Thursday, May 3, 2012

The sick aspidistra.





A trip to the barbers. Wilf makes his way to a spot on the linoleum between the chair and the sick looking aspidistra . It's unclear whether the aspidistras sickness is due to lack of light, lack of water , or the small mountain of cigarette butts that can be seen rising from its wicker pot.

The ' salon ' full . Four ageing residents of the old folks home squeezed tightly onto the sofa. Two more leaning against the wall , another sprawled in the armchair. Each morning after breakfast they gather here to read the barbers copy of the local newspaper and  put the world to rights.  Angus shakes hands with all of them .

While the clippers hum the conversation flows. Madame DuBois, the primary school teacher has bought a Korean car . '' She'll regret it. Fiddly thing . Not made for our roads ". A synchronised tut of disapproval. A gentleman in a well worn suit with eggs stains on the lapels informs us that Jacques the farmer has had his lettuce crop ruined by the rain . Leaf rot. '' What's happened to his endives ? "  Silence.

Angus is asked what sort of dog Wilf is. Polish ! The word repeated slowly . Po-lo-nais . They look at their feet . More silence . '' Didn't Claude marry a Polish girl when he came back from Algeria ? ". ' No. She wasn't Polish she was Belgian . Or was it Dutch ? ' .

Through it all Wilf snores contentedly away. An occasional trumpet of wind . Quite audible in the confined reaches of the barber shop. No one seems to notice. €17 , including tip, handed over , Wilf and owner get into their British four wheel drive and depart . As we pass I can almost hear them saying '' fiddly thing. Not made for our roads ".

18 comments:

  1. Perhaps you should go to the barbers again for a review of the Yeti before a making a final decision?

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  2. I had exactly the same thought as Bertie - I wonder what their thoughts of the Yeti might be. Maybe you should load them all up in your British four wheel drive and take them down to that magnificent show room - you might get a huge discount just to get them out of there!!

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  3. I agree with Rocky Creek and Bertie--Your description of the barber/salon and its patrons has me envisioning a modern version of Floyd's barber shop on the old Andy Griffith show.

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  4. Ha ha ha! Well, if anybody is more opinionated that the people at the old folks' home, I haven't met them yet!

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  5. So happy to see that Wilf is doing well. Thanks for starting my day off with a smile. :)

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle, Maggie Mae and Max

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  6. Love the description of the barber shop--but we thought Wilf was going to have his locks cut....

    We have a Korean car and it's a little ripper!

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  7. No hair cut for Wilfie???? They would have looked very astonished!!! Love and bacetti sul nasino susanne, daisy, Foxiie and Kiri

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  8. i thought at first "what a busy barber!" but then they're all just
    hanging out killing his poor plant solving the world's problems...
    very similar to mayberry usa in the old andy griffith show.
    they didn't notice wee wilfee's sleep music 'cause they make the same song!
    happy hugs,
    tammy

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  9. Slice of life view of a small French barber shop. Change the language and the brand of cigarettes and it could be Anywhere in the world. Though only one Wilfie, he is unique.

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  10. I thought it was Wilfee's turn for the barbershop! He isn't nearly so handsome with his hair over his expressive eyes!

    Cheers and hugs,

    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  11. You're going to run that Yeti past the old folks home before purchase, is that what we hear, Angus? Maybe a ride given to the most vocal seniors? After all , we wouldn't want a certain gentleman (Scottish? Serbian? Sudanese?) to suffer a car not made for the roads of deepest France.
    We are sure Wilf's wind will not be the worst the barber will experience throughout his day.

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  12. What a great snapshot of French life. Thanks for making me laugh!

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  13. Question, first photo floor, Wilf, dropoff?

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  14. Sounds just like the barber my Dad still goes to, but here in Canada, dogs are not allowed into any store or shop, unless it is a sight dog. Interesting visit,nonetheless! Wilf looks like he has had a busy day! Keep on going Wilf!

    With love from your Canadian pals,
    Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker

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  15. What a picture you've painted today - thanks for the smiles, and a huge hug for Wilf.

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  16. What's French for 'fiddly thing'? I didn't learn that when I was in school! :)

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    Replies
    1. If ever you find yourself surrounded by eighty year old farmers in a barber shop in France it's " difficile a manier " .

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  17. Loved the story of the yeti yesterday. Glad that the tyres weren't christened.

    You painted a vivid picture od the barber's and the villagers... Wilf sounds happy so all is good.

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