Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Cuts On The Go

Mike Lee does the cosmetology version of telecommuting: he gives haircuts on his front porch.

I live near Mike, so Boz and I walk by from time to time. Mike's dog gives Boz what fer, and Boz gets his back up while trying to act nonchalant. And usually a few guys are waiting in Mike's yard for a haircut. I mean, there's a line. While I took this photo, two guys hung out on the porch and two more played checkers. It was kinda laid back and pleasant.

I think Mike's doing a good job because the guys look pretty good. You can call Mike but I don't recommend showing up without an appointment, because there's liable to be a wait.

Mike's been cutting men's hair for about 7 years, and he tells me he began doing women's hair more than two years ago. There's such a thing as "hairdresser loyalty" and I'm loyal to mine, but if I were going to switch, I'd go for Cuts On the Go. I like the atmosphere.

12 comments:

marley said...

I've never seen this before! I get my hair cut in my kitchen!

USelaine said...

That's gotta be painful at the end of the day (or line) after standing on uncushioned concrete all the while. He needs one of those safety/comfort mats the salons usually have around the chairs. He may be young, but he's got a skeleton like everyone else!

(Why do I think like this?)

Katie said...

People will always line up for something good (free ice cream, a good concert, etc.) so Mike must be good if people are willing to wait in line! Looks like a very cool place to have your hair done; out in the fresh air, seeing what's going on in the neighborhood; greeting people (and dogs) going by. Continued success Mike!

Petrea Burchard said...

Well maybe you should try the porch, Marley!

I hope Mike checks the comments, Elaine. Or maybe one of his regulars will get him a mat. It's not a bad idea.

Nice wishes, Katie. Mike seems like the type who deserves good wishes.

John Sandel said...

It's just such a cool shot. My eye climbs those forearms like the rungs of a ladder—I mean, well, you know. Anyway, it's very old-world; next thing you know, he'll be leeching patients & yanking teeth.

Chuck Pefley said...

Wow, that scene looks like something right out of the 30's. I've never encountered this kind of home business before. Very cool post!

Petrea Burchard said...

Bernie, I'm glad you like the photo. I'm proud of it even though pride is supposedly a sin. Hoo hah! And I don't think Mike would pull teeth, but you could ask. Just be sure and call ahead.

Thanks, Chuck. It's one of the things I love about the Pasadena area. It's the city, definitely, but we've got a bit of small town in us.

dianasfaria.com said...

This is so so cool. This type of story is what I love about blogs. thanks Petrea!
Great Shot too!

Petrea Burchard said...

Thank you Lily Hy. This is one of my favorites, too.

Anonymous said...

Terrific image Petrea...Really captures spirit and emotion.
Well done,

Terry

Petrea Burchard said...

Terry, thank you very much.

Anonymous said...

very interestingly ...