried me out, and we have seen each other almost ever single week since.
She was kindergarten teacher to both of my boys. She mothered me time and time again. She is the most consistent, unwavering woman I have ever known. Always calm, cool and collected.
She encouraged me when I felt defeated in my career. She sympathized with me in my valleys, and rejoiced with me on my mountaintops. She has prayed for me, and even counted me as one of 'hers'.
Eventually, I began to see her humor. She is quite hilarious, in case you don't know....
We did a little image makeover a few weeks back and did a very amateur photo shoot. It was at her suggestion, not mine, but I was quick to see what fun it would be.
She comes in looking almost exactly the same every time. We change her hairstyle up a little bit occasionally, but her hair texture and hairline limits our choices, and her lifestyle demands something that can be kept without a lot of fuss or extra product.
A bit of flat ironing and a lot of spray changed her hairstyle completely. The gals in the salon thoroughly enjoyed this makeover, and they all said I made her look like me!
She doesn't get all the hilarity of my choice of t-shirt for her. Maybe her family will....they know how special she is, and how far from Beth Dutton!
I do believe her hair looked much better than mine did that day!
The jeans I selected for her were distressed but had patches behind the holes, so no skin would show thru. The flannel lumberjack plaid shirt was oversized, so we tied the front to tailor it a bit for her small frame.
The graphic T-shirt put an exclamation point to the entire outfit only if you have watched the series “Yellowstone".
This is her "I mean business pose."
I have never seen it myself, but I figure her real children might recognize it.
This is her teasing pose.
Daddy Bill is probably the only one to see it before this day!
This is the the laughing Mom pose.
The joke is all for 'the children' who call her Mom, Mother, Mommy El, or any other name she is known by. To me she is a priceless friend, mentor, and above all.....
.....she is a hoot.
Happy Birthday Elthie. I sure am glad God sent you my way all those years ago.
