Simple Pleasures... Plain & Simple, in Black & White (3 of 29)

So, “This guy”….

(So much for my vanity...)

·      *  Has the dubious honor of covering all my grey roots monthly… (aiding me with my “vanity”)

· Has personally journeyed through amazing adversity, making me respect him greatly...

.
· Can make me laugh hysterically…and on occasion, tear up…

· Looks eerily similar to George Michael in the 80s …(especially in person)

· Recommends the best TV shows, movies, etc. (An excellent entertainment reference!)

· Has great taste in music  – something we both enjoy

· Recently taught me the little that I know about Star Wars (along with a little help from Monte)

· Can carry on meaningful dialogue about ANY (and I mean ANY) topic one could think of!

· Allows for difference of opinions and hears what others have to say without “pre-judging”

·  Is incredibly bright - and acutely up to speed on legislative matters (inspiring me as well!)

·  Is extremely hospitable – you can’t help but feel at ease when you walk in to his home

· Is remarkably comfortable in his own skin, living out his convictions without apology (authenticity is a value I hold dear and look for in others – Peter is one of the most real people I know!)

· Encouraging… he’s known much of the drama I’ve endured in recent years, and was a consistent safe, non-judgmental source of encouragement

· A lover of animals… feline and canine alike

· Is one of the most charitable, sacrificial people I’ve ever met –  giving of his resources (especially his time) whether benefiting children, adults, the disenfranchised, the LGBT community, Civil Rights, the Homeless, Animals, etc.  He stands up against sex trafficking, racism, animal abuse, and prejudice.  If more people gave of themselves in the way he does – this world could only be a better place.

· Is the only person (and I mean ONLY) that I fully trust to take care of my hair!

·Gives great hugs every time I see him!

It took no time at all for me to come up with these descriptions… if I were to sit and really think for an extended time, this list would easily double. But you get the idea.

 For years, I looked at hair appointments as an opportunity to sit quietly, and just relax.  It wasn’t a time I wanted to engage in meaningless surface chat with the attending stylist.  However, the first time I met Peter at the salon near my “then office”, we hit it off.  I’m pretty sure the catalyst for our friendship was a Katy Perry discussion.  Go figure.  Since then, every time I have the good fortune of visiting him at work, I know greys will be successfully covered and that meaningful conversation will transpire. Typically, I walk away having learned something - or at a minimum, will have something to add to my "watch list."

One last example of the kind of guy he is:    In late November, I had told him I was “fighting” sadness and  wanted to skip over my favorite holiday of the year.  It was the first Christmas being officially divorced, first in my new house, first ever living alone and the first in 24 years without my baby girl with me that morning.  (She’s a grown woman – working as a nurse, so it’s understandable…but still hard.) 

Knowing that Christmas was going to be “unusual and potentially lonely", he invited me to join he and Monte in their home - along with extended family and friends to celebrate Christmas.  It was unlike any Christmas in my past, but that was expected. What I didn't anticipate was how special it would be to celebrate that morning with their family, and how Christmas of 2015 will forever be fondly recalled. 

Earlier today, as I sat in his chair with my oh-so-stylish black cape, no make-up, and fashion-forward foils – it was clear to me, that the silver lining of the day is Peter.  What an unforeseen gift this friendship is.  He’ll forever be treasured –  and loved much like a brother.