Falsies

In 1966 my family lived about four blocks from the Whisky A Go-Go on the Sunset Strip. If you don’t know about The Whisky that’s ok; all you need to know is that the house band was The Doors. And, while at age six I had little idea of who The Doors were I did know that my cousin Leslie was crazy about them. Thus I found myself one evening in 1966 sitting on the washing machine, which for some reason was in the bathroom, mesmerized as I watched her get ready to see them.

Now, in 1966 getting ready to go out meant something. It involved Aqua-Net, Maybelline, and Max Factor. Teasing and tweezing. It was like watching a magic show as she pulled pots of color and brushes out of a splashy paisley printed bag: Wild vibrant colors in violet, blue and emerald for her eyes; and the palest glistening pinks for her lips. Every stroke of every brush precise and perfect; making her more beautiful. I really thought it could not get better. And, then she pulled out a small box which seemed to hold the tiniest pair of butterfly wings. I craned my neck to see as she delicately lifted one of the tiny wings up and then with utter accuracy placed it along her lashes and while still looking down did the same with the other. And then it happened. She looked up and I was captivated and fallen head over heels in love with false eyelashes.

Of course, I was an intelligent child and knew that it was going to be a long time before I would be allowed to wear them, but I could wait. Oh sure, I got the odd chance at ballet recitals but it wasn’t like wearing them out in “real life”. As luck would have it by 1972 when I would have been allowed to wear them no one was wearing any makeup that you could see. And, with my unruly hair and chipped front tooth false eyelashes would not have been the first area of concern.

It took getting well into the 21^st century for me to get my real chance. It was a Saturday and I waited two hours for the eyelash specialist at the MAC counter to help me. I waited around watching girls that could be my daughters getting their lashes and with each one I found myself still enamored with them. At last it was my turn. The lash expert fitted me with a set and put them on. I was in heaven. I paid; got up and headed out of the mall to my car. I’m not sure I looked different on the outside, but on the inside I was giddy. I unlocked my Bug and got in. Flipped down the visor and took a long look in the mirror as I popped the key into the ignition and started it. The engine turned over and out of the radio Jim Morrison sings “And, I’m gonna love ya till the heavens start to fall” and one circle closes and the next begins.