RHAN WILSON

The Shave and The Haircut
by Rhan Wilson

I never liked getting my hair cut.
As a child of the 60’s living in Santa Cruz, California, I always wanted long hair, even when I was a little boy.
I remember one time when my father had to trick me into getting a haircut. We were on the sidewalk in front of the barbershop, but I stubbornly refused to go inside. Finally, he pointed to the spiraling red and white barber pole and told me that there was a switch on top I could push to turn it on and off. I let him pick me…

For those of us who arrive on time to events, we can’t help but notice the manner in which others, who don’t, arrive and take their seat. In no particular order - here are but a few of the late arriving archetypes:

SETS UP HOUSE
This person comes in late and casually proceeds to arrange clothing, items in purse, etc. all the while standing up in front of others unaware, or unconcerned, of the distraction they are causing.

LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF
This is the person who, as they find their seat, makes…

I’ve always had issues with shoes.

When I was young, my mother and I would, for some reason or another, always argue in the shoe store. It was always an upsetting experience and I have avoided shopping for them since.

And there is the cost. I am a cheapskate, I admit, and have a hard time justifying spending good money on shoes, even though they are something I use practically every waking moment. And I also must admit I haven’t been very responsible when it comes to wearing work boots when working, and then…

It's interesting how one story can take you back nearly 50 years to another story which may seem unrelated, but isn't at all.

Back when I was in high school I went through a time when I desperately and sincerely wanted a “best friend.” Looking back now, I realize I had a lot of good friends, but for some reason I wanted a friend who I could refer to as “buddy.” That title held some special meaning for me to the point that I tried too hard and as a result, my efforts actually had the opposite effect; it…

I’ve never worked in a restaurant and therefore have no experience in that field, but I do know a lot about going to, and eating at, restaurants.

There are a few restaurants I frequent that, no matter how busy they are, always manage to attend to everyone in a timely manner. Diners are greeted, coffee is served, food is brought out, and the whole experience feels great.

Then, there are those places that are practically empty, and somehow it takes the server seemingly forever to just come over and hand you a…

I recently attrended the opening night of the Mount Madonna School’s production of “The Ramayana” at the Mexican Heritage Theater in San Jose. This year’s lead role, Rama, was played by my former student Cooper who, over the last two and a half years that I’ve known him, has transformed into quite the talented young man.

Watching this performance transported me to my high school days when I played in the orchestra for our school’s musicals. Knowing the effort and skill it took to produce our musicals gave me…

I am aware.

I am aware of the space I occupy when I am saying goodbye to someone in the store while walking backward.

I am aware of the disrespect I show when I am late.

I am aware of the fact that my phone call is between me and the person on the other line.

I am aware of the aural impact I have when I am talking when others are trying to listen.

I will elaborate:

Ever notice someone walking backwards while continuing a conversation with someone?  Are they aware that someone might be standing in their backwards…

A Tale of Two Coopers

For those of you who know me, I can often be found nitpicking the quality of service at a local restaurant, or commenting on the rhythmic incoherence of a band playing somewhere. (One might call it criticizing, but I prefer to think of it as attention to detail.)

But when the opportunity arises, I must sing the praises of those who I feel live and do their job to a level I myself find inspiring, and thus I bring to you: A Tale of Two Coopers.

The first Cooper - a young man of 17 years…

Whether you had intended to study art or not, when you picked up an instrument and started to learn to play - you started on that path.

You might dismiss this notion, as all you wanted to do was to learn a few songs to play with friends, but they're connected, and the sooner you accept that, the sooner you can take advantage of it.

Now, let me backtrack a bit…

When I say “study art,” I simply mean to think “artfully” in the broadest sense; to observe the various ways people express themselves; to notice the…

It certainly is true that the Covid Epidemic caused problems: people died, work was lost, and (in mine and many others' opinion) was yet another ridiculous stepping off point for conspiracy theorists. 

But while many complained and moaned about their routines being turned upside down - I found great delight in the new opportunities it presented. At the time, I was quite tired of attending social obligations and the shutdown offered me the perfect excuse to stay home. 

Fortunately, as self-employed craftsmen -…