What were the odds of this? I’d been needing a haircut for some time. The woman who cuts my hair booked me an appointment for June 11th, which is too far into the future. My need for a cut wasn’t just vanity – my hair was flopping in my face.

I’d heard that my former hairdresser (who’d retired) was back in town, working at Benders of Hair. So last week I went there and was told by the stylist on duty that, yes, Betty was working there but that she wasn’t taking any new customers. The stylist, when asked, also said that she was asked by Betty to not give out her contact information.

Rasta Goat - paintinmg bu bettu

I was in a bind, haircut wise. I finally decided to go back to Benders of Hair and get someone else to do the job. And so, today when I was walking across the parking lot, on my way to make an appointment, I saw Betty getting out of her car. She was with her grandson, Cody. My jaw dropped because the odds of my running into her was near zero.

I thought she’d say, “Sorry, but I’m booked up and can’t get you in.” Rather, she said that, yes, she would again cut my hair. She said she couldn’t do this immediately – but she said that she’d cut my bangs immediately.

I followed Betty into Benders. She grabbed a seat, had me sit down, and borrowed some scissors. And she cut my bangs.

We talked briefly – she also talked with the other stylist – I didn’t know for sure, but I think that Betty had just started working at Benders and was getting to know the other hair cutters.

I let it be known how grateful I was, that she fit me in. Her grandson had to wait for me to get done.

Most importantly, I reconnected with an old friend. I’d missed her and the talks when she had when cutting my hair.

I was happywith Barb, another stylist, cutting my hair because we talked horses. And she did a good job. But the long wait for a cut – this was something that I could not do.

I told Betty about what happened a another hair Salon and how the hairdresser took my glasses and cleaned them with a rag and in the process scratched the lenses. She was properly empathetic.

Some have said that there are no such things as coincidences. And so, was this a coincidence, that is my meeting up with Betty? I mean, I could have called it good, that is, my distributing books at the Bakery – and not gone to Benders. Or I could have made an appointment on a differing day. I then might not have seen Betty.

Maybe, just maybe, coincidence or the lack thereof has something to do with (and this is a cliché) the universe saying ,“Yes, you are in the right track with what you are doing, whatever that may be.”

I don’t know. That life still has mysteries is a very good thing.

Next: 150. 6/1/25: In Balance