The Misplaced Italian

This is my hairstylist, Luciano. He's one of the people in my life that make me happy! He makes me blonde, gives me awesome haircuts and fixes the best cappuccino in the world. He makes them with the foam so thick that you can, and I quote, "shave your legs with it." I'm not even kidding. But I wouldn't. Shave my legs with the foam, that is.

He's from Italy. He paints. He's into photography. He's one of those people who's a little restless, always looking for ways to express and challenge himself. He's not a hairstylist, he says. He's a hair artist. I like that. He doesn't color hair, he paints hair. He's just a little arrogant, too, but in a good way. Very confident. How he wound up here, in the Shreveport/Bossier City metropolis in the great state of Louisiana, I'm not really sure. I'm just glad he did because everytime I go see him, I leave feeling beautiful and interesting. He always lifts my spirits.

He's also giving. The picture of him above was taken with a little Olympus digital camera that he gave to me today when I went to get beautified. He'd cringe at the word, beautified. I just made it up. I walked in the door and he came over and cupped the sides of my face and gave me a kiss on the forehead like he always does and asked, "Do you have a digital camera?" I do not. I borrow my daughters and had planned to purchase one this summer. He picked up a camera from his desk, complete with charger and USB cable, and said, "Here, this is for you. I want you to have it. I have way too many cameras, okay? What can I say, you caught me in a good mood!" (complete with Italian accent, which I don't know how to get across in writing unless I put an "a" sound on the end of every word, like "mood-a" and that's-a too cartoony-a and silly-a)

I love the people in my life. I'm reminded of that daily. Such a warm, eclectic, diverse group of loving friends and family. Makes me ashamed that I ever complain of things that, in the grand scheme of things, are so insignificant.

Next time you're over this way, stop by and see him to experience a little of the joy and beauty of Italy...right here in mudbug country.

Ciao, bella.