A Bad Hair Day Nighthawk

+ A Guest Piece from Carol Stuart

Vol. 149, April 22nd, 2025 Published a day early online

Bad Hair Day

“Poodleman” became a trade name once, and “Bad Hair Days Lead to Nicknames” a catchphrase.

But that was then. Hats are in vogue, the long hair long gone. But a lady said I shouldn’t hide under a lid, so I tried a new thing. Let’s see how the females react. Too bad I wasn’t doing standup, because I got endless laughs.

“Looks crushed on one side” D. said.

“Oh yeah, cut it myself.”

So by the afternoon, it was obvious that product was needed for the plant perched on my head. I eyed the wall of cosmetics in the grocery store: Colorful. Bewildering. Expensive. Suddenly, the sound of salvation behind me. Two girlish voices. I spun.

“Ladies! Might I impose? What should I do with this?” (Pointing to the shrubbish dome.)

Diplomatically, the young woman thought, then selected...conditioner. Ouch.

“How about for after that?” I asked. One has to be humble when receiving advice. She suggested a texturing spray.

“Hey, should we try it now? Yes, let’s!” I enthused, applying it in the aisle. (Who needs a mirror?) “It works better on wet hair” her friend said dryly. “

What, are you absolving yourself? Too late! How’s it look?”

Gosh, kids these days are polite.

Pioneer Gardeners

Common Mullein plants replenish the barren ground left from my house construction. Soon they’ll flower with magnificent yellow spikes.

Happy Earth Day!

Founded in 1970, this event is credited with supercharging the environmental movement.

Book of the Week

Northwest Passages (John Muir)

A collection of quotes and observations from America’s foremost naturalist, it’ll have you looking at the weeds in the lawn with new wonder.

Quotes for the Soul

“It is difficulties that show what men are.”

–Epictetus

Carol’s Appalachian Word of the Week

Right smart (fairly large): “That big white church is a right smart piece down the road from here.”

Write to Us!

The Nighthawk is a new old-fashioned way to connect, published weekly. You’re invited to write back, or just enjoy reading. Let’s have some fun! It’s a social paper! Send stories, etc to: PO Box 783, Rustburg, VA 24588 or Joshurban@protonmail.com

Letters From Josh

(A weekly update from Josh Urban’s adventures on the farm and in the city. #230)

Showcase of Thoughts

“I think people would like to hear from you.” I took another ill-advised swig of coffee, jazzed at the idea of guest contributors. She nodded.

The Nighthawk aims to connect through words. We live in lonely times. Letters help. So does hearing from friends. Here’s a piece from Carol, the Appalachian Word of the Week lady. She lives in southwest Virginia, and keeps the flame of her beloved mountains alive through her stories, writings, and attention. I hope you enjoy her perspective as much as I do.

Just Because

Carol Stuart

I walked into a store today

Idly strolled the aisles

Gazed up and down

At the fully stocked shelves

At the racks and racks of hanging clothes

At leather goods and socks, many socks

Things in boxes

Things in stacks

Noticed toys and curtains and dishes

I wandered, not really focused

Not really with a goal in mind

It was pleasant

Just looking

Sometimes “just because” is good enough.

I felt like calling someone today

No special reason

No major news to share

But needing to hear another voice

To join the one inside my head

I might just say “How are you?”

Or “I’m wondering how you are?”

“Thinking about you this morning,

Remembering your silly dance…”

Recalling you hadn’t been well for awhile

No sense of urgency or need

But still I called

Sometimes “just because” is good enough.

Today feels like a ME day

So I slept another hour

Fixed eggs and

Sipped hot tea with honey

Watched the cars and clouds go by

Rearranged a shelf or two

Painted my nails a crazy blue

Spent awhile in prayer

Wrote a card and read a story

Got lost looking at photos

Maybe an hour or more

Now it’s time for food again

Maybe eggs and tea

A lovely soft and easy day

Sometimes “just because” is good enough.

Would you like to share a thought, too? Email at Joshurban@protonmail.com or send a letter to P.O. Box 783, Rustburg, VA 24588 and we’ll talk.